Dramatic Draping and a Dirty Martini Tower Fosters Intimate, Elegant Atmosphere at Rava Wines

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Reception

Rentals

An avant-garde design transforms Rava Wines’ ballroom into an intimate dinner setting

Written by

Lara Burnap

Published:

California Wedding Day Spring/Summer 2025

Rava Wines is known for its 17,000-square-foot ballroom, a breathtakingly massive space with natural light streaming in from the gorgeous rolling doors, skylights and abundant windows. Because of all that spaciousness, couples do not typically consider the venue for intimate gatherings. “That is where the power of draping comes in,” says Jen Render of Elle Render Events about the ballroom at Rava.

To create a cozy ambiance in such a large space, decadent swaths of linen cascade, ripple and flow from the vaulted ceiling. The dramatic reception table features timeless details in a rich palette: black bentwood chairs, velvet napkins in fern green, mauve tapers and marble dinner plates. “We emphasized the height of the space by crisscrossing and swooping panels of sheer fabric over the tablescape for interest and drama,” says Render. “Nothing uniform, nothing symmetrical.”

With so much MOVEMENT being provided by the draping element on the walls and overhead, the table really needed to be MINIMAL, with classic elements to ground the design.

–Jen Render, Elle Render Events

My approach to draping is an ARTISTIC expression, allowing the draping to become a key element of the DESIGN rather than just a practical solution.

–Kimberly Lahargou of Draping by Kim

The invitation suite strikes a lovely balance between timeless and modern in the deep green palette with embossed details. A backdrop of layers upon layers of billowing texture accents the cake, a beautiful three-tiered creation with a ribbon-like design cascading down its side.

Set against a sweeping backdrop of black pleated linens, a grand tower of dirty martinis creates a dramatic moment. Render takes the dirty martini to a whole new level by adding a selection of gourmet stuffed olives from Primo’s Gourmet Foods. Stuffings include blue cheese, lemon, garlic and jalapeño.

Draping is so VERSATILE. It can serve as a stunning backdrop for the head table or enhance the ceiling, instantly TRANSFORMING the space into a lavish atmosphere that feels indulgent and thoughtfully DESIGNED.

–Kimberly Lahargou of Draping by Kim