What a busy time of the year as we get ready to jump into a slew of Summer Events! We just had a lovely wedding this past week at our Valentino Estate that had fun elements like oversized Jenga and coral chevron prints. Check out the blog post below to see some photos.
Our blog posts this week were written in mind for brides currently planning winter time weddings- snowfall or not, your show will go on and it will be amazing!
Lastly our Executive Director/Co-Founder wanted to clear the air about some worries we’ve heard from homeowners interested in renting out their estate but worried about liability issues. The answer is easier than you think!
Please enjoy our latest post and don’t be shy!… We welcome your feedback and would love to hear any questions or comments you have. Have a wonderful weekend!
Nancy is a blogger and community manager for Estate Weddings and Events. When not typing away, she enjoys discovering new wedding trends and attending weddings and events to see all the people and private estates get dressed up! You can follow her on Google+ here, twitter here or linkedin here.
Isn’t May an exciting month? Are any of the activities that you have planned listed on our exciting May events blog post?
Here at EWE, we’re so happy to share that May has brought us not one, but two new estates to our repertoire. The first estate is international- Cabo Villa Captiva located in Los Cabos, Mexico and next is the luxurious Camarillo Estate located in Central California. Both these estates are now available for special events.
All company news aside, our weekly dose of helpful wedding and event tips for you are down below. Take a look at the important PSA by our helpful client relations manager “Why rent an estate through Estate Weddings and Events vs. a vacation rental website?“. After experiencing one too many distressed bride-to-bes calling for venue advice, she decided to take to our blog to clear up why renting an estate through a professional property management company helps renters avoid such uncomfortable scenarios such as dreaded legal cases!
For winter wedding brides and gals interested in barn weddings, you will be delighted to see we’ve included some intriguing color schemes for winter weddings and the best bridesmaid dresses for barn venues.
Nancy is a blogger and community manager for Estate Weddings and Events. When not typing away, she enjoys discovering new wedding trends and attending weddings and events to see all the people and private estates get dressed up! You can follow her on Google+ here, twitter here or linkedin here.
It’s important to start with a little background on Estate Weddings and Events.
Who are we?
Estate Weddings and Events (EWE) is the leading resource for luxury high-end estates available for events, weddings, filming, and group travel. Whether you are looking for a villa in Tuscany or a beach house in Malibu, you will have the confidence that your needs will be taken care of by the well versed and experienced members of our team.
We are not an exhaustive directory site that lists every possible venue in your radius. EWE is more than a listing service; we are a full-service estate management company. What this means is every estate you see here is exclusively managed by EWE and was hand selected. Each property must meet the EWEStandard ofExcellence.
Our team provides you or your company a full turnkey service including: complete on-site management, a five-star culinary experience, and event planning (at your request) – all at a one of a kind estate.
Why should I rent my home for Weddings and Events through Estate Weddings and Events?
Estate Weddings and Events provide full service location management for each of our properties. Unlike our competitors who focus solely on providing leads, Estate Weddings and Events offers a comprehensive service beginning with creating marketing/advertising material, contract development, contract execution, client relations, and on site event management during all events and production on the property. We treat every home as if it were our own and oversee all aspects from set up to clean up so you can sit back, relax and not worry about a thing.
So what does all that mean and how do we get started?
Well here is how the process goes.
If you are considering listing with Estate Weddings and Events, simply give us a call(we won’t bite – 888-662-8360). We will have one of our location experts in your area come out to your property, provide feedback on your property, take photos, and go over any questions you may have.
If you are happy with what you hear, we move on to step two.
Estate Weddings and Events will send you a listing agreement and pricing structure for your property. You can read more about how much money you can make here.
Once those items have been agreed on, EWE will schedule a professional photographer to come take photos of the entire property and create your own unique web page.
Now here is a comprehensive list of all the services you as a homeowner will receive from EWE’s exclusive membership.
