Hopmonk Tavern

Welcome Dinner

The Barn at Harrow Cellars

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Sonoma Gathering

Our Wedding

Once upon a time, two souls were destined to find each other in this wild rollercoaster we call life. Erika was born and raised in Delaware, while AJ spent most of his youth growing up in Chicago. They both found themselves at the same university in Virginia, where they not only met each other but also some of their lifelong friends. Their friendship sparked a deep connection that eventually blossomed into love. In 2011, AJ and Erika embarked on their first big adventure together, moving towards the Big Apple to chase dreams of performing. They created a safe haven and their first home in a cute little town just outside the city, in West New York, NJ. After eight years of city living, growing their family with their first fur baby, Ricky, and countless moments of fun and laughter, they sought a more serene and stable lifestyle. This prompted their move to the West Coast in 2019. Though they sadly lost their sweet angel Ricky along the way, they found peace in a quaint cottage on a country mountainside in Sonoma, CA. After settling into new jobs, their family grew again with two new additions: Kash and Snickers. Every adventure in life has its ups and downs, filled with hardships and excitements, but fortunately, their love has kept them grounded and strengthened their bond every step of the way. They say that not everyone is blessed with the opportunity to find their soulmate in this lifetime. It's safe to say that Erika and AJ’s love is a testament that it is possible to find your true love, your soulmate, your happily ever after. We are so incredibly grateful and lucky to have found each other, and we truly cannot wait to celebrate this extremely special day with our closest family and friends. It would mean the world if you would join us in celebrating our happily ever after, and we can’t wait to have you be a part of our special day!

A Story of Soulmates

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Airport Information

We recommend booking your flight into San Francisco International Airport. It is a gorgeous airport and has been recently renovated to make travel in and out swift and comfortable. Once you land in San Francisco, we recommend taking an Uber/Lyft into Sonoma, or you can rent a car for your stay!

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Lodging In Sonoma

Sonoma offers a variety of beautiful places to stay, from charming inns and hotels to unique vacation rentals. For Hotels: As our wedding date in April is still far in advance, many hotels may not yet have their full availability listed online. We strongly encourage all guests to book your lodging as soon as possible, and be sure to call hotels directly to inquire about our wedding date if rooms don't appear available online. Booking early is the best way to secure your preferred stay! For Vacation Rentals: We also highly recommend checking out rentals on sites like Airbnb, which can be a great option for groups or those looking for a more "local" experience with a full kitchen. These tend to book up quickly, so please reserve those as soon as you can as well.

Conveniently located just two blocks from the historic Sonoma Plaza, the Inn at Sonoma is the perfect destination for your Wine Country visit. This Tripadvisor top-ranked Sonoma hotel features 19&nbsp;<a href="https://www.innatsonoma.com/guestrooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">well-appointed guestrooms</a>&nbsp;in the main building and eight guestrooms in the adjacent Vintners Cottage. Guestrooms in the main building feature a queen or king bed, fireplace, and most feature a private deck. Guestrooms in the Vintners Cottage include a fireplace, spacious bathroom, and either two queen beds or a king bed with a jetted spa tub. Inn at Sonoma is a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foursisters.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Four Sisters Inns</a>, a curated collection of distinctive and independent small hotels that seamlessly combine an inviting and intimate setting with complimentary, signature amenities, and attentive, gracious service. Four Sisters Inns blends the modern luxuries and sophisticated services of a boutique hotel with the traditional amenities and architecture of a B&amp;B.

Inn At Sonoma, A Four Sisters Inn

Sonoma Valley Inn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is 30 minutes' drive to Napa Valley and 8 minutes' drive to Buena Vista Winery. It features free WiFi, A refrigerator and a coffee machine are offered in every room. All rooms are classically decorated and include a TV with cable channels and seating area. Select rooms feature a patio or balcony with a garden view, and a fireplace. Guest have access to use the fitness center located off property and take a walk through the garden. Sonoma State Historic Park is 6 minutes' walk from the Sonoma Valley Inn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Sonoma Golf Club is 2.8 mi away.

Sonoma Valley Inn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Featuring a spa on site, Cottage Inn &amp; Spa is located in Sonoma. Free WiFi access is available. Free wine passes are offered for select Sonoma wineries. Garden views, a private entrance and an private bathroom with a bathrobe are offered in each air-conditioned room at Cottage Inn &amp; Spa Sonoma. A microwave, a small refrigerator and coffee-making facilities are also included. Deep tissue aromatherapy message, rejuvenation massage and reflexology treatments are available on site at Sonoma Cottage Inn &amp; Spa. Guests can enjoy a courtyard with fountains. Napa Valley is 24 mi from the inn. Sonoma Plaza is 5 minutes’ walk from Cottage Inn &amp; Spa.

Cottage Inn & Spa

Set in a historic building and boasting an outdoor swimming pool, this hotel is located directly across the street from Sonoma Plaza in Sonoma, California. A restaurant is featured on-site at the El Dorado Hotel. Each guest room here comes with a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station and a refrigerator. A private balcony or patio is also offered in every room. The private bathrooms are equipped with a hairdryer and a shower. A 24-hour front desk and meeting or banquet facilities can be found at the hotel. Guests can relax with a drink at the bar after a long day of sightseeing. El Dorado Hotel is 3 minutes’ walk from Mission San Francisco Solano, and several dining and shopping options can be reached within 5 minutes’ walk. San Francisco International Airport is 57 mi away.

