As wedding photographers, we’re privy to a lot of joyous moments. But even so, it’s rare to find a group quite as joyous, raucous and absolutely over the moon about the day as were every single person at the wedding of Shannon and Craig.
Part of the timbre of the day might have been down to the fact that this was a moment 10 years in the making for these two, who had already twined their lives together in such fundamental ways—raising twin daughters, buying houses together, making jobs into careers and acquaintances into friends into loved ones; or it might have been because these two are absolutely perfect for each other, that couple who make togetherness seem like an effortless, weightless thing, the natural choice for any two people who fit, curve into curve, like uncanny puzzles incarnated; or perhaps there was some magic in the place we were gathered. The Culinary Institute of America’s campus at Greystone is a majestic castle perched atop Napa’s hilly vine-covered landscape just moments from the heart of St. Helena. Inside, the effect is more storybook than school, the ceilings rise four stories tall, with wide sweeping staircases and airy ball rooms that must wait constantly for events as grand as this to materialize.
Whatever it is, Shannon and Craig’s wedding was something special.
From the gorgeous vistas of the house where Shannon and her crew got dressed and ready to the incredible vintage Rolls Royce Phantom, the once-in-a-lifetime food to the countless bottles of fabulous top-shelf wine. From embroidered Pendleton blankets provided as favors to a three-tiered room reveal which wedding planner Jeanne Marquis arranged flawlessly. But for all of the amazing details (and I could go on essentially forever about how amazing they were), looking back, it’s an event which we still remember in human moments:
Officiants Kate Trompetter and Marci D’Arpino bumping Bibles above their heads during the recessional.
The heartfelt and tear-filled speeches from Shannon’s daughters.
Craig’s nephew and sister performing a traditional tribal dance of celebration and blessing.
A whole dance floor absolutely busting out the whip and nae nae, while decked out in everything from unicorn head masks to Captain America shields.
And above all, the simple, honest looks of love which the couple shared throughout the day and into the evening.
Yeah, we see a lot of great events. But it’s no exaggeration to say that Shannon and Craig’s wedding made for one hell of a night.
-Justin
Wedding Planner: Events by Jeanne
Venue: CIA at Greystone
