Wow. After reading so many (very true) reviews, how do I put into words my experience so that the next bride would understand... My hubby and I tied the knot at Bear Flag Farm October 11, 2008. We had looked at many venues... MANY. We loved the idea of a wine country wedding, but without the often overpriced and overcrowded feel that wine coutry often offers when it comes to weddings. Bear Flag Farm won us over the minute we stepped out of the car. Not only was it beautiful (it also has an "out in the middle of no where" feel) but it was quiet. That silence, the feeling that our special day was ours alone helped us make our decision before Tina made it to greet us.

My personal advice (do what feels right) is to go with Tina for planning. She knows every little detail about the Farm, and delivers on knowing what is best for the location. There is no better expert on Bear Flag Farm weddings! Her vendors are first class... we went with many of her recommendations, and I must say that she had our taste, over-all objectives and price points well matched with extraordinary vendors.

Tina is a breeze to work with, and very open and honest. There aren't any surprises (hahaha, you'll learn in wedding planning that there are always surprises) with Tina because she lets you know all of the possibilities ahead of time. When last minute things come up, you already know your "plan B" and love it just as much. For us it was wind. Gusty winds had kicked up just a few days before the wedding. I didn't want a tent, I wanted perfection, but Tina insisted that it was a good idea. She was right! Our guests would have been WAY too cold come reception time, and our gorgeous table scapes would have blown away. The "revised" lighting and decor plans to account for the tent were superb. Tina makes sure her brides are happy.

I appreciate people who are direct and honest, and so I'll offer this... Tina is great at what she does because she truly loves it. She doesn't do 3 weddings a weekend (even a month) and therefore she is totally dedicated to you for your special day. Every offer is genuine, every word sincere. You hire Tina to be your wedding planner, and she ends up being a very dear friend.

Most guests refer to our big day as "the wedding of the century" and I agree. However, I think that everyone who weds at Bear Flag Farm feels the same way, and that's the magic. I never imagined getting thank you's from my guests (froms calls, emails and actual thank you CARDS) for having such an amazing wedding.

Make the call, then make the drive... it'll be the last place you "check out". If I could only offer one sentence... I plan on going back for an anniversary bash, that's how great it is!