Transforming a space that’s close to my heart AND bedecking it for my own party is something that I rarely – okay, basically never – do. Sweet Oaks Ranch in Temecula is a business venture that my friend and client, Dan Fleyshman, has taken on. It’s a multi-acre property with gorgeous natural elements, including a perfectly manicured grass landscape, a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding vineyards, a recently installed lake, and a swarm of animals to engage with, thanks to The Real Tarzann. The site is a place where I hope to design and plan many events in the near future, and so I decided to be my first client at the venue – celebrating my and Herick’s 15th wedding anniversary.

As loved ones drove in to the private estate and parked their vehicles, they were met with chauffeured golf carts that escorted them to the tented space up the hill where they could enjoy cocktails, get cozy on black leather sofas, experience a cool black-and-white photo moment, and primarily, take in the stunning sunset.

I wore a feminine black gown with a sheer overlay lined in faux feathers. It swayed prettily as I walked – what girl doesn’t love that feeling? I carried a lush, romantic bouquet of vanilla-hued roses. Herick opted for a classic black tuxedo made complete with a hand-tied bow tie. We made our grand entrance alongside our children, and loved ones applauded, cheered, and cried happy tears for us.

As guests began to shift inside of the tent adorned in glittering sophisticated details, they found their seats at either round tables, long king’s tables, or cushioned corner booths. Shimmering chandeliers suspended above, hundreds of fresh white roses decorated tables, along with warm candlelight in varying heights to create the amorous ambience we had desired.

Dinner service began with a delicious salad and choice of wine, before moving on to a scrumptious supper paired with more wine! We cut into our multi-tiered cake and posed for photos, then offered slices to guests. It was just what they needed to get back on their feet and hit the dance floor. It was an exhilarating feeling! The live band went right into song and dance, and later on in the evening, our daughter Francesca, joined them for a couple of ballads. She is young, but such a soulful singer, and it really made our night to have her get up on stage and perform for family and friends.

Everyone danced! My mother, our closest colleagues, our children, and all of our friends and family were dancing. It might have been the sweet confection, plus a pinch of the signature cocktails kicking in, but mostly it was their love for me, Herick, and our family that had them engaging in such merriment. I could feel the love, and as I gazed around the room and saw smiling faces and heads thrown back in laughter, sandals swapped out for heels, and disheveled hair thrown up in a bun, I knew it was exactly what I had hoped for that night. I wish this amazing feeling of support to all of my future brides and grooms who wed in that very spot one day!

Thank you to our Wife of the Party team and all of the professional vendor teams who helped make this day perfect for me and Herick.