Category — venues

…We now return for the thrilling conclusion of “How to find a wedding venue in 7 months!”

If I were to give you all the details on every place we researched, contacted, obtained proposals from, and visited, this blog would go on forever and the only remaining readers would be zombies. So, we’ll just cut to the chase, shall we?

For a long while, I had ruled out restaurants because of our desire to marry outdoors. But desperate times called for desperate measures and we figured that we could always do an outdoor ceremony with an indoor reception if we found the right place. So, I hit up the ol’ internets with fresh eyes, and there it was… a beautiful gem had been right under my nose all along.

{Image source: The Bungalow Club}

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From the minute we got engaged, Hunter had fantasies of us marrying in Mexico. After all, we loves us some margaritas and mexican food! (Did someone say melty cheese? Yes, please!) And Mexico is only a 2.5 hour drive from home sweet home. I wasn’t really into the idea, but after the disappointments we had in seeking a venue in the US, our attentions turned south, and we made plans to visit Rosarito Mexico. Rosarito is just 45 minutes south of the border, and known for its nice beaches and for being where all the stars from Hollywood came to drink during prohibition. Random fact: Titanic was filmed here. They even have a museum commemorating this honor.

Jesus blesses the margarita drinkers
Author’s personal collection, 2008

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When thinking about where to wed, we considered that at least 1/2 our guests would be coming in from out of town. We thought it might be fun (and more affordable) to get married outside the LA area in a place fun for visitors to enjoy. Thus we turned our attention southward, to San Diego. Only a 2 hour drive from LA, we thought family and friends would be able to enjoy the zoo, legoland, beaches, and the proximity to Mexico for a long weekend. Plus it would feel vacation-y to us, being away from home for our special day.

I discovered the Bernardo Winery on Here Comes The Guide (a must-visit for all you CA brides-to-be). We heart wine and thought a vineyard wedding sounded utterly dreamy. I had visions of rustic mason jar tealights, wine barrel cocktail tables, braided wheat details and horseshoe favors. Its even nestled into a tiny, rustic walking village of artisan shops, reminiscent of a cute disney-ish wine world. Random Trivia: it almost was consumed by the wildfires of ‘07 in Rancho Bernardo.

The event space is pretty dreamy - a large, open, wood pavilion with all kinds of rustic and adorable elements such as horseshoes, old wagons, and rusty cheese graters (trust me, cuter than they sound!) One one end is a built-in bar, and the other has a large built-in buffet table. Everything is wrapped in twinkle lights. Beyond that is a little park, dappled with olive trees and capped off by a sweet pavillion for ceremonies.

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As we were gathering inspiration, we were also gathering information. Figuring out a guest list and a budget. We were hoping for a May wedding - and venues and vendors fill up fast, so we wanted to start looking and booking as soon as possible. I definitely think every bride and groom, before making any decisions, should create a strict guest list (adding random people here and there adds up quickly!) and a budget. Choosing a venue or any vendors before establishing those two things is definitely putting the cart before the horse.

So we had our numbers in order - time to find a location. We really wanted to have the ceremony and reception in one spot. Its so much easier for guests - especially those from out of town. It also seemed to simplify things. We really wanted to find a venue downtown. Hotels within walking distance, bars close by (for those that weren’t ready to be done partying!) and an urban feel. We felt like Goldilocks - one venue was too urban (unique old building…with chain link fences and graffiti in the background.) One wasnt urban enough (very bright and white with a lot of outdoor space.) We were looking for more classic and warm.

Set up for another wedding, one of the images that sold us on the space. From the Clubhouse on Baltimore.

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Heather from Eclectic Images let us share a few images from a recent wedding with our readers. Rachel and Patrick married at Casa Blanca in Round Rock a few weeks ago and the wedding was lovely! Remember these centerpieces from earlier in the week? All DIY by Rachel.

First up, the dress designed by Melissa Sweet.  Doesn’t Rachel look radiant?!

{Image Credits: Eclectic Images}

Stay tuned for more images posting throughout the day!

A.

Flavia is getting married in gorgeous Charleston, SC in September.  I am absolutely IN LOVE with her venue, the gold ballroom at the Francis Marion Hotel.  {Not sure I have ever mentioned this, but the hubby and I eloped in Charleston and are from South Carolina so I know this hotel well.} 

Flavia’s colors are blush, soft blue, and gold and complement her ballroom so well!  She sent over her beautiful inspiration board for us to share with you.

Sources: Fabric.com, Kenzie Kate, Dessy, MS, Francis Marion Hotel, La Sposa, the Knot

The color scheme she’s chosen really warms up the room.  I think the hardest part of this palette is weaving the blue in without it being overpowering.  I’m seeing powder blue ties on the men, some soft blue hydrangea in the centerpieces with her fluffy pink floral, and I love the idea of using blue on the stationery.  Tie that into the tables by using navy print on the menus/escort cards/place cards instead of black.

Flavia, thanks for sending us your board - we are looking so forward to seeing pictures from your wedding in September!

E.

I have to say that I think this is absolutely one of THE MOST important decisions of your wedding and reception.  There are so many different options (inside, outside, church, field of flowers), and depending on your budget, the sky’s the limit!

With us, budget does play an important part, so keeping that in mind I wanted to find our venue first before all other decisions.  For one, when you’re on a limited budget, your list will be shorter because many places may be more than you can spend.  Plus, where you will be getting married and having your reception will help set the tone for your wedding - and many of the other choices you will make! And don’t forget, the most desirable venues book up far in advance.

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One of my good American-born, but European-loving, friends married a lovely Italian lady last year, and my fiance and I were fortunate to attend their truly beautiful, unpretentious and laid-back affair.  If I take inspiration in my planning from any one event, this one is it. 

Images courtesy of davidarimedia

Do you have a friend or family’s wedding that you find inspirational?

Although the title of this post makes me feel a little like I’m writing a middle school essay, I was intrigued by the recent thread on the many ways a wedding can be “green.” Though green is not a prominent color in my wedding palate, my wedding seems to be “green” on at least five levels:

1. We are getting married in roughly our own beloved neighborhood.

2. We are getting married in Central Park, surrounded by the only real pocket of nature on the island of Manhattan.

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How lovely does this inn look for a wedding or honeymoon?

Henderson Park Inn
Destin, Florida.