Weekend to Remember, Part Two!

Kayla and Patrick were married here at Chaumette on Oct 8^th.  This is the wedding I mentioned in my previous blog, the one that was the biggest of the year.  They had around 300 guests, and with that number of people we rent a tent to expand our Ballroom.  You may think that a tent can’t be that nice to look at, but the one we rent from Grand Rental is very nice, as you can see in the background below. 

Kayla, Patrick and both of their families were a joy to get to know.   All of the family got involved in the planning and execution of the wedding.  It was nice to see families working together, and it showed in the final product, it was beautiful. 

Yes, this is a cake....ALL of it edible, antlers and all!

A note from our Bride,Kayla:

                          What Patrick and I had envisioned for our wedding day was a French/Country theme, accompanied by a beautiful fall background.  I could not have imagined anything more beautiful that day then what the rolling hills and vineyards gave us at Chaumette Winery.  The vibrant colors of the trees made the perfect canvas for our talented photographers. 

                 We were fortunate enough to spend our day with all of our family and friends, which made for a fairly large reception of around 300!  Arriving at Chaumette for our reception was simply breathtaking.   They had a beautiful white tent set up for a patio style seating for several of our guests. Patio guests could look out and see our magnificent bride and groom cakes made by Patrick’s mother, as well as caramel apple favors, all positioned on a very unique vintage-country style wagon!

                The bridal party was centered in the middle of the ballroom, which made it convenient and comfortable for guests to come and visit! Each table was dressed in light champagne; some having a vintage style lantern atop a piece of birch, and others having a beautiful floral arrangement showcasing different fall colors.    The doors to the ballroom adjoining the tent remained open for the evening so guests could appreciate the sunset or the warm night air, as they enjoyed the phenomenal plated dinner prepared.

                Looking back on the evening now, I am not sure I could exactly pin point a favorite part, because I have many amazing memories!   A few would have to include: our first dance as husband and wife, my sister’s beautiful speech,  listening to the band play and dancing all night with family and friends, and just seeing all of our loved ones together supporting us and having a blast! 

                Chaumette gracefully accommodated all of our guests, while still giving us the attention, detail, and ambiance that we desired.  This night was not only special to Patrick and I, but it was an experience that our family and friends will never forget!

As you can see by these  beautiful pictures, the evening was enjoyed by all.  It's hard to say I am working when I am having such a wonderful time!  The band Rough Ryders is a country band (my favorite kind) and they were top notch.  David (the bartender) and I, who shares my love of country music, could hardly keep from singing and dancing.  How unprofessional would that be?!

 I received one funny picture from Kayla that I have to share.  I had no idea the photographer was around.  I usually try to avoid them if at all possible.  This was taken right after they cut their cake and I was trying to keep her dress off the ground…and having fun doing it too, as you can see….

 Ceremony / Reception Venue:  Chaumette Winery | Photographer: I Kandi Photograpy | Cake:Becky Langelier, Becky's email| Florist:Botaniques, Botaniques |Band:Rough Ryders, Rough Ryders  

A Weekend To Remember!

The weekend of October 7^th will be forever burned in my mind.    We had a total of 5 weddings booked, one of which was also the biggest that I have experienced.  The leaves were starting the change and the weather was great.   There was amazing smells coming from the kitchen (as always), wonderful live music being played from the east Gallery, and sounds of laughter and cheer coming from every directionI Love was in the air!  I guess I have to admit, I am a hopeless romantic!  I would say that I just may be in the right position at the winery!

 When planning a wedding with a Bride you can really get to know them.  We had some really sweet Brides that weekend and that makes things all the more enjoyable.  Did I not mention that the busiest weekend was also one of the most enjoyable?   Yes, you are right….it was amazing.  There was a constant flow of deliveries for all of the events and wedding guests stopping in to say hello (I really think they were hoping for a sneak peak at the room!).   I remember I stayed the weekend on proberty with our owners Jackie and Hank in their cabin,(who by the way are wonderful hosts,) so that I could be ready and even one step ahead of everything.

