Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Rehearsal/Dinner/Welcome Party

Some of you may have already received invitations; if details on the RSVP card are damaged or unclear, please use our RSVP page on the website to submit your response. We can’t wait to celebrate with you and have all of our favorite people together in Bodega Bay on July 4, 2026!

Our Wedding

We met online—twice! Living about an hour and a half apart with different work schedules made seeing each other tricky, but we treasured the times we did get together, including a last‑minute camping trip at Philbrook Lake. We recognized in each other many of the qualities we wanted in a partner and always had a great time together, but life pulled us in different directions and we lost touch for about a year. When Melissa reluctantly tried a new dating app, Jeremy was the very first potential match to appear. Curious, she checked—he had “liked” her, and it was a match. Jeremy drove to Chico the next day, and nearly seven years of love, laughter, learning, and growth began. Now we’re preparing to say “I do” in Bodega Bay on July 4, 2026, and we can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with our closest friends and family.

How it started…..how it’s going!

Our Story

Photos

Andi and Melissa have been friends for about 10 years since shortly after they both moved to Chico as traveling therapists. Ironically, they both moved to Chico from Chicago! They’ve been great friends, roommates, and thankfully have both made Chico home! Iris is Andi and Michael’s daughter and will be the youngest of the flower girl bunch!

Andrianna Vinci Germar

We are so grateful to have these five very special girls helping us to celebrate!!!

Iris Vinci-Germar, Isla Woodhouse, Evangeline (Lina) Hart, Harper Wykstra, and Bailey Wykstra

Ethan Gibbons is Jeremy’s son. He joined the Marine Corps and is stationed in Yuma, AZ, where he is working as a mechanic on the base. We are honored to have him with us and be a part of our ceremony. We are so proud of him and all that he continues to accomplish.

Best Man

Wedding Party

Q + A

What are the nearest accommodations? For convenient lodging within walking distance, check out Bodega Harbor Inn or Bodega Bay Inn. Additional lodging options—ranging from boutique hotels to more vacation rentals—are available within driving distance click here to view our recommended locations. ​ Rentals in close proximity to The Secret Gardens are: - Beautiful Coast Home 3 Minutes from Beach! - Renovated getaway w/ amazing views and new hot tub - Harbor Master Harbor Retreat, Relax - Treasure on The Bay: House 1 - Treasure on The Bay: House 2 - Treasure on The Bay: House 3 - Harbor Retreat, Relax, Unwind - Harbor Cutie Family Friendly Centrally Located​ - Bodega Bay Beachfront Bungalow - Deer Meadow - Coastal Hills - Art Gallery - Dreamy Sonoma Coast Home w/ Waterfront Views - Las Brisas - Peacehaven - Amazing View - Casa Bella Vista Wine Cellar Bay - Bayview | Fireplace | Balcony - Boathouse - Azul Casa Sereno By The Sea - Ravens’ Nest ​​​ Are there nearby campgrounds? Yes! Nearby locations include: Porto Bodega Marina &amp; RV Park (across the street) Bodega Bay RV Park Bodega Dunes Campground (nearby walking trail access) Westside Regional Park Doran Beach Campground ​ Does the venue have ocean views? While the venue does not offer ocean views, the nearby Porto Bodega Marina provides picturesque photo opportunities with its wildlife and boats. For stunning beach views, explore these nearby spots: Bodega Bay Trailhead Doran Beach Bodega Dunes Beach North Salmon Creek Coleman Beach Overlook Arches Rock Vista Point Click here for more place and things to do, courtesy of Bodega Bay Escapes ​ What is the closest airport? The nearest airport is Sonoma County Airport (STS), 25 miles from The Secret Gardens. It offers flights from American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, as well as private jet services like Sonoma Jet Center and Kaiser Air. Major car rental companies are also available at the Sonoma County Airport. For more flying options, consider these: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 70 miles away Oakland International Airport (OAK) – 70 miles away Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 90 miles away San Jose International Airport (SJC) – 90 miles away​ ​ Where can I find a nearby gas station, market or deli? Convenience is just around the corner: Pelican Plaza Grocery &amp; Deli Diekmann’s Bay Store 76 Gas Station Tides Wharf Fish Market

Travel

These websites have lots of great recommendations and information for things to do in the area. Golfing, hiking, beaches, camping, restaurants, hotels, shopping, wine tasting, horseback riding, fishing, and sailing. https://www.bodegabay.com/things-to-do/ https://www.bontraveler.com/bodega-bay-california/ Our favorite seafood spot is Fisherman’s Cove right next to Spud Point Crab Co. their clam chowder, crab sandwich, fish and chips, and oysters are delicious! Continue driving from the venue on Westshore Rd past the marina and restaurants out to Bodega Head. Beautiful views of the ocean from the parking lot but you can also hike the trails to the dunes or beaches. The Tides Wharf and Restaurant also has great food, beautiful ocean views, a bakery, and gift shop. There will be special events for the Fourth of July, there is usually a boat parade, arts and crafts festival, and kayaking event. We will update when we have more information! Fireworks are questionable due to fire bans and/or fog conditions.

Melissa & Jeremy

Melissa & Jeremy

M&J

Wedding Day