What Every Bride Should Ask her Event Rental Supplier

By Heidi Whitcomb, CEO Ventura Party Rental Center

1)            What is your policy on weather issues or changes?

Due to the unpredictability of the weather this is a very important question.  Weather can make you need to change your order dramatically, due to possibly changing locations, or you may have to come up with a plan to keep your guests warm and dry and still be outside.  At Ventura Rental we have a policy that we will take care of heating and tenting any existing clients prior to taking on a new client in the event of inclement weather.  We generally ask for these decisions to be made four to five days before the event so we can prepare with required tenting permits and the correct equipment to make sure the job is done properly.  When rainy weekends are approaching we often get calls on Friday from new clients wanting to tent.  Due to fire safety laws pertaining to tenting and the urgency of timing, this can be a request that has to go unfulfilled or can be a real budget buster.    If we are given this same request a few days earlier it is much more likely to be a reality and allow the event to continue as planned, just under a beautiful canopy.

2) What services are covered under normal delivery and pick up fees?

Delivery, pick up, set up and installation and removal of the equipment can have a large affect on your bottom line costs.  It is important for your rental dealer to know ALL the information regarding what services you need or your venue requires so that your order can be quoted appropriately.  Many times we are given bare bones information at the original booking of the order and then have to revise the information, such as adding a midnight pickup, and adding the correct cost for the additional service.   We keep the requirements of all local venues on hand for reference, yet some venues will alter their requirements due to other events at the same location so it is important to look at each event individually.  It is also important to know if we have stairs, long carries or any other obstacles or unique situations when delivering so we can come prepared.  If it is a site we are unfamiliar with we will do a site visit ahead of time.  At Ventura Rental we provide all different types of services so communication and correct information are vital for all parties to achieve exactly what services they need.

3) Would there be any thing else you would suggest or change if it was your own event?

This is a tricky question.  Over the years we have seen MANY events from inception to completion.  We have learned some tricks of the trade along the way.  Some bridal couples are very set in what they want and are not really looking for any additional suggestions and yet some are very open to changes and input from others.  Therefore, if we know you are open to suggestions from others then we will help you look at your event as a whole and possibly point out some ways to help you achieve your end result or make your event run a little smoother.  Remember the planning process can be a year or longer.  Multiple times I have run across a product or an idea during the process that has inspired me to reach out to a client and pass the idea along if I know she is open to input from others and will receive it in the helpful manner it is given.

4) Is there anywhere you see I can decrease my costs without changing the look of my event?

This is a great question due to the large amounts of events that we see each year.  Very often we can look through someone’s order and help them figure out if it has any “fat” for them to trim.  We can also offer some tips as to things that can be changed without affecting the integrity of the look or the event.   Many times we can help with a simple change that guests will be unaware of that will save the party hosts hundreds of dollars.

You can contact the professionals at Ventura Party Rental Center at: 805-644-4496

or visit them on the Web by clicking here.

The Top 5 Questions For Couples Looking At Wedding Videography

by YTS Videography

1. How much will a professional wedding film cost?

Prices for wedding videography can vary dramatically and are not always a proper gauge for quality.  At YTS Digital Films we pride ourselves at  providing our clients with award-winning production value at an affordable cost.  One of the most important messages we try to convey to prospective    clients is that you cannot shop for wedding videography just by price. It is an art form and there are huge differences between companies.

2. Will the videographer be intrusive on my wedding day?

That depends on whom you choose to film your wedding. There are many  companies out there that will treat your wedding day like a commercial shoot, disregarding the true meaning of the event. Our company has built a  25+ year reputation on being totally unobtrusive while capturing every detail and nuance of your day.

3. Who will actually be filming and editing my wedding?

This is always a huge concern with couples we speak with. Many companies rely on contract shooters and editors brought in and out of various projects.    A couple may not even know who their videographer will be until the day of         and they certainly won’t know whose editing their wedding. At YTS Digital  Films you will have a production team that is exclusively comprised of Gary,  Harlene, William and David Conlin. With experience and commitment we are    able to take each couple’s wedding production from start to finish.

