We Are Here to Help

Just a little note to remind you that we are here to help...
We can handle every last detail of your ceremony, from preparation to finalization. Your marriage is one of the most monumental days of your life. But, it shouldn’t be the most stressful. Relax. Let us take care of all the nitty-gritty stuff. For a truly pain-free union, elope! Give us a call today or send us an email, no question is too big or small. We will gladly do our best to assist you. Just think of us as a personal concierge, party planner, designer all rolled into one.

Telephone: (707) 963-9294

Email: gene@studioonmain.com

Website: napavalleyelopements.com

Check out our video on our site or go to YouTube.com: Napa Valley Elopements

Music to My Ears

What's your song? When I hear people talk about planning their special day, music seems to be a tough choice. Why? There is an unlimited amount of it, and so much of it is so good. A common challenge is selecting a love song that isn't sad. So many great love songs are about the pain you feel when losing the one you love. When selecting a song, you try to pick one that explains how you feel about the person you are marrying but, sometimes words can't describe how you feel about that special someone. So then what?
Do I dare say it? Write your own.
Imagine how romantic that is? To have a custom written song that is forever yours. Or hire a singer/songwriter. Then you can brainstorm all of your thoughts and sit down and talk to the person about lyrics you wish to include and how you want it to go. From there they can probably help you to get it recorded. Think about that, when you say, "our song" it will truly be your song, written for just you.

A Star is Born!

Have you ever struggled about what to give your love as a present? Marriage is a busy time, often a gift for your spouse gets lost in the shuffle. And if you do remember- what material object could possibly express your feelings? One of the most single-handed, romantic, and everlasting gifts would be to name a star after someone. And believe it or not this service exists. The International Star Registry offers wedding/anniversary stars- packages especially designed to remember your special day. The package includes the purchase of two stars. Your names and date will live in the night sky for an eternity, side by side, forever. Not only is it a great gift for your love but for friends, family members, anniversaries, etc. Give the gift that will last an forever, give a star!

No Time like the Present...

It is said that, “when you meet the love of your life, time stops.” If only this could be true in the complicated lives we lead. The symbolism behind the saying is that when you know you have found the person you intend to spend the rest of your life with, everything else disappears. No work- stress- drama. Just imagine for a second, there you are, just the two of you- showing your commitment in the most intimate way possible.
There is also the saying, “Time waits for no one.” But, by eloping you don’t have to- timing is at your discretion and the rest of the year poses many dates especially worthy of a marriage. Some pretty dates with nice rings to them include:
Saturday, August 30th, 2008
Sunday, August 31st, 2008
Sunday, September 7th, 2008
Saturday, September 13th, 2008
Saturday, September 20th, 2008
Saturday, October, 25th, 2008
Saturday, November 1st, 2008
Saturday, November 8th, 2008
Sunday, November 9th, 2008
Sunday, December 7th, 2008
Friday, December 12th, 2008
Saturday, December 13th, 2008
You may ask why such dates appeal? August 30th and 31st are Labor Day Weekend. But in an intimate setting with only you and your mate what difference does it make? By eloping you no longer have to worry about other people’s plans. The 7th and 9th always “feel” lucky, the 20th and 25th’s are easy to remember, the 8th is nice with the year being 2008, and the 12th of December is fun with it being the twelfth month. The 13th is an interesting choice, because people feel the number to have bad luck associated with it. If your love can stand the strain of time it can handle silly superstition and what a cool way to prove it. But, any day will do for us here. So, when you’re ready to commit to your life’s love, just give us a call and we will handle all the arrangements in the beautiful Napa Valley.

Up, Up and Away

While there are many interesting things to do when visiting the Napa, by far one the most interesting is taking a hot air balloon ride. The wine country is known for its hot air ballooning. The experience can be enlightening, inspiring, adventurous, and incredibly romantic. For many people, hot air ballooning is one of those things you'd like to someday do but are unsure how to make it happen. We can help.

Why not? While eloping in the Napa Valley why not soar high in the sky over the beautiful vineyards? Go at sunset or sunrise- whatever time of day- imagine being in the arms of your mate way up high in the sky. It is said that sunrise is the best time of day to go, when the winds are the most calm. Hot air balloon rides are one of the most unique experiences available.

It is said that you, "don’t feel the wind, you are a part of it" of hot air ballooning. Getting carried away with your loved one while enjoying breathtaking views, could be just the experience you've been waiting to share. Let us set it up for you! Give us a call to organize it along with your ceremony.

Image Courtesy of Google Images.

Get With, Get Married

Have you checked out Lifetime's Get Married?

