By Amanda Parinella :: Photography courtesy of Cordillera Ranch & West Vita
Planning a special event can be as enjoyable as the party — the journey to your destination — if you’re working with the capable staff at The Clubs of Cordillera. It’s no secret that Cordillera Ranch is a special place to live and celebrations centered around the natural beauty and unique features of the property become exceptional events with one-of-a-kind experiences reflecting each individual client’s personality.
Engage your guests in an event customized from every thoughtful detail down to each bite of a perfectly paired food and wine dinner or themed event. Whether your gathering is a grand affair or an intimate dinner party, an office luncheon or other special occasion, Cordillera Ranch is the perfect venue. Here are a few testimonials from members that have celebrated their private event with The Club:
Fairytale Wedding
Meredith Storrie’s parents are longtime Cordillera Ranch residents and members of The Club. With fiancé Steve, they have been fortunate to visit many times and it has become a truly special place for them. So it’s no wonder that the site was chosen to celebrate their wedding in May of 2015.
”Steve and I met at the end of 2011 while living in Northern Virginia. Shortly after getting engaged in February of 2014, we relocated to Minneapolis. At first, we weren’t quite sure where to have our wedding. We knew we wanted to create a “wow-worthy” event and that we wanted to hold it in a place that had great significance for us. Once we met with Manny Ortiz and Amanda Parinella at Cordillera Ranch, we immediately knew it was the perfect fit. And we were right! I couldn’t be happier to say that I don’t think we had a single interruption to a perfectly orchestrated event. Amanda worked diligently with us to arrange toasts, dances, the cake cutting, and the bouquet and garter tosses in a way that surprised and delighted the guests. Multiple guests commented that the food was not only the best wedding food they’ve ever eaten, but some of the best food, period. Amanda and DJ Dan were even able to accommodate an impromptu serenade by Steve’s uncle — an opera singer for the San Francisco opera — without even the slightest hiccup. We couldn’t have picked a better way to introduce so many of our close friends and family to the beautiful Texas Hill Country and wouldn’t have done a thing differently. Last week, my five year old niece asked when we could get married again because she had so much fun the first time around! I suppose we could always come back to renew our vows….”
Texas Tuscan
Robin Bull wanted a Tuscany-themed dinner party at her home in Cordillera Ranch. This time The Club staff came to her, designing and catering an authentic Italian meal that appealed to every guest.
“I had a very clear vision of a family dinner in Tuscany in mind for my party of about 60 people. When I met with Amanda and Isaac, they understood exactly what I was looking for and they translated it into a magical Italian evening. Isaac created the perfect menu from the Antipasti to the La Famiglia Cucina and topping off the evening with Dolce. We worked together to make sure we included a nice range of dishes that pleased every range of palates and dietary needs from the toddlers through the great grandparents; the meat and potato lovers to the vegetarians. Everything came together so nicely. As much as anything, the staff’s professionalism and ability to take charge of facilitating the service made the party a success. Everything came together exactly as planned. If it didn’t, I had no idea as they handled everything beautifully. Amanda, Mikey, Tyler, Cally and Kat worked so very hard getting everything set up and organized, then serving and cleaning up. I didn’t have to do a thing. Once the party started, I just enjoyed the party. I just can’t say enough. I have received so many compliments about what an over the top, perfect Tuscan evening it was. Everything was perfect!”
Corporate Camaraderie
When David Sander’s decided to host a corporate event outing with his company at the Ranch, he utilized all seven of The Club’s facilities so every guest could explore and choose an activity to their liking.
“I contacted Monty about the possibility of a Pioneer Natural Resources Corporate spring event at Cordillera Ranch. I explained there would be 40 geoscientists, executives (including the CEO) and a few spouses. They organized a perfect day allowing guests to pick between golf, kayaking, sporting clays, tennis, horseback riding or shopping, followed by a great cocktail sunset and dinner in the Cabana Grille. I was so impressed with the staff’s organizational efficiency, plus great food. Gail and I followed up with having our son’s fall wedding at The Club … it, too, was perfect!”
Extended Celebration
Joy Othites knows how to celebrate! Her birthday began with a private catered dinner at her home on a Friday night, and was followed by a party at the Cabana Grille the next evening. She and her guests enjoyed a sit down dinner with entertainment as well as a photo booth.
“My birthday celebration last December was more than I could have envisioned due to the fabulous staff led by Manny Ortiz and Amanda Parinella. Working with Chef Isaac was an enjoyable experience as he was able to bring my vision to fruition and I was able to enjoy the celebration knowing that the details were in capable hands.”
