Hiya! Happy Sunday! Today I am going to post about this week. And every Sunday, I am going to do the same thing–an Allure recap of sorts. The 2012 ball is rolling now and as we start working, I’d like to share our adventures! Each week is different, that’s why I love this job. A post at the end of the week will be a chance for me to reflect on the work done and recharge for the work ahead. I envision the posts will be about where we were, who we met, what’s inspiring us, and what weddings we are currently working on. I’m looking forward to sharing!
This Week in Review:
1. Cake Plate in downtown Napa. Kaella and I met Paige Smith at The Lab Event on January 14th. We totally hit it off and planned a visit to see Paige at her gorgeous clothing and accessory store in Napa. We aren’t exactly sure how we will collaborate, but all parties involved hope we do soon! We’ll start the brainstorming off with the fabulous private “shopping parties” that Cake Plate has been known to throw. Shopping…engagement parties…brides…there’s gotta be something in there, right?
2. Calistoga Ranch. Allure has been on Calistoga Ranch’s preferred vendor list now for a few years, I’m proud to say. I have planned weddings there before, with Michelle Martinez (the owner of Allure), and I very much look forward to working there again in 2012. It was really fun to head back up to the resort with Kaella to meet with Mike Moran, the director of sales and marketing there. The property is simply gorgeous. The experience of staying at Calistoga Ranch, or having a wedding there, is one of pure luxury — nestled in wild, beautiful nature. When I win the lottery, I will definitely book a personal stay. Until then, I will work for clients getting married there. And very happily!
check out this wine cave–dinner reception inside!!
3. The Clement Monterey. Kaella and I drove out to Cannery Row the day after our wine country trip to Napa and Calistoga. Lots of driving in two days, but totally worth it. We went to the Clement to visit Nicole Lisane, the new catering sales manager there and old friend of Allure’s. She isn’t old, of course! She and Michelle have been friends for many years and along with 3 other wedding planners in SF, called themselves the Fab 5. Nicole showed us the hotel and Kaella and I briefly discussed moving in. (It could never work, how would our husbands eat dinner?) Right in the heart of one of my favorite little towns, Monterey, this hotel is new and pristine and it smells like a beach and there are fireplaces everywhere and they give you fresh chocolate truffles just for walking through. I fell in love with it. And with Nicole! She was so gracious to take time out and show us around…and Allure is on the Clement’s preferred vendors list too…very exciting!
Hope you enjoyed our first Week in Review! I enjoyed writing it. I can’t promise every post will be this long, but this was a big week for us! And it’s fitting that I would start this new installment after a big week!
In other news–I am almost finished unpacking and I don’t need my gps to find my house anymore. Next week will be filled with lots of research, inspiration hunting and referrals for my newest clients, Kate and AJ. I’ll keep you posted! (Literally.)
photo from calistogaranch.com
