Check-In

The cars came slowly, one by one, like a quiet procession. From the private airstrip nestled beyond the hills, guests were ferried through winding roads of San Simeon until the towers of Hearst Castle came into view. There were no welcome banners, no camera clicks. Just the scent of lavender in the breeze and a staff that already knew your name.

At the base of the hill near the gardens, the Welcome Pavilion stood quietly among the trees. Built from a modular series of matte black reclaimed shipping containers, and partially open to the elements but softened with draped linen and lush greenery. The structure was elegant but unfussy: glass walls rolled open to blur the boundary between architecture and landscape, and slatted wooden canopies cast patterned light across stone flooring.

Guests entered fluidly. There was no line, no desk—only support and space. Attendants in soft tones greeted each person by name, guiding them through custom-staged check-in pods within the container spaces. There, room assignments were confirmed and linen welcome envelopes handed over; each monogrammed, sealed, and tied with thread. Wedding party and family were escorted further into private lounges for an elevated welcome experience, complete with champagne, cold towels, and concierge hosts offering a brief personal orientation.

Inside the pavilion, the atmosphere was serene. One container space had been converted into a wellness alcove offering shoulder massages and rosewater mists. Another, into a shaded lounge with low, sculptural seating, trays of minted fruit, and ambient jazz playing through hidden speakers. A sculptural bar stretched along one open side, serving infused teas, herbal cocktails, and sparkling wine over hand-cast ceramic counters.

Just beyond, a shaded outdoor courtyard featured a signature citrus scent and a stone table with custom stationery—inviting guests to write personal notes to the couple. These were collected discreetly for delivery to the Gothic Suite later that night.

As villas became available, concierge team members quietly approached guests to escort them to their rooms—some walking, others gliding off in quiet electric carts. Each guest’s luggage had already been placed inside.

Within the villas, the welcome continued. Personalized welcome boxes included a handwritten note from Zuri and Julian, a vial of the couple’s signature scent, curated wellness goods from Black-owned makers, and chilled herbal infusions. In some suites, a personal photo was tucked beneath the itinerary. In others, a keepsake was left in the room—a matchbook, a record sleeve, a vintage book page.

that evening

By dusk, the light began to shift, and with it, the focus moved to the Roman Pool.

From 6:30 to 9:00PM, the Open House unfolded slowly, never formally beginning, never formally ending. The pool itself glowed with ancient glamour with deep blue tiles flickering with gold underwater light. A single jazz trio played softly from the far end of the space, their sound echoed gently off stone and water. There were no stage lights, no centerpieces—just shimmer and stillness.

The gathering was loose, instinctual. Guests arrived as they felt. Somebarefoot in linen, some in soft tailoring, and others in unstructured silks. Some guests sat near the edge of the water, dipping toes. Others stood in small clusters by the arches, deep in conversation, holding coupes of champagne. Waiters passed with canapés and soft-spoken greetings. The light dimmed naturally, replaced by hundreds of flickering votives set into carved stone niches and ledges.

There were no announcements. No playlist cues. No name cards. Just presence.

Zuri and Julian arrived sometime after 7:00, unannounced, unguarded. They moved like guests at their own gathering. A shared glance, a brief toast with someone they loved, and then they drifted back into the atmosphere. No one clapped. No one stared. Everyone simply let them be.

The Roman Pool was meant to be the first breath of the week. 

A communal exhale.
A slow drop into something sacred.
Not an entrance.

A welcome.