Kathleen + Derrick | Kami Olavarria Photography
Fun Custom Detailed Wedding!
So much genuine care and creativity went into the planning process of Derrick and Kathleen’s Wedding here at our Ranch.
We loved helping these love birds put everything together to create such a fun-filled event!
Jamul Flowers came in and properly dressed our majestic Pepper Tree on our Wash House Patio for Derrick and Kathleen special day!
Nick Weiss was back at it again, entertaining guests and displaying his incredible skills and his melodious voice for guests’ entertainment.
When guests first arrived for the ceremony, greeting them was this little DIY sign made by the Bride and Groom!
Right before the ceremony began, Kami Olavarria Photography caught this precious moment where the flower girls were giving Derrick a little pep-talk.
We asked Kathleen to share some thoughts about her wedding with us, and she was so sweet to answer us!
Tell us about your wedding! What was the inspiration behind your day?
Kathleen: “Given that Leo Carrillo was such a gorgeous outdoor venue, we just wanted to play off of that and have a really natural, simple wedding.”
How did you meet?
K: “Derrick and I met at Outback Steakhouse, where he trained me one night to be a server.”
“It only took us about a week of working together to realize we liked each other and started to date shortly thereafter.”
Tell us about the proposal!
K: “Derrick proposed to me after three years together on a hike of the Torrey Pines Reserve, with both of our sisters and best friends.”
What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?
K: “The most special moment for us was our first look. It was the perfect time for us to really just experience the roller coaster of emotions between just the two of us.”
“It’s the one part of that day where you get to slow down and really take in everything together.”
Did you have a specific theme, style, or color palette?
K: “Our color palette started out one way but started to morph into something completely different as everything came together.”
“It ended up being based on the bridesmaid dresses that were a really pretty deep periwinkle color along with gray and green to compliment the space.”
Did you personalize the day in any way?
K: “…We had a caricature artist come and draw our guests; it was so fun to see everyone comparing themselves to their drawings.”
Caricatures By Dave did a fantastic job treating each guest to a personal portrait, and the whole idea is such a novel way to get your guests to remember your event!
Along with the caricatures, guests enjoyed playing our complimentary lawn games like Giant Jenga, and Corn Hole.
During cocktail hour, Personal Touch Dining kept guests well fed and encouraged keeping a cold beverage always on hand!
How did you both choose your wedding day look?
K: “Derrick and I both decided to go for a wedding look that we were comfortable with. I kept my makeup very light and natural.”
“I chose a suit for Derrick that would really accentuate his pretty blue eyes.”
How did you decorate? Was any part of the decor DIY?
“Going along with the natural space, we decided to decorate mostly with flowers and greenery along with simple little things. We didn’t want to add too much, given the space is beautiful on its own.”
Guests helped themselves to the hearty buffet from Personal Touch Dining.
The newlyweds made their way around to each table during dinner, making sure no guests left without a quick kiss and hug!
Kathleen commented, “I would also have to say make sure you really take time and let your guests know how much it means to have them there; they really appreciate it.”
The happy couple had personalized Tic-Tacs made as another fun wedding favor for their guests!
Flour Power baked up the cutest personal Couple’s Cake for the ceremonial Cake-Cutting while pre-cut slices floated around the floor for guests to help themselves from another cake.
Nick Weiss kept the dance floor rocking the rest of the evening, and the guests danced away into the night!
Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?
K: “My advice to others, which sounds so cliché, but it really is the best advice is just to enjoy the day. You spend months planning and making sure everything is perfect for it just to pass in a blink of an eye.”
“It’s the best day, and you just wish that you could do it over again.”
We’re so happy these two enjoyed their special day, we loved celebrating with them!
Huge thanks to all the vendors who were part of this night, we sincerely appreciate all your hard work and commitment to your crafts!
Special thanks to Personal Touch Dining for the Catering, Coordination, and Venue Management of all our Special Events here at the Ranch.
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