4. What will my finished wedding film look like?

Our studio listens to each couple as they craft their own style for their wedding film. Incorporating their music choices and highlighting the most     important moments of the day, we weave together a cinematic memory that couples will cherish for years to come. Also, unlike most companies out there, we provide our clients with an edited “documentary-style” master footage     collection along with your custom wedding film, so you can relive your  wedding day in it’s entirety whenever you please.

5. What’s the difference between having a professional wedding videographer or having a friend/family member film my wedding?

In a word: everything. A friend or family member probably does not have the experience, commitment or equipment to properly capture the most  important day of your life. Wedding filmmaking is an exclusive art form built  upon years of experience. You do not want your wedding memories looking     like they were filmed on a cell phone. You owe it to future generations to  share with them a piece of visual art that captures your family at a moment in  time.

Owner/Founder Scott Topper Productions, Scott Topper

After over 600 weddings in Santa Barbara and its surrounding areas, we are continually asked for our wedding planning tips and secrets of what to look for when hiring an event supply partner for a Santa Barbara wedding.  Professionals in the Santa Barbara area come and go, but the top notch ones stay.  Because many brides do not know who is reputable, who has a proven track record and who is just all fluff and whose lack of knowledge may impact their wedding day disastrously, we are dedicating our next several BLOG posts with our top Santa Barbara wedding planning tips, covering many of the major Santa Barbara wedding vendors for big day.  Today, our guest blogger is Scott Topper  of  Scott Topper Productions.

Answers To Your Most Important DJ Questions 2012

What are the questions I should ask a DJ company before hiring an entertainment professional for my special event?

As a DJ vendor we realize how important it is to remain creative and demonstrate to our clients our value, expertise, and uniqueness at the first meeting. With so many disc jockey entertainment choices, we know it’s important to find someone you can trust for your special event. Just like you, every event is unique.  Life events are very emotional celebrations and need to be handled with care.  Our goal is to give you the day you always wanted. We will listen to your requests and make suggestions along the way.  We deliver FUN.

In what type of events do you specialize? 

We specialize in Weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Red Carpet and Hollywood after parties, Corporate, Fund-raisers and non-profits with our Live Auction Emcees, Sweet 16′s, College and University, and Celebrity Lifestyle gatherings.  Scott loves celebrating his Jewish ethnicity, so for our Mitzvahs we incorporate the traditions such as Grand Entrance, Hora, Chair-raise, and Candle lighting.  We really enjoy all the fun Mitzvah games like hula hoop challenges, cha-cha slide, coke and pepsi, and the basketball hoop shot.  Great fun!

Why is music so important at an event?

DJ music is the heart and soul of any party.  It is the emotional air that you breathe the minute you walk through the door.  Our job is to transform you, to lift you up, to make you feel alive, to make you giggle and laugh, to call upon your inner child so that your spirit will feel free and your body will react through movement and self-expression on the dance floor.  That’s truly why people hire our creative form of DJ Entertainment.

What do you mean by offering “A Creative DJ Experience?” 

What makes you unique?  We are classy, upscale, and lots of FUN.  Our goal is for you to relax and have the time of your life.  It’s very important for us to be creative at your event.  No two events are ever the same.  A celebration combines diverse musical tastes, styles, families, and ethnicities, all coming together for a life event.  There is no such thing as a cookie cutter reception. We provide personalized music planning and coordination for your special event and will work with you to create the ultimate party experience!

How did Scott Topper get started in the special event business? 

Scott’s Father Steve was a special event photographer and visionary.  He would take Scott to all his work parties and celebrity mixers.  Scott grew up as a child in the special event world and realized at a young age what a fun industry it was to work in and be a part of…he feels blessed and fortunate to have the opportunity to do what he does for a living.

Why is Scott so passionate about being an DJ-MC? 

