I do Venues ~ Solage ~ Design
Photography By: Hong Photography
Ceremony
Solage Resort in Calistoga is a facility that redefines casual elegance. As an up-and-coming venue that is three years young, Solage offers its guests a sense of rustic charm. When all the elements unite, the environment is very Zen, along with a twinge of hip, chic and modern.
The Solstice Lawn is the primary location for hosting a ceremony. Bring in an arbor or pergola to use as a background, which will also form a frame around the happy couple. Think willow, grape vines, or any rustic-looking wood which will blend into the surroundings. A trellis above the adjacent patio filters the sunlight, providing the perfect spot to hang decorative paper lanterns which sway with the music as a sultry breeze drifts by.
Exuberant colors give a sense of whimsy to the space, so burnt orange, fuchsia, and all shades of green create marvelous accents to the natural wood and lush green surroundings. Consider dark brown chiavari chairs topped with ivory seat cushions and pair them with a heavy aisle border of richly colored petals down either side. For a perfectly finished look, attach flowing ribbons to the backs of the chairs, and use soft greenery accented with brightly colored flowers to decorate the frame of your wedding arbor.
Reception
Entice your guests to the shaded patio with the sounds of popping champagne bottles, and pair the golden bubbles with frozen mango or peach puree for refreshing Bellini's.
Incorporate an element of casual luxury by bringing large ottomans or a teak outdoor day bed into the patio's design. Create seamless fusion by adding several end tables and an oversized rectangular coffee table, and you now have the perfect place to enjoy savory nibbles and a festive libation!
Rent a fire pit to place in the center of the nearby courtyard. This fun touch is great for creating a conversation lounge, and you can offer warm after-dinner aperitifs while roasting marshmallows. What a great way to finish off the evening!
You can easily incorporate colors and prints into the outdoor space as long as they tend to lean towards natural fabrics. Heavy silks, satins, or anything too flashy may seem to spoil the very zen garden feel achieved here.
As you move your guests inside, roll back the banquet room's immense sliding doors, creating cohesion between the outdoor and indoor spaces by eliminating their dividing point. The polished concrete floors, vaulted beamed ceiling, and velvety sable draperies are reminiscent of an upscale barn. If your budget allows, this is an amazing venue to play with lighting. Washes of natural elements resembling leaves or flowing water projected onto the walls will create a harmonious feeling to drive your design.
Ivory, celery green, or mink are the best choices for a color base, as they will allow you to successfully incorporate almost any other palette of colors into the room. The tall ceilings and abundant floor space allow you to break away from tradition and create a design centered around two or three elongated tables - a plan that will better disperse your guests and decorative colors of choice. Off-set the large tables with dramatic chairs set with colored seat cushions.
With this style of table, you certainly need not adhere to a traditional centerpiece, so create an amazing tablescape by using natural elements. Elongate the table by working its middle, and add texture by layering a graphic runner over a solid colored tablecloth. Create a combination of tall and short focal points along your table by using river rocks, moss, sandblasted wood, and Manzanita branches. Blended with the glow of candlelight, these natural decorative touches will put your guests at ease in their stylish yet tranquil surroundings.
Ask the Experts
The spa at Solage is legendary. The entire facility sits on top of Calistoga's famed natural hot springs and offers several warm natural mineral pools. If you are entertaining out-of-town guests, encourage them to stay at the resort. Once they experience the top notch hospitality, service, and cuisine provided by Solage for your celebration, they will certainly want to extend their stay!