Venue Spotlight: Trentadue Family Estate Winery in Alexander Valley

Lisa & I had the pleasure of visiting the gorgeous Trentadue Family Estate Winery & Vineyards last week, and boy were we impressed!  First of all, the venue contacts, Jennifer & Alyssa are absolutely wonderful.  We had a lovely discussion about upcoming events, and then went on a tour of the property.  It is stunning!  Lisa & I love the fact that there are different areas for ceremony, cocktail hour & dining.  This venue was clearly designed with fabulous events in mind.  We also love how large it is-- it would certainly be fitting for both small & large guest counts!  Please see the information below on this beautiful spot, and enjoy the incredible photos!

Experience the gracious hospitality of the Trentadue Family Estate Winery and Vineyards, a touch of Tuscany in the prestigious Alexander Valley Wine Country.  It’s exactly what you’ve been searching for ~ the ideal setting for your dream wedding, corporate or private event in wine country.  Our comfortable and spacious indoor and outdoor event areas create Old World Italian ambiance surrounded by lush vineyards, mature redwoods, vine covered arbors, splashing fountains, shaded gardens and expansive lawns.  Our spacious Sala del Leone Event Center is a versatile room for any décor you choose.  Sponged golden walls and olive trees adorned with glowing white lights suggest a garden feeling indoors.  The arched French doors invite you and your guests to experience breathtaking views of our sprawling vineyards and surrounding mountains.  Trentadue Winery is the perfect wine country wedding, corporate and private event venue for any season.  Great wine, hospitality, food, family and friends will make your celebration at Trentadue Winery unforgettable.  Our professional staff is ready to assist with every detail to make your wedding day or corporate and private event everything you imagined it could be.  

Trentadue Winery “Welcoming your celebrations into our family traditions.”

Zoom Photography

Photo by Suzanne Karp Graham

Photo by Ken Buck

Weeks Photography

Weeks Photography

Photo by Suzanne Karp Graham

To contact the Trentadue Winery Event Department, please call 707.433.3104 ext 107 or visit online at www.trentadue.com.  

Cheers!

Amy B.

"Month-of" vs. "Day-of"?

As your wedding day quickly approaches, you may be realizing that you need someone to step in and manage the day so you and your future spouse can have fun and enjoy the wedding you have worked so hard to plan.  You start to do a little research on some local professionals and notice that some offer the well known "Day-of" service while others offer "Month-of".  Some even offer both!  What is the difference and what type of service do you need?

Every planner is different, and their description of their packages will outline what their services include.  But here at Amy Bridges Events we do not offer "Day-of".  Here's why...

As planners, we are very detail oriented.  We want to ensure that every detail has been well thought out.  As professionals, we have done this many, many more times than a bride has.  That being said, we can foresee potential problems that could make your day, well... a little less than perfect.  That is why we, and many other planners, like to begin working with you at least one month before the big day.  We like to create your detailed timeline, touch base with all of your vendors, attend walk throughs, detail meetings, etc.  We also like to get to know YOU and find out what things are important to you for your special day.  It is hard for us to even imagine stepping in the day of the event and trying to take over a wedding that we haven't planned.

Yes, "Month-of" is usually more expensive than "Day-of", but if you think about it, your planner is putting in many more hours and has much more responsibility.  You may be tempted to save a little cash, but just think about all of the hours you have already invested...don't you want the day to run as smoothly as possible?  Here at ABE, we feel that "Month-of" is the best way to ensure a perfect day.  So give it some thought and see which option is the best investment for your wedding.

Oh, and don't forget-- many planners (including me & Lisa) also offer Full & Partial Planning Packages for those of you who don't have a lot of time to plan your day from the beginning.

We wish you the all the best on your fabulous wedding!

Cheers!

Amy B. & Lisa B.

Real Weddings: Sonja + Daniel

Sonja & Daniel are a truly wonderful couple that came all the way from Washington, D.C. for their Wine Country Wedding.  We loved working with them, they were so sweet and put a ton of thought into their special day.  We did almost all of the coordination via email, and only met in person once before the wedding rehearsal!  

They were married at the end of August at the gorgeous Chateau St. Jean Winery in Kenwood, CA.  Check out some of the amazing photos from Christina Richards Photography:

Sonja, getting gorgeous for her big day!

So exciting!

The stunning couple.

The huppah for the ceremony.

One of the bridesmaids did an incredible job with the ceremony music.  It was so beautiful and added a personal touch to Sonja & Daniel's ceremony.

The Rabbi was Judith Ann Seid.

So happy to be husband & wife!

Cocktail hour on the patio.

Table decor-- all of the beautiful florals were done by Maki at Viola Floral Design.

Delicious family style dinner from Olive & Vine Culinary Adventures.

The FOB giving a loving toast.

Daniel, toasting to his friends, family & wife.

Love.

Escort cards.

Instead of a guestbook, guests wrote a message to Sonja & Daniel on vintage post cards.

YUM! In lieu of a traditional cake, Sonja's mother made a "Cookie Extravaganza" for dessert.

Each guest received a bottle of Chateau St. Jean Fume Blanc with a handwritten note as their gift from the bride & groom.

Congratulations again to Sonja and Daniel, I miss working with you and wish you a wonderful life together!

Cheers!

Amy B.

Real Weddings: Mary + Gerard

Mary & Gerard held a very special place in my heart throughout the wedding planning process.  They shared with me the adorable story of how they began their relationship, which then lead to the creation of their wedding theme.  Mary & Gerard went to High School together, and knew each other fairly well.  They both graduated, and Mary moved to Colorado to begin her adult life.  After having children, succeeding in their careers, and building their own lives, they reunited....on Facebook!  When they started chatting, it was New Years Eve 2009, which was also the night of a blue moon.  After falling in love, they decided to tie the knot and Mary moved back to California.   We of course had to use that special night as the theme-- "Once in a Blue Moon". 

Mary & Gerard were married at the gorgeous Harvest Inn in St. Helena in August 2011.  Check out these photos from Patricia Mark Photography!

The ceremony set up.

The incredible florals were all done by Tesoro.

Keeping guest comfort in mind on a warm August day, Mary & Gerard selected these lovely fans.

Notice the one blue lantern-- "Once in a Blue Moon".

Cocktail Reception

Love.

The groom is a printer and designed the beautiful escort cards.

Guest book & wish cards.

Ceremony site was flipped to dining, all while the guests sipped cocktails and ate hors d'oeuvres on the Manor Lawn.

Delicious salad course from Elaine Bell Catering.

Yummy olive oil favors.  The bride and groom went to each table to give them to their guests-- a personal touch and a great way to say thank you to everyone.

Another amazing cake from Fleur de Lisa!  Lisa also made a "Gluten Free" cake for the bride.

Patricia & Mark snuck a photo of me and my assistant, Allie.  Smile!  :)

I absolutely love this photo.

The entrance to the Harvest Inn.

The gorgeous decor at night.

Congratulations again to Mary & Gerard and their families!

Cheers!

Amy B.