Styled SHOOTS by Southern Bride is a wedding photographer competition where we feature some of the best wedding photographers across the nation. The photographers are provided the same venues decorated by top local wedding planners and are graded based on their unique vision and imagery of the venue and its design details.
The Styled Challenge is a design competition showcasing the works of talented wedding professionals from various regions. Each designer is given the task to create an exceptional wedding ceremony and reception arrangement in the provided venue. The best design is voted by our viewers on Southern Bride Facebook live. The California competition includes top 3 local wedding planners and 3 exceptional venues: Bardessono Hotel & Spa, Beringer Vineyards, and V. Sattui Winery.
WINNERS FOR BEST PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN AT CIA GREYSTONE
NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
Congratulations, Kayla Bri Photography, for BEST Photography.
Congratulations, CIA Greystone, for Lasting Impression Award.
The iconic CIA Greystone in St. Helena, founded in 1889, is steeped in history, lore, and intrigue, inspiring Brittany Anderson of L’Avventura Events to design a wedding around the enigmatic atmosphere of the property. Drawing inspiration from the large wine casks in the barrel room and the overall ambiance, Brittany and her team opted for palette of dark and atmospheric tones such as blacks, velvet taupe, and deep emerald green accented by a touch of autumnal orange.
The history of CIA Greystone dates back to 1889 when it was established as Greystone Cellars, a gravity-flow cooperative winery catering to grape growers in upper Napa Valley. It was renowned as the largest stone winery globally. In 1950, the Christian Brothers purchased the winery and expanded its production of wines, brandies, and ports under the leadership of Brother Timothy Diener. The CIA took ownership of the Greystone building in 1993, and in 1995, the campus opened its doors to offer classes for food and wine professionals from across the globe. The rich history of Greystone is evident in its main building, a National Register of Historic Places-listed structure.
Upon arrival at the Herb Terrace, the guests were welcomed with a wine-tasting table in front of Topanga, the 1970 VW bus iconic to California, before proceeding to the barrel room for dining and immersion in the building’s history. The lighting in the dining room enhanced the moody colors, highlighting the textures of the linens and florals.
Inspired by the autumnal vibes of Napa Valley, the color scheme aimed to create a distinctive, moody and immersive wine and culinary experience in one of the world’s most stunning locations.
Photography: Kayla Bri Photography | Event Designer: Brittany Anderson, L’Avventura Events | Venue: CIA Greystone | Florals: Melody Raye Flowers | Rentals & Linens: Encore Events Rentals | Lighting: Twilight Design | Photographic Lighting: Paul C. Buff, Inc. | Stationery & Signage: Mindted Weddings, Napa Note | Bar Signage: Blushtype | Wine: MTGA Wines, Blaire Payton Wines | Bridal Gown: Allure Bridals | Groom Tux: Generation Tux | Hair & Makeup: Bella Bridal | Model: Erin Bates