The TV show is extremely helpful in offering tips and advice from experts. Hosted by David Tutera, it includes great ideas for making your special day the most extravagant. The show comes on Lifetime at 7:30am, Monday-Friday, usually when we are all starting the work day. But, if you can't dedicate your full attention while preparing for the day ahead, you can find it all at their web site: http://www.getmarried.com/.

The site has everything from, Ask the Expert, to Planning Tips, to an Inspiration Gallery with pictures to get your creative juices flowing. This site truly is a tutorial for those about to get wed. It's clad with videos, photos, a registry center and chat room. It even has a place to sign up to get your special day featured on the show! Be sure to check it out and gather your thoughts and get some ideas.

Anything we can do to help you plan, just call: 707) 963-9294

Food & Wine Events

Your Napa Valley Elopement will take place at the beautiful, secluded Wine Country Inn. During your time there, you can -- of course! -- relax, stroll around the beautiful grounds, perhaps indulge in his-and-hers massages.

You might also want to consider joining one of the Inn's new food and wine events. These are a great way to experience the Napa Valley's wonderful food and wine "adventures" first-hand. For a complete list of scheduled events, visit the Wine Country Inn's web site.

We hope to see you soon!

Attention: Time to Choose Announcements

When getting married, one needs to think about how to notify loved ones of the great news. In a usual wedding setting, you would provide invitations. In an elopement situation, you may choose to send announcements either before or after the big day. If you are inviting a select few, you might choose special invitations for them and announcements for everyone else you know.

No matter what you decide, choosing color, font, design, and style of the stationery are all of importance. With so many choices from traditional to modern, photo to handmade crafts, there is a lot to think about.

The photo type is a lovely idea for those who would be sending announcements after the fact. Then people would be able to get a sense of what it was like to be there with the two of you. Photo announcements are even easy to create at home. But, beautifully printed cards with specially picked font and design are so classic. There are many different websites to get great ideas and place orders. There are also stationery designers available to help you choose just the right set. We can always help you as well, just give us a call.

Up-do's? Down do's? How will you do your do?

Wedding/Elopement hair is just as important as your makeup. How will you wear it? Up, down, half down, half up, on the side, in a bun, with curls, straight - there are so many different styles. Do you want it pinned up, clipped with pretty barrettes, or little fresh flowers? Will you wear a veil? It's best to start researching immediately; look in books, magazines, and online long before the big day. Get a few definite looks that appeal to you. Bring in these photos to the stylist you select and ask what they think, and make sure they can produce what you want. We also recommend you go get a trial run done by the hairstylist prior. That way you can see if you like the style on you and if the stylist's technique suits you. If there is anything we can do for you in helping you select a hairstylist or suggesting resources please contact us: (707) 963-9294.

Spring is the time for Love

Spring is here and so is the time for love. Do you smell the cherry blossoms and wisteria in the air? Are you feeling more romantic than usual, gazing into your love's eyes, while under blue skies? A whole symphony is singing in your head, whispering to you, that you want to spend the rest of your life with this person. With all this love in the air, you could be thinking more seriously about the big M word, MARRIAGE.

Spring is seen as a time of growth and renewal. No better time than the present and there is nothing more romantic than eloping. The birds and the bees are singing in the trees and we are here to help! Spring and summer are lovely times to get married in the Napa Valley, come see us, (707) 963-9294.

Wine, Wine, Wine

During your stay in the Napa Valley, we'll help guide you to our favorite winery destinations. Your elopement package includes lodging at The Wine Country Inn, where each afternoon the Inn serves wine poured by a local winery and appetizers. This is a great way to get introduced to some of the Valley's best wineries... and whet your appetite for evening dinner (which we also can help you arrange in terms of restaurants and reservations). We hope to see you soon!

Selecting Flowers

Image Courtesy of: Marisa Dombroski, Designer of this Bouquet, Event Coordinator and Make-up Artist. Email: Marisaofthesea@aol.com

Time to smell the roses...

Spring has sprung! What flowers should you include in your wedding or elopement? It is said
that in the Victorian era, certain flowers had specific meanings. In a time when variety was limited and conversations few, people used flowers to symbolize feelings. We selected a few from the list generated by the Society of American Florists, to provide you with some historic meaning.

Often used in bridal bouquets is Baby's Breath, which is said to mean: Festivity. Lilies are a popular choice and different species have different meanings. The Calla means: Regal, the Casablanca: Celebration, and the Stargazer: Ambition. Hydrangea is an up and coming frequently selected choice and means: Perseverance, fitting for forming a lifelong union. Roses, as we all know, are the most popular choice and its meanings are based on color. Red roses represent: Passionate Love, White: Purity, and a combination of the both: Unity. According to this list, Pink equals: Friendship and Yellow: Zealous. I found this interesting because I had always heard that yellow was the friendship color and Pink, platonic love? I guess whatever your choice, they would still be appropriate.

