If you’ve hosted or even inquired on hosting a private event at Alisal Guest Ranch, you most likely made contact with Director of Conference Services Christina Oliver.
From handling wedding & event inquiries, custom proposals to touring prospective guests through event spaces and options, Ms. Oliver’s primary job is to ensure that what Alisal guests want for their event is implemented exactly as they wish.
Ms. Oliver is perhaps best known for her polished, centered demeanor and lovely smile. Guests often comment on the gracious hospitality that she extends to everyone who steps onto Alisal Guest Ranch. She makes everyone feel welcome and works exceptionally hard making sure that the client, their event and all the events’ guests are tended to with the legendary trademark service that has become synonymous with Alisal Guest Ranch for generations.
Ms. Oliver’s professional achievements and style are well-noted. Today, however, we present to you the personal side of Ms. Oliver from a recent interview.
Where were you born and raised?
Raised in Orcutt, CA (near Santa Maria).
Where has been your favorite place to live?
I love living in Santa Ynez with my family, still being close to my parents in Orcutt.
Where have you traveled to that you simply must return to (or never been to and want to go)?
I love visiting Seattle where my husband grew up and always look forward to going back and visiting family a few times a year.
What are your hobbies? What do you love to do most when not working/planning events for Alisal?
I love to cook and bake. I also love to go out and explore new restaurants and try new things. Good food and wine are a huge part of my life.
What makes you feel most alive?
Being with my two year old and watching him learn and grow into a little person with his own thoughts and ideas.
How did you get into the events world?
I began working in restaurants during high school and always had an interest in the behind the scenes part of how it worked. I loved meeting new people and having an opportunity to help create good memories for them.
What do you love most about what you do?
My favorite part about what I do is making the planning process easier for people. I truly enjoy taking on a potentially stressful meeting or event for a client and allowing them to fully enjoy themselves at the Ranch.
What is the one thing most people may not know about you?
I wanted to work at the Alisal long before I actually started here.
What is your favorite food?
Such a hard question!!! Cheese. I absolutely love cheese. And bread. I could probably live on cheese, bread and wine alone.
What are your top three favorite Alisal menu items for events?
I love hors d’oeuvres and Chef Pascal has quite a selection of amazing things to choose from- my favorites are Chicken Empanadas with Alisal Salsa Cruda, Miniature Dungeness Crabcakes, and Mushroom Caps filled with Boursin Cheese and Spinach.
To inquire on booking your wedding, special event, conference or meeting, contact Christina Oliver directly at: coliver@alisal.com
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