Website
– EWE Creates and develops your listing page
– Include professional images at no cost to you
– Includes a professional written description
– Includes unlimited images
– Includes a past event gallery
– Includes a testimonial or noteworthy event section
Marketing Material
– We create brochures
– We create a custom rental agreement
– We create diagrams
Once the paperwork is complete we will share your home via the web
– Blog feature
– Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin, and instagram
– Featured newsletter release
Advertising and Promotion
– EWE will plan and execute a planner open house to feature your home.
– EWE will list your home with local directories: local film commission, CVB, and any other forms of advertising that we see fit.
Estate Management- Like we mentioned above we handle everything, so you can just sit back and relax. Here are what the management features include:
– Administrative support- Estate Weddings and Events’ team will manage all leads from the initial email or phone call.
– EWE pre-qualifies every prospect prior to scheduling a visit to see your property
– Appointment scheduling and site visits. We handle all communication and meetings with clients so you don’t have to. All we ask of you is to make sure your home is clean and tidy before each visit.
– Contract development and negotiation. We take care of all this for you.
– Homeowner protection: EWE requires and collects insurance policies from all vendors doing business on your property and we require a minimum of a 2,000,000 general liability policy listing you as additionally insured. In addition, we also require the renter to obtain a minimum of a 2,000,000 special events insurance policy naming you as additionally insured.
– Security Deposit: EWE will require and hold a damage deposit for each event.
– EWE representative will be present for all walkthroughs, client meetings, set up, break-down, and from start to finish on the day of an event.
– We act on behalf of you the homeowner to ensure your home is returned in the same condition you left it in.
Your Turn…
We know you are busy so sit back, relax and let the EWE experts do all the work for you.
If you have any questions, comments or anything please feel free to give us a call, send us an email or add a comment below and we will get your question answered as soon as possible. We are looking forward to working with your property!
We have come up with a list of some of the best barn wedding venues from sea to shining sea.
Lets have a look…
New Hampshire
photo from Estate Weddings and Events
For the classic rustic wedding complete with a red barn, many couples host their wedding and reception at Bishop Farm.
Set up on 300 acres of land, the farm sits in Lisbon, New Hampshire.
Its proximity to major east coast airports and its location in the White Mountains make it an appealing destination for a barn wedding in New England.
The private location also boasts accommodations for guests including seven farmhouse rooms and 6 cottages.
For the bride looking for a historic wedding venue, the Bishop Farm barn hails from 1876, back when it merely housed cows and horses.
It was renovated and updated since that time to accommodate wedding guests.
The classic barn allows the couple to have a rustic wedding, but also an elegant one through adding certain opulent touches.
The Bishop family is one of the earliest settlers to Lisbon.
Virginia
Photo from Estate Weddings and Events
For the couple with an historical, barn agenda in Virginia, Ash Lawn-Highland House comes chalk full of history.
Set up in Charlottesville, Virginia, the estate served as the home to President and Mrs. Monroe from 1793 to 1826.
In keeping with the wedding tradition, their older daughter Eliza married on the estate.
Couples have since followed, appreciating the historic house and gardens for the ideal spot to tie the knot.
While the estate features several different locations for wedding ceremonies and receptions, it does boast a barn.
The barn measures 30’ by 70’ with a concrete floor.
In such a space, the couple can make their wedding decidedly more country or more grand and fitting of presidential tastes.
As part of the wedding deal, guests receive a tour of the historic Monroe home.
Washington
Photo from Pine River Ranch
Backed by the Cascade Mountains, those looking for a barn wedding venue in Washington tend to somehow find Pine River Ranch at some point.
Sprawling across 22 acres, this wedding venue features fields, meadows, ponds, rivers and of course that barn reception location.
With ceremonies held on the lawn in front of the barn, guests can retreat into the grand dairy barn from 1944 for the reception.
Its dramatic arched barn beams make for prime photo opportunities.