Scott loves music and entertaining.  Music is in Scott’s heart and soul.  Since he was a teenager, Scott sang, played guitar and bass in bands, and he DJ’d at special events.  Scott also enjoys writing songs and recording.  Music is Scott’s passion and he is an expert at his DJ craft.

How long has Scott Topper been a Professional DJ-MC? 

For over a decade Scott Topper has been performing and Emceeing at special events nationwide.  He is also a three-time Emmy nominated TV Show Host.  Scott is a full time professional DJ entertainer.  Scott oversees your timeline and music choices in order to keep the event on time and the dance floor energized. Scott knows the proper etiquette for your type of party.

What is the sign of a great Emcee-DJ?  Someone who can read the crowd, remain in the moment, and play the right music at the appropriate time.  Just say NO to cheesy MC’s.  You are the center of attention.  We make the introductions and facilitate the fun.  We are also improvisational and theatrically trained Emcees that are comfortable making the announcements.

Can we meet in person before hiring you for our event? 

Yes, our event staff would welcome an opportunity to meet you in person.  Let us know the day, time, and location, and we will be there.  Consultations usually last one hour and are at no charge.  We conveniently have offices in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.  Many of our clients are destination Weddings so we will e-mail and chat on the phone to work through the details.

What are the worst DJ Horror stories you have ever heard?

The story usually begins with…”We asked a friend to DJ…I can’t believe she didn’t show up…or…my Fiance was in charge of hiring the DJ so he asked Uncle Al to bring his stereo and hook up his ipod…we saved money but it ruined our wedding.  Everyone just stood there bored and looked at each other.”  Our advice…hire a DJ entertainment professional…in life you get what you pay for and we regard DJ entertainment as a top event priority.  A great DJ makes all the difference.

Does your DJ Set-up take up a lot of room? 

We use professional DJ equipment and usually set up as close to the dance floor as possible with our speakers placed on tripods on either side of our mixing board.  We also request a six foot skirted DJ table to be placed behind our two foot by two foot black box sound system.  Our set-up is professional and sounds amazing!

How many songs should we select?

Weddings are divided into 4 categories.  Ceremony, Cocktails, Dinner, and Dancing.  Mitzvahs begin with Cocktails, then Dance, Dinner, then back to Games and Dance Music.  Try to narrow down your selections to one hundred titles and artists for a four to five hour event.  We will e-mail you music planning sheets with lots of awesome suggestions.  Our website is also an interactive music planner.  This is the fun part of planning your event!  We are willing to play requests and we discuss music ahead of time.

How many people should make a Speech or Toast at a Wedding?

We usually start out with a Welcome Speech by either the host or hostess.  After the first course is served it’s time for the Best Man and Maid of Honor speech.  Try not to have more than four toastmasters as this will tend to slow down your reception and make it more difficult to vamp up the dance floor energy.  We usually save the Bride & Groom for the Thank You speech after they cut the cake.

Do you have Dancers? 

Yes, we call our dancers enhancer dancers, as they work like party motivators to engage and interact with the crowd, keeping the teens and adults entertained.

Do you offer DJ Lighting Packages?

We offer two different packages.  We have basic DJ Lighting and Ultimate DJ Lighting.  We know the importance of creating ambiance on the dance floor so that when the room lights come down low, the energy becomes focused on the dance floor and it’s time to get into the groove.

Will the music be so loud that my ears are ringing and we can’t talk to our guests during dinner? 

Absolutely not.  DJ audio volumes need to be adjusted during cocktail hour and dinner so that you can have a conversation with friends and family that have travelled great distances to reminisce and mingle.

Is power ever a challenge at an event?

Power is never an issue as long as it is discussed in advance.  WE usually require two dedicated twenty amp power outlets on a dedicated circuit.

Are slideshow or video presentations ever an issue at an event? 

No, as long as the slideshow or video production is less than ten minutes during the event and the RCA audio cables have been secured in advance of the event.

Are you insured? Can you supply me with proof of liability?

Yes, as professional DJ company with over a decade of experience and as a member of the American Disc Jockey Association, we carry full insurance coverage.

