When this native Australian bride decided to wed her British groom in an American destination wedding, Sonoma was the perfect setting. California’s fantastic vineyards have almost become synonymous with romantic, yet causal, outdoor affairs. With the help of A Dream Wedding, this international couple was able to put together a day of pure bliss none of us are likely to forget. And thanks to Megan Reeves Photography, we have a full image gallery to really stamp this wedding in our memory for good!
Being from Australia, James from England, and living in New York, it was important to us to have our wedding at a place that was accessible for all of our friends and family. Our only requirement for our wedding was that we wanted to get married in a vineyard. With its proximity to the San Francisco International Airport, we went to Napa and Sonoma for a few days and fell in love with Sonoma. The vineyards are amazing but the whole atmosphere in the town square was just something that immediately felt right. We visited a number of vineyards and decided on one… which unfortunately fell through a month after we returned to New York. We then took a gamble on Gundlach Bundschu – site unseen – with encouragement from our amazing wedding planner, Stephanie Cole.
When we returned to Sonoma we couldn’t have dreamt of this place being any better. Walking through the wine cave to the vineyard overlook with the glorious sunshine was just magical. We had a cellist, Michael Fesckes, play for us before the ceremony and during our cocktail hour where our guests enjoyed local sparkling wine and a number of delicious passed appetizers prepared by Park Avenue Catering.
We then transported our guests to the timeless and rustic tasting room at Buena Vista Carneros, just a short bus ride away where we dined on cod and lamb and enjoyed the fabulous Buena Vista wines before dancing the night away.
There is not one thing I would change about our day. Looking at all the memorable photos wonderful Megan Reeves took for us and even writing about it now brings a huge smile to my face.
Wedding Coordinator: Stephanie Cole of A Dream Wedding / Hair & Makeup: Grazia Salon & Wendy Walter / Florist: Sally Blue of Sonoma Flowers / Caterer: Park Avenue Catering / Rentals: Bright Event Rentals / Ceremony Venue: Gundlach Bundschu / Reception Venue: Buena Vista Carneros / Cellist: Michael Fecskes / Band: All Star Jukebox / Photography: Megan Reeves Photography / Second Shooter: Jen Philips / Shoes: Badgley Mishka / Wedding Dress: Galina / Dance Dress: Vintage / Bridesmaids Dresses: Light in the Box