Brittany + Jon-Erik | Brogen Jessup Photography | Leo Carrillo Ranch Weddings

Posted on September 25, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

Dusky Dreams

 

 Soft, breathless, and romantic.

There’s not a moment’s hesitation searching for the right word; each strikes out at us after reliving this magical day.

 

Radiant from the moment we first met her, touring the Ranch, Brittany was absolutely resplendent on the big day.

 

 

Her wild and care-free waves fit perfectly with her easy-going personality and lacey bohemian wedding dress.

We are obsessed with the whimsical floral hairpiece from Bluebell Florals!

 

 

Bluebell Florals was also the artistic genius behind all the magnificent bouquets, table arrangements, and ceremony pieces!

Every piece was so wonderfully romantic and full of variety, yet out of the extensive amount of flowers, none ever seemed out of place.

 

 

 

 

 

Even Jon-Erik’s boutonniere took our breath away!

So much detail in such a small space and it still evokes this sense of whispy dream-like fragility.


 

Jon-Erik and his groomsmen were dressed to impress, and their classic black suits created a deliciously masculine contrast to the creamy, delicate setting around them.

 

 

Twinkle and Toast created the custom signage throughout Brittany and Jon-Erik’s wedding planning experience, from the invites to the seating chart.

Their work synced perfectly with the surrounding floral pieces, creating a symphony of aesthetic delicacies.

 

 

We love this copper arch used during the ceremony and again later for behind the sweetheart table.

The delicate frame is barely there, yet continues to carry on the gossamer motif seen throughout the event.

 

 

Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for: The Big Kiss!

This shot by Brogen Jessup Photography completely stole our hearts; how can someone capture something so beautiful?

 

 

After the ceremony, guests were encouraged to enjoy the cocktail hour where Personal Touch Dining kept the drinks flowing and appetizers endless.

Finding your seat on this gorgeous seating chart by Twinkle and Toast slowly turns into just staring, capturing all the details.

 

Hostess Haven provided the tabletop rentals.

Each piece, from cutlery to water goblet, was picked specifically by Alessandra the event planner and coordinator from Details, Darling.

 

This collection of mismatched pieces harmonized beautifully!

Trade Secret: Any occasion we get to see custom table settings, where someone took the time to put their heart into every tiny detail, we get a little more excited about the event!

 

The sweetheart table, complete with the ceremony flowers and arch, looked like a rustic-bohemian fantasy come to life.

These feathery floral pieces make us want to reach out and touch the downy-softness for ourselves!

 

The rest of the night was a whirlwind of entertainment from The SD Photo Bus and Sound Prodigy as guests were whisked away into the happy couple’s paradise!

 

 

Huge thanks go out to Alessandra from Details, Darling for treating us with this incredible event and making the planning process so fluid!

Thanks to all our other vendors as well, we wouldn’t have been able to create the magic without you!

 

 

Hostess Haven: thistle dinner plates, amber and pink goblets, both napkins (Pink Skye and Mercat Birch)

Sound Prodigy : DJ Pat

Bluebell Florals: arch, table and ceremony arrangements, bouquets, boutonniere

Brogen Jessup Photography

SD Photo Bus

Personal Touch Dining: Food and Venue Management

Details, Darling: Planning and Design-Details by Alessandra

Twinkle and Toast: Signage

Claudia + Reggie | True Photography | Leo Carrillo Ranch Weddings

Posted on September 24, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

Love as Colorfully as You Can!

 

 

This gorgeous artist always knew she wanted her special day to be as bright and lively as possible.

Our humble Ranch, with its soft tans, white, and gentle blues, was the perfect blank canvas!

 

 

Every color of the rainbow represented proudly by Claudia’s bridesmaids glowed through their assorted retro dresses and complimentary shawls.

We can’t think of a better photographer for such a vibrant arrangement than True Photography!

They spent the whole day with the happy couple capturing the essence of their special day.

 

But the fun wasn’t only for the ladies!

Reggie had his groomsmen all decked out in matching vests and ties to their partnering bridesmaids.

 

 

This gorgeous one-of-a-kind arch was assembled and decorated off-site,

then carried down to the ceremony location by loving family and friends eager to help with the day’s preparations!

 

 

During the ceremony, Reggie and Claudia made sure to personalize their vows by symbolically uniting their pasts to their shared future.

