Lauren Bernard & Johnas Andre
September 15, 2024
Merryvale Vineyards
The happy couple pose among the rolling hills.
THE COUPLE “Not every fairy tale starts with a prince riding up on a horse. That’s so 10 years ago,” luxury retail store director Lauren Bernard jokes about her fated Hinge encounter with senior product designer Johnas Andre. “This story all starts with a prince sending a like.” The proposal happened on a whim on a vacation in Atlanta: Johnas couldn’t wait any longer, so he got down on one knee in the bathroom while Lauren was getting ready. Of course, she said yes!
Lauren and Johnas opted for a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting from Napa's Monday Bakery.
THE PARTY The couple tied the knot in a courthouse ceremony one month after the proposal. On their one-year anniversary, they also planned a stunning vow renewal for their friends and family. Merryvale Vineyards in St. Helena was the natural venue choice. The duo loves wine and sought a space to provide two separate venues for the ceremony (mountain views in the Profile Estates) and reception (barrel room).
Simple yet elegant invitations from With Joy
Lauren and Johnas sought a simple yet elegant aesthetic peppered with all-white premium garden roses paired with dark green accents in the bouquets and arranged in clear vases for the reception. The couple’s six children made up the bridal party. “We’re kind of like a modern-day Brady Bunch, so our three girls were our bridesmaids, and our three boys were our groomsmen,” the lovebirds note. “It was so special.”
An intimate reception in the moody barrel room
THE HONEYMOON With six children to plan around, the honeymoon is still in the works, but the couple plans to travel somewhere in Europe. Overall, their big day was a smash success. “This is your day and your moment,” Lauren emphasizes. “There are no rules. Do what feels good to you and what makes you happy!”
Love was felt by all throughout the festivities.
THE LIST
Wedding Planner Merryvale Vineyards, merryvale.com
Bride’s Shoes Ceremony: Saint Laurent, ysl.com; Reception: Fendi, fendi.com
Bride’s Jewelry Tiffany & Co. pearl earrings, tiffany.com; Van Cleef and Arpels bracelet, vancleefarpels.com
Bride’s Veil Nordstrom, nordstrom.com
Groom’s Tux My Grooms Room, mygroomsroom.com
Rings Igal Haimov, Haimov Jewelers, haimov.com
Groomsmen’s Tuxes Nordstrom, nordstrom.com
Florals Karen Grimes, Berry & Bloom Floral, berryandbloomfloral.com
Catering Tre Posti, treposti.com
Cake Monday Bakery, mondaybakery.com
Invitations With Joy, withjoy.com
Linens & Rentals Merryvale Vineyards, merryvale.com
Entertainment Eleonora Pellegrini, eleonorapellegrini.com; DJ Carl Jay, carljayevent.com
Photography by: Michaela Joy
