This Inn is magical. I have never been in a place with such a peaceful atmosphere. The architecture of the place is stunning, so creative and original. Every room has it's own flavor, and they are all beautiful. There are living plants and flowers everywhere, some indigenous, some exotic, all beautifully arranged around the grounds, and in the rooms.

My husband and I were lucky enough to be the very first elopement wedding package that the Cottage Inn has ever put together, and I must say that they quite outdid themselves. For one flat rate, the package included the Vineyard View suite, the minister, the photographer, the flowers, a cake, champagne for the toast, and a couple's massage.

Let me begin with Faye. Faye is one of the owners of the Cottage Inn, which was designed and built by her late husband, and she was the mastermind behind our fantastic wedding. She is amazing. I have hereby adopted her as a family member. She threw herself into planning our ceremony with so much love and excitement, that I know it was her infectious enthusiasm that made it so completely special and perfect. I could tell she had a lot of fun doing it. She is the sweetest, most peaceful woman I have ever met, and her positive vibes make it easy to enjoy yourself.

As for the room: The Vineyard View suite is the only room located upstairs, and it has a beautiful view of one of the oldest vineyard in Sonoma County. There is a large jacuzzi tub that faces the window with the view. There is an adorable little breakfast nook, facing some large double doors that open onto a view of the bell tower of the inn. The lighting that comes in through the double doors is phenomenal, it bathes the room in a heavenly glow for most of the day, and you can watch the sun set. There are fresh floral arrangements that are changed daily (we stayed for an extra night, and were delighted to find a new, different bouquet the next day). The bed was extraordinarily comfortable.

The food provided was light (pastries, o.j., milk, cereal, coffee) but was perfect considering the location of the Inn. It is a 5 minute walk from downtown Sonoma, where there are countless restaurants, and many things to explore. The last thing you would want is to be bogged down by a heavy breakfast.

The couples massage was amazing. They have a spa room that is mostly window that faces a little rock zen garden (very private, of course). The masseuses were incredible.. My husband was a little uncomfortable at the thought of getting a massage, as this was his first one. By about a half hour into it, he began snoring. Afterwards he felt like conquering the world, and I felt like melting into a comfortable chair.

The minister the Inn suggested to us was perfect. Reverend Dalton, an Irish minister with a Catholic background (who was more than happy to do our nondenominational ceremony) provided some very inspirational words, and he was very thorough in learning about our relationship so that he could arrange the perfect ceremony for us..

The photographer that the Inn hired for our ceremony, Douglas Thompson, was SO professional, but very very fun to work with. His work is amazing, and he recommended his extraordinary make-up artist, Stephanie Collette to do my hair and make-up, which came out perfectly.

The bouquet of flowers and my husbands boutonniere were created from the vaguest description of my dress and my flower preferences ("My dress is ivory with blue beads, and I don't know, I guess I like roses") I could not believe how well they matched everything. The cake was created from our description of what kind of cake we liked, and it was beautiful AND delicious. The layout that Faye set up with the cake and champagne and candles and flowers was SO beautiful and artistic and perfect. She is a genius.

We had our ceremony in the center lounge room, which is so amazing that it's difficult to describe. Exotic palms trees grow tall behind 4 throne-like seats that are built into the ground. Overhead is all open sky through a transparent dome canopy (weatherproof) Raised up in the center of the 4 seats is the most unique fountain I have ever seen. On top of the fountain is a huge bowl filled with broken bits of glass (from old shower doors, Faye informed us) that has a fire lit on the glass, giving the impression of fire on ice. We had the fire lit for our ceremony, which took place at 7 at night. I could not imagine a more perfect setting for a wedding.

I am so grateful to Faye, and everyone at the Cottage Inn, for making our special day so memorable and perfect. We plan on staying there every year on our wedding anniversary, and I am already looking forward to going back.