Our Vineyard Wedding: The Journey Begins

As we step into the long stretch of wedding planning, I can't help but feel a wave of excitement for what's to come. Next year in September, we will be celebrating at a vineyard that is more than just a stunning backdrop; it’s the very place that sparked my love for wine 18 years ago. I spent many seasons there, picking Chardonnay grapes by hand, feeling the sun on my back and the earth beneath my feet. The experience of seeing those grapes turn into wine was what first led me to winemaking school, setting me on the path I’m on today.

Although those Chardonnay vines are no longer there, the memories live on, woven into every row of this vineyard. And now, it will become the setting for one of the most important days of our lives.

It's no surprise that my bride-to-be and I chose this vineyard. She, too, works in the wine industry and has always dreamed of a vineyard wedding. It's a dream that resonated with both of us — a perfect blend of our passions and our pasts.

So far, the planning has been smooth (fingers crossed it stays that way!). We’ve tackled a lot already, thanks to our shared Google Sheet, which has become a bit of a lifesaver. It’s funny how something as simple as a spreadsheet can become a comforting ritual — checking things off the list, one by one, gives us a sense of progress, and a shared vision keeps us grounded amidst the details.

Of course, there’s still much to do — finalizing the guest list, choosing the perfect wines (a challenge we are happy to take on), and ensuring every little detail reflects who we are. But with each task, we are reminded of why we chose this path together and how much we love this adventure we're embarking on.

Here’s to the coming months of planning, tasting, and dreaming. The journey to our vineyard wedding is just beginning, and we couldn’t be more excited.