July 31, 2009
For those of you that have been following my blog this year, I appreciate that you've stuck with me. I was actually pretty happy with it in the beginning. Mostly, I think, because I started this process a complete novice and did not know what to expect. But I'm a pretty quick learner, and it did not take long to figure out that my blog was very limited in its capabilities to both inform and interact. And so I began the process of giving it a complete overhaul. I've given it better graphics, added information and photos about me, tools to find me elsewhere, options to subscribe and follow, and I've also added my blog list of the favorites I follow. Every morning I log on while sipping my latte and see what my friends are up to, and then I share the best of what inspires me, or something that I learned today, yesterday or this week. Hopefully it helps, hopefully it's fun. I'd love to hear your thoughts and your questions; I'll do my best to answer.
Stay tuned (I'm going to go make another latte)! xo
Friday, July 31, 2009
New Videographer: ApertureVideos
July 30th, 2009
ApertureVideos shot Chris & Tami’s wedding video in Eling’s Park last fall. I recently got my hands on a copy and I’ve been trying to figure out how to upload it onto my site and/or blog for you all to check out. I’m still working on it (it’s a big file)! In the meantime, you can check out the video on Aperture’s homepage. Enjoy! xoxo
Canary Follow Up: Bridal Teas, Baby Showers, Birthdays
July 24th, 2009
I just spoke with the Catering Director at the Canary who passed along a GREAT tidbit! The Canary is currently running a fabulous Summer Special on private parties - think bridal showers & teas, birthday parties, baby showers. Offer is valid for events taking place between now and November 30, 2009.
High Tea in the Presidential Suite
Tea sandwiches
Charred Vegetable with Aged Feta on Olive Bread
Smoked Salmon with Dill
Herb Poached Chicken with Rosemary Aioli
Smoked Trout on Rye
Cucumber and Watercress
Assorted Scones with Devonshire Cream, Preserves and Honey
Assorted Mini Pastries
Strawberries with Lavender Whip Cream
Selection of Might Leaf Teas
$32 per person**
Birthday Celebrations
From $42 per person**
Your even have options for your intimate gathering’s site! Choose from The Perch-Canary’s Rooftop, The Presidential Suite, or The Chapala Patio. Love it! Contact me at 805.286.6505 or donna@donnaromanievents.com for more details.
The Canary Sings: Rooftop Perch, Stunning Views
July 22nd, 2009 
I had a meeting last week at The Canary Hotel, and fell in love with its rooftop deck all over again. Located in downtown Santa Barbara, the Spanish style architecture is fabulous and the rooftop boasts 360 degrees of breathtaking views. I love this place for intimate weddings (they also have a ballroom inside that can accommodate up to 120 guests). But even more so, I love the rooftop for rehearsal dinners, private parties and corporate receptions. The deck is ideal for getting guests circulating - you HAVE to move around in order to enjoy the views from each side! With a cozy fireplace and great food, this is the spot! (p.s. If you pop in for a tour, the main floor bar COAST has excellent happy hour specials on drinks and apps!) xoxo
The fireplace and pool, gorgeous!
So Cool Engagement Photos!
July 21st, 2009
I absolutely LOVE this couple! Tami and Tim are getting married this October here in Santa Barbara. Being a couple of savvy New Yorkers, they are doing things they’re own way - including these fabulous engagement photos by Ben Gibbs, www.bengibbsphotography.com. I am having so much fun working with them; I cannot wait for their wedding! Enjoy, xoxo!
Casa Das Palmas and Villa de Camino Cielo
July 20th, 2009
Every area of the sprawling lawn provides amazing views over Santa Barbara
Last week I had the pleasure of visiting two more fabulous Santa Barbara Estates, Casa das Palmas in the exclusive neighborhood of Hope Ranch and Villa de Camino Cielo.
Casa das Palmas is a Spanish style hacienda that lives up to it name, nestled at the base of dozens of towering Palm trees. The Palms provide a sense of privacy and seclusion that makes this property a quiet little oasis. It’s available as a vacation rental with its 4 bedrooms that sleep up to 10 guests or as an event venue for weddings, corporate receptions or private parties up to 200 guests. The site for a wedding starts at $8,000. For an amazing weekend long affair or corporate retreat, you can even rent the property for the entire weekend! There is a 10pm curfew for amplified music, but the party can go on until midnight. Bathrooms will need to be brought in and a professional coordinator is required. Following are some photos for you. Enjoy!