A sapling lime tree lovingly sprinkled with soil from each love bird’s childhood home, represented the future growth of Claudia and Reggie’s family and love.

 

 

After the tree-planting ceremony, the happy couple sealed their vows with a kiss, and were pronounced Husband and Wife!

 

Guests were encouraged to enjoy cocktail hour where Personal Touch Dining refreshed thirsty guests with craft cocktails,

and Can Ham Photobooth helped continue the retro flair and entertained with wild props for the best photos!

 

 

This glamorous couple left no detail untouched and personally crafted the centerpiece decor for the dining tables!

Each lantern, succulent pot, mini pinata, and personalized maraca was meant for the guests to take home as favors!

Everything was color coordinated, as you could have guessed, and our fantastic team of coordinators helped arrange everything exactly how they wanted it.

 

 

After the toasts, Personal Touch Dining dished out some amazing authentic Mexican cuisine, complete with every imaginable taco topping!

The floral accents and Claudia’s incredible bouquet were from La Belle Bloom, and we are so impressed with how well everything fit together with their wild decor!

 

Our little cabana never looked so vibrant!

Between the decorations provided by Reggie and Claudia, to the spectacular cake from Flour Power, the motif blended effortlessly.

The happy couple also provided some of their favorite sweets for guests to accompany the cake!

 

 

While these two escaped the party for a romantic photoshoot, DJ Bill Calhoun kept the guests rocking on the dancefloor the rest of the night!

 

We are so excited about this lovely couple, and we know their future will be as bright and full of life as their wedding day.

 

Thanks to all the fantastic vendors who helped make this day flow so effortlessly!

Special thanks go to Personal Touch Dining for the Management, Coordination, and Catering of all our special events!

 

 

Madison + Michael | Tayler Ashley Photography | Leo Carrillo Ranch

Posted on September 9, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

 

Hallmark, Eat Your Heart Out!

 

We don’t think you’re ready for the limitless amount of cuteness that is Maddy and Mike’s wedding and reception here at the Ranch.

 

 

These childhood sweethearts are the real-life inspiration for every sappy guilty pleasure rom-com we’ve watched.

 

In fact, their story was almost too perfect!

We were checking behind corners all day in hopes of finding a Hallmark Channel hidden camera somewhere.

 

Forget Romeo and Juliet, let’s all re-vamp the definition of a love story and aspire to be Mike and Maddy.

 

 

Tayler Ashley Photography did such a phenomenal job of capturing the feel of the day: breezy, sunny, warm, and full of sheer joy.

 

Evermore Floral was the genius behind the day’s floral arrangements, and Maddy’s Romantic Vintage vision was made real in this white rose masterpiece.

 

 

After their first look, the happy couple exchanged gifts and enjoyed a quiet moment together before the whirlwind of wedding fun swept them off their feet.

 

 

Tayler Ashley Photography took time with the whole bridal party, exploring the grounds and finding the best spots for these fantastic pictures.

 

 

The Stables offered some of the best pictures for both groups, with its iconic blue door and shaded alcove perfectly out of the sun.

 

 

This crew had a blast during this little photoshoot, and kept all of us laughing throughout the night!

 

 

 

Evermore Floral also worked their magic on our Wash House Patio Ceremony Site.

 

These breathtaking aisle markers doubled as the Sweetheart Table decorations after the nuptials.

 

 

As guests walked into the ceremony area, they were ushered in by Personal Touch Dining who provided refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Coolers as a welcome cocktail.

On the Welcome Table, friends and family could sign in, drop off gifts, and read the diary entry made by a tiny hopefull Madison long, long ago.

*Cue the waterworks*

 

 

If we’ve got any Boy Meets World fans out there, you’d know what we mean when we call them a “Corey and Topanga.”

These two grew up going to middle and high school together, were friends for years,

and first started dating right before Mike graduated high school–much to the surprise of their families!

 

 

And so began the love story.

(Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for! )

 

As they were pronounced as Mr. and Mrs. to a round of tears, laughter, and cheers, we couldn’t help but feel included in the contagious excitement!

 

As the love birds went to take more pictures, and guests were encouraged to enjoy the cocktail hour.

 

Folklore Vintage Rentals had a stunning lounge area set up for guests to relax as they watched the lawn games.

