SBWC: SNEAK PEEK

I apologize for being absent on the blog last week. I'm gearing up for a busy and fun wedding season in Santa Barbara, and have also been preparing for the Santa Barbara Wedding Couture showcase this past Saturday. All good things that will generate loads of eye candy for you readers!

To begin with, the showcase on Saturday was gorgeous! The vendors all brought it out and put on a fabulous show. I had a wonderful time reconnecting with many friends and making lots of new ones. For my part in the showcase, I worked with Kerstin Olson Horneman from Blue Magnolia Floral & Event Design to create a tablescape using pieces from Town & Country Event Rentals that would make a statement!

I cannot wait for the photos of the table to share with you, and will hopefully have them early next week. In the meantime, here's a peek at the set-up stages:

I know Laird, from Town & Country, may not look helpful in this photo (love you, Laird!), but what rock stars their team was!

And a sneak peek at the table itself :-D


Happy Monday! xo!

INSPIRATION BOARD: SANTA BARBARA WEDDING COUTURE

Here is a sneak peek at what you'll see next Saturday at Santa Barbara Wedding Couture. Outside the University Club, on the patio and lawn areas, Donna Romani Events has teamed up with Town and Country Event Rentals, Blue Magnolia Floral & Event Design, Omni Catering and Linda Chaja Photography to create a feast for your eyes and imagination.

And check out these FABULOUS hand blown glass candlesticks in amethyst that I found scavenging through antique stores last week!
I look forward to seeing you there!! Visit Santa Barbara Wedding Couture for more information and tickets. xo!

SANTA BARBARA WEDDING COUTURE

If you happen to be engaged and in the Santa Barbara area next Saturday, March 27th, you won't want to miss this! And if you're not planning to be in the area, change your plans! Seriously, the show will even hook you up with some awesome deals at local hotels for the weekend.

This event will be an intimate and fabulous showcase for the area best wedding vendors. Everything will be there - from clothes and jewelry to rentals, an outstanding fashion show, florists, photographers and venues (including some killer estates!). And of course, I will be there, as one of three wedding planners, offering advice and meeting with brides to answer questions. You don't want to miss it!

SANTA BARBARA WEDDING COUTURE

Saturday, March 27, 2010

2:00p.m. – 6:00p.m

University Club
1332 Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

For more information and tickets, visit Santa Barbara Wedding Couture, or contact me at donna@donnaromanievents.com or (805) 286-6505.

And if you come, please stop by and say hello! I'll be outside on the patio and lawn enjoying the sunshine and sipping or nibbling on something yummy from my neighbor, Omni Catering ;-D

xo!

WE'RE IN LA STYLE UNVEILED

I am super excited to announce that Donna Romani Events is now featured in Style Unveiled's Los Angeles Swag Bag. Visit the Style Unveiled site to download the gift bag full of coupons, discounts and great value!

VENUE: WIGGY RANCH

Wiggy Ranch is a privately owned and operated property. A working avocado farm, the family is super sweet and is excited to have the opportunity to share their tremendous views and beautiful land for a limited number of events each year.

The vast lawns have amazing views of the mountains, with the luxury of total privacy

At the end of the lawn are steps going to the "top of the world."
A trek, but worth it for the view and photos

The pond is actually filled with water for events - I love venues with a water element!

The pergola is a great space for the band or DJ and to set up a dance floor

These next two photos are the smaller lawn at the bottom of the hill.
This is where the ceremony would take place before shuttling guests up to the top for dinner.

The cluster of trees make a great, natural altar

The Details:
- Site capacity is <300 making it an excellent venue for large weddings
- Bathrooms must be brought in
- There are some outlets for power, but a generator may be needed
- Lighting and heaters are necessary
- A full kitchen must be brought in by your caterer
- All rentals must be brought in
- Valet or <20-person shuttles are required as there is no parking at the top of the trail and large shuttles won't make it
- There is no curfew!
- A privately owned property, Wiggy Ranch limits events to 6-10 per year
- $5,000 site fee plus $1,000 refundable deposit

For more information, contact me at (805) 286-6505 or donna@donnaromanievents.com. Have a fabulous weekend! xo!

