Gainey Vineyard

ence several occasions of either lack of or miscommunication between the venue, the coordinator and the couple. For example, we were given a strict timeline of only being allowed to drop items off after 5pm the night before the ceremony after the venue was closed to the public, we thought this would be fine allowing our stuff to be ready for the next day, but when this happened the staff refused to stay past five, rushing us out the door and telling us they had an appointment, instead of calling the main venue coordinator to resolve the issue. They told us that the gates would be open as early at 6 am the wedding day so my coordinator and groom and groomsmen all went to set up the morning of and the gates were locked and not opened until 9 am. I wish this was the end of it but the venue coordinator was late to our run through meeting with the vendors, we were originally told the vendors could arrive 4 hours in advance to set up but last minute were told the reception hall (inside the barrel room) could not be set up until 5pm because of the public. With the ceremony at 430 and dinner at 6, this left us running late. Even though there were small hicups along the way it was still a nice day.

t wasn't even brought up because it's usually held for summer weddings, but once we we took a look at it, we were obsessed. The location is where they filmed the Gary Sinese TV Movie "Of Mice & Men" and it truly is stunning. The day of the wedding was a bit chilly, but once we moved to dinner by the heaters and the wind died down, I think everyone warmed up and enjoyed themselves immensely. We held the ceremony under an oak tree, cocktail hour in the barn, the dinner by the cook's shed, and then dancing and dessert in the barn and the outside area. The fire pit was an charming touch and it helped to have pre-built bathrooms. The reason for a 4.6 instead of a 5? You have to bring in everything, and I mean everything. The upfront rental price is a little bit misleading once they add on fees and services. You have to be out by 10 pm. No exceptions. (Not really their fault, though - that's due to a noise ordinance). But other than that - I really don't think my hubby and I could have found a more beautiful spot - it will hold such a dear place in our hearts and we made such amazing memories. It will be fun to go back and visit over the years - we even made a wine bottle "time capsule" with Gainey Wine! The Hollywood History and the magic of this place is definitely worth it - our wedding was a fairy tale!