"Castello Di Amorosa" or The Castle of Love

I had the distinct pleasure of capturing the incredible beauty and grandeur of the Castello Di Amorosa in Calistoga, California.   You can read the history of this castle and the incredible journey that one man embarked upon at http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/History.

After seeing a post from Steven and Rachel Jones, Robin asked if I thought I would like to photograph the castle.  I told her that I absolutely would love to.  So, Robin called the winery on New Years Eve at about 4:45pm.  It was clearly too late, in my mind,  to be able to get anyone since their hours end at 4:00pm and because it was New Year's Eve.  However, always optomistic Robin called and reached the receptionist. The receptionist indicated that Jim Sullivan, the Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, would not be in his office, but Robin could leave a voice message.  After all, it was New Year's Eve and they were getting ready for a huge party.  However, when the phone rang Mr. Sullivan was there and he was very cordial to Robin.  He took the time to look up when sunrise was on Thursday and even offered to meet us at the parking lot at 7:00am so that we could capture the castle at sunrise.  So, I got up at 4:00am on Thursday last and headed over to Calistoga.  Robin did not accompany me because she felt I needed to have some alone time.  (She is always thoughtful in this way and allows me "God time" when she sees that I have been having a stressful time of it.)  It was very dark when I arrived in the area and pulled into the parking lot.  Sure enough, Jim arrived as promised.  He was very cordial and kind all day, taking the time out of his very busy day to show me around.  It is an awesome place.  It was built not to resemble a castle.  It is in fact a castle.  The attention to detail is very evident and would be worth anyone's time to visit.  One of the facts you might like to know is that an artist who lives in San Francisco, but hails from Italy, took two years of his life creating the murals in the area where they have large meals and events.  Thanks goes out to Jim for his wonderful hospitality and to my loving wife for working diligently to get us opportunities such as this.  But especially,  thanks be to God for opening the doors for us.  We fully know and acknowledge what God is doing in our lives and with our photography. I hope you enjoy these photos.  God bless.