The Lodge at Sonoma Wedding, The Sandeen’s

The Lodge at Sonoma Wedding

Two main venue types in Sonoma County for weddings typically involve either a winery or a resort.The Lodge at Sonoma is one of my favorite luxury resorts located in the heart of Sonoma.  Within walking distance to Sonoma’s best downtown attractions, the Lodge at Sonoma Luxury Resort & Spa is a beautiful  and expansive property with updated suites and a lavish pool with cabanas and poolside drinks and food. Who could want more for their wedding guests? As much as I love documenting Sonoma County weddings at wineries I love the convenience of resort weddings for the guests and the couple, as well as myself, the photographer. With everything for the wedding within steps away it makes the day effortless.

Melissa got ready in the bridal room next to the Sonoma Resorts ceremony space with her favorite people. Immediately after meeting Melissa she made me feel at ease and so excited for her big day. She has an infectious smile and warmth about her that is truly a joy to be around. One of my favorite memories of the day was when Melissa and her Mom Lisa were alone in the hallway putting Melissa in her dress, the way her Mom looked at her was like magic. My next favorite moment? When Melissa looked in the mirror and said “I look so pretty.” Every bride deserves to feel that.

Both Bo and Melissa had a tish prior to the wedding ceremony. The tish was new to me, it’s a Jewish tradition where both groups are surrounded by their counterparts and give marital advice. It was so insightful to document and listen to each person’s marriage advice, some tips Ive heard before and some that were new. My favorite advice was given by Kim who is Melissa’s cousin and also officiated the pair who said “Many are going to tell you to talk everything out, I’m going to switch it up and tell you sometimes its best just to be quiet.”

 

 

 

Wedding Ceremony at Sonoma Lodge

The ceremony took place on the Stone Lawn where beautiful wooden chairs were set and florals lined the aisle. Melissa was led down the aisle by her father who had the best smile giving away his daughter. It was clear Melissa’s family and friends adored Bo and appreciated him for the love he gave her. Known as hakafot, Melissa walked around Bo 7 times before the ceremony began. The two declared their vows to one another and sealed it with the most perfect kiss.

Wedding Reception at Sonoma Lodge

Melissa’s father surprised the pair with a personal song he sang and played his guitar to. It had some hysterical memories of them and sweet sentiments that held everyone’s attention. The two then had their first dance when the sun was almost all gone and it was absolutely perfect.

Amidst laughter and the gentle strumming of chords, they discovered the beauty of suspended chords on guitar, unlocking a new dimension to their musical journey. The suspended chords added a unique flavor to their compositions, creating a soundscape that mirrored the sweet sentiments and hysterical memories of their special day. In the quiet moments of practice, as the sun dipped below the horizon, they marveled at how a simple set of chords could evoke emotions as profound as those shared during their first dance.

 

Congrats to the beautiful couple!