This is a super long post. I probably should have broken it up into two days, but I’ve got something else planned for tomorrow. So if you are on Dial-up I’m sorry (but you really should join the 21st century and get DSL, Cable, or some other kind of speedy internet service).
A few months ago I joined the Nuptial Essentials Association of Wedding Professionals. Amy Mader, an Austin Wedding Coordinator has organized a really great group of wedding professionals in our area. It’s the NEAWP, and if you work in the wedding industry you should definitely check out the website or blog and become a member. Not only do they offer one of the very best certification courses for wedding planners, but the monthly meetings are fun and informative. She is even organizing a 3-day seminar in October with some big names from the wedding industry in attendance (Rumor has it that Colin Cowie is coming to Austin).
Today’s meeting was a fantastic lunch at the Vineyard at Florence – Yes it was a bit of a drive to get there. I took the scenic route, up 183 North and into Florence. The Texas countryside was absolutely beautiful, as a thunderstorm passed through the area last night. Wildflowers were blooming, the native grasses were just beginning to loose their green color, and the big blue sky had just the right amount of puffy white clouds.
After about an hour on the road listening to my favorite Coldplay CD, I took the turn onto hwy 138 to Florence, and then a few back roads to the Vineyard. Besides putting in a working winery, there is a Spa, an incredible Restaurant, tasting rooms, guest suites, and tons of space for a wedding, reception, or corporate event/retreat. Kris and Amber, the owners greeted us in the Harvest Room as we were finishing the amazing lunch (see the photos below), to describe the property. I’ve been to Italy, and they have perfectly captured the feeling of an Agriturismo in the Umbria Region of Italy.
Sitting at my table was Amy herself, her assistant, Bethany, Dustin Meyer and Bonnie Berry (two other incredible wedding photographers in Austin). After some quick meeting notes, lunch was served, and let me say it was delicious (just look for yourself) After the gourmet meal, we were treated to a quick class on wine tasting by Jane Nickels – Wine Writer, Educator, and Entertainer. Perhaps the most down to earth sommelier I’ve ever met. Have you ever met a wine connoisseur with a Texas Accent? I now have.
The day ended when I picked up my little bag of favors some chocolate truffles from Delysia. Thanks, Nicole!
The drive from Austin to Florence was beautiful
The Texas road was full of wildflowers
The entrance to the Vineyard
The different areas of the vineyard
There are several great patios around the grounds for events
Maranda Lehnerz
John John and Bethany
The Harvest room at the Vineyard at Florence
Amy Mader
First course - salad
Gourmet Lunch
Pictures of Gourmet Desserts
The owners of the Vineyard at Florence, Kris and Amber
Delysia Chocolates
Adventures of Lazy Girl tastes a sample
jane Nickels is the best sommelier in Texas, and the most entertaining!
Notes about wine tasting
Wine Tasting in Texas
The back table got kind of rowdy
Wendee Robbins
Gina Greenspan (2Dine4 catering) and Lydia Smith (APC)
If you are a bride or groom and interested in getting married at the Vineyard, be sure to tell them you found them from my blog – Thanks!
Be sure to grab some of these photos and upload them to your facebook profile! All these photos were taken with an F5, and Kodak 400 VC and NC pulled 1 stop.
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Thanks for the great photos and commentary, Eric. I really did try to keep my rowdy table under control, but I was already told I was being a “mom” by scolding them. We had a great time and the food was so good. I am really enjoying NEAWP and the Vineyard was quite a treat.
As much as I HATE to admit it, this is the first time I have been somewhere and physically seen the location then had the GREAT opportunity to re-live it with your photos. YOU NAILED IT!!!! The venue was beautiful, the quality of your shots are beautiful and the lighting is superb. LOVE your work oh, and you are a great guy to boot!!! Look forward to sharing our talents at a wedding or 20 in the future!
Thanks again for sharing the photos and I AM IMPRESSED!!!
Eric, thanks so much for sharing the photos. I think you did a great job of capturing the excellence of the venue and the quality of the program offered. Thanks again for sharing your work.
What great photos! That was a great venue, a great meeting, with a ton of really great people. I can not wait for the next one!
Thanks for shareing your amazing work, and I can’t wait to work with you!
Props to Eric on these great photos (and what timely turnaround!) Very impressive indeed. I have to say this is one of the most enjoyable “business” type meetings I’ve been to – good food, friendly people and a warm environment. I’m hooked. Thanks again Eric for sharing!
All of us at Southern’s Fine Dining, Inc. were so very pleased to be a part of this month’s NEAWP meeting. If you enjoyed the luncheon, we invite you to visit with Chef Steve Southern, Owner and Executive Chef, in booth #624 at the upcoming Bridal Extravaganza on June 21st in Austin.
Thank you so much Eric!! What great photos these were and although many comments have been made, I have to add some more. I have to admit that driving out to the Vineyard, I thought about 1 million other things I could be doing than driving to Florence, Texas. However, this was so worth the trip. I cannot wait to have an event out there. The ride home was very relaxing because I appreciated the beauty of the backroads (I took I-35 out there). Jane did an amazing job as a speaker and I was crying as I was laughing so hard at her comedy. Here knowledge was amazing and she presented it in such a great manner. When the video is posted from the meeting, it is a must to see it.
GREAT shots Eric. And I am so glad I am holding the glass correctly in that shot : )
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