Going through the list I picked out a few, I thought would be interesting choices based on their meanings. The Freesia means: Spirited, the Gardenia: Joy, and Lilac: First Love - all lovely and fragrant choices. Orchids are a regularly purchased houseplant, but look beautiful mixed into a bouquet and symbolize: Delicate Beauty. Three choices that also look nice in a mix are Hyacinth indicating: Sincerity, the Aster: Contentment, and Daisies: Innocence.

A marriage scheduled for the Spring might need a simple bouquet of Tulips. Much like roses their meanings are based on their color. Red Tulips are a: Declaration of Love, White: Forgiveness, Yellow: Hopelessly in Love, and Violet means: Faithfulness. Daffodils are also a nice touch and symbolize: Chivalry.

If you are considering a summer or fall event, the Sunflower represents: Adoration. If a winter is more your ideal time, mix some Holly into your bouquet. It is said to symbolize domestic happiness, and any marriage could use that! For more information about florists in the area or what we can do to help make recommendations, please call: (707) 963-9294.

Image Courtesy of: Google Images

10 Reasons to Get Married in the Napa Valley

10 Reasons to get hitched in the Napa Valley...

1. Location. Close enough to San Francisco, yet nestled in the heart of the wine country.

2. Amenities. Everything you need is right here. Lodging, the cake, the venue, flowers, photographers, caterers, musicians, even a minister.

3. Loved Ones. Your friends and family will be happy to visit such a lovely place and will thank you for sharing it with them.

4. The Destination. There is so much to do in the Napa Valley. Don't have your elopement/wedding in one day... stretch it over a few and make a vacation out of it. The vineyards, the festivals, horseback rides, hot air balloons, you will be happy you did.

5. Anniversaries. It is a great place to come back year after year. Relive memories of your special day. Anniversaries can be just as romantic as your wedding day.

6. The Spas. Relax, rejuvenate, and spend some time at the local spas and salons. Pamper yourself- you deserve it.

7. The Restaurants. So many delicious places to eat! So little time. Tra Vigne Restaurant and BarVino are on our very long list of recommendations.

8. The Shops. Many cute boutiques and specialty shops to visit and pick up unique finds, antiques, and gifts. Studio on Main and Woodhouse Chocolate are of our personal favorites.

9. The Scenery. No matter the time of year it is always beautiful here. The rolling green hills and colorful flower beds of spring to the soft orange, reds, and gold of autumn. The sunsets, sunrises, and starry nights are absolutely breathtaking.

10. Drive. Take it all in on nice country drives on the winding roads of the Napa Valley or even out to Sonoma County Beaches.

To learn more about where to eat, stay, shop and other activities do not hesitate to call us: 707-963-9294.

Thoughts for Today

"To keep your marriage brimming, With love in the wedding cup, Whenever you're wrong, admit it; Whenever you're right, shut up." - Ogden Nash

"What is the definition of a good wine? It should start and end with a smile." - William Sokolin

"There is no finer place to visit then that of Napa. For the lovers of wine and the love wine brings those lovers." - Anonymous

One Word: Chocolate!

Need a great gift idea for family and friends? Want to make your post-elopement meal even more special? Consider chocolate from Woodhouse Chocolate in St. Helena. Woodhouse has been making hand-crafted, extremely high-quality (i.e., awesome!) chocolate for years. Just visiting their store in downtown St. Helena should be part of your Napa Valley visit. For more information about Woodhouse Chocolate, visit their web site or contact us to help you with your selections.

From the Woodhouse window, December 2007

Vintage Jewelry

Studio on Main in downtown St. Helena, has been in business for over 27 years. Serving as a full service photography studio, including everything from photo development to restoration, the studio also features unique gifts, frames, artwork and prints. A line of elegant vintage jewelry designed and produced in the 40's and 50's, has been added to the abundance of beautiful gifts displayed.
Owner Rosanne, has been collecting this timeless vintage jewelry and has brought these exclusive treasures to you for purchase. Each piece has been hand selected for its individuality and class by Roseanne herself. This Saturday, February 9, she will be at The Wine Country Inn for the Inn's complimentary afternoon wine service. The store will be showcasing many pieces from her collection. The pieces are beautiful and make great gifts; with Valentine's Day just around the corner, you cannot lose gentlemen.
Make a day out of visiting the Wine Country Inn this Saturday or simply stop by the studio and explore this unique collection of priceless pieces, or connect to the On-Line Store. For out-of-towners call Rosanne at (707) 963-9294 or email her: rosanne@studioonmain.com.
The picture attached is of the Laguna Aurora Borealis hex-cut hand-knotted necklace. A piece very suitable as a Valentines Day gift to be worn on any occasion- like, let's say a brides neck the day of her elopement.

