A Vineyard Wedding is Born
July 9, 2009 · Posted in venues, northern california, southern california by mo
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I felt like the Goldilocks of wedding venues. We visited eight, three in Southern California and four in Northern California. This one didn’t have enough room, this one didn’t have a coordinator, we didn’t like the coordinator at this one, there wasn’t an easy way to park at that one, the bathrooms had a leak at this one, there were too many ducks and too much duck poo, etc. etc. etc.
We had specific criteria in mind.
- needed to accomodate up to 200 guests (we have big families!)
- outside ceremony area preferred
- lots of outdoor spots for photography
- easy parking for guests
- private venue (we didn’t want another wedding going on at the same time)
- a coordinator or point person that we got along with (after meeting some coordinators we did not like, this became even more important!)
One night, after returning from the Wild Animal Park, we stopped by a vineyard that had a rocking party going on. There were twinkle lights and tons of people and everyone looked so happy. Unfortunately, it was a private party so we couldn’t do any wine tasting, but the boy remembered it and immediately suggested the vineyard when we first started looking for venues.
It fit all of the criteria, and the added bonus was that their coordinator was so nice and accommodating. We felt immediately at ease with her, and it made the decision that much easier for us. I was also swayed because the boy loved it so much, and if you keep reading my posts, you’ll soon realize that this show is mainly being run by me. It’s very rare that he has an opinion!
So after 8 venue visits asking about chairs and kitchen space and parking attendants and changing rooms and set-up times…we made the big decision and put down a deposit for…
**Trumpets**
July 3, 2010, at Orfila Vineyards!
[All images from Orfila Vineyards]
**Happy dance**
Are there any other vineyard brides out there? :)
I’ve been there!! They have good wine too!
i’m a vineyard bride :) here is a picture of where we are getting married: http://www.flickr.com/photos/frogtown/74150846/in/set-1592070/
The Perfect Palette’s most recent blog post: Etsy Wednesday: Sail Away with Me
@PDX Bride: Oooh! I’m glad you liked the wine, I’m actually mildly allergic so I have no clue about wine. Ironic that I’m getting married at a winery, isn’t it?
@TPP: Your venue is so pretty! The interior looks so warm and inviting. And we are having the same white chairs. :)
Mo’s most recent blog post: Inspiring Letterpress Invitation
Mo, don’t worry….I can help drink the wine for you. :)
The Professional Bridesmaid’s most recent blog post: Kevin Lam Does it Again
Oh those mountains in the background are so dreamy!! What a beautiful event and photos you’ll have!!
juel’s most recent blog post: Anthropologie Inspiration
@TPB: lol, good, because we’re having 75 bottles! I’m only allowing myself more alcohol when it gets darker and thus harder to tell that I am getting insanely red and splotchy.
@juel: Aren’t they?? I sometimes forget we have mountains in Southern California and then I look at winery pictures and there they are staring at me.
Mo’s most recent blog post: Inspiring Letterpress Invitation
I am so jealous… my fiance and I are having a a vineyard-themed wedding next fall, but are having to do it in a local park. We don’t live near any vineyards and the closest winery isn’t large enough to handle our large number of guests. Your wedding looks beautiful… I only hope that ours is half as nice!
I love your venue!!
I’m getting married at a vineyard in Ontario. http://www.vineland.com
