We met over a shared table at a harvest supper, arguing about how much olive oil is too much. Neither of us has changed our answer. Come spend a late-September Saturday with us at Villa Olivo: vows under the old trees, a long dinner in the courtyard, and dancing on the terrace until the stars are out.
316
days until September 25
Our story
It started with a long table
2019
The harvest supper
Forty strangers at one table in Los Olivos. Owen passed the bread, Chiara passed judgement on his olive oil. We talked until they stacked the chairs.
2021
A kitchen of our own
A small house in Ventura with a lemon tree, a terracotta floor and a table far too big for two. We filled it most Sundays.
2026
The question
On a walk through an old grove at sunset. Owen had planted an olive sapling in the garden that morning and said nothing until Chiara found the ring tied to it.
2027
The weekend
One long table again, this time with everyone we love around it.
The day
Saturday, September 25
4:00 pm
Arrive
The cypress drive
Walk up the gravel drive between the cypress trees. Cold lemonade and sparkling water at the top.
4:30 pm
Ceremony
In the olive grove
Under the oldest trees on the hill. It's short, and the low sun will be at your back.
5:15 pm
Aperitivo
The loggia
Small plates, local wine and the best view of the valley as the light turns gold.
7:00 pm
Dinner & dancing
The courtyard and terrace
One long table under the lanterns, a few short toasts, then dancing on the terrace. The music ends at eleven.
What to wear
Summer formal, in linen tones
Ceremony & dinner
Summer formal
Think linen, silk and soft colours: stone, sage, terracotta, cream. The ceremony is on grass and gravel, so leave the stilettos at home. Evenings in the valley cool quickly; bring a wrap or a jacket.
#d9cbb2
#8e9478
#b5643f
#f3ece0
Sunday farewell
Relaxed
Coffee, pastries and leftover cake on the terrace from ten. Come as you are.
#efe6d7
#c9b48f
Getting there
Santa Ynez Valley, California
Villa Olivo is a short drive from the town of Santa Ynez, at the end of a long gravel lane lined with cypress. Santa Barbara airport is about 45 minutes away; Los Angeles is a little over two hours. A shuttle runs from both hotels from 3:30 pm and brings everyone back after the dancing. (Villa Olivo is invented for this demo.)
The valley is at its best in late September: harvest in the vineyards, farm stands full of figs, and warm days with cool nights. If you're arriving on Friday, the old main street in Santa Ynez is lovely for an evening walk. On Sunday morning we'll be on the terrace with coffee and the last of the cake.
Good to know
Questions, answered
Can I bring a plus-one?
If your invitation names one, yes. The courtyard table seats exactly who we've invited, so please check yours before you reply.
Are children welcome?
Yes. There's a lawn for running and a sitter in the library from dinner onwards, so parents can dance.
What will the weather be like?
Warm and golden in the afternoon, around 80°F, and cool after sunset. Bring a layer for the evening.
Is the venue easy to walk around?
Mostly. The ceremony is on grass and the paths are gravel. If you'd rather not walk the drive, tell the shuttle driver and they'll take you to the door.
Can I take photos?
Please keep your phone away during the ceremony. After that, take as many as you like.
Registry
If you'd like to give a gift
Having you at our table is the gift. If you'd still like to give something, here are two ideas.
