Escape to Church Estate Vineyards

To all of you who missed us Thursday, July 7^th at Church Estate Vineyards in Malibu, we couldn’t resist to recap the day for you! Church Estates is one of our favorite locations to work at, and so when the opportunity came around to participate in the WIPA (Wedding Industry Professionals Association) event we jumped at the chance and ended up collaborating with such amazing creative partners and event professionals!

Like any event we plan at Good Gracious! there was no detail left astray! Carefully planned we decided to create an atmosphere that went with the natural beauty of the property, and even we allowed ourselves to feel like guests for the day as we escaped to a small beautiful retreat in the heart of Malibu’s hills.

Guests were welcomed at the tennis courts by none other than the hospitably friendly Premiere Valet. With a map in head, guests set out for cocktails and appetizers in the vineyards. Dan Smith of GG! was on hand to share his magnificent cocktail. He left home that early morning still trying to piece the recipe together, and on the last mile to the venue the last ingredient was added to The Grapevine Martini! Deliciously inventive thanks to Dan and our Stockholm Vodka sponsor.

Set in the breathtaking vineyard, with horses grazing in the pasture we kept guests hydrated with peach and thyme infused water. Nibbles included domestic and imported cheeses, portobello mushroom four cheese tartlets, sweet summer strawberries and figs, leek basil and tomato arancini and watercress lobster salad cucumber cups.

The day continued with a short walk to the main house where dreamy tents by Raj Tents were constructed. Floral Sense created unique colorful centerpieces among the relaxing furniture by Form Décor that welcomed guests into a "not your everyday" speaker presentation. It was a much more comfortable relaxed round table feel, as guest speakers talked about “how to think like an editor" of a bridal magazine and guests got great tips of the trade that were tossed about.

Guests made their way down the winding cobblestone path that took you down to the beautiful lake, equipped with everything one would need, a boathouse, serenity, and swans! Instead of traditional seating, we spread out the tables all different sizes and shapes to create a very family-style quaint feel. With simple rustically chic linens by Napa Valley and unique wine bottle shaped flowers by Bound, A Floral Studio, the table lent itself as a canvas for our food to be served. Grand Soirees added a unique touch to the table with a menu enclosed in a small shabby chic box. GG! finished off the look with a baguette tied in parchment and raffia. It was inviting to all and guests were anxious to dive into the menu specially created for them.

Grilled black cod with scallion fresh lime crust and a creamy herb risotto were served as the main course, with an assortment of deliciously colorful side dishes to include watermelon strawberry balsamic salad, heirloom tomatoes with burrata, grilled asparagus and yellow zucchini. Church Estate wines from their very own vineyards were served with lunch and not to forget a bit of a sweetness to follow. The Fry Girl, served up tasty powder sugar donuts, espressos and cappuccinos from The Cappuccino Guy and GG!’s homemade chocolate, cherry and hazelnut and apricot truffles “to go”.

We couldn’t have asked for a better day, the air was relaxing, welcoming and most of all filled with a fun energy that kept guests wanting more!

Special thanks to Immaculate Imagery for catching all the spectacular moments and details of the day. Want to thank Vox DJ and Masa Music for the amazing entertainment, music and professionalism that kept guests on their toes, and a vibrant energy in the air! In addition Andy Gump for their luxury restrooms and Premiere Party Rentals who provided everything from umbrellas and place settings to the kitchen ovens where lunch was prepared!

As always Good Gracious! couldn't do what we do best without our creative partners. We were honored to have the opportunity to entertain such a wide range of industry professionals and hope you enjoyed the journey with us!

MENU

THE Grapevine Martini Stockholm Krystal Vodka
shaken with crushed Red and Green Grapes
Fresh Oregano and White Pepper
THE VINEYARD TABLE Peaches + Thyme infused Water
Cowgirl Creamery Triple Cream
Humbold Fog Chevre
Portabello Mushroom Four Cheese Tartlet
Sweet Summer Strawberries and Figs
Leek Basil and Tomato Arancini
Watercress Lobster Salad Cucumber Cup
MAIN
Lakeside Grilled Black Cod with Scallion Fresh Lime Crust
Creamy Herb Risotto
FAMILY Vine ripened + Heirloom Tomatoes with Burrata
Syrah wine vinaigrette
Artichoke, Haricot Vert and Sweet Pea Salad
Grilled Asparagus + Yellow Zucchini
Arugula, Gorgonzola + Pine Nuts dressed with Mustard Lemon
Watermelon Strawberry Balsamic
served with Church Estate new vintage Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
INDULGE Chocolate Truffles of Cherry, Hazelnut + Apricot
Espresso Cappuccino + Fun Doughnuts “To Go”