About DUNCAN

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San Francisco, CA, United States
He began as a Corporate Event Planner until his tenure as Catering Manager for luxury San Francisco hotels, as well as the General Manager/Director of Events for the Julia Morgan Ballroom. Later became the Catering Manager for Weddings at the historic Westin St. Francis Hotel. Impressive accolades have given him credentials to recognize him as an Independent Food Editor, Restaurant Critic and a Contributing Writer for several media publications. Spanning impressive years in Wedding and Event Planning, his passion has taken him to create F. DUNCAN REYES EVENTS BY DESIGN and is renowned as the Event Industry’s most premiere Wedding and Event Planner Extraordinnaire! In January 2009, he was honored by the San Francisco Business Times as one of the Top 100 new businesses in their “Book Of Lists 2009”. Duncan is a member of the National Assoc. of Catered Events (NACE) and last April 2010 was voted “Member of the Year” 2010 and the 2013 Winner of Silicon Valley NACE's coveted Best of the Industry Award in Event Design. In January 2011, 2012 and 2013, received prestigious recognition with the WeddingWire Bride's Choice Award for Wedding Planning.

VENUE SPOTLIGHT: PARADISE RIDGE WINERY


My Associate, Alex Barranco and I, recently were invited to attend a luncheon and site visit of Paradise Ridge Winery.  Nestled in 156 acres in the hillside over Santa Rosa, it’s an hour’s drive from San Francisco with expansive panoramic views of the Russian River Valley.  Our gracious hosts, Sonia Byck-Barwick, Co-Owner and Managing Partner, along with Martha Marquez, their Wedding and Events Manager, greeted us with a very warm “Welcome to Paradise”.

Martha Marquez and Sonia Byck-Barwick





We began to delight our senses with a marvelous glass of their newly released 2009 Sparkling Shiraz – exceptionally marked by a refinement and elegance.  This sophisticated "bubbly" had a very limited quantity, so I could not resist purchasing it for my own enjoyment.  Mmmm-la-la-la-la!!!!!





The winery is replete with a Tasting Room, a dramatic event space that can hold up to 150 guests seated, a veranda for your cocktail reception, and an adjacent outdoor ceremony courtyard, all offering sweeping views of their lush vineyard landscapes and Sculptural Gardens.  Spectacular sculptural works of art are speckled throughout Marijke’s Grove with majestic Oak Trees and open greens flanked by the natural beauty of the outdoors.











"Love" by Sculptors Jeff Schomberg and Laura Kimpton

Alex Barranco

ME at "Exsucitare Triectus - A Passage of Awakening"
by Sculptor Orion Fredericks



"Truth" by Sculptor John Parulis





The dream all began when Owners/Founders Dr. Walter Byck and his Marijke Hoenselaars migrated to Santa Rosa from Holland and raise a family back in 1965.  Years later, in 1978, Walter found the perfect place … he came home to his family and said “Marijke, children … I have seen Paradise!” – and the rest was magic!

Marijke Hoenselaars and Dr. Walter Byck

After touring this magnificent property, we partook in beguiling delicacies catered by the nationally acclaimed Ramekins Culinary School of Sonoma.  They now provide catering services led by their Event Sales Manager, Susan Da Ponte with events flawlessly executed by their Offsite Production Manager, Caren Veelo.  

Sonia Byck-Barwick, Caren Veelo, Susan da Ponte
and Martha Marquez

And so our gastronomic journey begins . . . . .

Tantalizing appetizers deserving immediate attention were Pickled Strawberries with Laura Chenel Goat Cheese on a Crostini;  Thinly Sliced Sonoma Duck Breast on Potato Gaufrette with a Tart Cherry Glaze;  and Coriander and Sesame-Seared Ahi Tuna Tostadas with Roasted Tomato Salsa and Lime Cream.


A great pairing to these hors d’oeuvres was the Winery’s very own “Nectar of the Gods” – 2009 Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine ... tickled my fancy!


