We're so excited to celebrate with you!
Frequently asked questions
1. Why are you getting married on the west coast!?
We love wine country! Throughout our relationship we have spent a number of weekends in the Napa Valley enjoying the weather, wine and amazing food. When considering a wedding venue, wine country was top of our list. You'll see why when you arrive!
2. What's the weather like in Northern California?
The weather in wine country is beautiful, especially during September! Temperatures usually average around 70-80 degrees during the day and fall to between 50-60 degrees in the evening. We suggest bringing layers, there will be blankets at the event.
3. What is the wedding dress code?
Our wedding dress code is black tie optional. The wedding party will be wearing long gowns and tuxedos. Tuxedos are appropriate, but not required. Gentlemen should wear ties. We suggest checking out rental sites like Rent the Runway (save $30 on your first rental using this link) and Black Tux. Make selections early, items sell out! Ladies, please know that a large portion of the event will take place on an open grass lawn, high/stiletto heels may be difficult to walk in. We suggest wedges, a thicker heel or these.
4. What should I pack?
Napa and Sonoma are both very laid-back in terms of attire. Denim is acceptable at most restaurants during dinnertime. We recommend packing layers, as temperatures can change rather quickly throughout the day. All hotels and many home rentals have pools and hot tubs, so we suggest bringing a bathing suit. Should you decide to honor us with a wedding gift, please plan to have it shipped to our home address. Should you plan to purchase wine while visiting the area, most wineries offer direct shipping-- no need to save room for bottles!
5. Will there be wedding day transportation?
Yes. We have arranged for group transportation between the Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance and Chateau St. Jean on the day of the wedding. Our guests are more than welcome to use the group transportation or they can utilize other forms of transportation. There are always plenty of available cars through Uber or Lyft in Sonoma. There is ample, free parking at the wedding venue. Please do not drink and drive.
6. Where should I fly into?
We suggest flying into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK). Both have rental car facilities, both are about 1.5 hours from the valley. Please take a look at our travel and accommodations page, and if you have any further questions, email us!
7. Can I bring my children? What about my dog?
While there are so many important children in our lives, we have chosen to have a child-free wedding ceremony and reception. If you do choose to travel with your children, we are happy to help you find local babysitting or nanny services for the duration of the wedding. Please note that many wineries in the region do not allow guests under the legal drinking age of 21. Animals (besides service animals) are not permitted on the grounds of the wedding venue.
8. Will you be serving liquor?
No, but we will be serving beer and the world's best wine and sparkling wine! We made the decision not to serve hard liquor at our wedding because of the strict agricultural and food service laws and restrictions in place at the venue. Because we are getting married at a functioning winery, bringing in unfermented 'hard' alcohol is not allowed. The good news? Chateau St. Jean produces some of the valley's most award-winning, exquisite wines.
9. Are there grocery stores/pharmacies nearby?
Yes, the Napa/Sonoma region has plenty of conveniences. If you forget something, you won't have a tough time replacing it. No need to worry, there is a Whole Foods in downtown Sonoma. :-)
10. Where are you getting married?
Both our ceremony and reception will take place at Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma/Kenwood. The original chateau was built in 1920 as the summer residence of an iron and lumber magnate from Michigan. Although the grounds were originally planted to grow grapes, the crops were replaced by figs and walnuts during Prohibition. The Chateau St. Jean winery was then established 1973, turning the 250-acre estate into a public functioning winery.
11. Who took your engagement pictures?
Just after we got engaged, the stars aligned and Kelsey's 'dream' photographer became available. By chance, we discovered that we would all be traveling in France during the same week. We took our engagement photos in the streets of Paris in front of the Paris Opera House, the gardens at the Louvre and throughout the city. Leah is Baltimore-based, incredibly talented, and she will be joining us in September in Sonoma. Take a look at her work here, and get ready for your close-up.
12. What is your wedding hashtag?
Our wedding event hashtag is #FOSTERVOWS. Feel free to use it on Instagram to tag pictures leading up and from the event!
13. What's for dinner? What if I have a dietary restriction?
Napa and Sonoma are home to the world's finest wines...and some of the country's best food. Our wedding menu has been carefully designed by the area's top caterer and (of course!) Foster. We will be serving a family-style, multi-course meal with plenty of options. If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please let us know.
14. Will there be dancing?
Yes. Lots of it.
15. Are you taking song requests?
Yes. Have a special song you'd like to hear? Let us know here.
16. Who built this awesome website?
The bride to be :-)
Have a question that we haven't answered here? Send us an email.