Wedding | Ali & Doug
Tell us a little about yourselves!
We live in Oakland, California but met as coworkers when Doug was in DC and Ali was in San Francisco. We have a baby girl on the way which we’re so excited about.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
Ali first went to Valley Swim Club with her friends and they all fell in love with the owners, relaxed, California vibes, and the golden hills off in the distance. Ali quickly took Doug there and wanted to book a weekend even though they weren’t engaged yet.
How many guests did you have?
107.
What was your budget?
$85,000 (total between Friday and Saturday)
Tell us about your outfits.
Ali wore a wrap Cortana dress on Saturday and a bright red Caroline Constas dress her friend Sophie gave her for the Friday event.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
Ali wanted people to eat very good food family style and have guests feel like they were at a friend’s house for an outdoor dinner party in summer in Sonoma. She deferred to the Valley Swim Club team to pull off the vision, she fully trusted them to make most of the decisions.
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
Doug really wanted disco dance music and Ali really wanted a huge dessert table with fruit. Oh and the first dance song being Moonlight Lady by Sean Nicholas Savage.
Any tips for couples getting married?
Ali has zero regrets being mildly hungover on her wedding day – have fun on Friday night too! Hangout with the friends you don’t see often. She also recommends outsourcing most decisions.
Doug has zero regrets being mildly hungover on his wedding day. Also, be deliberate/intentional about music! There are far more fun dance songs for both old and young than Uptown Funk (The Boss – Diana Ross).
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Everyone should get married (or at least go eat a meal) at Valley Swim Club in Sonoma. The staff are chic, cool, and tasteful. Ali and Doug still aren’t convinced they don’t moonlight as models.
Photographer: Nataly Zigdon @natalyzigdonphoto | Planning: Melaina Bergin with Showrunner Events @melainabergin @showrunnerevents | Flora: Eothen Earth @eothen_ | Videographer: Ali's brother Scott | Ceremony & Reception Location: Valley Swim Club, Sonoma, CA @valleyswim.club | Celebrant: Meg Zukin @siccofpaparazzi | HMUA: Katie Taylor @rooted_salon_sf | Catering & Beverages: Sfizio (for Friday); Valley Swim Club, Sonoma, CA (for Saturday) @valleyswim.club | Stationery: Anna Baldwin @big_kid_amb | Entertainment: Golden Bell Music @goldenbellmusic | Dress: Cortana@cortana_official
