Blissful Events Wedding Planner Samar Hattar & Courtney Hazelwood will marry at Viansa Winery. They stand in Viansa’s driveway. photos by Sheila at Studio J Photography.
Viansa Reviews:
Why This Sonoma Winery Captured a Wedding Planner’s Heart
When a wedding planner who has orchestrated hundreds of celebrations chooses a venue for her own special day, you know it must be extraordinary. Samar Hattar, founder of Blissful Events and a veteran wedding planner since 2007, recently selected Viansa Winery in Sonoma for her upcoming nuptials to Courtney Hazelwood. Her choice speaks volumes about what makes this Italian-inspired estate truly magical.
The Moment That Changes Everything
“Viansa kind of takes you away — it’s wine country, but it’s Italian and a little bit rustic and very refined — it’s just different from your average winery,” explains Samar. “The moment you drive through that gate to start going up that driveway, it feels like a different place.”
This transformation isn’t just poetic language—it’s the visceral experience that awaits every visitor to Viansa Winery in Sonoma. The anticipation builds as you wind up the hillside, and then the reveal: “You could see it from a mile away and think, ‘Oh my gosh, what is that place? I want to go look at it.'”
Blissful Events Wedding Planner Samar Hattar & Courtney Hazelwood will marry at Viansa Winery. They stand in Viansa’s driveway. photos by Sheila at Studio J Photography.
Samar Hattar & Courtney Hazelwood will marry at Viansa Winery. They stand on the grounds of Viansa Winery. Photo by Russ Levi Photography.
Samar Hattar & Courtney Hazelwood with four of the six kids captured in an impromptu family photo session by Studio J Photography. The oldest two are adults and have moved out.
A Love Story Within a Love Story
Samar’s journey to Viansa wasn’t just about finding the perfect wedding venue—it paralleled her own romantic journey. After a decade of disappointment in the dating world, she had nearly given up on finding someone who “loves love as much as her.” Then came a message from Courtney Hazelwood that would change everything.
“Courtney messaged me and something about the way he spoke, about the way he wrote. I just found myself continuing to come back to his messages,” Samar recalls. That initial intrigue led to hours-long phone conversations, despite one overwhelming revelation: Courtney was a single father to six children.
“I’m counting on my hand and losing a hand, because there were six of them,” Samar laughs. “I think I may have said to him right then and there, I don’t think this is gonna work out.”
But love has a way of surprising us. Their first date was supposed to be a quick Sunday afternoon drink at Brewster’s in Petaluma. “It lasted two meals worth. That’s how long we were there.” By their second date at Central Market, magic struck again. “We closed down the restaurant that night. We were there for many, many hours.”
The pivotal moment came as they were leaving: “He’s putting my coat back on over my jacket for me as we were leaving. It was like this movie moment where you look over your shoulder, and he’s helping me put on my jacket, and then he kisses me, and the whole world just stopped for a moment. That’s when I realized, ‘Shoot, I’m in trouble now.'”
Three and a half years later, that “trouble” has blossomed into a blended family of eight.
“Jayla couldn’t walk or talk when I met her, and now she’s my baby, and she calls me Mama,” Samar shares with joy.
Viansa Winery Event Planned by Samar of Blissful Events in the Barrel Room. Photo by Russ Levi Photography. Flowers by Bella Vita Floral Production
A newly engaged couple smile and kiss in front of an iron door shaped into vines at Viansa Winery a wonderful proposal location in wine country. Planned by Blissful Events. Photo by Christophe Gentry Photography.
Why Viansa Winery in Sonoma Stands Apart
Samar knows what separates the extraordinary from the merely beautiful, having planned events at countless venues. At Viansa, it starts with the setting but extends far beyond aesthetics.
“Many of these people have never even been to wine country before,” Samar explains about her out-of-town guests. “How do we encompass everything you need to see, know and do in wine country in one spot? This is it. I don’t know anywhere else that can do that.”
