{Venue Spotlight} An Interview With Casa Rondena Winery

An Interview With Lauren Mestas of Casa Rondena Winery

Casa Rondena Winery’s Wedding Coordinator and Events Manager Lauren Mestas granted us a fun interview where she shared details about the winery’s exquisite old-world charm weddings along with her tips for couples searching for their perfect wedding venue.

PWG: What sets Casa Rondena Winery apart from all other wedding venues in Albuquerque and Santa Fe?

Lauren Mestas of Casa Rondena Winery: The thing that sets Casa Rondeña Winery apart from other wedding venues is all of the unique aspects of the property. To start with, we’re a fully-working winery; our wedding clients are always able to take photos in our Barrel Room, where our red wines age, and our vines provide a beautiful backdrop for a wedding ceremony and/or reception. We are also located in such a beautiful location, in the Village of Los Ranchos, and one of the things I love hearing most from my clients is that they feel like they’re transported to a different country as soon as they drive onto the property- a feeling that they enjoy sharing with their guests on their wedding day. Lastly, the beautiful & unique architecture found throughout the property adds so much to the romantic atmosphere, and is so gorgeous in photos.

 PWG: What special wedding services does Casa Rondena Winery provide?

Lauren: Casa Rondeña has venue space for wedding ceremonies, receptions, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and engagement celebrations. We can also accommodate engagement and wedding day photo sessions (photography not included), small wedding ceremonies/elopements, and proposals. We are proud to be LGBT friendly.

PWG: Based on this year’s weddings at the winery, what do you believe are the up and coming wedding trends?

Lauren: Based on everything I’ve seen and discussed with my clients this year, I believe that one of the trends we’ll be seeing more of is smaller, more intimate weddings of 75 guests and under. We host a lot of weddings of this size, and I think that many couples now want to share their special day with those they’re closest to. I am also seeing a lot of brides straying from wedding traditions, which I love! My feeling is that it’s a day all about you and the person you love, and you should make it your own. In the past it has been considered bad luck for the groom to see the dress before the wedding, but I’ve met a few grooms recently who have picked the dress. I love that the men are taking a more active role in the planning process now!

PWG: As a wedding manager and coordinator, what tips do you have for brides and grooms when choosing a wedding venue?

Lauren: My biggest tip is to take into consideration what is most important to them at their wedding. Do they care most about the ceremony, photos, dancing, or just having friends and family together to celebrate the beginning of their marriage? When I first meet with a couple, I always ask what their vision is for the wedding, and I answer honestly about what we can do to help them achieve that vision. Also, I always ask my clients to be flexible as they make their plans; I will do my best to bring the wedding vision to life, but there is always something that needs to be adjusted as the wedding nears. Keep an open mind, and remember that at the end of the day if two people that love each other got married, and were able to celebrate with those they love most, then that’s what matters the most.

PWG: Now for a little about you. Can you tell our readers a little about your wedding background?

Lauren: I have been in the wedding industry for 2.5 years, beginning in the hospitality industry as a Catering Sales Manager. I have been with Casa Rondeña for 6 months, and I love it so much. The property is beautiful, and I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to work with so many great couples.

PWG: What are your favorite aspects of your job and being in the wedding industry?

Lauren: One of my favorite quotes says that “There are all kinds of love in the world, but never the same love twice”. I definitely believe that to be true- I see so many different kinds of love working with so many couples, and they’re all different. During weddings, no matter how tired I am from setting up, I always make it a point to watch the ceremony and listen as they exchange their vows. At my core I’m such a romantic, so seeing the result of all of the planning and hard work is so rewarding for me.

Thank you for the interview, Lauren!

Casa Rondena Winery

(505) 604-5573

733 Chavez Rd. NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM 87107

For more wedding venues and for everything else you need to plan your wedding, please visit The Perfect Wedding Guide.