A LEMON-FILLED FAREWELL BRUNCH AT STANLY RANCH
An Italian Themed Farewell Brunch in Napa Valley produced by Destination Wedding Planner Andrea Eppolito.
Welcome to the third and final day of Mikayla and Brandon’s destination wedding weekend in Napa Valley, the celebration continued with a stunning, sun-drenched farewell brunch hosted by the bride’s parents. Set within the intimate, garden-rich setting of The Grange at Stanly Ranch, this private event was a tribute to family, friendship, and the couple’s deep love of Italy—and it brought the entire weekend to a perfect, heartwarming close.
An Italian Garden Fantasy in Wine Country
As guests arrived, they were welcomed by a baby blue vintage bicycle adorned with cascading butter-yellow roses and fresh lemons. It was whimsical, playful, and instantly transported everyone to the lemon groves of the Amalfi Coast. The bike stood as a soft nod to la dolce vita, setting the tone for a brunch that was equal parts elegant and joyful.
We styled a single, long natural wood table that ran down the length of the open-air terrace. The design was fresh, immersive, and vibrantly Mediterranean. Every inch of the tablescape was bursting with color—floral runners of bright yellow blooms intertwined with sprigs of greenery, clusters of lemons, and petite lemon and citrus trees in elegant stone and ceramic vessels. The décor was curated to feel effortless, organic, and utterly luxurious.
Matching natural wood chairs with curved backs offered comfortable, stylish seating for the intimate group. At each place setting, hand-painted ceramic chargers featured lemon motifs—each one unique, a little piece of functional art. Topping the plates were cornflower blue napkins and tiny floral and lemon accents that mirrored the blooms running down the table. The effect was wildy romantic and whimsical: a saturated symphony of yellow and blue, crisp against the clean wood and framed by Napa’s idyllic vineyard landscape.
A Gondola, A Garden, and a Perfect Photo Moment
At the head of the table, we created a photo-worthy moment with a custom-built, life-sized Venetian gondola. Overflowing with pastel florals and greenery, it became a favorite spot for guests to snap photos, share laughs, and capture the joy of the weekend. It wasn’t just beautiful—it was personal. A symbol of Italian romance, storytelling, and the journey ahead for Mikayla and Brandon.
Nearby, a pop-up bar served handcrafted cocktails alongside citrus-infused waters and fresh-squeezed juices. Every detail, from the custom signage to the glassware, echoed the couple’s refined yet playful style.
Bridal Style, Sentiment, and Sweet Moments
Our bride, Mikayla—now officially Mrs. Brandon Davis—arrived in an all-white tracksuit with “Mrs.” lettering and sparkling earrings to match. Her relaxed, radiant look perfectly encapsulated the mood of the day: celebratory, stylish, and filled with love. Brandon, ever-dashing in all black, kept his look sleek and classic, letting his affection for Mikayla shine.
Lunch was served family-style—another nod to Italian hospitality and the power of communal gathering. Platters of charcuterie, fresh salads, grilled meats, and mini quiche egg bites passed hand-to-hand down the table. Dessert came in the form of dainty petit fours: delicate, delicious, and beautifully presented.
But the most sentimental moment of the day? Mikayla and Brandon each retrieved their personalized metal wine tag, etched with their names and wedding date—a keepsake provided by the venue to mark their time at Stanly Ranch. In true Davis family fashion, they chose to lock it not on a gate or a trellis, but on the door of the property’s beloved chicken coop. A sweet, symbolic gesture that tied their hearts to the land and to a weekend none of us will ever forget.
The Power of Gatherings
Brunch is often overlooked as a wedding event—but this one was intentional. It was a way to slow down. To reflect. To gather. In an industry where we focus so heavily on the ceremony and reception, these quieter, more intimate moments are what anchor the weekend and give it depth. Family and friends gathered not just to say goodbye, but to savor. To connect. To celebrate a marriage and a community that will support it.
Designing this farewell brunch was a joy and a privilege. Every element was curated with love, purpose, and personality. It was a celebration of beauty, tradition, and togetherness—luxury not just in aesthetic, but in experience.
Thank you for following along as we celebrated Mikayla and Brandon’s extraordinary wedding weekend. If you were inspired by the design, the energy, or the heartfelt moments, I’d love to hear from you. Leave your well wishes for the couple below—and if you're dreaming of your own luxe destination wedding, I would be honored to help you bring it to life.
Celebrating life, luxury, and, above all else, love….
Andrea
