Katie + Dan - a romantic Napa wedding | Erin Schmidt Photography | Detroit Wedding Photographers and Newborn, Family Photographer in Metro Detroit Michigan

Let me tell you about my California adventure. First, I LOVE California. There hasn’t been a part I didn’t like: Northern, San Diego, LA, Huntington – AH! I just love it all! So when Katie told me they were planning their romantic Napa wedding and wanted me to come, I was so excited! Their day was breathtaking. So intimate, so perfect and all of those mountains! Here’s a story that not many of you know. I was so excited to see a few cactus’ on the property that I knew I wanted to photograph Katie’s details on them in some way. I went to put her shoes on the cactus and I leaned in too far and the cactus poked me right in the stomach! I was picking out tiny prickers for days and needless to say, I didn’t end up using that shot, haha! Midwesterner rookie mistake! Thank you so much guys for having me and making me feel at home in your home away from home. It was an amazing experience I will never forget. xo, e

Katie, HR Director

Dan, Maintenance Manager

4.29.2017

Their wedding in 3 words: Love, Laughter and Wine or ALL THE WINE :)

Katie’s favorite memory of the day:

It’s really hard to pick just one! But if I have to, it was when we went out into the vineyard after the ceremony. It was so surreal to be newly married and being able to enjoy a few minutes alone was really special. It was magical to be walking through the vineyards, enjoying the sunset and each other. It was so perfect to spend time with each other and get ready to celebrate with our family and friends.

Dan’s favorite memory of the day:

When I got to see Katie in her beautiful dress, the wonderful vows Katie said to my children and celebrating with our family and friends.

Wedding planning advice for newly engaged couples:

If you are able to get a wedding planner, it’s a game changer. We had a destination wedding so having someone with the local knowledge and experience that was able to help make decisions was incredibly helpful. Pinterest will be your new best friend. Start a wedding board and compile all of your ideas that you can share with your photographer, florist, venue, etc. For the ceremony, do an unplugged wedding sign for your guests. We kindly asked our guests to keep their devices away for the ceremony since we had the most talented photographer around. It was so nice to walk down the aisle and see everyone’s faces versus their phones while they take your picture. When it’s wedding time, relax and enjoy every moment. You’re planning a big event with lots of people so inevitably something will go wrong. But don’t focus on that! Focus on enjoying the time with your family and friends and taking everything in as you marry the love of your life.

Honeymoon location: Turks and Caicos — We loved it so much that we’re already planning our next trip there!

– The Jams –

First Dance: A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

Erin’s Note:

And the band performed 2pac’s California Love <3

Extra notes from Katie + Dan:

We were so lucky to have Erin join us in Napa! We could not have asked for a more perfect weekend and she was a big part of that. Every time we look at the photos, it takes us back to that exact moment. Erin captured our day so beautifully and we are forever grateful that she was a part of our special day!