Pine River Ranch sits just 15 minute from the Bavarian village of Leavenworth and just two hours from Seattle.
It also features a bed and breakfast with six rooms in case the happy couple wants to spend their first night as Mr. and Mrs. just beyond their reception.
Vermont
Photo from Estate Weddings and Events
The classic red barn look for a wedding reception is embodied at West Monitor Barn in Vermont.
Located in the Green Mountains, the venue surrounds in forests, woodlands, hills, fields and Vermont’s third tallest mountain, Camel’s Hump.
It positions just 20 minutes from downtown Burlington, yet it provides that escapism many look for in a barn wedding.
The barn itself was originally built in 1903.
It was restored using 40% of its original timber to create the character of a traditional dairy barn.
The interior is covered in beautiful posts and beams and has the ability to hold up to 200 people.
The barn ceiling is truly the limit in terms of what you can do to dress the barn up or down.
Some of its barn features include rough-hewn lumbar and carriage barn lamps.
New York
Photo from Estate Weddings and Events
In the not so romantically named town of Medusa in Upstate New York, the barn wedding seeker will find Full Moon Farm.
The property is home to a barn that has withstood the test of time.
Spared from a fire in 2007, the barn boasts foundations in 1790.
Peter Jaycox built it at that time for storing grain and overwintering animals.
Today, the Hudson Valley Catskills barn hosts its fair share of wedding receptions.
The barn also has sliding doors for the couple that wants an indoor and outdoor feel to their wedding.
California
Photo from Estate Weddings and Events
California has a way of doing barn weddings with laid-back elegance.
Caballo Estate in Los Altos Hills claims this classic California barn wedding feel.
Around 11 acres, the venue can accommodate up to 600 guests.
Many couples choose the venue for its location with views of San Francisco Bay.
It is home to a 13,000 square foot barn, the perfect spot for either a reception or a wedding ceremony.
The ideal setting for a rustic barn wedding perches just beyond San Luis Obispo in Central California.
Over 15,000 acres make up the grounds, specifically with vineyards, gardens and open fields.
Many brides want to get married in the historic and grand barn.
With the ability to hold up to 200 guests, the barn exudes rustic sophistication.
Santa Margarita Ranch carries foundations from 1769, making this wedding venue a true blending of history and scenery.
Would you get married at any of these barn wedding venues? What’s your favorite barn wedding location in the United States?
Share your thoughts with us below…
About the Author
Suzy is a freelance writer, largely penning travel and lifestyle pieces for a number of online publications including the Estate Weddings and Events blog. With a redheaded temperament she travels the globe in search of sarcasm, stories and travel tips to share with anyone willing to listen. You can connect with her via LinkedIn or Google+.
Hope your week has been swell! Last night we stopped by Dream Bridal Affair at the W Hotel in San Diego, CA and were inspired (as always after these events) at all the new innovations in the wedding industry. Decor is getting more intricate and surprising by the second! (Check our Facebook to see our photos) Has any one seen anything particularly eye-catching at a wedding or bridal show recently? Please share!
In terms of our own offerings here’s what we have to “show” you. This week we have a special blog for home owners to consider: “5 Advantages for Renting Your Home for Short Term Rentals” which is some food for thought if you are a homeowner with a magnificent home that you want us help you showcase. For newly engaged couples, we hope we can ease your wedding planning process by offering a Honeymoon Air Travel and Winter Wedding Venue Guide, written by those who have been in the same spot as you before!
Nancy is a blogger and community manager for Estate Weddings and Events. When not typing away, she enjoys discovering new wedding trends and attending weddings and events to see all the people and private estates get dressed up! You can follow her on Google+ here, twitter here or linkedin here.
Congrats to Phil and Andrew! Photo by Gene Higa Photography
We are in love with this recent wedding at our Holman Ranch venue! Andrew and Phil tied the knot after 8 years of dating, proving that they wouldn’t let laws keep them apart.