Will you provide backup equipment at my event?

Yes, Scott Topper Productions is one of the few DJ companies that actually brings an entire back-up DJ system with speakers and microphones to EVERY event.  You only get one chance to make a first impression.  It’s how we sleep at night.

How early will you arrive for set-up?

We state on the contract that we will arrive sixty minutes prior to your event at no additional charge.  However, if we are contracted for more than one DJ installation at your event, we back time each system set-up by one hour.

Do you provide a written contract?  If I book Scott, will Scott be the DJ at my event?

Yes, you are guaranteed your professional DJ entertainer in writing.  We provide a 2 Page DJ Contract and require a 50% retainer fee to secure the date and time.

Will you be suitably dressed for our occasion?

Yes, we wear formal attire such as a suit and tie, or dress in black for your event.  Just let us know your preferred dress style.

Do you belong to any professional organizations or trade groups and why is this important?

It’s important to stay current on special event trends so that our clients can have the best entertainment experience. We are members of five different groups specializing in DJ gear, Bridal Consulting, Jewish and Ethnic Traditions, Special Events, and Catering.

Can we contact your references?

Yes, please e-mail and call our past clients.  They would love to answer any questions you may have about your event or celebration.  We’ll send you the reference list upon request.

Do you offer an Action Photo Booth?

We sure do!  Action Photo Booth sets up in the back of the room and provides all the fun hats, boas, and sunglasses.  They know how to capture the action with a classic photo strip and a modern photo booth.  They create double prints for a sign-in book or a scrapbook.  They also host the images online and provide you with a CD.

 To Contact Scott:

Los Angeles:  818-640-6100

Santa Barbara:  805-965-7978

Scott Topper Productions

• They are significantly less expensive than most of their competitors
• They are family-owned and operated and service is paramount
• They rent linens exclusively- and nothing else.  This is their specialty.
• They make, alter and clean all of their linens “in-house”. 
• Every linen is micro-chipped, helping to ensure minimal loss and therefore minimizing mistakes in returned linens (for which the client could pay for unnecessarily. Their inventory-taking process is state of the art)
• All of their sensational napkins are lined – not only providing the classiest of looks and feels of truly upscale linen, but helping guests know what side of their napkin to use.
• No order is too small.  They even will rent one napkin, if necessary.
• Their nominal $35 Local Delivery Fee also includes Pick Up.

I had an incredible time visiting and going through the hundreds of linen samples.  But when you go, make sure you have them actually pull out the full linen of the sample you want – seeing it on an 8 inch patch vs. seeing it brought and spread out with other complementary linens in different textures, patterns and fabrics makes all the difference in the world in helping implement your vision. 

Here’s to the elegance of “art” at every event – including life!

What I did not expect, however, were the hundreds of entries that came into the station – all with equally amazing and deserving love stories.  I had no idea that it would be so hard of a decision to make.  And that’s why I’m glad it was up to the KRAZ FM  listeners to decide the final winners.

After countless hours in the radio studio on-air talking to morning show host “Carp”, audience listeners on their preferred choices and co-hosting a show or two with Celebrity Chef  Bradley Ogden himself (designer of the couple’s rehearsal dinner menu and founder of the rehearsal dinner venue Root 246), the moment of truth arrived.  It was time for listeners to speak with their winning votes.  And they did.

Enter Paul and Dominique.  You need to read their winning entry for yourself- submitted by Groom-to-be Paul - to understand what melted the hearts of the radio’s listeners.  I am still moved by the fact that this groom loved his bride so much, he did this – all for her.

This couple was without a doubt one of the sweetest couples I’d ever met.  And their journey and story from their entry made producing their special day all that more sacred.  They were incredible as individuals and it was evident their love for each other only made them stronger as a couple.

