Friday, July 10, 2009

Holman Ranch + Carmel Valley = Amazing!

It had been a few years since my last event at Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley. Although I remember it as being a nice venue I would upgrade my current description to stunning. The date was May 24 and the scene was set for the wedding of Kelly Simonson and Conor Flannery. My expectations of this venue were high following a pre-event site inspection courtesy of Holman's Event Sales Manager, Hunter Lowder.

Holman Ranch features four distinctive areas for their events. Batting first is the beautiful ceremony site shown here surrounded by vineyards and a seemingly endless horizon of coastal mountains for the backdrop.


The ceremony was officiated by Conor's long time family priest, Father Seamus Genovese. Kelly was the consummate glowing bride and Conor reached for his tissue a few times in anticipation of reciting his vows.


Following the ceremony the guests took full advantage of the Stone Terrace and much of the seriously manicured grounds for a cocktail hour. Holman Ranch reminds me of Disneyland level detailing in that no blade of grass is out of place. Check out just a few of the many landscape features. Some of these areas aren't even used by the guests but they all add to the incredible ambiance.




Conor stole the show at the conclusion of the cocktail hour with a surprise serenade for Kelly. He made several jaws drop while playing piano and singing their favorite Billy Joel tune, "She's Got A Way." Dinner followed as we moved into the Rose Patio for a family style feast created by Paradise Catering.


We corralled our final phase of fun in the Carriage House to dance, dance, dance. This area is perfect for acoustics and controlled mayhem. While the dance floor was packed there were also campfires and continued delicacies for the non-dancing guests who just chose a wind down conclusion of this fine day.


The sheer beauty of Holman Ranch was the perfect setting for Kelly and Conor's celebration and Mother Nature cooperated to the max with fantastic weather for the Memorial Day weekend.


For an outdoor California wedding it simply doesn't get any better than Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley. It may be one of the best kept wedding venue secrets but Hunter Lowder will gladly tell you all about it at 831.659.2640 or events@holmanranch.com.