A HEAVENLY WHITE (AND BLACK) DESTINATION WEDDING AT STANLY RANCH
A Dream in White: A Luxe Stanly Ranch Napa Valley Wedding Dripping in Romance, Detail, and Design
There are weddings... and then there are once-in-a-lifetime events that transcend trend and time, creating a world so rich in beauty and feeling that guests don’t just attend—they enter it. This was one of those weddings.
Set against the elegant backdrop of Napa Valley, this celebration was a masterclass in monochromatic opulence, where white on white became a full-spectrum story of texture, movement, and emotion. The ceremony was a fairytale brought to life: florals cascaded from oversized acrylic trees, orchids and crystals floated like snowfall from the heavens, and candlelight danced across a sea of white roses and hydrangeas. Every detail whispered sophistication, and yet the space sang with romance.
Guests were welcomed into a floral fantasy, their seats flanked by velvety-soft mounds of roses and petals lining the aisle. Towering faux trees added dimension and whimsy to the open-air setting, each one adorned with swaying strands of blooms and crystals that shimmered with the changing light. These weren’t just decorative elements—they were sculptural pieces that transformed the space and enveloped the couple in a cathedral of nature and luxury.
Mikayla and Brandon wanted their wedding to sound as incredible as it looked—and we delivered. The ceremony began with a performance of Twin Violins, who played an ethereal rendition of Oceans during their processional as the bride walked down the aisle and the live opera singer who filled the air with timeless grandeur.
The bridal party walked down the aisle dressed in black. Our flower girl - adorable in her blakck velvet dress and pretty bow - had stage fright and was carried down the aisle by her brother before the sounds of our Tenor filled the space. Mikayla was escorted down the aisle on the arm of her father in a custom Leah Da Gloria embroidered wedding gown with a wide overskirt and a lace halter. She was absolute perfection.
After exchanging personal vows, they enjoyed the singing of the Lord’s Prayer before sharing their first kiss and walking up the aisle under a shower of white rose petals tossed by their family and friends.
But what elevated this wedding from simply stunning to completely unforgettable were the personal touches woven seamlessly into the design. Oversized printed pillars showcased engagement photos of the couple—modern, editorial, and utterly Vogue-worthy. A personalized portrait station awaited guests at the entry point: a sleek black-and-white Vogue photo booth.
Even the escort card display had a narrative of its own. Cards floated from the branches of custom trees, each painted with the couple’s initials alongside those of their parents—a subtle nod to legacy and lineage, grounding the future in the strength of family.
As the sun dipped low, guests transitioned into a candlelit reception space of the Glasshouse Barn, where drama and detail collided. Every table was topped with luxe black velvet linens, sculptural centerpieces of white florals, and crystal-clear candlelight in varying heights. The place settings were nothing short of dazzling—black and gold-rimmed chargers beneath glossy black menus, accented with single white roses and sparkling stemware. An environment designed not just to impress, but to envelop you.
The decor for this reception was a bold, breathtaking study in contrast and decadence—exactly what the mother of the bride envisioned: luxe, full, and unapologetically over-the-top. Designed in a refined palette of black, white, and gold, the space was completely transformed into a theatrical dreamscape. Suspended above the marbled dance floor was a spectacular ceiling installation dripping in cascading white orchids, shimmering crystals, and sparkling chandeliers—each element catching the light and adding layers of depth, drama, and romance. The floors were blanketed in plush white carpeting, framed by rich black velvet drape, and anchored by two oversized floral trees, giving the space a sense of grandeur and intimacy all at once.
Three distinct centerpiece styles were artfully placed throughout the room, offering guests a different visual experience from every angle. One table glowed with a modern wall of candlelight in varying heights, reflecting off black mirrored tabletops. Another showcased asymmetrical arrangements of white roses and hydrangea rising from sleek glass vases in sculptural, organic forms. The final design centered around crystal candelabras, enveloped in low floral clusters, marrying structure and softness. Each setting was completed with opulent black and gold chairs—two designs, intentionally mixed for dimension—and multi-layered place settings featuring gold-rimmed black chargers, personalized menus, and polished glassware. The custom-built stage backdrop with arched details brought balance and refinement, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening of celebration. This wasn’t just a reception—it was a fully immersive design experience where every detail whispered, “Welcome to our world.”
