Bella Vineyard and Wine Caves

Welcome Dinner and drinks

ru's Farm

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Love Story 

It was March of 2021 and people were still reeling from the effects of the COVID pandemic. Restaurants were only serving people outdoors, bars were closed, masks were required, and the idea of meeting strangers was pretty much insane. Two normally outgoing and social souls were forced to search for love via a dating app. We met on Hinge and instantly sparked a connection. Their conversation began when Blaine asked Chelsea if she would convert and root for his favorite sports teams over hers after they inevitably fell in love, and she replied that she was at least open to the idea. We all know that was her playing the game and she would never actually choose the Astros, Texans, Rockets and Aggies over her beloved Heat, Dolphins, Yankees, or Gators. After a lot of easy going back and forth conversation they planned a date for an upcoming Friday. Plans changed on Monday that week and Chelsea would need to reschedule that original Friday plan and offered to meet on Tuesday or Thursday instead. They agreed to meet on Tuesday night the next day for dinner. Honestly who does anything on Tuesdays really. This was the first sign from the universe that this one was different. We met in Venice at a quaint Italian restaurant called “Barrique”. Blaine approached Chelsea, both wearing masks, Chelsea would remove hers and said, “isn’t it so weird having to meet people with masks?!”. Dating in LA isn’t easy. It often comes with anticipatory anxiety and unrealistic expectations and with that very subtle and disarming comment, Blaine knew Chelsea was easy going and very down to earth. A rare find in LA for those not already taken. They closed the restaurant down that night constantly laughing and were the last couple to leave. Blaine took about fifty trips to the bathroom that night and despite the medical anomaly that Chelsea witnessed, they ended the night both already planning the next date in their minds. They would meet again on Thursday night 2 days later. Blaine was out with his buddies on what had become a routine on Thursdays, “Boys Night”. Chelsea texted him that she was in the Venice area and was down to hang. Blaine knew he couldn’t pass up this opportunity because Chelsea lived in West Hollywood. If she had made the treacherous journey across the 405 already, certainly he could carve out a few minutes. Chelsea arrived crashing “Boys Night”, slightly buzzed from an earlier Happy Hour. She sat in Blaine’s lap and licked his ear at the table, his friends staring in awe and loving it. Murphy proclaimed, “Blaine’s in trouble” and deep- down Blaine knew he was. In the weeks ahead, the distance between West Hollywood and Venice couldn’t keep them apart. They would pack a bag for the week and rotate staying at each other’s apartments, not wanting to be separated. Blaine instantly fell in love with Chelsea’s dog Frank and took on the role of Step Dog Father. Blaine and Frank were becoming best buds. Blaine and Chelsea were integrating into one another’s lives with ease, both fitting in seamlessly with each other’s friend groups. Another sign from the universe. Fast forward a little, the couple made plans for a major move, leaving their friends which had become family and moving from LA to Austin Texas. Their commitment to their love would lead to another major life commitment and they decided to buy their first house. Chelsea was now able to hone her interior decorator skills and Blaine obsessed with yard work and raking leaves. Chelsea doubling as Gordan Ramsey in the kitchen and Blaine an eager sous chef, mostly just squeezing her butt. Their relationship grew stronger. On April 6, 2023, Blaine asked Chelsea to marry him in Big Sur while taking an easy hike right below an improbable, rare, natural waterfall. She said yes and the planning of our dream wine country wedding began. Our weekends are spent trying new restaurants and coffee shops, daydreaming about our next travel adventure involving wine. We’re so excited to celebrate and see our friends and family in October!

Our Story

Photos

Chelsea's Auntie Barbie- Sister of Sheri Stark. Wife of Phil Greenberg ( our tallest guest)

Barbara Greenberg

Sister to Chelsea and Wife of James Downs and mother to Charlotte and Cooper

Samantha Downs

Brother of Blaine and Husband of Ashley Bates  and Father of Berkley and Presley

Brandon Bates

Nephew to Chelsea, Son of Samantha & James Downs  & Dog of Chelsea and Blaine 

Cooper Downs & Franklin the dog 

Niece of Chelsea and Daughter of Samantha and James Downs and lover of B

Charlotte Downs

Sheri Stark

George Monteau

Jerry Rickman

Jeana Montea

Wedding Party

Q + A

LodgingWe look forward to packing Healdsburg with our wedding guests from all over! We will have a roomblock but we recommend looking around at more affordable hotels and AirBnBs/VRBOs in the Healdsburg area. If you are going to book an AirBnb/VRBO we recommend you email the host before booking to find out the distance from the wedding venue ( Rus Farm). Room Block for H2 Hotel<a href="https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=80244&amp;Chain=17448&amp;arrive=2024-10-18&amp;depart=2024-10-20&amp;adult=1&amp;child=0&amp;group=2410CHELSE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=80244&amp;Chain=17448&amp;arrive=2024-10-18&amp;depart=2024-10-20&amp;adult=1&amp;child=0&amp;group=2410CHELSE</a> LogisticsMost people traveling from outside California will fly into either SFO or SJO. From there, you can research transportation to get you into Healdsburg ( Public), you can order an Uber/Lyft, or what we recommend is renting a car. From the airport, it is about 45 min-1 hour to the venue/lodging.

