REAL WEDDING: BACARA III

Thank you, Melissa Musgrove for sharing the beautiful photos - and all the other wonderful vendors!

Melissa Musgrove Photography
Donna Romani Events
Hearts Bloom
Bacara Resort
TEAM Hair & Makeup

REAL WEDDING: FIGUEROA MOUNTAIN FARMHOUSE

I will always remember this wedding. In part, because this couple are two of sweetest, most loving and generous people I've ever met. And in part, because ... It was the windiest, wildest wedding I have ever done.

It was a windy weekend everywhere in Santa Barbara County on this day in May. I've spoken to numerous other planners that experienced similar conditions. But up in the mountains off Figueroa Mountain Road, it whipped us around and wreaked havoc on all things wedding. Luckily, Maggie and Dominic were game for it. They chose their venue because of its beauty and unique perch that makes it feel like you're on top of the world - and the only ones on it - and they were prepared for whatever conditions came their way. Nothing could faze these lovebirds!

We had to make some adjustments - like incorporating firewood into the floral centerpieces in order to weigh down the tables and linens, and like moving the party inside immediately following dinner - but everyone rolled with it all and we had a blast.












Congratulations, Dominic and Maggie!! Thank you, Shoshanna Lee Photography for sharing the images. And thank you to all those vendors that went above and beyond and performed with such grace in such crazy conditions:

Donna Romani Events
Shoshana Lee Photography
Simply Marvelous BBQ Catering
AMS Entertainment
EventRents
Santa Barbara Airbus

A WILD NIGHT AT THE SANTA BARBARA ZOO

May 1st, 2009

Last night, the Santa Barbara Zoo celebrated the opening of the new California Trails exhibits - including a very cute Channel Islands Fox, impressive California Condors and more - as well as a new partnership with Rincon Catering. The party was held on the hilltop and hosted members of the media and the hospitality industry (i.e. yours truly). What a great evening of food, friends and animals! Rincon put on an amazing spread underneath a very cool tent they booked through EventRents (that is perfect for the space, just in case you’re planning something there). AMS pumped with great tunes from several of their DJs. The animals were out to party (both human and otherwise)! Congrats guys!

My gorgeous husband goes for the yummy tri-tip and cookies

Vineyard Mesa a Fabulous Addition to Firestone

April 9th, 2009

For those of you disappointed that Firestone’s Crossroads property is not presently booking events because you’ve dreamed of saying your vows under the Big Oak Tree, there is now a fabulous alternative. Firestone Winery has just finished building the Vineyard Mesa, a new Ceremony Site as part of the Winery’s property. Available for ceremonies up to 180 guests, the expansive lawn overlooks the vineyard and the valley. The gorgeous view and peaceful setting is highlighted by the magnificent Oak Tree marking the site. Congrats Firestone!

The site is remote from the main structure and requires shuttles and chair rental/set-up (assuming you want your guests seated). I’m told, though, that AMS has created a custom package for this site which includes the sound system, plus they will arrange shuttles and chairs at cost (i.e. no mark-up)! This simplifies things for you and could be worth looking into.

Happy Planning!
xo