The ravishing couple clad in Hugo Boss suits and bright orange and yellow bow ties, matched the bright yellow and orange accents throughout the venue. One of the most eye-catching elements were lovely yellow and orange squares of flower petals down the aisle.
Chandeliers hung from branches, succulents decorated tables, and stunning rustic scenery surrounded their guests.
For more photos of this amazing eco-chic, equal-rights-friendly wedding, head over to our Noteworthy Events post!
“At the end of the Camino de Santiago, an 800km trek through northern Spain, it is customary to leave a stone from your homeland with a message at the spot where Christopher Columbus set sail for the New World. Andrew was shocked when Phil threw his rock to him, a single question written on it: “Will you marry me?” They had been dating for eight years, and the time had come for them to begin a new journey together.
The couple immediately knew that they wanted to combine Andrew’s love of everything modern and bling with Phil’s natural tastes in an “Eco Chic” theme. From a list of a whopping 170 possible venues (of which they visited 68!), they found only one that perfectly suited their vision: Holman Ranch, overlooking California’s gorgeous Carmel Valley.”
Nancy is a blogger and community manager for Estate Weddings and Events. When not typing away, she enjoys discovering new wedding trends and attending weddings and events to see all the people and private estates get dressed up! You can follow her on Google+ here, twitter here or linkedin here.
We are so excited to greet all the new visitors on our site everyday! If you are one of them, welcome! Please let us know if you have any questions, which we are always more than happy to answer; for example you may be wondering right now, “Just who is Estate Weddings and Events”? and to keep this little post short n’ sweet, I’ll direct you to our About Us for your answer!
Speaking of who we are, this week our co-founder Jamie Ehrsam was featured in the magazine, San Diego Premier for her advice on outdoor entertaining. In addition, we just wrapped up an amazingly movie-ready wedding at our Bali Gardens Estate. The wedding was Indian themed and fit the Eastern-inspired feel of the Bali Gardens perfectly. Pictures of the event up soon…
As usual you will also find here some wedding tips.
See below for details!
Thanks for reading everyone and see you next week!
Nancy is a blogger and community manager for Estate Weddings and Events. When not typing away, she enjoys discovering new wedding trends and attending weddings and events to see all the people and private estates get dressed up! You can follow her on Google+ here, twitter here or linkedin here.
Recently our Executive Director & Co-Founder Jamie Ehrsam was asked by San Diego Premier magazine for her input on what a homeowner should consider when creating a livable, breathable and comfortable outdoor entertaining space.
Jamie suggested readers invest in pocket doors which are slidable doors that function as walls, windows and doors.
Jamie Ehrsam in San Diego Premier’s Outdoor Entertaining Issue
Considering pocket doors aren’t the quickest innovation you could whip up for any backyard party, here are a few other simpler ideas to prepare to surprise and amaze guests at your own at-home backyard party.
String Lights
Some fun options for string lights
What is the allure of string lights outdoors?
Everyone seems to agree that they are the most magical decor elements you could bring to an outdoor space, but it’s hard to say why.
Well considering your backyard has no ceiling, string lights create the effect of one so all your guests can still feel united in one area while providing just the right amount of glowing light.
If you have a pool, string lights look absolutely amazing hanging over the water.
Umbrellas
Photo by Gabriel Ryan Photography
Hang pattered parasols from string across your garden to create a magical “Alice in Wonderland” feel.
The whimsical sight also provides shade for guests dancing or eating below depending on where you arrange everything.
If you’d prefer allowing guests to wander freely around with their own parasols, place a bucket of colorful parasols near your entrance so they can grab them.
Long Dining Tables
Long Dining Tables at Bali Gardens Estate
Bring royal feasting halls to the delight of your backyard where everyone can enjoy eating together under the stars or gorgeous sunset.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match chairs.
Also try out using benches instead of chairs which you could also place cushions upon to bring a home element outside.
