Venue: Ole Hanson Beach Club, San Clemente

I pull up to this location almost every Sunday to go run below along the beach path. I think this is the most striking location for a bride looking to get married outdoors and "by the beach" (which always seems to be a criteria among California brides). I love the Ole Hanson Beach Club in San Clemente. Look up top too, dinner and dancing outdoors, under the stars. Now how perfect is that?

I love the big long white benches...

and the sheppard hooks with river rocks...so clever!

New Venue: Montecito Gardens, San Juan Capistrano

I always love hearing about unique locations for weddings, being able to share such treasures with my prospective clients. I recently was invited to come and tour the Montecito Gardens in San Juan Capistrano. Nestled on one acre, this location is ideal for someone looking to have a private, sweet, intimate wedding. All in one...

Location: Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

My husband, son and I enjoyed Valentine’s Day Brunch at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. It is one of my favorite locations in Orange County for a wedding. Since I had my camera with me I thought I’d take a few pictures for those who have never seen this location.

Rancho Del Cielo, Malibu

I'm all about finding new locations and passing this info along to my brides! Take a look at this home to rent in Malibu for your upcoming wedding. This old ranch house overlooks the entire pacific and can hold up to 250 guests. Perfect for many couples looking to have a catered event with a large guestlist. I will be taking a tour soon of this beautiful location! Take a peak... Rancho Del Cielo, Malibu

Special thanks to Natalie Moser for sharing a few pictures!
www.nataliemoserphotography.com
www.nataliemoserblog.com

San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara

Being that I was born and raised in Santa Barbara, I have known of this quaint, magical establishment since I was a little girl. The San Ysidro Ranch. It is nestled into the Montecito foothills, and provides serenity and tranquility like no other hotel. They have been around since 1893 and have 41 cottages and suites. All uniquely designed and furnished by the owners Ty Warner and his wife as they travelled around the world collecting decor for the rooms.

Past marriages include Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier, while honeymooners such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin more recently shared some quiet time there. But the most famous honeymooners of all would have to be Jackie and John F. Kennedy. The best cottage overlooking the pacific ocean has to be the Kennedy Cottage (named after them of course!).

Small cottages and bungalows adorn the property...fresh herbs are used by the chef at the Stonehouse and Plow & Angel restaurants on site. There is a wine cellar room for small reception dinners or the Adobe or Colman Cottage. Outdoor ceremonies can take place on the lawn in the garden or on the patio of selected cottages.

For more information about having your wedding, rehearsal dinner or honeymoon at the San Ysidro Ranch you can contact Willow Fish at 805-565-1701.

This place is exquisite and a must see if you're ever in the area!

{ locations }

I'm starting a new section on locations...since this seems to be one of the most important things with planning your wedding! I've decided to hightlight and feature a new location every few weeks.

The two major questions you face when you initally get engaged are... "When is the wedding and where will it be?”

The first decision is “when will your wedding be?” While it is easy to rush into the planning of this event, I always remind newly engaged couples to enjoy this special time in their lives. When trying to decide when to have your wedding, here are a few things to consider:
:: Allow you, your fiancé and your family enough time to adequately plan your wedding.
:: Consider the weather conditions in the various locations during the particular time of year that you want to hold your wedding.
:: Be sensitive to holidays for your guests.
:: Make sure your desired location is available on the days you have selected.

The second decision, and probably the toughest decision is “where will your wedding be?”
This decision is the foundation for which your wedding will be built upon. The location sets the vibe, the feel and creates the excitement for which the wedding party and guests look forward too. The location will establish the basis for which you choose your colors, your wedding dress, the groom’s attire, your flowers and the overall feel and ambiance of your wedding.

When it comes to deciding the location of your ceremony and reception I always recommend considering the following:
:: Budget – Understanding your budget early on in the process will help you eliminate wasted time searching for a location. Most wedding locations will provide you with a cost estimate and proposal to help in the decision making process.
:: Sand & Beach or Snow & Mountains? - Having been a part of many weddings, each location presents its own obstacles. A few things to consider: accessibility for guests, weather conditions, travel delays and guests attire.
:: Reception Restrictions – Two things to keep in mind: Many reception locations will restrict you from having music played past a certain time and some restrict hard alcohol from being served. So, if it is important to be able to celebrate late into the night while enjoying your apple martini, make sure to ask about any restrictions.

So with that...let's learn about some fun and unique locations for your wedding in Southern California!

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to coordinate my first wedding of the season at the gorgeous Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Resort. Recently rated by TripAdvisor as the #1 Spa in "World's Best Spas" for 2008. Pictures soon to come of the amazing couple...

However I highly recommend this venue and resort for a wedding and even a girls getaway or bachelorette weekend! Nestled 30 miles south of Santa Barbara and just inland of Ventura...it's romantic, peaceful and like no other!