While visiting her hometown of Mangawhai, New Zealand, Chloe Jillings’ boyfriend Jake Staahl decided to make the trip even more special with a surprise proposal. “Jake wanted to go on a walk up the sand dune before we had dinner,” remembers Chloe of the magical day. “He had photographers waiting for us at the top of the dune. It was a picture-perfect moment!” 

The couple’s picture-perfect moments continued when they held their nuptials for 108 loved ones at a beautiful estate in Napa, California. “We are lucky enough to have dear family friends who live in Napa on a beautiful estate, Tamber Bey. They were incredibly generous and offered their home… It could not have been more perfect,” smiles the bride of the stunning site. 

Since the vineyard estate is so beautiful on its own, Chloe and Jake opted for a formal, elegant, neutral look for their summer black-tie affair that would complement the venue. The alfresco ceremony showcased Ghost chairs facing a whimsical open-top asymmetrical floral arch adorned with baby’s breath, white blooms, and light greenery. A heartfelt ceremony was lovingly officiated by Jake’s brother, a news anchor in Phoenix and “the perfect man for the job,” notes Chloe. “It was exceptional.” 

“Being in Napa Valley with all of our favorite people, celebrating our marriage, was really special. You have to take a step back and really soak it all in!”

Following the “I dos,” friends and family found their seating assignments on an “Our Best Buds” display decorated with arched seating charts for each table next to bud vases filled with white blossoms. The dreamy outdoor cocktail hour showcased the pair’s signature cocktails – a refreshing whiskey smash with fresh lemon and mint and a mezcalita (skinny margarita with mezcal), as well as tasty hors d’oeuvres. 

When it was time for the sit-down dinner to begin, loved ones found their seats at long tables decorated with gorgeous airy floral centerpieces interspersed with taper candles. The gorgeous arch from the ceremony was repurposed as décor behind the couple, and modern tablescapes showcased ceramic dinnerware, gilt flatware, arched table numbers, and a sprig of baby’s breath at each guest’s place setting. In lieu of a wedding cake, friends and family indulged in a variety of sweet treats at a dessert table. 

“The whole day was just a dream,” confirms the bride of their exquisite celebration, “but being in Napa Valley with all of our favorite people, celebrating our marriage, was really special. You have to take a step back and really soak it all in, which I did a number of times!”