California Part Two...Ryan and Erin's Beautiful Rehearsal Dinner At Cline Cellars... :)

So back to our California trip...after we finished our drive over the Golden Gate Bridge...we arrived in Sonoma early Friday afternoon and I was instantly in love with the charming town...(Whit was already in love because he had already been there, but was so excited to be back!) The beautiful vineyards and rolling hills were more picturesque than I could have ever imagined. It was a beautiful, sunny day in Sonoma and Whit and I couldn't wait to see more...

After a relaxing drive we arrived at our beautiful hotel, MacArthur Place...

It was absolutely gorgeous...and a very serene, peaceful place to stay...

Our lovely room...we felt like we were special guests in someone's home,
it was so nice and cozy!


After a little rest at MacArthur Place, we got ready for the rehearsal dinner at Cline Cellars...

The beautiful invitation...

The tasting room at Cline :)

We shared in a gorgeous cocktail hour in the garden at Cline
and they had the most beautiful glasses that we all just loved
(especially my Aunt, Lolo) :) 

Whit loved the donkey that was on the grounds :) So cute!

After cocktail hour, we entered the Barrel Room
where the dinner was going to be held...
The walls were all lined from floor to ceiling with beautiful wine barrels highlighted with candlelight...

The room was breathtaking...we were in awe!
The pictures do not even do it justice...

Family :)

Beautiful centerpieces :) 

I LOVED how they chose to use the "Donnelly Crest" on the menu cards...

Beautiful candlelight...

The dinner was absolutely delicious, and after dinner,
we all received a little plate of assorted desserts.
I loved the creme brûlée in the little cups! So cute!


The rehearsal dinner was absolutely gorgeous and such a touching tribute to the beautiful couple,
Ryan and Erin!


And when we returned to our room at MacArthur Place,
our bed was turned down and we received these on our pillows...

Delicious chocolates and a "weather card" telling us what
kind of weather to expect the next day...We LOVED that!
Although it did not rain one drop on their wedding day!
It was absolutely gorgeous! :)


After a sweet, elegant rehearsal dinner we were so excited to be in Sonoma to celebrate
Erin and Ryan and couldn't wait for their big day!
Coming up next...
our California trip comes to an end and we share in
Erin and Ryan's Unforgettable Wedding Under the Stars...
Stay Tuned!
xo!

We Left Our Hearts in San Francisco... :)

On this chilly Monday morning, Whit and I had a hard time waking up and getting back to work again after arriving home last night from an unforgettable trip to California. We had a wonderful time and were true "tourists" going on many different adventures together throughout the week. The trip was so incredible and ended with a truly BEAUTIFUL wedding in Sonoma. There are probably going to be a few posts in the coming days dedicated to our voyage to California...you're in for a West coast treat! :)

To begin the recap of our journey, here are some of our highlights from the City By The Bay....

Our first day on the Bay!! 

The famous Sea Lions on Pier 39!
Watch them live! 

Ships docked at the Wharf!

Coit Tower on the top left is a monument to the early SF firefighters...

View of the City from the Pier...

Walking along Fisherman's Wharf 

Whit was sooooo excited about our trolley tour through the city! 

San Francisco's Chinatown!! 

View of The Bay Bridge from our trolley...

One of the many beautiful and STEEP streets in San Francisco...
I was shocked by how steep the streets really are in SF.
Insane! 

The Transamerica Pyramid...the tallest building in San Francisco 

Grace Cathedral...Whit was mesmerized by the
beautifully designed windows and doors...

On the Pier before dinner at Neptune's!

Our incredible view from our dinner table of the sun
setting on the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge...

We shared "After Dinner Ice Cream" on the Pier!

Lombard Street...the "crookedest" street in the world!

Me on Lombard Street... 

Whit on Lombard Street... 

Our first drive over the Golden Gate Bridge... 

I found the fog to be very spooky and eerie...Whit loved it!

In line for our tour of Alcatraz! 

View of the city from "The Rock!"

Lighthouse on Alcatraz...

And on a more pleasant note...we found the real "Full House" house!!
Can't you see DJ and Uncle Jessie in the window?!!?

The new owners painted over the original red door... :(

Our last day at the Golden Gate Bridge! 

Truly an amazing experience to see this in person! 

Enjoy Whit's excitement? :) 


This was definitely a trip we will never forget. Although Whit had visited San Francisco a few times before this, it was a first for me. I really enjoyed seeing a new part of the country and hope to have the opportunity to travel to new places 
in the future! 
Now, as Whit said on the Golden Gate Bridge...
off to beautiful Sonoma!!! 
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our California adventure!! :)