El Dorado Hotel

Located in a historic building on the Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma Hotel features elegantly designed guest rooms. After a exploring the quaint city center of Sonoma, guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, The Girl and the Fig. Each room here comes with a cable TV, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with a bath or shower and hairdryer. A concierge service, a 24-hour front desk, and a bar can all be found on site. A number of restaurants, shops, and wine tasting venues can be reached within a 10-minute walk. Sonoma Hotel is a 3-minute walk from Mission San Francisco Solano and a 4-minute walk from the Sebastiani Theater. The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art is a 5-minute walk away.

Sonoma Hotel

Parking near the Sonoma Plaza

If you are renting a car and staying within walking distance of the Sonoma Plaza, you can park within the plaza and on the street. There are a few public parking lots available to you as well. We recommend the free all day parking lot located at 335 1st St E, Sonoma, CA 95476.

Questions about Lodging?

If you need help making a plan for your time in Sonoma, feel free to reach out and we will be happy to help! :) Erika's Cell: 302-542-9499 | Aj's Cell: 847-826-9560

Travel & Lodging

Explore the Historic Sonoma Plaza! We love the Sonoma Plaza and you'll find tons of bars, restaurants, and stores!Our favorites are: Sunflower Cafe for breakfast or brunch, The Swiss Hotel for a cocktail (particularly their signature Glarifee "Glazed Irish Coffee"), B&amp;V Whiskey Bar and Grilled for a Burger, Sweet Scoops for delicious homemade ice cream, Global Heart Fair Trade store for unique handmade gifts and jewelry, Pangloss Cellars for a yummy glass of Rosè, and Wildflower Boutique. Or you could grab food to go and a bottle of wine and enjoy a picnic in the serene and idyllic park in the center of the plaza.

Sonoma Plaza

Do You Like Scary Movies? Calling all 90s horror fans! Did you know that the Sonoma Community Center was the filming site for the original Scream? It served as the iconic "Woodsboro High School" where Sidney, Billy, and Stu roamed the halls. Take a quick five-minute stroll from the Plaza to see the building’s exterior—just watch out for anyone wearing a Ghostface mask!

Sonoma Community Center

We love this winery, a special favorite of the Mother of the Bride, especially for its fantastic rosé!

Pangloss Cellars

If you're staying in the Sonoma Plaza, this hiking trail is within walking distance! Enjoy this quick hike ending with a stunning view of Sonoma Valley.

Sonoma Overlook Trail

Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk to this charming and historic winery! Founded in 1857 and spanning from Sonoma into Napa, Buena Vista is California’s first premium winery.

Buena Vista Winery

Best Mexican food in town!! Everything on their menu is delicious! Our favorites are the fish tacos and tamales.

El Molino Central

Although we have never experienced the Sonoma Wine Trolley, locals and tourists alike love the experience!

Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley

One of our favorite winery's in Sonoma. Take a drive on Highway 12 and stop at a number of winery's including this one. Not only is the wine delicious but you will feel like you just stepped into the gorgeous French Countryside.

Chateau St. Jean Winery

Grab some comfy shoes for this easy hike to the Ancient Redwood at Jack London State Historic Park. You will get gorgeous views of the redwoods that inspired the Ewok villages in George Lucas's Star Wars Universe, There is a lot to do at Jack London State Historic Park and we also recommend visiting the Wolf House while there. Afterwards, feel free to grab lunch from the Glen Ellen Market or a drink at the Jack London Saloon.

Ancient Redwood in Jack London State Historic Park

If you want to see California's stunning redwoods, you won't want to miss this! Another outdoors activity located in Marin, you will be surrounded by these ancient giants that you won't get to see anywhere on the East Coast.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Drive out to the coast to see the Pacific Ocean and grab some delicious West Coast seafood! This is one of our favorite things to do together. The beaches are gorgeous and the food is delicious! (Crab cakes, fried prawns, and clam chowder are a must.) You'll definitely want to bring some warm layers as West Coast beaches are usually cool and sometimes foggy/windy, but the views do not disappoint. After getting food from Fishetarian, we recommend driving to School House Beach for incredible views and easy access to the beach.

Fishetarian Fish Market

The Point Reyes Lighthouse,&nbsp;located within Point Reyes National Seashore, is a historic landmark and a popular destination for visitors.&nbsp;It was built in 1870 to guide ships around the dangerous Point Reyes headland, a 10-mile (16 km) peninsula jutting out to sea.&nbsp;The lighthouse is known for its dramatic location, 308 steps down a cliffside path, and for being one of the foggiest and windiest places on the Pacific Coast.

Point Reyes Lighthouse

Things to Do

Join us Friday after the wedding to keep celebrating!

Sonoma Botanical Gardens | 1:30 pm (Free)

Ease into the afternoon with a gentle stroll through one of the North Bay's hidden gems. We’ll be wandering the tranquil paths of the Sonoma Botanical Gardens, taking in the serene views and unique flora. It’s the perfect way to clear the head and enjoy the fresh air. (We will be walking outside and on gravel paths so be sure to wear comfy shoes.)

Chateau St Jean Winery | 3:30 PM (Wine/Tastings available for purchase)

We’ll continue the celebration at our favorite winery in Sonoma, Chateau St Jean! Enjoy a glass of wine or share a bottle amidst the historic architecture, lush vineyards, and stunning redwoods. No formal agenda here—just good company and great wine. :)

Palooza Brewery & Grill | 5:30 PM (Food and drink available for purchase)

To cap off the weekend, we’re heading to Palooza for a casual dinner. Expect a chill atmosphere, comfort food, and local brews. We are keeping it casual and will be sitting at picnic tables out on the back patio. It’s our final chance to raise a glass and thank you all for making our wedding so special.

Erika & AJ

Erika & AJ

Registry