I am working on getting pictures from all of the Brides for that weekend, but I have been able to reach Jessica.  Her wedding was one of the first that weekend, on Friday night.  She and her mother had some very unique designs for their event.  It had a very natural feel to it.  Her mother, Chris, even made some home made jam for each guest.  I have some pictures of it below: (courtesy of Simpli Photography)

From the Bride:
I wanted our small and intimate wedding to highlight my love of nature, all things homemade, and the small Missouri community that I grew up in. Chaumette winery and the chapel overlook green rolling farmland and the colorful landscape that I find so beautiful.  Our jam jar favors were lovingly made by my mother, aunts, and various friends whom wanted to take part in the preparation.   The flowers brought my love of nature indoors using natural wooden containers filled with succulents, live plants, herbs, and wild flowers.  The delicious browned butter pumpkin cake that we served was the talk of the evening.
Daniel’s favorite part of the day was when my father, who married us, said his final remarks as the ceremony was concluding. He misspoke and announced “Ladies and gentleman, you may now kiss the bride!”  We were all laughing as we exited the chapel!
My favorite part of the day was as I entered the chapel and started to walk down the aisle. I was overcome by a warm rush of air and the feeling of love all around us.  It was so special and emotional to look around and see loved family and friends coming together to witness our marriage.  It was something that I will never forget.

---

I will keep working on the other stories from that weekend and post as soon as I have more picutes gathered.

Ceremony / Reception Venue:  Chaumette Winery | Photographer: Simpli Photography | Cake: Diane’s Cakery  | Dress: Saison Blanche  | Shoes: Gianni Bini  | Suit: Perry Ellis | Flowers: Judy Sheets

I decided that I must start a blog, not just any old blog, a blog about the happenings at our vineyard.  There are so many things that go on any given weekend that it must be shared.  My poor husband and family have to listen to me ramble on and on about the characters that I work with as well as the beautiful love stories that unfold every weekend.  I decided to cut him a break, hence this blog being created.

My goal is to entertain you by sharing those stories.  Things that happen behind the "scenes", as well as those love stories.  You may also find a few stories about my beloved coworkers.  I am not sure how all these "characters" arrived to work at this vineyard, but rest assured there is not a vineyard on the planet that can boast of having such colorful personalities!

I also have been moved to tears a few times with the romance that occurs in our romantic destination.  When the lights dim in our ballroom and the music starts, newly married couples hold each other tight as they dance their first dance.  There is a wide spectrum of songs played at this time, jazz, classics, pop, and my personal favorite, country.  Either way I find myself standing off to the side (usually by the bar) smiling from ear to ear, just taking it all in.  After working with the couple closely to plan the special day, I really get to know them.  To see them enjoying the day that has been planned is very rewarding. 

So, I will be contacting my past brides to see if it is ok if I can share their stories with the blogging world.  I will also try to blog about the different ways to personalize your wedding, what seems to be working well, things to avoid etc.  But in the meantime (while I am gathering stories and permission) I have received permission to blog about one interesting character I "work" with.  To say that this character works is a bit of an exaggeration!  I think most of you agree, because I have heard time and time again, "what a life it must be", when referring to him.  So, without further ado, let me introduce you to: Norton

Yes, I am sure most of you are familiar with this "character" in my story.  Of course he acquired his name from the beautiful Norton Grape grown here on the property.  He has a very sweet personality and really does enjoy greeting our guests (yes, I'm sure the fact that you may have food is an added incentive to your greeting) none the less, he is a lovable dog.  We have management meetings every Thursday.  Everybody gathers around one long table and we discuss the week’s events and such.  Norton is always faithful to make an appearance.  He makes his rounds around the table, getting a pat of love from each of us.  Once he feels like he has contributed his part to the meeting, he crashes under the table in a deep slumber.

So, I will be gathering pictures, stories and permission and try to update the blog regularly.  If you are one of the Brides we have had this year and want to give me permission to use your story or pictures, please email me and let me know.  If you have a picture you would like me to use please send it as well.   My email address is rhonda@chaumett.com .