Hey Brides-to-be... Need Makeup Advice?

Need to look perfect for your ceremony? Of course, any bride-to-be does.
Most of us don’t know where to begin with makeup without seeking a professional opinion. You want to look beautiful- not over or under done up. Choosing colors and brands, deciding whether or not to hire someone or just do it yourself, are all delicate issues for such an important event. Attempting to match your own skin tone but picking something too dark or selecting the wrong lipstick color, can be disastrous for photographs.
We have some words of wisdom from Resident Makeup Artist of Laura Mercier in Beverly Hills, Marisa Dombroski. Marisa has used her artistic talents to beautify everyone from numerous bridal parties to Hollywood stars- both men and women. It is imperative to her that each bride feels and looks their best on the big day. In advance, long before the ceremony, Marisa meets with the bride to discuss the style of the dress and event, usual makeup worn on a daily basis, what works and what doesn’t, and the type of look they are going for (natural, dramatic or classic). Sometimes brides are unsure of colors and brands to choose so she makes suggestions, but with conditions, “I tell them to try it out to see if they have a reaction to it, because the last thing a bride wants on her wedding day is to break out,” said the artist.
She recommends many different top of the line products for flawless results. Marisa promotes the use of a primer before applying foundation to keep fresh looking throughout the day. “A primer serves as a base that goes on before the foundation. It is going to fill any fine lines, leaves makeup longer lasting, appearing fresh looking- not cakey.” Some tricks of the trade she was willing to share were some foundation and powder ground rules: When applying foundation, she said, “Do not put a foundation powder over it. You do not want to put color on top of color. Use a translucent powder (a translucent powder is a very fine powder that can go with any type of skin color and it sets the face makeup).”
The expert recommends a trial run of your products and artist of your choosing before the special day. “Don't be afraid to tell them how you want to look on your wedding day,” she stated. Marisa usually charges $175 for services to the bride (not including products and travel), bridesmaids, family and friends are $100 each. For more information about her services you can email her at: marisaofthesea@aol.com.

*Other questions regarding Napa Valley Elopements services or this blog call: 707-963-9294.

Napa Valley Mustard Festival

Next month, is the 15th annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival. The nearly two-month celebration of food, wine, art, agricultural, entertainment and culture runs from Feb 2 - March 29. The event is a good time for all and gives the chance to take advantage of all the Napa Valley splendors.
It's a beautiful time to take in the scenery- yellow mustard fields of green and gold amongst the stark black grapevines and colorful skies. February, March, and April are superb times to visit the Napa Valley, simply because it is a slower season for tourists than the "high season" of July-October.
Summer is always a busy time for marriages- if you are looking for a time that is quieter, why not come to the Napa Valley while a cultural event is taking place? Whether you have plans for an elopement, are taking a second honeymoon, or simply getting away with your love or even with friends for the weekend, Napa is the place to be. You can experience serene relaxation while taking in the merriment of the mustard festival.
The celebration serves the purposes of promoting local businesses as well as supporting non-profit organizations. This forms a network of local, national and international commerce and strengthens the community. The Napa Valley Mustard Festival is a 501(c)(4) non-profit community service organization. All proceeds go towards the benefit of a variety of Napa Valley non-profit arts, cultural, historical, educational, and service organizations.

Studio on Main in downtown St. Helena has the poster for this year's Mustard Festival available, signed by the artist, Jesse Miller. It makes for a great gift, decoration or souvenir of your trip.

Napa Valley Chic

While most envision a Napa Valley elopement as a relatively low-key event because of the surrounding vineyards and "Wine Country casual" dressing, the Napa Valley does have its share of trendy, up-scale places to wine and dine. Case in point: BarVino located on the main street in downtown Calistoga.

BarVino has a great New York City feel, with trendy decor, an awesome selection of rock-star-like Napa Valley wines, and great pastas and entrees that are available in both "small" and "big" plates. It's a great place to sip, nibble, taste, try, and watch the world go bye.... (And, with a 10-speaker sound system, it's a great place to "listen" too.)

When planning a Napa Valley visit, be sure to put BarVino on your list for some Napa Valley trend (a.k.a., "Calistoga Cool").