STEPHANIE COLE

Some people stumble into event planning. Stephanie was practically born into it.

Raised by a mother who produced large-scale events for California cities and non-profits, Stephanie spent much of her childhood doing what she affectionately refers to as being “volunteered to volunteer.” Long before launching her own company, she was learning that exceptional events require equal parts creativity, hospitality, and meticulous attention to detail.

 Her passion for hospitality deepened during a year studying in the South of France, where she completed a French Oenology program while earning her bachelor’s degree. What began as an opportunity to immerse herself in French culture quickly became a deeper appreciation for the relationship between food, wine, and meaningful guest experiences.

 Never one to take the shortcut, Stephanie intentionally built her career from the ground up, gaining experience in luxury resorts, premium wineries, boutique catering, and event planning before founding Cole Drake Events in 2013.  Today, she is known for creating celebrations that are as thoughtful as they are beautiful, combining strategic planning with a genuine love for bringing people together.

 When she’s not producing weddings and events, you'll find Stephanie spending time with her family, enjoying a great meal and glass of wine, or dreaming about her next trip abroad. She lives in Napa with her charming English husband, two children, and a deep appreciation for the hospitality community that first inspired her career.