On the day of their wedding, the weather was threatening sprinkles off and on and some light winds.  But due to their guest size and the fact Lincourt Winery has a few options for indoor portions of an event, we were “covered”.  The ceremony was able to be held outside on the lawn overlooking the vineyards, the reception was held under the giant gazebo and the dinner and dancing was moved indoors to the cozy, intimate and romantic barrel room.  The best of all worlds.  Everything ran like clock-work.  We are so grateful to the event supply partners who produced this incredible wedding for this incredible couple.  From the guest arrival and gracious hospitality of award-winning caterer Pure Joy to the final moments as the bride and groom escaped for their honeymoon in their gorgeous vintage car provided by Classic Motoring Car Rentals.  And to document the story as it unfolded, Linda Chaja (photography) and Lola Video, worked stealthly behind the scenes to make sure all the special moments were memorialized on film.  Congratulations, Paul and Dominique!

Venue/Wedding Location:  Lincourt Winery

Full Service Catering/Rental Coordination:  Pure Joy Catering with Discount Party Rentals

Florals:  Passion Flowers

Ceremony, Reception, Dinner/Dancing Music & MC: Gavin Roy of SBDJ’s

Photography: Linda Chaja

Videography: Lola Video

Rehearsal Dinner/Venue: Root 246 - Celebrity Chef Bradley Ogden

Wedding Cake: Decadence Wedding Cakes

Vintage Transportation:  Classic Motoring Car Rentals

Officiant: Riki Berlin

Honeymoon/Wedding Night Stay: Hadsten House

Contest Co-Coordinator and Event Coordinator: Kerry Lee Dickey, Santa Barbara Wine Country Weddings  & Events.

One of the many fabulous backdrops at Lincourt Winery - the red barn/barrel room

Santa Barbara Wine Country.  An incredible wedding location set in the midst of  lush green vineyards.  Good ol’ southern hospitality and charm gracing every turn of this wedding.  But wait, did I mention the full moon?  There are few moments in life that could ever be scripted and timed as beautifully as this was.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so we will let the photos speak for themselves.

The event supply partner team for this event was yet another all-star “cast”.  Lincourt Winery, Pure Joy Catering, AMS Entertainment, Effloresce Floral, Classic Motoring Car Rentals and all photography by Chris Rady.

View From Lincourt Winery Looking Out

But what few know is that Hotel Corque and its restaurant, Root 246- founded by celebrity chef Bradley Ogden, offer a fantastic special event venue options as well.  While the hotel does have a ballroom for larger scale receptions that is fantastic, Root 246 offers up a great opportunity for wedding-related events.  All wine country venues have a mandated end time of 10:00pm.  Some 11:00pm.  One of the biggest questions I get asked by my brides is “but where can we go if we want to continue our celebration late into the night?”  Perfect answer: Hotel Corque’s Root 246.  Most wine country weddings are rustically elegant and involve being outdoors all day.  Adjourning guests into a swanky “club” feel for late night snacks and drinks into the wee hours of the morning is a fantastic option.  Rehearsal Dinners, Farewell (Post-Nuptial) Brunches , Bridesmaids luncheons are other wedding-related fabulous event options for this wine country location.  Or conversely, many choose to host their rehearsal dinner or brunch at a winery for the vineyard experience and book their wedding reception with Hotel Corque. 

I could go on and on about the food and wine experience at this location.  From the freshest organic ingredients, Chef Ogden’s cuisine is art with heart and soul.

At Hotel Corque, your event manager will meet with you and see your event through from planning stages until the end.  They will also coordinate room blocks for you and your guests.  Rarely do you see this in today’s hospitality industry – having one person to handle all your needs.  And the event planner at Hotel Corque has 20 years experience in event planning – and in particular our wine country.  She has been known to act as concierge to all her clients, providing them with invaluable tips on how to maximize their visit to wine country. 

