I Do Venues: Chileno Valley Ranch A Petaluma Treasure
Photography by: Michelle Walker Photography
About the Venue
Main Street USA. This is the best way that I know to describe Petaluma, California. This incredible historic town sits just on the outskirts of the popular California wine region and is about one hour outside of the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. The consistent climate give you warm sunny days from mid-April to August, and the community's commitment to keeping its historic small town heritage in place makes Petaluma an incredible oasis.
Chileno Valley Ranch is an unspoiled eclectic collection of family businesses and artist expression. The family-owned organic cattle ranch is the primary function of the property, but Sally Gale is a very well-known local plain air artist and she revels in the opportunity to share by hosting workshops and art exhibits. In addition, the organic apple orchard has over five varietals. This is the ultimate spot for the couple who cherishes the idea of a truly sustainable wedding celebration: fresh apple pie straight from the orchard, an aged filet that was locally raised, and a variety of other yummy items that are contributed from local farmers and bread artisans. YUM !
Ask the Expert
Your wedding should be an opportunity for self expression and as you can see by the details captured by the wondrous Michelle Walker, this celebration was not in short supply of handmade, loving details.
The overall tranquil and understated look of this celebration is perfect for the outdoor venue. The soft wheat color palette ever-present in the rolling grass-covered hills is accentuated by dollops of bright orange, yellow, and a wisp of aqua.
If you are a DIY bride, this couple has a virtual treasure trove of ideas. The selection of a sweet and charming single poppy flower graphic seems to be a centralized theme through this gorgeous country-styled wedding. The graphic acts as a base to create the warmth and flavor of this celebration.
The bride's bouquet is a burst of sunshine - the brightly colored poppies and ranunculus immediately capture the attention of every guest. The selection of a native flower such as the poppy makes the table arrangements simple and relatively inexpensive. A collection of wildflowers looks amazing in a selection of simple glass vases. The aqua color palette has been infused into the florals by wrapping the vases with serenely colored ribbon.
The fun twist on the guest book is brilliant and so well displayed. I love how the couple uses a similar display of jute hung across the side of the barn with simple old-fashioned clothes pins to display their wonderful collection of candid Polaroid photography.
Eulalia and Paul had a wedding that we would all love to have - casual, elegant, fun, and fabulous! Sally & Mike at the Chileno Valley Ranch hosted the event with the ceremony on the back lawn and the reception in the barn. The ranch is a working cattle ranch and apple orchard and dang those burgers were good! Pam Ferrari created a wonderful menu with all locally provided ingredients - all perfectly prepared. Paul Robertson decorated the barn with poppies and Eulalia wore the most amazing dress designed by her and Azadeh Couture - check out the hand applied flowers all over the skirt. The couple was gracious enough to let me drag them out of dinner to catch the sunset on the bluffs above the ranch - and the photos are amazing! It was a perfect day - Michelle Walker.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride's dream a reality: Photographer - Michelle Walker Photography, Florist - Paul Robertson Floral Design, Catering - Pam Ferrari Custom Catering.