As a preface to what has truly become a most impressive epicurean adventure, their Master of Cuisine, Executive Chef Doug MacFarland, stylishly prepared his “Ode to Spring” Luncheon Menu for our fabulous feast that excited the palates and soothed the soul.

For Starters, we began with an Amuse of a flavorful Chilled Asparagus Soup with Crab and Shaved Black Truffle, that gave refreshing texture and flavor a new meaning.


The Spring Salad was every bite a bit of Spring, with Wild Arugula Pea Shoots, Fresh Mint, Fresh English Peas, Pea Puree and Crispy Fried Sourdough Croutons.


This  Crispy Skin Arctic Char with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, 5th Street Farm Spring Vegetables, Garlic Confit and Piquillo Pepper Puree excelled above their impressive main course selection and garnered applause.


Saving the best for last was the "piece de resistance" - Rustic Strawberry Shortcake with Housemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam and Vanilla Whipped Cream - a sinful treat for an appropriate finale.  


This divinity was paired with a 2009 Ode to Joy Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc – a magnificent dessert wine dedicated by Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars, honoring her favorite symphony, and her love for music, art, poetry and all things beautiful.


A fine selection of exceptional vintages boasted a great complement to our sumptuous meal - 2012 Jubilation Sauvignon Blanc, crafted in honor of their founder, Dr. Walter Byck's 80th Birthday;  and a 2009 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley.


Come to Paradise . . . this quaint gem will enchant you and leave you breathless!

Paradise Ridge Winery – Tasting Room, Event Center, Sculpturegrove and Historical Exhibit 
4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, 707.528.9463
Tasting and Sales daily, 11:00am-5:00pm

Kenwood Tasting Room and Art Gallery
8860 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452, 7078.282.9020
Tasting Room Tasting Room Hours: 11am to 5pm Daily. Kenwood Tasting Room Hours: April through December - 11am to 6pm daily, January through March - Friday through Monday 11am to 6pm.

 Exhibits:
"Kanaye Nagasawa" - A collaboration between winery founders Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars, Walter Byck and the Friends of Kagoshima Association, the exhibit includes photographs and the fascinating life story of Nagasawa.  The exhibit is available for viewing when our tasting room is open in the main building. Please phone in advance to ensure the exhibit will be open during your visit (707) 528-9463.

"The Spirit of the Man" - The Spirit of the Man is an exciting new sculpture exhibition at Paradise Ridge Winery. Opening on Sunday, May 20, 2012, the yearlong show features 34 major works by sculptors based locally and throughout the United States. More than an art exhibition, The Spirit of the Man honors artist and art patron Al Voigt, co-founder of the Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation, who passed away in 2011.


2 comments:

AnneMarie & Kelvin Tie the Knot!


ANNEMARIE HOGAN and KELVIN RUDDY

Congratulations to the new MR. and MRS. KELVIN AND ANNEMARIE RUDDY!

How the Met
They first met at Ireland's 32 Pub, one of their favorite bars, last Summer 2010.  After a failed first date, many wonderful ones to follow, several baseball games, a trip to the zoo, and a few months of dating - they made things "Facebook Official" (if you knew Kelvin at all, this was a very important moment for him).

The Proposal
Kelvin - " I finally found a ring that I liked and the jewelers said that they would have it ready in time for our trip to Hawaii at Christmas.  I got a call a few weeks before and told me that it would actually take much longer.  I went back to the jewelers and couldn't find anything.  They told me to ask AnneMarie to come back with me.  I wanted it to be a surprise, but I didn't know what else to do. "

AnneMarie - " The next day, the jewelers were thrilled to meet me and helped me pick out a ring.  They all knew and loved Kelvin's visits to their store.  We looked through rings for a while, but I didn't see any that caught my eye.  I finally asked one of the jewelers, 'I know it won't be ready until Christmas, but can I see the ring that Kelvin picked out?'.  The jeweler ran to the back and brought it out.  I burst into tears when they showed it to me. "

