A Farm-to-Table Dinner in Napa Valley

Geraldine Oetama and Geron Garcia give new meaning to a long-distance relationship. The couple first met in Los Angeles in 2007, and spent four years braving the city’s infamous freeways for nights out, beach trips, and late-night karaoke sessions in Koreatown. But in 2012, when Geraldine finished her Master's degree, she moved home to Jakarta—and put a lot more than traffic between the couple. For a year, they Skyped and FaceTimed, and then Geron transferred from L.A. to Singapore, meaning they could at least have monthly visits between all those phone calls. Finally, in 2016, Geron found a job in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the couple reunited for good. And then, after eight years of dating, the pair got engaged and started planning their fabulous summer wedding.

Though Indonesia is now home, the couple invited their 160 guests to join them in Napa Valley on June 23, 2017. “We couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate with our family and friends than with a weekend of wine and merriment,” says Geraldine. “We’ve celebrated many birthdays and anniversaries in Napa, and it was the perfect destination for us.” They worked closely with Stephanie Cole of Cole Drake Events to create a wedding celebration full of outstanding wine, farm-to-table food, and unique entertainment (like synchronized swimmers!). “Having a planner was a tremendous help, especially because we live in Jakarta,” says Geraldine.

With gorgeous photographs by Larissa Cleveland, super-stylish design, and a few fun surprises, this al fresco wedding in wine country was worth the wait—and the distance!

Geraldine’s mermaid-cut Carolina Herrera gown was an absolute classic. “I had envisioned a different style, but after trying on a few shapes, it’s all about picking the dress that flatters your figure,” she says. Her red lipstick was a gorgeous finishing touch.

The bride and her ’maids carried lush, fragrant bouquets with an effortless feel. The white, blush, and green bouquets included garden roses, hyacinth, gardenias, peonies, dahlias, ranunculus, and olive branches.

The flower girl's custom dress featured elegant lace sleeves and a high neck. A crown of roses perfectly framed her chic topknot.

Geron wore a formal black tuxedo and a modern bowtie. “I really love the classic, sharp look of a tux,” says Geraldine.

The ceremony took place at St. Helena Catholic Church, where Geraldine’s father walked her down the aisle—and couldn’t contain his excitement as he presented his daughter to her groom!

After saying “I do,” Geron and Geraldine made their exit down an aisle decorated with white floral sprays.

Guests gathered around the pool at Calistoga Ranch, where even the pair’s monogram was dressed up with greenery and crisp white orchids.

At cocktail hour, guests sipped on one of three signature cocktails as they watched a surprise performance by the Aqualillies, a synchronized swimming team who made a real splash—literally!

For the reception, Geraldine replaced her veil with a very on-trend floral and lace-embellished cape.

Dinner took place on the lawn overlooking Lommel Lake. Distressed farm tables were surrounded with upholstered chairs in a soft gray hue that complemented the wood’s light finish. Luminary pendants surrounded the natural dining space.

Garden-inspired centerpieces of white roses and dahlias were set atop gold pedestals. Each place setting featured a gold-rimmed glass charger and a fragrant blossom—plus a glass of champagne, ready for toasting!

Geraldine and Geron served not two, not three, but four courses (all before dessert!). After enjoying fresh oysters from Hog Island Oysters during cocktail hour, everyone enjoyed a Dungeness crab salad with avocado and radishes, striped bass with a preserved tomato jam and baby fennel, oxtail ravioli with parsley root puree and Meyer lemon, and Black Angus beef tenderloin with seared romanesco and chicory jus—all with perfect local wine pairings, of course!

At dinner, each place setting also featured a glass of champagne, ready for toasting! And as you can see, the toasts were a highlight of the evening!

When dinner was over, the group headed into the wine cave for dancing. The newlyweds performed a salsa routine to Despacito to kick the party off in style.

Says Geraldine, “If you’re having a destination wedding, start planning early and don’t think twice about hiring a wedding planner. They’re amazing and super helpful, and will really ease the distance.”