Front Entrance of the gorgeous hacienda-style Casa das Palmas
From the air you can see the fabulous tennis courts,
lawns and pool of the Estate
A beautiful pool and patio make as stunning backdrop
Villa de Camino Cielo boasts unparalleled views from its perch above Santa Barbara. The gorgeous property is over 26 acres, providing complete privacy. The property’s exterior is available for weddings, private parties and corporate events for up to 300 guests. The site fee for a wedding starts at $8,000 and includes the use of the pool house for the bridal party to get ready. The Estate can also be rented for the weekend if you would like use of the house. There is a 3 night minimum and it can sleep up to 10 guests comfortably. Bathrooms need to be brought in and a professional coordinator is required. Enjoy the photos and the views!
The Front Entrance of Villa de Camino Cielo
Every area of the sprawling lawn provides amazing views over Santa Barbara
This arch could make a dramatic grand entrance!
The bath house/ cabana available for brides
The stunning infinity pool would be even more amazing with some dramtic lighting, or it could even be covered and lit to make an unforgettable dance floor
Hope you enjoyed. Stay tuned for more upcoming Estates. Contact me for more details on Estate events at donna@donnaromanievents.com or 805-286-6505.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Hollywood Glamour at the Granada Theatre
July 15th, 2009
The historic 1924 landmark Granada Theatre in downtown Santa Barbara has just finished its first full season in operation since its major renovations were completed. Now that it’s up and running, it’s opening its doors a little wider and welcoming events. This is super exciting news! The Granada is magnificent and would be a unique and totally astounding venue for a corporate reception or - gasp - a wedding reception! Think vintage hollywood glamour, a black-tie fete with your name in lights. Goosebumps! You could have so much fun weaving ideas for an event here. I’ve posted some photos of the theatre below, but also be sure to check out the very end of the post for an inspiration board I put together for a wedding reception here. For more information or details contact me donna@donnaromanievents.com. xo!
Imagine red carpet treatment at the front entrance for guests and your name (or company's name) in lights on the marquee
The lobby is a gorgeous spot for cocktails or a welcome reception
There are Kitchen facilities (no open flames) and plenty of bathrooms. If you plan a buffet, you could put the buffet tables out on the Mezzanine. Wha-la!
The theatre can be rented out for an additional fee; you could seat 100 on the stage for dinner (how fun!)
Okay, now that you’ve seen The Granada, here are some of my initial thoughts:
Estate Week Continues - Villa de la Guerra
July 14th, 2009
Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Mary Hanson, owner of the fabulous and ultra chic Villa de la Guerra. The estate was designed in 1910 by one of Santa Barbara’s most influential architects Francis Townsend Underhill. Mary and her husband bought the estate in 2003 and have spent the last five years restoring it to its original grandeur (and then some).
The property is very intimate and has a distinguished feel. You could go all out and have a super glamorous soiree, or you could keep it very simple and sophisticated. A limited number of weddings will be allowed here, so for the lucky few the site fee will be $10,000. The capacity is roughly 125 … I would say 125 would be perfect for a cocktail reception and 75-100 would be comfortable for a seated meal. The venue is right around the corner from the Santa Barbara Mission (www.santabarbaramission.org), making it ideal for a ceremony at the mission, or at the mission’s rose gardens, and then turn the corner to Villa de la Guerra for the reception. The property is also quite perfect for corporate and charity receptions, as well as intimate dinners. I can’t think of a more beautiful setting. Contact me for more details donna@donnaromanievents.com.
Here are some images; enjoy!
Historic Villa de la Guerra
The steps leading to the main entrance are quite majestic
Through the front doors is a beautiful courtyard - perfect for cocktails. It feels like you've entered the secret garden, only more regal!
The galleria separates the courtyard from the backyard. This would be a great place for appetizer stations and escort cards or a greeting table
Here are the back doors looking through the galleria into the courtyard. Imagine a Grand Entrance here - so stunning!
And the backyard ... need I say anything?
View from the far side of the yard looking back at the house
The sides of the house are ideal for caterers to set up and bathrooms that would need to be brought in
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