Kelvin - " She was a crying mess! "

AnneMarie - " I knew it was worth the wait.  I wanted it to be a surprise. "

Kelvin - " I wanted to take her to Crissy Field where there's a beach and a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge.  She didn't want to drive all the way there.  I said, 'are you sure?  It's such a nice day!'.  Nope! "

AnneMarie - " I kept wondering when he would ask - New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day came and went.  One morning in February, we took our dog, Maggie, to Fort Funston for a long walk. "

Kelvin - " I was looking around during the whole walk.  I was trying to figure out a place to ask.  I had her sit down on a bench for a second and then changed my mind.  I ended up walking up a hill and asking her. "

AnneMarie - " When we got to the top of a sand hill, he got down on one knee and pulled out the ring.  He had picked it up the night before without me knowing. "

Kelvin - " It's crazy how nervous I was even though I knew she would say YES! "

AnneMarie - " Of course, I said YES! "

And so a year later, their wedding date was set for last February 2, 2013.  They exchanged their Nuptials at St. Paul's Church, followed by a spectacular celebration at the famed Olympic Club, Lakeside.

With Gratitude
" When Kelvin and I got engaged, I knew that I needed the help of a Wedding Coordinator.  While missing my parents and knowing that Kelvin could not help us from Ireland, it became painfully clear that I did not want to do this alone.  I spoke to several other Wedding Coordinators before meeting with you.  They had romantic ideas and emotional outpourings, but I didn't need someone to hold my hand through the process.  I needed someone like me.  Someone who embraces the power of endless e-mails, adores their own OCD, respects generosity, practices gratitude, and understands that business is business and love is love -- even when the two go hand-in-hand.  You have been a savior during this process.  I admire your kind heart, your keen advice, and your overwhelming patience (and I know I tested that with my many many e-mails, questions and changes).  Your connections and recommendations speak highly of your character.  I've been consistently impressed with the vendors you recommended.  They have kind hearts and admirable work, just like you.  When I look back at this wedding, I know that I will always think of you.  You are the dark horse.  Your are the man behind the whole occasion.  You are the reason that Kelvin and I will remember this day as the start of our lives together.  From the very bottom of my heart, and from Kelvin's heart as well, THANK YOU!  I don't know how you do what you do - but you do it with grace and style. " 
-- AnneMarie Hogan Ruddy

AnneMarie and Kelvin - May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live!

Wedding Planning and Event Design  |  Duncan Reyes and Alex Barranco

Photography  |  Orbie Pullen and Maryanne Reyes

Videography  |  David Ethridge, Ryan Black and Richard Grover

Cake  |  Gabrielle Feuersinger

Catering and Venue  |  Paul Jacques

Entertainment (DJ)  |  Jason Mitchell

Entertainment (Band)  |  Roger Sause and Matthias Montgomery
The Spazmatics c/o Perfect World Entertainment

Floral Design  |  Jeeryn Dang

Hair and Make-Up  |  Joey Cheung

Hotel Accommodations  |  Kim Baker

Lighting Design  |  StefaNia Contrearas, Jerome Danger and Curtis Laipple

Photo Flip Books  |  Dexter Cura and Daniel Wilcox

Printing and Stationeries  |  Mimi Renfro-Rodriguez

Rehearsal Dinner  |  Virginia Casey

Rentals  |  Mindy Roark

Transportation (Bridal Party and Guests)  |  Jennifer Jaciw, Alex Jaciw and Tawny Hicks

Transportation (Bride and Groom's Rolls Royce)  |  Carl Payne

Tuxedo Rentals and Sales  |  Men's Wearhouse

Venue (Ceremony)  |  St. Paul's Church

Wedding Dress Alterations  |  Novella Bridal

Wedding Favors and Late-Nite Dessert  |  Lauren Martin






































































 Relive the moments of their gorgeous Wedding Day
through this amazing video captured by
AVR Films
https://vimeo.com/73034213

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