Wedding Bells in Napa Valley

Happy tears, our wedding pictures are in! Reliving the best day of our lives and I could not be more ecstatic or emotional. It’s been almost three beautiful months since we exchanged, “I do’s” and we’ve been happily and semi quietly (sans social media) been nurturing this new role as husband and wife. What a wild, crazy and awesome year it’s been planning, dreaming and leading up to our unforgettable wedding weekend. A million thanks to our incredible photographer, c.m.elle studios for capturing the spirit, love and magic of our day! Here's a sneak peak... more to come!

Dream Dress: Ines Di Santo
Dream Wedding Planning Team: Roque Events
Dream Photographer: c.m.elle studios
Dream Videographer: Well Spun
Dream Florals: flower girl em
Dream Signage: Laura Lambrix Designs
Dream Mariachi: Mariachi Mi Mexico
Dream DJ: DJ Sir Edgar
Dream Photo Booth: Giggle and Riot
Dream Rentals: Bright Events + Encore Events
Dream Production Team: The Lux Productions
Dream Linens: La Tavola
Dream Catering: Elaine Bell
Dream Cake: Sweetie Pies
Dream Wine List: Ceja Vineyards
Dream Venue: Where I grew up
Dream Amor: Chase Swedelson

D + C Engagement Pictures

Happy dance, our engagement pictures have arrived! We are over the moon in love with how they turned out!

We had the incredible opportunity to work with Christina Litle, owner + photographer of c.m.elle studios. Her creative eye and understanding of lighting and detail make all of her work shine! Next up, she will be photographing our wedding on 8.18.18. For now, here's a sneak peek of our engagement photo session. 

NG: The Next Generation in Wine is Coming to San Francisco!

Celebrate the fall season and join me and NG: The Next Generation in Wine for a Sunday funday wine tasting event in San Francisco!

Click HERE to purchase tickets!

Sunday, Nov. 12th, 2017
Presidio Golf Course at the Club Lounge
300 Finley Rd, San Francisco, CA 94129
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Meet and greet eleven next generation Napa Valley wineries and enjoy 33 wines while sampling tantalizing bites from the Club Lounge. What's more, you will have the opportunity to purchase the wines onsite -- perfect for stocking your cellars or for holiday gifts.

-$50 for WC members & Fans | Promo Code: CEJAWC
-$55 regular pre-sale until October 27th
-$65 at the door

Gather your friends and family for this fabulous event. We can't wait to see you all there!

Image via Sarah Deragon // Portraits To The People

P.S. Learn more about NG: Next Generation in Wine

Sail Away With Me to 2017.... but First, Champagne!

Diane Von Furstenberg Dress & Steve Madden Heels

As 2016 comes to a close I find myself thinking of personal growth challenges, failures and successes I've experienced and overcome. I feel blessed with the life I've built (so far) and am eternally grateful to the people that have encouraged and supported my passions and projects throughout the way. Now that I'm in my thirties, I can look back with pride to see how much I’ve grown and developed in a decade. But, if I were to have a tête-à-tête with my 20 year old self, here’s what I’d tell her: 

1. Love fearlessly, passionately and with no regrets.
2. Never ever stop personal growth, in every aspect of life.
3. Investing in (any type) of a higher education is the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself. 
4. Surround yourself with 3 types of people: the creative, the inspired, the grateful. 
5. Life is pretty damn unpredictable. Embracing change, even when you don't agree will only broaden your horizons.
6. You will make many many many mistakes. Learn from them, don't repeat them and grow.
7. Confidence and knowledge is power. Be authentic and stay humble.
8. Never stop traveling the world and experiencing new cultures and places. Life experiences are more valuable than material possessions.
9. Nurture every relationship in life: family, friends, career, colleagues.
10. Hangovers suck (especially in your 30s). Drink more water, drink more water, drink more water.
11. And above all, make every moment count. Be present. You are the author of your own story.... so make it shine.

Here's to an unforgettable 2017 filled with love, happiness and lots and lots of champagne. Happy new year! xoxo  

Adiós 2015, Bienvenido 2016

BCBG Dress and Necklace, Vintage Feather Wrap, Sam Edelman Heels, Michael Kors Watch

Happy New Year amigos! I’m delighted to announce I’m back and spearheading my lifestyle blog in full force. To recap, over the past year and a half I tackled a few milestones that temporarily took my full attention (a little thing called life). Some key highlights included: receiving my executive MBA at Sonoma State University in wine marketing, collaborating with NakedWines.com to produce my 3rd vintage of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay under my La Tapatia wine label, while marching into my 30’s with gusto and continuing to work with my family's winery.  Whew, what a ride!

In short, much has transpired in such a beautiful way and now I can’t wait to continue to share my adventures, findings, fashion tips, recipes and shenanigans with all of you. Thank you for joining me on this journey and here’s to an unforgettable and exciting 2016. Ole!

Throughout the holidays I always like to have a festive option that's an alternative to sequins and classic red outfits. The soft ivory tulle dress in contrast to the chocolate brown feather wrap offers a modern yet sexy way to dress up your holiday ensemble. Did I mention I have a slight dress obsession?