One long table makes it easy to decorate the top of your table if you are hanging flowers or chandeliers (or other), for the fact that your wooden support poles can be consistently on either sides of the tables.
Lanterns
Candlelit Lanterns at the Emma Estate
To denote a walkway or hanging from trees, lanterns are a more rustic way to lighten up the scene.
Aside from keeping your candles safe from wind, the flickering light of lanterns creates a sense of romance.
If your backyard is fortunate enough to have large trees, stagger hanging lanterns and combine with string lights wrapped around branches for amazing dinner backdrops!
Balloons
Photo by PrettyGeeky Photography
Here’s a new idea- get helium-filled balloons and tie long thick ribbons to them, then stake the ends of the ribbons to the ground so you have them right where you want them.
One tip we found was using golf tees.
This field of balloons makes for a great photoshoot spot, or could even function as walls, if you were to close off a small picnic area or viewing area for our next tip.
Projector Screen
If you are having a reunion, company party, or any other gathering with a group of friends, you could set up a projector screen in one corner of your backyard and have videos playing of memories together.
If you are throwing a birthday or graduation party, you could alternatively have a slideshow of photos playing to show how your special someone has grown up and matured to that big day that you are celebrating.
A makeshift way to make a projector screen is to stretch white linen over wooden posts.
Or, you could project onto the side of your home’s wall, with white paper or linen sheeted over the surface.
Croquet, Yard Games
What are all your guests going to be doing besides eating?
Set up some small yard games like croquet or beanbag toss in corners of your yard to encourage people to wander around and have fun!
Little kids especially will appreciate the activities and so will their parents!
Linens, Rugs and Ottomans
Another part of bringing the indoors out is taking the softest elements of what you think of when you think of home, and incorporating them outside.
Lay rugs under drink or appetizer tables or even in an area with pillows where everyone can relax picnic style.
Linens can be used draped alongside posts to create doorway effects or just bump up the luxury factor.
You could even make curtains for the entrance-way to your backyard.
Ottomans are easy to rest down on without having to sit on the floor, so even the most nature-phobic friends can feel comfortable.
More ideas include:
– Floating candles or balloons in the pool
– Fire-pits
– Trays for easy transfer of food from the kitchen to outside
What other ideas can you think of?
About the Author
Nancy is a blogger and community manager for Estate Weddings and Events. When not typing away, she enjoys discovering new wedding trends and attending weddings and events to see all the people and private estates get dressed up! You can follow her on Google+ here, twitter here or linkedin here.
The word itself can be seemingly complicated and foreign (it is pronounced boo-ton-yair), but the idea is simple- pin a single flower on on the left lapel of a suit through the buttonhole and voila!
Vous êtes fini!
The touch of elegance a boutonniere brings to a suited man’s look is everlasting and absolutely necessary for a finished look at formal events.
Like most other lingering traditions, the boutonniere has been refashioned into ways European folk of centuries ago probably will not recognize, but really the originality is half the fun!
Check out some fresh ideas below to inspire your own wedding creations…
Super Heroes
Photo via WellGroomedBlog
The men will surely be all for this idea.
Have each groomsman pick out his favorite superhero figurine to wear proudly on his chest.
We guarantee there will be a confidence boost effect once the pin goes on.
Best for jokester couples or comic book fan couples.
We’ve expressed our approval for succulents again and again, but the best was yet to come.
Succulent buds make great boutonnieres because they are so tough!
They are sure to endure plenty of hugs and rowdy dance floor moves without any worry while looking very, very sharp.
Feathers
Versatility is in your hands with the option of synthetic feathers in a wide array of colors and sizes.
Choose a color that fits the theme of your wedding or one that mocks a favorite bird such as a blue jay or robin.
Peacock Bouts
Photo via Blush Floral Design
If your wedding is vintage-themed or glamorous, peacock feathers are a simple way to add a pop of color without going overboard.
