Napa Adventures

Our Napa Adventure began with Erik being pulled out of line in the security section for an extra bag search. We watched as the federal security agent pulled out a 4 ounce bottle of hair gel. We laughed and teased Erik about his poufy hair days to come. Then, our jaws dropped as the agent pulled out a 6.5” screwdriver. Erik professed surprise. I threatened to tell Mom and Dad that he was getting us in trouble. Then, because trying to board the plane with just a screwdriver wasn’t bad enough, the officer pulled out a switchbladefrom Erik’s carryon. We’re lucky they didn’t arrest him and end the weekend before it started.

Erik and Cheriss tasted wedding cake choices at Sweetie Pies in Napa. Carolyn was our cake helper. Her official title is something important like, Manager or Lead Cake Happy Couple Helper or something like that. Titles aside, she put a fabulous spread together for us to taste. I was very impressed by her desire to customize the cake based on colors for the wedding and bride preference. Check out the amazing cake tasting plate. We ate it all. The kids decided that their favorite was a yellow cake with a fondant frosting and a marscarpone and fresh strawberry and raspberry fruit filling. It was refreshing and fruity without being overbearing and cakey-sweet. The from-scratch cooking shone through in every bite.

Cheriss and Erik didn’t finalize the church choice to marry in but they did finalize the reception choice at the beautiful Tra Vigne in Napa. Tra Vigne has a beautiful outdoor courtyard, brimming with ivy and overflowing with the glorious greenery of the Napa Valley. If the setting wasn’t enough, it’s Erik’s former employer. He worked as their Banquet Captain for years so it seems fitting that they would host their wedding reception there. The menu choices at Tra Vigne are already making me drool.

Erik and Cheriss celebrated their joy in the parking lot of Travigne as they realized that a major hurdle had just been crossed – the entire menu had been chosen!

I’ll post later with some cupcake reports and a tour of a champagne making facility. I’ve also been working on some Mineral Make Up (eye shadows!) projects that I’m excited to share this week.