After the matchmaking efforts of a mutual friend failed to come to fruition, Sarah and Anthony (A.J.) didn’t think they’d ever meet. Then, while working for the state Democratic Party, Sarah met a guy named A.J. and soon realized he was the same A.J. her friend tried to introduce her to. A.J. was smitten right away. His persistence paid off, and within a week, the two were dating. Six years later, the couple, who share a love for cycling, were on a cycling trip to one of their favorite spots in Marin County. After coming to the top of the climb, they decided to stop for a break, and when Sarah dismounted her bike, she turned around to discover A.J. on one knee. After a resounding “yes” from Sarah, A.J. asked if she wanted to head back to the car so she could call her family. Her response? “No way, we’re only half way done with our ride.” The wedding planning got under way almost immediately—after the ride, of course.

The couple knew they wanted an outdoor, fall wedding, so a vineyard seemed to be a top pick. Wilson Vineyards was the first site they visited, and between the gorgeous setting and the hospitality of the staff, they knew they didn’t need to look any further. Wilson’s offered several all-inclusive packages, which provided the services of preferred vendors all of whom have worked together and were very familiar with the vineyard. For Sarah, who at the time was living in Texas, the idea of having preferred vendors gave her peace of mind and helped her establish the mood of her wedding early on: relaxed.

The rehearsal dinner was one of the highlights of the event. A Texas-themed barbecue with nearly 50 guests enveloped the casual nature of the soon-to-be-wedded couple, and created great anticipation for the following day’s festivities.

The intimate, family-focused wedding boasted the fun, relaxed atmosphere that Sarah and A.J. set out to achieve. Sarah arrived at the wedding site in a horse-drawn carriage and was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw her groom. Both of her parents walked her down the aisle, which was very important to her, and next to the couple stood a small, but special wedding party. The pair had so much fun on their special day; they wished it could have gone on another five hours. And the next day, Sarah jokingly put on her gorgeous gown hoping to do it all over again.

Ceremony Site: Wilson Vineyards   Phone: 916-744-1456
Officiant: Rev. Geneva Butz
Ceremony Music: Pamela Pamperin, Harpist
Photographer: Diana Miller Photography   Phone: 916-729-5520
Reception Site: Wilson Vineyards   Phone: 916-744-1456
Hair: Vanessa Hughes
Make-up: Shana Beals
Bridal Attire: Country Weddings (Dress), TJ Maxx (Shoes)
Bridal Veil/Headpiece: Emma's Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid Attire: Country Weddings
Groom's Attire: Nordstrom's
Ringbearer Attire: Overstock.com
Bride's Jeweler: Diamonds Direct
Groom's Jeweler: Diamonds Direct
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas; Bride's Mother hand-addressed them
Placecards: Wedding Paper Divas; Bride's Mother hand-addressed them
Flowers: Ambience Floral Design   Phone: 916-786-6851
Caterer: All Seasons, All Reasons
Cake: Freeport Bakery
DJ/Entertainment: It's Time Entertainment
Live Band: It's Time Entertainment; Pamela Pamperin (harp)
Transportation/Limo Services: Camelot Limousine Service
Favors: Engraved Wine Glasses, from Wilson Vineyards
Table Linens: All Seasons, All Reasons
Table Decorations: Ambience Floral Design   Phone: 916-786-6851
Honeymoon Location: Sedona, Arizona
Other Resource: Wedding Counseling with Rev. Jackie Brown
Other Resource: Bridal Gown Alterations by Kim, Couture Designs
First Dance Song: Only You Can Love Me This Way by Keith Urban
Father/Daughter Dance Song: American Girl by Carrie Underwood
Mother/Son Dance Song: The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson
Cake Cutting Song: Lucky by Jason Marz and Colbie Caillat
Bouquet Toss Song: Then by Brad Paisley
Garter Toss Song: Then by Brad Paisley

Any tips you'd give to brides and grooms planning their wedding:
Enjoy it!! My husband and I were still commuting between Texas and California at the time so we'd have to fit all the planning into the times we were together in Sacramento, so it got a bit stressed from time to time. Also, don't be afraid to ask for what you want, and finally, enjoy the day. It all goes by so quickly - you need to remember to stand back and try to absorb it all. I absolutely loved every minute of the day and even put my dress on the next morning and told my husband I was ready to do it again! Also, I took the week off leading up to our wedding which helped in terms of my stress level; and our maid of honor and best man came to town a week early as well...they were invaluable!!!
Details about this couples cake:
Three tiers - all vanilla buttercream frosting - one layer was banana filling, one was strawberry mousse, on was raspberry mousse. At the head table, we had a single round of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting (we had way too much cake)!
Details about this couples flowers:
Our colors were bold oranges, reds, purples and blues with green accents. My bouquet was a hand-tied bouquet of Mango Calla Lillies, Burgundy Dahlias, Burgundy Coxcomb, Green Mix, Blue Delphinium, Orange Ranunculus, and Orange Tulips with yellow edge.

Anything else about your wedding?
The best "save" of the day goes to Diana Miller and her team for making a last minute call to Michael Sommerfield of Miosa Couture. About two hours before the wedding, my sister-in-law put on her dress only to find that, despite being altered, it was about two sizes too big. Diana called Michael and my sister ran down the block (we were staying at the Citizen Hotel) and Michael fixed her on the spot.
What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
Not a thing, we only wish the night could have gone on forever.