WINE COUNTRY VENUE: HOTEL CORQUE

The Hotel Corque in Solvang is situated smack in the middle of wine country -- with all of the beauty of the valley and all of the creature comforts of a luxury hotel. The hotel is available for weddings and events, and offering group rates on hotel rooms year round, it's also a great bet for out of town guests.

If you prefer to do everything in one place, there is a patio available for wedding ceremonies. Or if you have your heart set on a winery wedding but cannot afford the hefty site fees ... have your ceremony at the nearby Old Mission, Alisal Ranch or one of the wineries willing to do ceremonies only (i.e. Lincourt, Foley, Larner, Firestone) and then return to the Hotel Corque for a first class reception.

Adjacent to the ballroom is the hotel's Restaurant 246, featuring celebrity chef Bradley Ogden. The lounge above is part of the restaurant's bar and can be rented out as a lounge for your event. The white curtains in the back of the photo, pull back to open into the ballroom pictured above.

For smaller groups or rehearsal dinners, the restaurant - or parts of the restaurant may also be rented out.

The scoop for the Ballroom:
- The ballroom seats up to 250 for dinner
- Dinner averages $40-45++/head
- Fee includes use of the outdoor patio for Ceremony and/or Cocktails
- 12am shut-down
- $2,000 site fee ($1,000 off-season), Food & Bev minimums may apply

The scoop for Restaurant 246:
- Outdoor patio is great for rehearsal dinners up to 45 guests for a $600 site fee, no Food & Beverage minimum
- Ultra Lounge is available with a $6,000 Food & Beverage Minimum
- Entire Restaurant is available with a $20,000 Food & Beverage Minimum

Please contact me for more information, donna@donnaromanievents.com or (805) 286-6505.

xo!

NEW MONTECITO ESTATE VENUE: ISLAND OASIS

Another new Estate emerges in the Montecito market available for weddings and events. A totally unique oasis, this gorgeous home exudes a sublime sense of peaceful luxury and zen-like tranquility that immerses guests in a sea of sensory pleasures, creature comforts and natural beauty the minute the gates sweep open to welcome them. The custom-designed pool is just one of the many beautifully crafted elements highlighting this property. The location--just a few blocks from the beach-- takes full advantage of the Pacific’s soft ocean breezes.








The Details:
- Available for events up to 75 guests
- The interior of the home is included in the fee; including bathrooms for guest use and bedrooms for the wedding party to get ready
- Full gourmet kitchen available for caterer's use
- Amplified music would need to be shut off by 10pm
- Fee includes Friday set-up and Sunday removal of rentals
- Shuttles are required for guests
- Power is available, but a generator may need to be brought in
- Event insurance and an approved wedding coordinator are required

Contact me at (805) 286-6505 or donna@donnaromanievents.com for more information on the Montecito Island Oasis, or about Estate weddings in Santa Barbara.

INVITATION FAVORITES: CHOCOLATE BUTTERBEAN

Just the name makes me happy! Chocolate Butterbean. It sounds exotic and tempting, smooth and yummy. And the invitations are to die for. Vintage classic and oh-so romantic.

They specialize in flat printing, thermography and letterpress. And everything is delightful.





And, they also do these AMAZING wood and canvas signs. Aren't they spectacular?! It makes me want a formal office (other than my house) so that I can order one for my company shingle to hang outside the front door.


Have a fabulous weekend, everyone. xo!!

INVITATION FAVORITES: ROCK PAPER SCISSORS DESIGN

For overall invitation presentation, Rachel at Rock Paper Scissors Design creates experiences in a box. Her pieces are more than invitations, they are keepsakes that will set the tone for what can only follow as a truly one of a kind event.

Plus, I've got to tell you, Rachel is a complete doll. Check out her creative genius:



One more favorite to share with you tomorrow. xo!

INVITATION FAVORITES: LAZARO DESIGNS

For invitations that simply ooze elegance, I always trust Tracy implicitly. With impeccable taste and style, Lazaro Designs is hands down marvelous. Tracy does almost any type of invitation style - from letterpress to thermography. She is a master at vintage, modern, rustic, classic and you name it. Tracy has a calligrapher for any hand you may like (including myself, Bella Copia Calligraphy). There is something for everyone, and no one will be disappointed.












See you tomorrow with another favorite. xo!