Another portrait station was created in the wedding reception ballroom. Built into the space to appear as a conversational corner, we built a custom lounge vignette complete with plush velvet seating and pillows embroidered with the couple’s initials, M & B. It wasn’t just stylish—it was a love letter in living form.
Food was an essential part of the celebration, deeply rooted in the couple’s shared love of Italy and their desire to create an experience that was as delicious as it was meaningful. The evening began with an elegant cocktail hour featuring butler-passed hors d’oeuvres and a jaw-dropping grazing station overflowing with imported cheeses, charcuterie, and antipasti. For dinner, Chef Anthony Stagliano of BEAR restaurant curated a custom multi-course menu that celebrated Italian tradition with modern sophistication. Each course was thoughtfully plated and paired to reflect the richness of the region and the couple’s personal tastes. As the night came to a close, guests were treated to handmade cannoli by Mike and a late-night pizza station—bringing a playful, heartfelt finish to a meal that was equal parts indulgence and intimacy. It wasn’t just dinner—it was a love letter to their heritage, and a celebration of la dolce vita.
And then, there was the cake.
Standing over six feet tall before even touching the table, this towering creation by Ora Beth of Flower and Bloom Cakes was a true piece of edible art. Each layer was intentionally crafted to represent a part of the couple’s story. From hand-piped Florentine scrollwork foreshadowing their Italian honeymoon, to the monogram tier, pearl embellishments that mirrored the bride’s reception dress, and delicate sugar petals honoring her favorite bloom—the hydrangea—this cake was the crown jewel of the celebration. Inspiring in its scale and flawless in its execution, it was every bit as delicious as it was meaningful.
Fashion, as always, played a starring role. All of the bride’s dresses were customized gowns by Leah Da Gloria, complete with a sculpted bodice, chic halter neckline, and a removable full overskirt that transformed her silhouette from ceremony to celebration. For the after party at the wedding reception, she slipped into a mini dress embellished with pearls, bringing playful glamour to the dance floor. Both looks were styled by my dear friend Nayri Kalayjian (known as Wedding Fashion Expert) of Lovella Bridal, whose expertise in bridal fashion ensured every moment was sartorially perfect.
The groom, of course, Tom Ford. Dressed in a black tuxedo jacket for the ceremony, he later changed into a white jacket for the reception and after party.
And let’s not forget the music. During dinner, a jazz trio set the mood with rich, velvety tones. The energy soared when Professor D, part of the Jordan Kahn Music Company, took the stage with show-stopping performances, culminating in a high-impact confetti explosion as the dance floor officially opened. To close out the night? DJ Tony Muzzin kept the afterparty going strong into the early hours….well after 2 am! Add in a strolling cannoli bulter and a pizza station, and the night could not have been any more perfet!
This wedding wasn’t just beautiful. It was immersive. Every moment, every petal, every note of music worked together to create a deeply personal, wildly opulent experience—a celebration of love, legacy, and design at the highest level.
For couples who dream in layers of luxury and crave an experience unlike any other, this is the kind of wedding that defines the phrase: once-in-a-lifetime.
Always…a
Full Gallery of Mikayla + Brandon’s Wedding at Stanly Ranch
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📍 Napa Wedding Planner | ✈️ Destination Luxury Wedding Designer
With love and appreciation to my partners and creatives: Destination Wedding Planner: Andrea Eppolito. Venue: Stanly Ranch. Images: Nicole Hubbs. Floral and Production: Flowers By Edgar. Lighting: Jacob Co Creative. Entertainment: Jordan Kahn Music Company. DJ: Tony Muzzin. Wedding Dresses: Leah Da Gloria. Wedding Dress Salon: Lovella Bridal. Bridal Stylist: Wedding Fashion Expert. Other Partners Include: Cannoli’s By Mike. Flour + Bloom. She Paperie.
