This adventurous couple traveled from Louisiana for their Napa Valley Elopement. Out of all the US elopement destinations, Greg and Yvonne chose Domaine Chandon in California. Domain Chandon is one of the most popular destinations to elope because it has the tastiest sparkling wines with quaint views that overlook the rolling hills of the Wine Country. Yountville Domaine Chandon is a winery located in Napa Valley in the town of Yountville, California and was founded in 1973. We’ve been here a few times before yet every time we fall in love with it all over again.

As fate would have it, this lovely couple met on a rainy night by accident and their love story flourished into a romantic fairytale. Like Greg says in his vows “I wasn’t looking for someone to mold the rest of my life, but you did. I wasn’t looking for someone that could fit into my family, but you do. I wasn’t looking for someone that I wanted to spend my life with, but you are that person.” For Yvonne, Greg is also the love of her life and he allowed her to believe in love again. Their inspirational story captured in the hilltops in Napa Valley, is definitely a tear jerker.

We arrived early to a mansion in Sonoma. While the the bride and groom were getting ready for their elopement ceremony, we spent that time capturing some preparation shots. I flew our drone for a quick establishing shot of the rolling hills, set up audio and filmed some segments of the serene venue and ceremony. The views in Domaine Chandon were perfect for this intimate and quaint ceremony. As we set up, we watched in awe as a live artist prepared her canvas for the elopement ceremony, painting the wedding ceremony as it happened. (Of course we had to capture this in our film and it turned out perfect!)

With 6 wedding guests patiently waiting, Greg made his way to the front of the ceremony and Yvonne made her elegant entrance with the warm sun beaming behind her. The ceremony was short and sweet but we were able to gather awesome shots for their elopement film. Both the officiant and the groom were mic’ed so I was able to record clean audio from their ceremony vows and the big moment they both said their “I DOs”. Right after the ceremony, the couple and their closest friends sat down to drink some wine and chat. I found an amazing opportunity to capture some pieces of their story as each guest took the time to congratulate the couple, reminisce on good times and wish them blessings for their future together. By thinking on my feet, I was able to quickly mic up each guest right before they spoke, which gave me a crisp audio recording for a memorable and emotion-filled elopement video.

For Greg and Yvonne, Napa Valley was the perfect place to elope and begin their everlasting life together as husband and wife.

The couple wanted to show their short film two weeks after their elopement, during their wedding reception in Louisiana. Though this turn-around time was tight, I loved how the visual story unfolded. With every shot, I aimed to ensure that our job of preserving a priceless memory was completed to perfection. I was especially excited (but as always, nervous) to send this short video to the couple. I got an amazing response from both Greg and Yvonne. Yvonne even left us a sweet review on Yelp that describes our 5 star approach for each and every wedding. As she put it, professional, creative and stunning.

I hope you enjoy our Napa Valley Elopement Video from Domain Chandon in Napa Valley.

Song choice: A Swell of Anticipation – Matthew Kidd (Licensed with The Music Bed)

Wedding Cinematography: Aperina Studios
Wedding Photography: TJ Salsman
Wedding Venue: Domaine Chandon
Wedding Planner: Boutique Events Napa (Lisa McAdams)
Hair & Makeup: It’s a Date at the Powder Room
Officiant: Reverend Tim Mills
Florist: Garaventas Florist
Ceremony Music: Pizazz-Wine Country Entertainment
Live Painting: Talia Koval

We were honored to be part of this beautiful and romantic elopement in Napa Valley of Greg and Yvonne. Feel free to check out more of our Wedding Cinematography and another Napa Valley Elopement Video that we have captured in the past.