A Lively Wedding at Stanly Ranch Napa Over Fourth of July Weekend

The journey toward their wedding day began with a romantic and intimate proposal on Christmas Eve. Warner Higgins Bailey surprised Annabel Scarlett Lovejoy Prouty at his parents’ home in Connecticut, creating a memory that blended family warmth with a life-changing moment. To keep the surprise, Warner suggested taking a photo in front of the Christmas tree, asking Annabel’s parents to capture the image. However, as they posed for the picture, Warner dropped to one knee, turning a simple family photograph into a heartfelt proposal witnessed by their closest family members.

When it came time to select a destination for their celebration, the couple looked toward California, the state where their love story first unfolded. They chose the stunning Stanly Ranch Napa as the backdrop for their wedding festivities, seeking a location that resonated with their personal history. The decision felt destined not only because of their connection to the region but also due to a charming piece of serendipity: the resort’s on-site restaurant is named “Bear,” which happens to be the exact name of the couple’s beloved dog. For Annabel and Warner, this coincidence served as a definitive sign that the venue was the perfect fit for their union.

The couple decided to host their wedding celebrations over the Fourth of July weekend, adding a festive and vibrant energy to the occasion. To ensure every detail was executed flawlessly, they enlisted the expertise of Emma McNeilly from Cole Drake Events, who worked closely with the couple to bring their specific vision to life. To preserve the magic of the weekend, photographer Mimi McCormick was brought on board to document every candid moment and curated detail, ensuring that the elegance and emotion of the celebration were captured for a lifetime.

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The wedding festivities began with a spirited welcome party held on Independence Day, setting a vibrant tone for the celebrations to follow. The event embraced a playful, western-inspired aesthetic that perfectly complemented the California setting, blending a sense of patriotic energy with rustic, high-fashion elegance.

Fashion was a key element of the welcome party’s charm, with the couple opting for looks that balanced contemporary trends with thematic flair. Annabel looked effortless in a curated ensemble featuring a Magda Butrym top paired with a flowing Ulla Johnson skirt and Zimmermann sandals. Warner complemented the western theme perfectly, wearing a distinctive Bode jacket and a classic cowboy hat, bridging the gap between modern style and traditional Americana.

The creativity continued into the rehearsal dinner, where the decor took a bold and unexpected turn. The tablescape, meticulously designed by This Humble Abode, featured a unique tomato-inspired theme. This whimsical approach to table design added a fresh, organic, and slightly avant-garde element to the evening, demonstrating how unconventional motifs can be used to create a sophisticated and memorable dining experience.

For the rehearsal dinner, Annabel transitioned into a look that was both timeless and chic. She wore a polka dot dress by Johanna Ortiz, which brought a touch of feminine sophistication to the event. The choice of a classic print provided a beautiful visual contrast to the bold nature of the table decor, rounding out a series of pre-wedding events defined by inspired style and creative detail.

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