Near Healdsburg PlazaMake yourself at home in one of the 36 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and iPod docking stations. Rooms have private balconies or patios. 32-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms have designer toiletries and hair dryers.H2Hotel is centrally located in Healdsburg,

H2Hotel

Near Healdsburg PlazaMake yourself at home in one of the 39 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Rooms have private balconies or patios. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and bathrobes.With a stay at Harmon Guest Hou

Harmon Guest House

Near Healdsburg PlazaMake yourself at home in one of the 56 guestrooms featuring MP3 docking stations and flat-screen televisions. Your bed comes with down comforters and Frette Italian sheets. Cable programming and DVD players are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.A sta

Hotel Healdsburg

Near Healdsburg PlazaMake yourself at home in one of the 12 guestrooms featuring DVD players and flat-screen televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with Egyptian cotton sheets. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.A stay at

Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza a Four Sisters Inn

Near Raven Performing Arts TheaterMake yourself at home in one of the air-conditioned rooms featuring fireplaces and private pools. Your pillowtop bed comes with down comforters and Egyptian cotton sheets. Rooms have private furnished balconies or patios. 55-inch Smart televisions with digital programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected.With 

Cottages at Healdsburg

Near Healdsburg Center for the ArtsMake yourself at home in one of the 9 air-conditioned rooms featuring iPads and iPod docking stations. Your bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms with showers feature hair dryers and bathrobes.A stay at Camellia Inn places you in the heart of Healdsburg, wit

Camellia Inn

The Lodge at Healdsburg

Bella Luna Inn

Hotel Trio Healdsburg

The Ruse Healdsburg

Montage Healdsburg

Travel

Amazing shopping, art galleries, tasting rooms, bars, and restaurants fill this plaza/mini park! You can spend an entire day here. Thumbprint wine is fantastic as well as Smith and Story has a Cab Franc you can not pass up! Oh la Lux has a spot in here too for any of my girls looking for cute btq shopping and for any kitchen fans, the Kitchen Store has everything!

Healdsburg historic plaza

Three wine valleys – the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/alexander-valley-wine-region-and-appellation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alexander</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/dry-creek-valley-wine-region-and-appellation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dry Creek</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/ava-wines-sonoma-county-russian-river-valley" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Russian River</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;meet near Healdsburg. Other noted wine regions like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/chalk-hill-wine-region-and-appellation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chalk Hill</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/knights-valley-wine-region-and-appellation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Knights Valley</a>&nbsp;are nearby. If you plan to go tasting, which I certainly hope you do, double-check if any require reservations. Most are walk-ins in the Healdsburg/Dry Creek area, but some require. Reeves- Boutique vineyard (5k cases a year) beautiful property and each tasting comes with pizza. Fantastic Pinots and my girl will hook you up with an additional pour if you message me before going. Reservation Comstock- Walk-in welcome. Fantastic variety of reds with a chef on site for charcuterie boards. Gorgeous views! Tasty rose sparkling they will start you off with. Dutcher Crossing- B and I LOVE this spot. Best views. Undeniable reds ( our fav) and super friendly. Amista- Sparkling tasting Jordan-Cab Sauv and Chard Capo Creek- Wine cave!! Flower-highly recommend Mill Creek Ferrari-CaranosSeghesio Family VineyardsDry CreekCast Wines For a full list: https://www.sonomacounty.com/food-wine/wine-wineries/ If you are going to explore Sonoma proper or Napa, please reach out for some recs!

Vineyards in Healdsburg

BarnDiva-Top Michelin restaurant affordable and cozy vibesSinglethread- Top Michelin Restaurant must be reserved months in advance Avg cost is $400 per personThe Matheson- Top service, delicious foodLittle SaintMolti Amici- Best Mushroom bolognese everSpoonbarThe Wurst- ( easy burgers/dogs)Pizzando- Great pizza / Italian dishesParish Cafe-New Orleans cuisine using Cali ingredients with a great breakfastWillies Seafood and Raw BarBravas bar de tapasHealdsburg Bar and GrillDry Creek KitchenCosteaux French Bakery- Top spot and amazing breakfast and pastries/coffeeDry Creek General Store ( Near lots of vineyards)- BEST SUBS and speakeasy bar with saddles in the back

Farm to Table Food All over Healdsburg 

Healdsburg Museum

Napa Valley Wine Train

More to do: Cooking classes Walking tours/wine and foodFloat the Russian River or rent kayaks/Canoes and take a cruise down the river ( really fun)Boat rental on Lake SonomaArt Galleries in the plazaShopping

Grocery Stores Healdsburg Farmers Market* Check dates onlineOakvilleBig JohnsCVSRiteAidSafewayDry Creek General Store- BEST SUBS

Community Banks: Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Sonoma Bank Babysitters: Sittersplace.com, Take a break Dry Cleaners: Healdsburg Greenland Cleaners, Aladdin Cleaners, Natural Clean Gas Stations: Rotton Robbie, Valero, Fast Lane, Chevron Spas: Hotel Healdsburg, Akoiadavspa, ASimpleTouch, SpaDolce Golf: Healdsburg Golf Club and Windson Gold Club Tennis: Giorgi Park

Blaine & Chelsea

Blaine & Chelsea

Wedding Day Attire Inspiration (Cocktail)