For more information on hosting your event at Hotel Corque or Root 246, contact Bobbie Rosenstrauch at:

(805)686-8637

bobbie.rosenstrauch@hotelcorque.com

When Shannon and Jeff came to me for their big day, I was smitten.  Both of them were among the kindest people I had ever met.  Shannon had a clear idea of her color and theme and we carried this throughout the entire event.  Her vision was clear:  sea mist cool greens and blues, table names that were popular beach names, sand dollars for escort cards, and instead of favors for guests, they hired caricature artists to do portraits of guests during cockail hour and after dinner.  After the moving toasts by their friends and families, sweet tooths were satisfied with the decadent cake provided by Bacara with to-go boxes for guests to take home little slices for a midnight snack post-celebration.

A Bacara Bride means more than just having your wedding at a world-class resort.  It means your day is as unique as you are and no detail is left untended to.  And what stands out to me most is that not only are my clients taken care of, but the Bacara skillfully tends to each of wedding couple’s guests so everyone has the Bacara Experience.  I suppose this is what makes them stand out:  a wedding at Bacara means you are ensuring your guests will have a memorable experience of a lifetime as well.  This wedding featured an all – star event supplier cast:  Bacara Resort and Spa providing the ceremony and reception venue, catering and staffing; Reverend Miriam Lindbeck officiating a gorgeous and gracious ceremony; AMS Entertainment providing ceremony, reception and caricature artists; Bella Vista Designs providing uplighting ambiance for dinner, dancing and decor; Alegria by Design providing Ceremonial Decor; Videography by Russ Fowler; All Photography by Michael and Anna Costa and the incredible Mar from TEAM Hair and Makeup doing an exquisite job to make an already beautiful bride even more exquisite.

Photo by Ziva Agel

I admit it.  I am a vintage girl at heart who should have been born in another era wearing gardenias in her hair, visiting supper clubs by night and dancing until the wee hours of the morning with the love of my life in a pinstripe suit under a full moon to a live swing band in the 1940′s.   So it may come as no surprise that I have always wanted to produce a 1940′s themed event.

When The Howard School in Carpinteria asked me to plan their 2011 Annual Fundraiser Event, I wanted to come up with something fresh.   In this economy and with so many organizations in need and demanding money from the masses, my vision was to create an “escape” for the guests and provide an “experience”.  I wanted to break the tradition of simply having guests pay a ticket price, eat dinner, bid on auction items , and if they were lucky, maybe have a little dancing at the end.  Of course, we needed to raise money, but I felt that if the “fun” was returned to “fundraiser”, the money would follow.  And it did.  We not only met the financial goal of the school - we exceeded it.  It also proved to be the single most successful fundraiser in years for The Howard School.  This is the moment when all things come together personally and professionally and I truly love what I do.  And with the teamwork of two dynamic chairs in charge of the “money” component – tirelessly raising money, and my contribution for the event /fun element, it is no wonder this fundraiser was uniquely successful.

The Vision: to create a vibe that would take guests back to the 1940′s to participate in a guest-interactive murder mystery, incredible dinner, swing dance lessons for guests and dancing.

The Location: The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

The Event Supply Partner All-Star “Cast”: Catering Connection,    Ventura Party Rentals,    LBPS Events (lighting design & audio),     Stecker Entertainment (DJ/Music/Auctioneer),     PMaxwell Productions (professional acting troop & swing dancers/instructors),  Farmer’s West Florals,    Effloresce ,    Classic Motoring Car Rentals, and capturing the story as it unfolded this incredibly quintessential Santa Barbara day:  Ms. Ziva Agel, Photographer Extraordinaire to whom we owe every bit of credit for every image you see here on this page.

Photo by KLD

The Evening – Stepping Back in Time

As guests arrived in costume, they passed the gorgeous 1941 Cadillac provided by Classic Motoring Car Rentals on down across the rushing creek to the Silent Auction where they were greeted by characters from the murder mystery setting the “stage” with clues and getting guests guessing who the murderer was.  Tray-passed appetizers of Artichoke Fritters with Bearnaise Sauce, Ahi Tuna Tartar on Wonton Crisps with Wasabi Cream, Grilled Chicken Quesadilla with Queso Fresco & Cilantro greeted guests while they bid on Silent Auction items and tried to decipher which people were “real” guests and who may be the “guilty” party who would later commit the “murder”.

