Imagine one day marrying someone you first met in preschool?! For Danielle + Casey their relationship is twenty-two years strong, so finally tying the knot near the place where they first met was so fitting. This is a beautiful vineyard wedding at sunset and Danielle is such a pretty bride in her Romona Keveza fit-to-flare gown. It’s all in the details…made of French net, re-embroidered with delicate organza flowers and tiny crystals…and my favorite, a couture dropped waist, flared ball gown skirt with chapel train. Gorgeous! PS – apparently this gown was featured on the cover of a romance novel and Danielle happens to have an extra copy of the book to throw in with the sale of her dress. Pretty cute, enjoy!
Danielle + Casey | October 6th, 2012 | Maroon Vineyards & Winery, Napa Valley | Dress Listing: Romona Keveza, RK137
The Ceremony
Our wedding was held on Saturday, October 6th, 2012 at Maroon Vineyards and Winery in Napa Valley. It is a private winery and residence. My husband and I met in preschool and wanted to get married close to where we had met 22 years prior. We met on September 4th, 1990 and when we decided we wanted an October wedding, the first weekend was our only choice. Maroon Vineyards has a private residence with 7 bedrooms and two smaller cottages with 3 additional rooms so we could have most of our family and friends stay on site.
Our ceremony was held literally in the middle of the vineyards right before sunset. It was an intimate ceremony with only family and a few close friends. We decided to have a solo guitar player as the only background music. As guests arrived they sipped on pink lemonade or our favorite rose champagne as they waited for the ceremony to start. Our ceremony was lead by my husband’s best friend (who doubled as his best man). Corey got ordained a few months prior to marry us. We wrote our own vows instead of doing the traditional ones.
The Reception
Our reception started on the terrace of the private residence overlooking Napa Valley at sunset. With the solo guitarist playing music, our guests nibbled on small bites and sipped cocktails while we finished photos. Dinner was held on the lawn on the lower level of the terrace. We decided to host a southern dinner with friend chicken, BBQ shrimp, grits, cornbread etc. After dinner we danced around the candle lit pool and had a photo booth to help capture our guests’ enjoyment of the evening. At midnight we had a taco truck come to ensure no one left hungry. We moved the music inside at midnight and danced away late into the morning.
Danielle’s Dress Search
I tried on about 10 dresses in total. The dress I ended up choosing was by accident. I had decided on a dress that was over my budget and wanted to sleep on it before purchasing. I called my best friend and asked her to come with me in the morning to help me decide. The next morning when I went to get the dress, the one I had my heart set on was gone and my second choice was being purchased by another woman right in front of me. I was devastated. I ended up trying on ‘the dress’ just because I was there and fell in love instantly. I hadn’t previously tried it on because I thought it was going to be too girly for me, but I knew it was the one as soon as I put it on.
How Danielle Felt in Her Wedding Dress
I felt stunning, graceful, and more beautiful than I had ever felt in my life.
Why Danielle Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I decided to sell my dress for two reasons. I know that if I should ever have a daughter she will not want to wear my dress. Although it is every mothers dream, I want to be realistic. J Also because I know in all honesty I will never wear it again so it would be a shame for a dress this beautiful just to waste away in a closet.
