Wine Country Wedding Weekend

Doug & Yuka's wedding could NOT have come at a more pleasant time for the Mobleys.   With the end of summertime came arguably one of the most stressful months for both Mike and I.  We were both traveling at least once/week and we were churning out presentation after presentation - even if that meant working on the weekends.   A day off of work & a trip out to Napa Valley was just what the doctor ordered and we definitely made the most of our long weekend out in Northern California.

I wish we had more time to spend in San Francisco while we were out there, but upon landing at SFO, we were immediately bound for wine country.  We had no agenda outside of the fact that we were aiming to meet up with Mike's friends from the area.  But after starting our 2 hour drive through a valley of vineyards - and after reminiscing about our trips to the Italian countryside - we felt a little regret at not factoring in some time to do a little wine tasting.

BUT, after stopping for lunch in Calistoga, we noticed an extra large display bottle of Cabernet from our favorite California vineyard - Frank Family.  AND, after speaking to the owner of the restaurant, we were delighted to find out that Frank Family was only a 3 mile drive up the road!  How could we NOT make the trip?  I'm admittedly embarrassed that I didn't have the time to do the research before and make advanced arrangements.  We of course made the quick drive out to Frank Family which was the most wonderful surprise.  The vineyard grounds were gorgeous, and we were able to walk right into the office and get set up with a reserve tasting without having to make prior reservations.  Contrary to our plans we had discussed prior to walking into the Frank Family vineyard - we walked out with yet another case to add to our collection.  They should be here any day now, and we can't wait to share it with our friends and family as we get closer to the holidays!

After that spontaneous little surprise, we sat in our over sized chairs outside of the hotel room and sipped our newly purchased bottle of Chardonnay from Frank Family vineyard.  But we both couldn't wait to see everyone who was in town for Doug & Yuka's big day.  Mike had been making plans all week with Boe & Sophie Hayward - and as soon as we got a chance, we reunited with the entire San Francisco crew at THE dive-y-est bar in all of Calistoga...Suzie's.

We woke up the next morning to a doozie of a rain storm.  It was literally dumping buckets, which did make for a cozy morning of sleeping in and forced us to take advantage of some much needed relaxation.  We had an aggressive nature hike on the itinerary - but opted for a slow-paced breakfast and some massages instead.  Calistoga is famous for their mud baths - but Mr. Mobley was reluctant to submerge himself in "warm recycled dirt" - so massages it was!  We found an adorable massage parlor nestled inside a refurbished train car and enjoyed 60 minutes of pure relaxation.  And when we were done - the clouds had parted and made way for some sunshine just hours before Doug & Yuka's wedding!

Doug and Yuka got married at a beautiful vineyard that is owned by Doug's mother.  There were a few remnant showers left over from the day that made a appearance during their beautiful ceremony - but they were prepared with adorable Japanese parasols for everyone to shelter us from the rain.  I know that it's never preferred to have rain showers on your wedding, but I tend to think it's super romantic to have the bride and groom huddled together under one umbrella, keeping each other dry as they say their vows - and Doug & Yuka were picture perfect.  Yuka was walked down they aisle by her sweet father, and her pup Guinness, of course!  And the ceremony, which brought together two cultures was magical, despite a few rain drops.

After the ceremony, the rain was gone...for GOOD, and the sky made way for one of the most perfect sunsets you could ever imagine - a sunset that rivaled some of the nights we had just a few months ago in Tuscany.  And that was the setting for an incredible reception.  There were a few highlights that particularly made the evening memorable for us.  Doug & Yuka had a photo stage set up in property's barn that was complete costumes and props.  This little camera provided hours of entertainment and led to some "pant-splitting" laughter between my husband and Boe.  I can't wait to see how some of those photos actually turn out!

One of the other highlights of the night was Yuka's family.  Her parents were so adorable and gracious for all the love and hospitality that it brought tears to everyone's eyes.  As any father would do at his little girl's wedding, Yuka's dad took the stage for his speech - but this speech was particularly special because Mr. Nakanishi doesn't speak a ton of English.  But he put together a gorgeous speech and spoke beautifully and the entire room was either in tears or finding themselves wanting to give Yuka's sweet Japanese daddy a giant squeeze.  He stole the show - for just a few minutes - from the perfect new bride and groom.

We are so grateful to have been a part of such a special day.  With each wedding that we go to, I feel so lucky not only to be a witness for the families and bringing together two cultures - but I'm so happy that we get to enjoy the amazing settings and cities that play such a critical role in making our friends the people that we adore today.  To our entire NorCal crew - we can't wait until we come back west to spend a little bit more time with you all!  And to Doug & Yuka - we are so happy for you & can't wait to see what the future has in store for you - Congratulations to the happy couple!