Cortney and Johnny During their first year of college, Cortney arrived at a bowling party wearing an “Everyone Loves an Italian Girl” t-shirt that immediately caught Johnny’s eye. She’d come to the event as a fraternity brother’s date, but Johnny says he fell in love with her on the spot and knew he’d marry her one day. While Cortney wasn’t as quick to acknowledge her affections, it was the start of a deep and enduring friendship. Six years later, they officially became a couple.
On a New Year’s trip to Cabo San Lucas with his family, Johnny surprised her with a sunset proposal. From a restaurant terrace, they watched the sky fill with breathtaking color. Cortney suggested they return the next year, because the view was surely one they’d remember forever. Standing quietly next to her, Johnny pulled a ring out of his pocket and replied, “How about we remember this place for something else?” Cortney was so shocked that the first words out of her mouth were, “Whose ring is this?” After a few reassurances that the stunning Yael Designs ring was for her and that he was indeed proposing, Cortney accepted. “I knew at that moment that I was going to be spending the rest of my life with my best friend,” she says.
As an event coordinator herself, Cortney had planned numerous weddings and chose her coworker Brooke Altman to assist in the organization and design of her special day. From the start, the couple had a good idea of the things they did not want and a long list of “must haves.” Says Cortney, “Johnny and I are a laid-back, relaxed type of couple, so we did not want a wedding that was going to be too over-the-top or formal. We wanted to make our guests feel welcome—and we were ready to dance the night away!”
After two months of researching venues in the Sonoma region, they decided that the views and amenities of the Sonoma Golf Club made it a perfect fit. To set a relaxed and playful mood, they chose bright colors as accents throughout the event. Flowers by Vanda were presented in vibrant corals, oranges, and yellows with ivory accents. The bridesmaids wore knee-length coral dresses by After Six, coordinating with the men’s ties and boutonnieres. The cake, designed by Michele Corner Cakes, continued the theme with orange banding and white icing topped with a bold orange blossom.
For the event, Cortney selected a strapless white gown with a beaded belt by Enzoani, which she paired with striking coral shoes and a gold infinity necklace. With her hair and makeup styled by Lauthr Salon, Cortney says the moment she finally emerged and saw Johnny was one of the most emotional moments of the day. “I had butterflies all morning and afternoon, but the minute I turned the corner to see him, all my nerves disappeared. I wanted to run up to him and just kiss him, but I was too afraid I was going to trip in my heels and dress!” she remembers.
After an outdoor ceremony officiated by the groom’s cousin, the couple and their guests enjoyed a meal catered by The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, presented atop tables beautifully dressed by La Tavola Linens. In the evening, they celebrated to music by Dennis Anderson (Anderson Entertainment) and served a late-night snack of sliders and BLTs. “It was the perfect treat,” says Cortney.
After the wedding, the couple returned to Cabo San Lucas, the site of their proposal, for a week-long honeymoon. After such a memorable wedding, they now look forward to a long life together. “Johnny is my best friend and I am his,” says Cortney. “We could not be more excited to see what our future holds.”
Vendors:
Event Planner: Brooke Altman | Photographer: Catherine Hall, Catherine Hall Studios Ceremony & Reception Venue: Sonoma Golf Club | Event Designer: Cortney Antonetti (Bride) & Brooke Altman | Winery Dress Designer: Enzoani | Groom’s Wardrobe Designer: Selix | Shoe Designer for Bride & Groom: Steve Madden | Bridesmaids Dresses: After Six | Hair & Makeup: Lauthr | Invitations & Wedding Paper Goods: Wedding Paper Divas | Officiant: Loy Linebarger (Groom’s Cousin) | Florist: Vanda | Caterer: Fairmont, Sonoma Mission Inn | Cake Designer: Michele Corner Cakes | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals and Sonoma Golf Club | Linen: La Tavola Linens | Ceremony Music & Reception Music: Dennis Anderson, Anderson Entertainment | Transportation: Marin Airporter