The venue’s versatility impressed even this seasoned professional. “Heaven forbid it rains and we have to be in the barrel room for the ceremony. It would still be amazing. We just light it up with candles and it’s out of this world! There’s no spot that you can go to that isn’t breathtaking.”
Service That Goes Above and Beyond
What truly sets Viansa apart, according to Samar’s review, is the exceptional service that feels more like family than vendor relationships. “The people there will not stop until they’ve given you all the things you want,” she emphasizes.
This dedication showed during a recent ILEA board retreat she organized at the venue. “We showed up at 8am so we can start our setup at 9am—they were already there at 7am and it was all done. I didn’t have to do anything.” Even more impressive, this was for a nonprofit event where the venue was donated. The Viansa staff member said “No, I just want to make sure you guys have everything you need.”
The hospitality extends to every team member: “Everyone that’s there on wedding day, even if you’re just walking in to check in for your wine tasting, the person that’s checking you in is always delightful.”
Newly engaged couple stands among vines at Viansa Winery. Wedding proposal planned by Blissful Events. Photo by Christophe Gentry Photography.
By Blissful Events. Photos by Studio J Photography, Christophe Gentry Photography, Weddings by Scott & Dana photography & Mike Larson Photography.
Perfect for Proposals Too
Samar’s expertise extends beyond weddings to proposals, and Viansa has provided the backdrop for many magical moments.
“We created this insane, gorgeous floral creation” for one client who wanted his proposal to look like a scene from ‘The Bachelor.’”
The venue’s flexibility shines during unpredictable weather. Even in the event of unpredictable weather, Viansa Winery’s indoor and outdoor venue options will be gorgeous either way.
A woman proposes to her love in the Barrel Room of Viansa Winery surrounded by candles and white rose petals. Proposal planned by Blissful Events. Photo by Studio J Photography.
3 Steps to a Stress-free, 100% You Napa Valley Wedding
Step 1. Make an appointment
Step 2. Establish your wedding vision
Step 3. Get married and thoroughly enjoy your special day
The Blissful Events Bubble: A Network of Excellence
Samar’s choice of Viansa reflects not just personal preference but professional standards. The venue has earned inclusion in what she calls the “Blissful Events Bubble”—her carefully curated network of industry professionals who share her philosophy of love and excellence.
“The people of the Blissful Events Bubble, there has to be a level of trust, there has to be a level of care, there has to be a level of love that is like no other,” Samar explains. This network brings together industry elites specializing in weddings under one Blissful Events contract, making the process easier for everyone involved.
What makes these professionals special? “They came into this industry because they love love. They love weddings and celebrations, and they love being around people who are happy. It brings them more energy.”
Event by Blissful Events on the grounds of Viansa. Photo by Richard Wood.
Event by Blissful Events on the grounds of Viansa. Photo by Richard Wood.
A newly engaged couple smile and kiss in front ivy covered walls at Viansa Winery a wonderful proposal location in wine country. Planned by Blissful Events. Photo by Christophe Gentry Photography.
A Personal Celebration of Love
For Samar’s own wedding, the generosity of her Blissful Events Bubble network has been overwhelming.
“For Courtney and I, literally, we can go get married in our backyard, and it would be fine,” Samar reflects. “Last night, we sat in the backyard with the heater and hot toddies. And we said, ‘This is all we need.'”
However, the wonderful wedding colleagues Samar has become friends with since she started her business in 2007 wanted to help her celebrate her love. Many offered to provide wedding services for free or deeply discounted to help Samar and Courtney make their wedding the amazing celebration they know it can be.
“All these people wanted to surround us with all of this love,” Samar said. “We just want to scream our love from the rooftops, and we want people to be inspired that, no matter if you’re in your 20s or in your 40s or in your 60s or in your 80s, there is love out there for you, and it’s love that can make you happy and make you grow.”
