Carmel Valley Ranch

We just returned from a fabulous week down at Carmel Valley Ranch.  It is rare that I am able to sneak away during the summer but my weddings aligned perfectly and I had a little break.  It has been several years since we had been to Carmel Valley Ranch but I was excited to visit again as they have just gone through a major renovation.  Like many other properties, they have become more family friendly and that now matters a lot to us.

Of course I had to see their event space while I was there and it is wonderful.  It is a fabulous location for a destination wedding with something for everyone….golf, tennis, swimming, hiking, yoga, organic gardens, honey bees – the list goes on and on.  They have several intimate spots for weddings and of course, the food and service is outstanding.

We are very lucky to live in the beautiful wine country but also very blessed to be so close to other gorgeous areas that are certainly worth exploring.

xo

Amy

Time for Change

One thing I have learned after planning over a hundred weddings is that you can always improve and re-create yourself.  Even the most successful designers, chefs, and winemakers that I am lucky enough to call friends continually push themselves to get better and do things differently. 

Last night was a perfect example…we went to Petite Syrah for dinner.  Josh Silvers has been a successful chef and restaurant owner for 12 years with Syrah Bistro which in the restaurant world is a lifetime.  He recently opened a more casual restaurant a block away called Jackson’s in Santa Rosa’s historic Railroad Square and it has been extremely successful.  While some people would be content to operate on auto-pilot, he decided it was time to take a chance and re-invent Syrah. 

The interior got some new paint, tables and chairs and the menu got a complete overhaul.  He has focused on small plates which are meant to share…this is my favorite way of eating with friends and I have to say the food was outstanding.  I admire the guts it takes to take something that was successful and push it to new levels.

xo

Amy

Perfect 4th of July Wedding

I had a great wedding this past weekend at the beautiful Solage Resort (www.solagecalistoga.com).  It was a beautiful event with fabulous clients and everything went perfectly.  My favorite part of the wedding was after the sun had gone down and dinner was over, we brought out a fire pit and all the fixings for s’mores.  Of course the children at the wedding loved it but so did all of the adults…myself included!

xo

Amy