Since the day I first started producing weddings in wine country, Rachel Korrey stood out to me. Over the years her reputation in the events industry is what I feel has made Firestone and the entire Foley Family Wine Group of wineries take off in wedding destination popularity more than ever. You see, Rachel is one of those professionals who instantly make you feel comfortable and has a warm, caring heart. She is also one of those that despite thousands (and yes, I mean thousands) of phone calls, emails and “walk-in’s” inundating her daily, she still manages to return every single call and email and make them feel like they were the only client she has. She bends over backwards to make client’s winery wedding dreams come true. When the Foley and Firestone wineries started growing even more in popularity for weddings & events, it was Rachel who was right there helping them design and plan for how to make everything up to date for today’s bride and their needs. For Rachel, business is personal. And perhaps this is why I have always adored her. She knows that business is about building relationships. Her generous heart and her knowledge of the right “standard” for producing memorable events and not settling for anything less will always set her apart in my eyes. I’ve worked with world-class professionals all over. Rachel will always be in their company including event hospitality leaders from Ritz Carlton , Four Seasons and more and is the main reason when I receive a request for a winery wedding, I automatically send them to her. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Firestone, Foley and Lincourt are incredible wedding locations, each with their own niche and charm and are built for events! But Rachel makes the difference.
Enough of the professional side of Rachel. I thought it would be fun to spotlight the personal side of Rachel with a brief interview I did with her a few weeks ago. See how much you already knew:
Where were you born and raised?
Coronado, CA. It’s a small town right across the bay from downtown San Diego.
Where has been your favorite place to live?
I loved growing up in Coronado and have so much fun when I go back and visit and Santa Barbra has become my home. My dad always jokes that I’ve lived in the best places in California and I have to agree with him!
Where have you travelled to that you simply must return to (or never been to and want to go)?
We used to travel a lot when I was younger- we would go out to the Caribbean every year and I will definitely go back there one day. I would also love to travel to Indonesia and Costa Rica. As you can tell, I love to be around beautiful bodies of water, it’s where I feel most at home.
What are your hobbies? What do you love to do most when not working/planning events for FFW?
I love the beach- if I am not working you will find me floating in the ocean or reading a book on the sand. Since I plan parties for a living, I’m not one to want to always be out with a ton of strangers around me. I’d rather be with a close group of friends. I do love going to concerts though, that’s always the exception!
What makes you feel most alive?
Making other people happy and feeling proud of a job I worked hard on. If I’m not being challenged I get very bored, I need to be busy.
How did you get into the events world?
It was actually a fluke ad I answered when I was in college and needed a job! I started DJ’ing part time when I was 19 and continued off and on until I graduated. When I was done with school and needed full time work I just called up the venues I worked at doing weddings and asked if they needed help. 6 years later I’m still loving what I do, especially now that I am not the one front and center on the microphone!
What do you love most about what you do?
Again, I love to be challenged and in my line of work you can really see your work come to life. You get back what you put into it and when you let yourself become invested in what you do, it starts to feel that much more important to make sure you do your best. That is very rewarding to me. Also, the people I interact with on a daily basis are people that are excited to be planning special moments in their life. It’s very contagious.
What is the one thing most people may not know about you?
Probably that I’m actually a pretty private person who would rather sit at home with a glass of wine and a good movie than to be out at a fancy event.
What is your favorite food?
My mom’s homemade turkey noodle soup.
What are your top 3 favorite Foley Family Wine Group wines?
Firestone Sauvignon Blanc, it’s great on a hot day and pairs well with most foods. Foley Johnson Rose’ is great- not too sweet and is well balanced. I’m not a big red wine drinker but the Two Sisters Pinot Noir is amazing!
Photo Below: Top: Santa Barbara Wine Country Weddings & Events Kerry Lee & Rachel; Bottom Right: Rachel and Firestone Team gearing up for a special private Cuban-themed event
Love love love Rachel! Best of the best representing the most beautiful properties!
I am very proud of my niece. I am sure that she is the best!
Beautiful inside and out, Rachel is certainly an asset to your company. I would be proud to have her represent my business.
Rachel is an incredible events professional…I would definitely trust her with all the details surrounding the most important day of my life. Beautiful inside & out!