“All of them think the same way. Those are the people of the Blissful Events Bubble. That’s who’s coming together to make this day happen. We’re so blessed by it. And I think that they feel like they’re blessed by it as well. Because, I feel blessed when my clients choose me, and I think that’s what’s happening with them as well. We all just feel so blessed that we get to be part of this family. And why would I not want to give to my family — these people who helped me along the way.”
Details about Viansa Winery in Sonoma
- Price: $$$
- Location: Sonoma, California
- Guest Count: 10-400
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Type of Venue: Wine cave, barrel room, winery, vineyard
- Type of Event: Ceremony and reception
- Aesthetics: Elegant, chic, modern with a twist of vintage
- Website: https://www.viansa.com
- Address: 25200 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476
Who currently owns Viansa Winery?
Viansa Winery is currently owned by Adair Family Wines. The winery was originally founded in 1990 by Sam & Vicki Sebastiani as an ode to the Sebastiani family's deep roots in both Tuscany and the Sonoma Valley. Under Adair Family Wines' stewardship, Viansa continues to be a standout destination for Italian varietal wines and warm hospitality, maintaining the authentic Italian character that has made it so beloved.
Success Stories
“It was exactly what we wanted.”
Genevieve & Jouko
“I immediately wanted to sign up with Samar just because of her enthusiasm for the vision that we had for our wedding and her immediate obvious knowledge and how to get things done and how to handle the kind of event that we wanted to put on. It just took all the weight off our shoulders.
It turned out that a lot of people thought it was the best wedding they’d ever been to.” —Genevieve
“We didn’t meet with the vendors. Just one day the plan had come together without us being involved and it was exactly what we wanted.” — Jouko
“Our wedding day could not have gone any more amazing.”
Mahkenzie & Weston
“Stop looking for a wedding planner and book Blissful Events now! My husband and I got married this September and Samar was there for us every step of the way.
She really knows EVERYTHING about wedding planning and brought things to our attention that we would never even think about.
She made the biggest event of our lives go so smoothly. Our wedding day could not have gone any more amazing. She handled everything without us even knowing. Worth every penny!”
Wedding by Blissful Events, Photo by A Loving Photography
“Every detail was covered.“
Dan & Tracy
“She took the time to learn what I was looking for, hear about my soon to be fiancé and I, and then start presenting me with options.
Her level of care went so far that if she hadn’t been to a venue before but thought it might fit what I was looking for she would plan a trip to the venue and report back with details, photos and even video. Her level of commitment and detail helped me to take the vision I had in my head and make it a reality. In fact, an even better version.
I really can’t say enough about Samar and Blissful Events. Should you select this company to help you plan your dream proposal or wedding I’m confident that you too will be thrilled with the results.”
Proposal and wedding by Blissful Events, Photo by Rhee Bevere Photography
Rhea & Sean’s wedding, planned by Blissful Events. Photos by Chrisman Studios.
Creating Your Own Viansa Love Story
Whether you’re planning a wedding, proposal, or special celebration, Samar’s expertise and the magic of Viansa Winery in Sonoma can help create your perfect moment. Her reviews speak to more than just venue selection—they reflect a deep understanding of what makes celebrations truly memorable.
“My heart feels very settled in its place, like it’s being cradled,” Samar describes her relationship with Courtney. The same care and attention that nurtures their love extends to every event she plans.
Ready to Request a Consultation?
Don’t leave your special day to chance. Samar Hattar and the Blissful Events team bring nearly two decades of luxury wedding planning expertise to your celebration. Whether you’re dreaming of Viansa Winery or exploring other options, their curated network of professionals ensures every detail reflects your unique love story.
Request a consultation today and discover why couples trust Blissful Events to transform their wedding dreams into reality. Like Samar’s own journey to love and her choice of Viansa, your perfect celebration awaits—guided by experts who truly understand that every love story deserves to be celebrated beautifully.
Invest in the Experiences That Matter to You
Your wine country wedding should be customized to you, which means investing your budget in the right places. Contact Blissful Events today if you want to talk to an expert wedding planner who will always put you first.