Peacock feathers are their own pattern- no need to pair with much else!
Gold Leaf
Photo via OnceWed
My personal favorite, the look of a gold leaf brings many luxurious things to mind.
Like the gilded pages of an old bible or anything gilded for that matter, the pairing of a gold leaf with any flower catches the eye of all.
Crocheted
Photo via GreenWeddingShoes
A rustic wedding favorite!
Show off what good ol’ fashioned love looks like through imitating one of grandma’s old crocheted pieces.
Use the wedding couple’s favorite colors or those of the wedding color scheme to make crocheted flowers as seen above or crochet tiny blankets that wrap around rustic props such as button branches.
Southern
Grab a couple strands of wheat to pair with field flowers or use a single magnolia to exude Southern romance.
Wrap with burlap or a bit of lace to complete.
Seashells
Photo and DIY directions from JeffnJing
If you are planning a sunny beach wedding or tropical-themed wedding by the water, seashell boutonnieres are a must-have!
Find seashells with a horn shape and complement them with crisp white flowers for the freshest effect.
Bonus…
Also found on the web: mini birdcage bouts, bird’s nests, cotton plants, ribbons, medallions, candy, keys (to match locks on bride/bridesmaids bouquets).
If any groomsman feels opposed to donning your unconventional bout, recite the following words of wisdom from GQ magazine;
“If anybody makes remarks, tell him it was given to you by your karate or shooting instructor.”
Do you have a favorite boutonniere, or any ideas to add?
Let us know in the comments below…
About the Author
Nancy is a blogger and community manager for Estate Weddings and Events. When not typing away, she enjoys discovering new wedding trends and attending weddings and events to see all the people and private estates get dressed up! You can follow her on Google+ here, twitter here or linkedin here.
If you don’t pick up a copy, be sure to check out the online version here!
A quick sneak peak at the article:
After browsing through dozens of homes and estates in Southern California at estateweddingsandevents.com, Ms. Giovannelli visited and booked her dream location: the Emma Estate, a four-bedroom Tuscan-style ranch on three lushly landscaped acres in Rancho Santa Fe.
“I could create what I wanted, instead of adapting what I wanted to a venue,” she said. “It felt elegant and comfortable and intimate. It’s like hosting people in your home.”
The 115 guests entered the house at the Sept. 29 wedding through the double-height foyer, peeking at the living room, dining room and den on their way out French doors to the ceremony by the rose garden. After cocktails on the patio by the pool, spa and outdoor fireplace, guests crossed a lawn lighted by lanterns to a tent for dinner and dancing.
One company that handles such rentals is Estate Weddings & Events, which has become a key online resource for luxury private estates worldwide that are available for weddings, events, and corporate retreats.
Owner and executive director Jamie Ehrsam founded the company in 2007, after cutting her teeth as a wedding and events coordinator.
Ehrsam explains that she found many beautiful event venues, but quickly realized there were few luxurious, exclusive sites without time limits, tourists, or traditional banquet hall constraints.
“Many brides were looking for something out of the box. They didn’t want the typical venue or hotel ballroom,” she says.
An idea was born: Ehrsam figured she could organize the array of private homes and estates that were available, and help clients find ideal settings for the exclusive events they envisioned.
“At the time there were lots of luxury estates on the market due to the recession,” she explains. “I began reaching out to Realtors, and the word of mouth grew.”
Today, the California-based operation has hundreds of listings across the country and globally, including in the Caribbean, Thailand and Australia.
Kentlands Mansion in Maryland
For more information on listing your home, please contact us here.
Let us know that you found us by reading the New York Times article or Baltimore Sun feature!
About the Author
Claire is the Director of Client Relations for Estate Weddings and Events and will often be the first person to greet you and answer any questions you may have about planning your estate event. In her free time, she loves to make succulent arrangements, homebrew craft beers and put her love for crafts to work! You can follow her here Linkedin or Google+.
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