HammerSky Vineyard Wedding

7 Mar 2014

HammerSky Vineyards is a stunning Paso Robles wedding venue located on the westsides’ gorgeous Vineyard Drive. The centerpiece of the property is a 100-year-old farmhouse that has been tastefully redesigned with no expense spared. A gourmet kitchen, porch swings, a balcony, a large deck, a clawfoot bathtub, a fireplace, along with 4 bedrooms, host vineyard views in every direction. It’s picture perfect.

The property also features a state of the art tasting room & a new barn that’s large enough to accommodate a good sized dance floor, or long table for 40+ guests. There are 2 large lawns shaded by century-old oaks set amongst beautiful Paso Robles vineyards. It’s cute, it’s quaint, it’s New England, it’s Napa, it’s…HammerSky!

Located just a few hours from the Bay Area, HammerSky is an affordable option compared to L.A., O.C. & S.F wedding venues of similar quality. The staff, along with proprietors Kim & Doug, pair 4 star service with some of the best Bordeaux centric wines on the central coast. I had the tough task of sampling the 2010 lineup, the day after the wedding of course, and they are spot on – smooth on the palette, just enough on the nose without being overpowering. By the time you realize you’re sampling a damn fine Bordeaux, they tastefully disappear with an extraordinarily clean finish. That sums up the experience had by all at this stunning westside venue on an incredibly beautiful fall day!

3 long tables offered seating for 100 guests. Beautiful floral arrangements courtesy of Bonny Doon Flower Co. were perfectly placed by HammerSky’s Event Coordinator Lauren & her staff.

The couple’s cake was tastefully decorated with the names of loved ones written in icing, very cute.

Looking good & ready to go!

The Ceremony site at HammerSky is framed by vineyards in almost every direction. Grand old oaks punctuate the rolling countryside.

The happy couple shared a private moment immediately after the ceremony. Family & Wedding Party photos had been completed prior to guests’ arrival – a great way to go if you want to maximize time with everyone at your wedding.

Cocktails following the ceremony were enjoyed in and around the tasting room. A great way for guests to share the excitement with the happy couple.

Thomas Hill Organics served a top-notch family style meal made with local organic ingredients. A great choice for any would be Bride & Groom looking for the perfect sustainable meal.

It was the perfect end to a perfect day. Each of the vendors listed below played a part in making this day as special as it was. If you’re looking for a picturesque winery to host your wedding or private event, HammerSky is a great place to do so.

Photographer; Peer Johnson (contact me here)
Ceremony, Cocktails, Wine & Reception; HammerSky Vineyards
Catering – Dinner; Thomas Hill Organics
Floral Arrangements: Bonny Doon Flower Co.
Tableware, Chairs & Tables: All About Events
Cake: Cakes By Judy
Makeup & Hair; Lovely Chic Wedding

Point 16 Big Sur

21 Feb 2014

“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.” Norman Maclean.

It’s a focul point, a crux, a fulcrum or a crossing over point. This place is special. There is no other place like this place. One day, everyone will figure that out. But for now, it is what it is, an undiscovered spot, one of the least clarified points on Google Maps on the coast of California & the victim or beneficiary of a lack of marketing that accurately communicates exactly how unique this spot is. They don’t really need to market, as Point 16 sells itself. If you don’t yet comprehend that, it’s probably not the right place for you;) But if you’re curious, if you’re willing to look further, if you want more, if you’re looking for a mind-blowing wedding venue that guests will never forget. This is it.

Yeah Baby! Very Yeah Baby!!!

The cabins at Glen Oaks in Big Sur. And yes, a river does run through them*. A little joke regarding the Maclean quote above.

The Big Sur Cabin at Glen Oaks is set amongst old-growth Redwoods, surrounded by large lawns next to the Big Sur River. It’s perfect.

Big Sur makeup and hair by my wife, Rhonda Johnson!

Kate Healey’s Big Sur Flowers are second to none. Kate grows all her creations on her property, on a gorgeous ridge, overlooking Big Sur. Kate & Cheri have known, and worked with each other for years. Their work melds together seamlessly & beautifully on a palette of gorgeous vista’s with breathtaking views.

The guys improvised entrance, some awesome contemporary music playing, as the opening for the ceremony. It was unique, fun, heartfelt and set the tone for the ceremony. It was very cool.

The Happiest Moment Ever!

Whales were spouting about a mile offshore. All the guests got up to watch them pass. Where else can you have Whales as guests at a wedding???

Tasty, organic, local food prepared by Cheri Gladstones A Big Sur Affair Catering.

Then it happened…frame #1.

And frame #2…100% unplanned, totally out of the blue, Photo Bomb! I didn’t even see it as the mirror drops on the camera when the shutter releases. I was staring at the camera, laughing for a while as were the guests. It was hilarious.