The General's Daughter Wedding in Sonoma, California

Wine, Email, Then Dine?

You just never know when and where you are going to meet the love of your life. For Jackie, she was enjoying a wine tasting at Scribe Winery with some friends. They had a lovely time thanks to their gracious host, Gustavo. Totally impressed with his charm and knowledge of wine, Jackie emailed him after to tell him how awesome he was. Flattered, he responded by asking her out on a date in San Francisco. They’ve been together ever since, literally.

Ironically, their venue: The General’s Daughter in Sonoma has a deeply rooted (pun intended) history in the wine industry. Between 1850-1860 Mexican General Marian Guadalupe Vallejo became a leader of California’s fledgling wine industry. He established vineyards and became one of the first commercial winemakers of Sonoma! He built The General’s Daughter for, you guessed it, his daughter as a wedding gift in 1864.

Aztec Queen and Her Blushing Groom

Let’s time hop from 1864 Sonoma Valley, California to 1900’s Altamirano Guerrero, Mexico, where gold was forged to make coins during the Mexican Revolution. This is where Jackie’s father’s family is from and their family kept these hand-forged coins for approximately 118 years! They didn’t lose these pieces for One. Hundred. Plus years! At some point in their family history, they were fashioned into a necklace and earrings that Gustavo’s aunt and mother wore on their wedding day. Now it was Jackie’s turn.

Jackie and Gustavo’s wedding bands were pieces from their late parents – made from Gustavo’s father gold necklace and her mother’s 25th-anniversary ring The jewelry was forged together by their friend and Bolinas jeweler; Locust House.

This story alone almost had me in tears! The tears came later during the wedding ceremony as their close friends married them, who also happened to be married to each other! And the vows! So thoughtful, so eloquent, and then BOOM, waterworks!

The General’s Daughter Wedding Ceremony

It’s all about the details, people! The General’s Daughter is a gorgeous Victorian wedding venue by itself, but Jackie and Gustavo added just the right amount of spice to truly make this venue theirs for the day.

Jackie looked muy hermosa (very beautiful) in her gown by Essense and makeup by Crush Beauty Bar! Her beautiful bridesmaids wore California-formal gowns by Show Me Your Mumu. Gustavo and his groomsmen looking suave as ever in suits by Zara.

Whites and blues were the primary colors, with accents of reds, oranges, and pinks sprinkled about the house, outside and in all the floral arrangements by family friend Ria D’Aversa. It was vibrant and beautiful, very much like Jackie and Gustavo’s love! There was a table set with pictures of Jackie’s mother and Gustavo’s father who had passed on. The brick fireplace that the couple’s table sat in front of during the reception was ornately decorated with flowers. Of course, the wine served was Scribe and Revik, the two brands Gustavo worked with.

Everything had a connection to them – the jewelry, the officiants, the reception, every little detail. And that’s what made Jackie and Gustavo’s General’s Daughter wedding so special. Felicidades a los dos and to many more wonderful years to come! Cheers!