By Donna Romani, Donna Romani Events

The Donna Romani Events staff spent months planning and toiling over the weddings and parties of others. From rustic elegance and vintage chic to opulent extravagance, my girls worked their tails off and did it with grace and style. So as the 2010 wedding season came to a close, it was time to turn the tables on them … letting them, for once, be the belles of the ball!

The scene was set with beautiful handmade invitations arriving in the mail to each girl that read, in part, “Transportation will be provided. You will find a clue to your destination waiting in the car.” As the long black limo arrived at the front door of each girl’s home, their driver greeted them with a personalized clue. They had no idea, until all three girls and their clues came together, that their limo was taking them to a destination of nostalgia and romance, the legendary San Ysidro Ranch in the hills of Montecito.

Our dinner for this evening, was set in the Old Adobe, a ranch house built on the property in 1825, which remains a California Historic Landmark and one of the most unique private dining rooms open to the public. We spent the first hour on the small terrace for cocktails. I had a lounge brought in so we could relax while we nibbled on fruits and cheese and sipped on vintage Veuve Cliquot Rose.

Before moving inside for dinner, each girl received a gift bag as a thank you and remembrance of our season together. The bags were designed with a map of downtown Santa Barbara on the front, hand-drawn in beautiful calligraphy. Inside they found an assortment of goodies, capped off with a “little blue box” that could only mean Tiffany’s.

It was a gorgeous night in a spectacular setting. The staff at San Ysidro Ranch spoiled us completely. We ate and drank and feasted on memories of an amazing wedding season together. Each of our couples was with us in spirit as we toasted to them, and to each other, and in anticipation of another memorable year ahead.

Event Credits:

Photography: Whitney Elizabeth Photography

Event Design & Planning: Donna Romani Events

Flowers & Paper: Donna Romani Events

Venue: San Ysidro Ranch

Linens: La Tavola Linens

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals, Designer8* Studio Event Rentals

Totes: Lazaro Press & Design via Be Gifted