Photo by Ziva Agel

As the doors to Fleichmann Auditorium swung open to welcome guests to their dinner tables, each named after a popular 1940′s song (In the Mood, Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar, Stardust), guests heard the first few notes to “In the Mood” and professional swing dancers were on the dance floor to “strike up the mood”.  The Howard School logo was projected on the red theater curtains. Deluxe VIP’s had special “Boxed Seats” at the “supper club” with satin chair covers, red water goblets, complimentary wine and special service.  LBPS Events created a soft textured “wash” of light over the room, uplit the stage area, highlighted the buffet and bar areas and provided perfect audio for our actors, MC and auctioneer.  The succulent dinner buffet provided by Catering Connection and their incredible team included: Rosemary Chicken Breast, Roasted Red Pepper Suace, Grilled Tri Tip, Mexican Salsa, Fresh Seasonal Vegetable Medley, Tri Color Fusilli Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce, Shepard Salad with Vegetable Toppings and Champagne Dressing, Freshly Baked Breads and Artisan Rolls, Mini Dessert Buffet and Coffee.

During dinner, the plot thickened and a “murder” was committed.  Guests were then accused of being guilty or asked their opinion on “whodunit”.  After dinner, the evening was masterfully orchestrated by local celebrity talent Gabe Saglie as the MC, skillfully guiding the Live Auction and rest of the evening’s festivities with grace.  Skip Stecker (aka “Glenn Miller”) put on a lively performance as the Auctioneer and the energy continued to heighten.  At the end of the evening, guests were treated to swing dance lessons and open dancing on the dance floor while a slide show played on the stage showing 1940′s images of popular movies, movie stars and themes.

	DJ & Auctioneer Skip Stecker (aka Glenn Miller)
	MC & Talent Mr. Gabe Saglie

Photo by Amber Medley

One of the questions I am frequently asked when I am interviewed for publications is how I decribe this incredible region we call Santa Barbara’s wine country, the Santa Ynez Valley.  I am proud to say my response description has been quoted and is now associated with this area:  “rustic elegance” and “rustic sophistication”.   A Santa Barbara wine country wedding includes winery weddings, ranch weddings, private estate weddings and so much more.  But not every venue is created equal.  Just because a venue says it does weddings or is pretty doesn’t mean that they are truly capable of handling everything an event brings with it.  And further, does not mean the staff is proficient on the incredible details and customer service involved in making sure the wedding goes off seamlessly. Today, however, I would like to highlight one of my most popular wedding venues in Santa Barbara’s wine country:  The Foley Family Wine group of special event venues.   I have been fortunate enough to have been sold-out for a couple of years almost singlehandedly because of the weddings I have produced at Foley’s venues incredible wine country wedding locations.  From the Firestone Winery to the Foley Winery itself and to the upcoming wedding I will be producing at Lincourt for the Great Wedding Stimulus Package $35K Giveaway Contest taking place February 8-12, I am intimately involved with the Foley Family wine wedding locations and cannot recommend them enough.  For a quick view of two of my favorite weddings at these locations, scroll down to the bottom of this post.

Many of my favorite Foley Family Wine group weddings are featured in my Gallery and several here on this page.  But since this is a Guest Column feature spot for a couple of months, I thought I’d invite Ms. Jill Remy, Director of Events for Foley Family Wines, to comment on her favorite things about her work as well as give you a little insight and tour of Foley wedding locations from her inside and expert perspective.  Welcome, Ms. Remy!

__________________________________________________________

Thanks, Kerry Lee! Settling down from the chaos of a busy day, my complaint is that I have so many extraordinary venues to offer clients that it keeps me on my toes! I just opened a fabulous bottle of wine, couldn’t decide between the Foley Pinot Noir and the Firestone Syrah, two of my favorites. 

