Viansa Winery Wedding | Cheri & Jay

Client stories Weddings

April 10, 2014

This is a love that lasts. Cheri and Jay have spent more than a decade cherishing one another, riding the inevitable waves of life, and continuing to make a daily commitment to share their experiences with one another. This is the bedrock of a solid relationship, and these two have proven their devotion to one another.

They first met at a group dinner in Chicago, when their separate friend circles merged for an evening meal. Intrigue, attraction, and pairing-off ensued. After becoming a couple, Viansa Winery is the first Sonoma County winery they visited with one another. It left a deep emotional impression upon them–with the memory of its stunning landscape, richly-colored evening skies, well-kept grounds and touching architecture something they didn’t forget.

Ten years later, Viansa is the location they selected to publicly exchange their wedding vows and celebrate a lifetime of loving one another.

Jay proposed while he and Cheri were vacationing in Hawaii, in Lanai, at a private chef’s dinner while in a cabana overlooking the ocean. It was a super-classy move, and of course she said, ‘Yes!’ This particular dream destination was further rounded-out by a honeymoon in both the Maldives (with evenings resting at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru) as well as in Dubai (staying at the Burj Al Arab hotel). But, before we get ahead of ourselves, a dreamy and pitch-perfect wedding day of course comes before a jet-setting honeymoon:

Jay, as the Director of Program Management at Microsoft, and Cheri, as a Nordstrom’s Designer Department National Buyer, have a shared sense of taste and style, which celebrates clean, modern, sleek decor and design. As such, their creative inspiration for their wedding included an emphasis on fresh whites and tasteful metallic accents. The Viansa Winery own Meredith Lynch, coordinated the event, calling upon a stellar lineup of creative talent to help–including a strong collaboration with Cheri, elegant floral arrangements by Fleurs de France, delightful dining (including a shrimp cocktail, Cheri’s favorite) by Sage Catering, and even a classic, 1942 Packard convertible for the newlyweds transportation after the event.

The bride wore a tasteful Vera Wang gown, with accessories by Erickson Beamon and shoes by Sergio Rossi, while her bridesmaids were thoughtfully attired in pieces by Jenny Yoo Collection, and Cheri lavished her special ladies with Nadri earrings, as well as hair and makeup sessions, for the wedding. Cheri’s hair was styled and makeup applied by Heather Romero, of The Powder Room. The groom was handsome in a stong-cut Hugo Boss suit, with Prada shoes, and TAG Heuer watch, which Cheri surprised him with as a groom’s gift.. (He had another prize in store after their touching ceremony, a groom’s cake featuring a Chicago Cubs (yes, he’s a die-hard fan) baseball hat on home plate, complemented with baseball cards featuring Jay’s favorite players.

Upon reflecting after the festivities were over and life had resumed its regularly scheduled program, Cheri encourages brides-to-be to take advantage of every moment, and be fully immersed in the present on your wedding day. She says the day itself actually passes quickly, and there there is also great reward in relishing the planning for your special day, as well.

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