Wedding at St. Helena Catholic Church, Culinary Institute of America (CIA) St. Helena, California

On August 1st Sara and I drove up through Napa to St. Helena to photograph Eleonora and Al's stunning wedding at St. Helena Catholic Church. The reception followed at the Culinary Institute of America, or CIA, also in St. Helena. Sara was first with the men as they were getting ready at Tudal Winery while I was with the women at Eleonora's parents house in St. Helena. El's parents house is not far from their Napa Valley Olive Oil Mfg company. I LOVED the miniature olive oil bottles they gave as favors to their guests at the reception. With ten bridesmaids and ten groomsmen there was definitely some excitement before the ceremony! The women were absolutely gorgeous in champagne and chocolate brown. Eleonora's gown was just to die for- complete with an antique broach on the front that was given to her by a family friend.



St. Helena Catholic was filled to capacity with Eleonora and Al's 330 guests, some of which came from Italy for the celebration. It was standing room only in the back as they took their vows. The full mass was absolutely gorgeous in the newly renovated church. I loved Al's celebratory gesture after they were pronounced! :) El and Al's wedding was actually the first in the church post-renovation. The "re"dedication ceremony for St. Helena Catholic actually followed directly after their wedding.


We stopped for some photos at Charles Krug Winery on the way to the CIA . There's a perfect view of the architecture of the CIA from Charles Krug- and we also took advantage of the opportunity to photograph the bride and groom with the carriage house and vineyard behind them.

The CIA was absolutely gorgeous lit by the candelabras on each of the 33 tables. The wine barrels that form the perimeter of the ballroom add such warmth to the room. I loved the combination of roses, lilies, and hydrangea's that formed the centerpieces.


Congratulations Eleonora and Al Morando!!