I love what I do, as do the people that work alongside me at Foley Family Wines.  We are fortunate enough to offer a variety of venues to fabulous couples that match their personalities and dreams specifically.  All winery based, take your pick of location of ours matches your dream day.

We are lucky to be able to work with the best of the best in the industry, including among many Kerry Lee Dickey of Santa Barbara Wine Country Weddings & Events.  In all of our years of experience in producing the most remarkable events in Santa Barbara County’s Wine Country, the cohesiveness of the vendors that we have had the opportunity to work with has been parallel to none.  No matter if you have a small group or large, we will surely have a property to fit your every need and assist in bringing your dreams to reality… all in my favorite part of the central coast, Santa  Barbara’s wine country. 

Firestone Winery truly offers couples the luxury of creating an event flow  that is unique to their individual style. 

The Vineyard Mesa

Ceremonies can be held on the Vineyard Mesa with a beautiful oak tree as a back drop and surrounded by vineyard or on the Terrace with an intimate setting on a bluff overlooking vineyards with hills in the background.   For the wine reception following the ceremony, guests can remain outdoors in the sunny garden, go into the tasting room for a complete private winery experience, or head back into the barrel room.  The barrel room is also a stunning setting for a feasting table for your reception, or back out to the courtyard under the stars for dinner and to dance the night away.  Firestone can accommodate up to 180 guests and is set up perfectly to create the event of your dreams.

Lincourt Winery is a charming property that relays the feeling to your guests Foley Winery is a breathtaking property that you enter through a tree lined drive as you approach an expansive lawn area sitting just above vineyards with majestic hills in every direction.  Ceremonies are held with the vineyards on all sides of your guest’s vantage points, wine reception surrounding our brand new tasting room and the reception of your dreams can be created in a canopy behind the ceremony area.  Foley can accommodate up to 250 guests.

Lincourt Vineyards

At Lincourt, one feels that they are throwing a soiree in the backyard of their childhood home.  Your ceremony would be held on a large lawn area overlooking the vineyard, guests walking over the front porch of a former farmhouse to the wine reception on the verandah and adjacent lawn area and the reception is held in a transformed barrel staging area, specific to your concept ideas. A barn frames the barrel staging area, and houses a small barrel room that can be used for a bar, cake table or even a lounge.  Lincourt can accommodate up to 200 people.

Rachel Korrey is the magnificent event manager for all of our Central Coast properties, including The Knot’s Best of Weddings 2010 for Reception Venues at Firestone Vineyards, as well as Lincourt Winery, coveted location of the upcoming Great Wedding Stimulus Package Giveaway, as well as the stunning Foley Estates, home of the former Seasmoke winemaker, Kris Curran. 

Beyond the breathtaking beauty of our locations is the pride in what we do.  We truly understand what a special day this is, not to just the couple, but to your friends and family celebrating with you.  We want to share the best of the best of the wine country with you all and ensure the best day possible.

If you would like to personally see our wedding locations for your upcoming Santa Barbara wine country winery wedding, please contact Rachel at:  rkorrey@firestonewine.com    805.688.3940 x2230.   If your wedding plans call for something in Northern California’s beautiful Napa /Sonoma wine country, please contact me, Jill Remy at:  jremy@foleyfamilywines.com .

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A huge thank you to Ms. Remy for sharing Foley in her own words.  Since some of my own personal favorite weddings were at Firestone and Foley Winery, I thought I’d share some of my favorite memories of my own weddings at both locations:

Firestone Terrace for Ceremony with Dinner in the Barrel Room is one of my favorite choices.  An incredibly dramatic backdrop, it offers guests an experience unlike any other.  For the bride who wants something truly different and romantic, this is an incredible option.  All floral design below by the sensational Camilla Flowers , Lighting Design by LBPS Events and catering by the award-winning Pure Joy.  Capturing this wedding story on film was Amber Medley.

And at the Foley Winery, catered by wine county-based elegant New West Catering and designed by Camilla Flowers, Lighting Design by LBPS Events the day was photographed by Dia Rao.  Truly a stellar team: