A Filipino-Chinese Wedding at Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa

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March 23, 2024

A Premier Wedding Venue in Napa Valley

Kristine and Chris celebrated their multicultural Filipino-Chinese wedding at Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, California one of the area’s most premier and luxurious venues. Meritage Resort and Spa and the Grand Reserve combine to create over 80,000 square feet of functional indoor and outdoor space. Known for their hospitality, Meritage contains 467 guest rooms, suites and luxury retreats your guests are sure to be pampered and in awe at this venue. A short-drive from the Bay Area and Sacramento, the venue is located in the heart of Napa Valley. They offer a private nine-acre vineyard with an event deck perfect for cocktail hour and portraits. Or you can opt to have a ceremony or reception on their 16,000 square foot event lawn. Alternatively, couples can hold receptions in the Meritage Grand Salon or Carneros Ballroom. These are the largest ballrooms in Napa Valley.

Overall, the resort has that Tuscan villa aesthetic- the embodiment of Wine Country Lifestyle. The star of show and where the couple held their reception is the Grand Estate Cave. Carved into the hillside lavished with natural stone and copper which will keep the party cool. This luxurious and unique reception area evokes a romantic and dramatic ambiance. Paired with the right lighting from your DJ it could transform your space into an unforgettable experience.

Preceremony Festivities at Meritage Resort & Spa

We kicked off the wedding day in two separate suites at Grand Reserve and The Meritage First, Kristine got ready alongside her bridesmaids, her mother and soon-to-be mother-in-law. Kristine chose a stunning, laced wedding gown from Miosa Bride in Folsom. She didn’t miss a beat to sip on some soju and take cute pictures in her robe with her girlies. Chris and his groomsmen got ready on the Grand Reserve side of the resort. After getting ready, the bride and groom had a private first look by the Gazebo. After an exchange of vows and some portraits they transitioned into bridal party and family portraits.

A Tale of Two Ceremonies

One of my favorite things to photograph are couples who embrace their culture and incorporate traditions into their wedding day. Kristine honored her Catholic faith with a church ceremony at St John The Baptist Church. Growing up catholic myself, I was well acquainted with the Catholic wedding ceremony customs. The couple chose to include the draping of the veil and unity cord, and an exchange of coins or arras. Typically in Filipino culture, ninangs or ninongs (godparents/wedding sponsors) assist the couple with these traditions. The couple chose their siblings and closest friends to be their sponsors. The service typically follows most Catholic masses with readings, a sermon, then special blessing for the bride and groom as marriage is a sacrament. After the couple exchanged their I-do’s, formal family portraits followed outside of the church.

A quick drive back to Meritage, Chris honored his Chinese heritage with a tea ceremony in the cellar room of the Estate Cave. Tea ceremonies are a tradition that newlyweds do to show respect to the elders in their families. The bride and groom serve tea to their parents, in-laws, and other important family members. In turn, the newlyweds receive hongbao or red envelopes and sometimes gifts from their families. Sometimes the elders will give words of wisdom to the bride and groom as they embark on their marriage. Kristine changed into a beautiful traditional red Chinese gown for the tea ceremony before returning back to her wedding dress for the reception. Concurrently, the cocktail party was held on the gazebo deck to host all their guests prior to the reception.

You Can’t Stop This Party

There was a festive and electric energy throughout the wedding reception in Meritage’s Estate Cave. Their head table featured their last name “the Pons” on a neon sign adorned with pillars of flowers. The tables were adorned with white and blush roses, beautifully lit by candlelight. An energetic bridal party entrance welcomed the bride and groom to their reception. Subsequently, Kristine and Chris transitioned into their choreographed first dance. A quick escape for couple portraits during dinner at sunset we produced beautiful bridal portraits.

The highlight of the night has to be the Chinese Lion Dance. Paired with drums, cymbals, and gongs, two Chinese Lions lit with neon lights danced to the music’s loud and rhythmic beat. Once the dance floor opened, it really got “Hot in Here” just like Nelly’s song where the groom took of his shirt on the dance floor. Like most Asian-American receptions – the dance floor was lit. It was truly an honor that Kristine and Chris trusted me to capture their wedding day.