 

 

Personal Touch Dining staff expertly set the dining tables while in collaboration with Evermore Floral and Folklore Vintage Rentals. 

 

The result was this exquisitely dreamy tablescape!

 

The Photo Bus was ready and waiting for revelers who wanted to add their best pictures to the newly-weds’ guest book.

 

 

Personal Touch Dining continued to serve delicious cocktails throughout the night and made sure to pass out the adorable custom koozies from the bride and groom.

 

 

After a lively grand entrance and loving first dance, Andy from The Groove encouraged the guests to join Maddy and Mike on the dance floor just before toasts.

 

 

Personal Touch Dining served dinner soon after, and the buffet was magnificent as always.

 

They never cease to impress!

 

To finish the formal events of the night on a sweet note, Maddy and Mike cut their cake together.

 

 

The Groove took over for the rest of the night and kept the dancefloor rocking as guests grabbed foam light-up wands to light up the night!

 

 

These wands also doubled as perfect tunnel-building tools and the grand exit transformed into a colorful trip into the future for the bride and groom.

 

We could not be happier or more in love with this love story.

 

We are beyond honored that these two wanted us to be a part of their special day, and we wish them a lifetime of wedded bliss.

 

 

Thanks to all the fantastic vendors who help us make these magic moments happen.

 

We couldn’t do it without help from you all!

 

A special thanks, as always, goes out to Personal Touch Dining for Coordinating, Managing, and Catering all of our special events here at the Ranch.

 

Darling Garlands | Ceremony Tree Decor | Leo Carrillo Ranch

Posted on September 3, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

Ropes of roses, cords of chrysanthemums, strings of sweetpeas, we’ve seen it all!

 

Garland by Layered Vintage

Photo by Jordan Galindo

Our beloved Pepper Tree is gorgeous on is own,

but couples and the occasional florist have felt inspired enough to do a bit of redecorating!

 

If you’re having your ceremony with the tree in the background, we encourage talking to your florist about makeover ideas!

 

Decor by Plenty of Petals

Photo by Shane + Lauren Photography

There are just a few guidelines we’d like to make known before the planning process begins…

 

Garland by Splendid SentimentsPhoto by Chana and Don

Leo Carrillo Ranch staff cannot decorate our tree for you.

If you plan on having decorations of any kind put on our tree, they need to be done by a professional.

(Specifically, a florist or decor service who has the proper equipment, insurance, and experience.)

Leaving it up to the professionals has always resulted in the fastest and safest setup with the best-looking decor!

 

Garland by KO Floral Design

Photo by Krissel Rivas

Please do not stress out our tree!

We ask that no nails, tacks, staples, or anything else be used to adhere or attach anything to our tree.

The Ranch and its Tree are both historic landmarks, and without this rule, this gentle giant would become quickly abused.

The branches are already in perfect positions to hang the garlands on!

If there is any extra assistance needed, we suggest using fishing line or rope to secure your decorations better.

 

Garland by Studio Fleurish

Photo by Laurie Ashley Photography

So please, dress up the ceremony space and our happy tree as much as your heart desires!

Just keep in mind our rules, so it continues to stay happy.

 

Garland by Jamul Flowers

Photo by Kami Olavarria 

 

 

 

Love Where You Work | Venue Appreciation | Leo Carrillo Ranch

Posted on September 3, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

Oh, give me a home where the birds like to roam.

 

Wedding cheers echo so far away.

 

Jewell of the city. Plants prickly, but pretty.

 

And the skies are not cloudy all day.

 

 

Home, Home on the Ranch!

 

 

Where the Brides and the Grooms play all day.

 

 

The peacocks are heard, such colorful birds,

 

And the windmill continues to sway.

 

 

At the end of a long day,

When the park is asleep, and we find a moment to be still with the night, it’s comforting to close our eyes. Take a deep breath. Just listen.

Soft sounds of wind in the trees resonate within us just as would the gentle settling of your house from the comfort of a warm bed.

A home away from home, we spend countless hours polishing the grounds with our sweat and pride.

(It’s an effort that borderlines insanity because the dust is just part of our skin now, and how shiny can you really make something valued for it’s “rustic” appeal?)

But we love it.

 

“Hard work is painful when life is devoid of purpose. But when you live for something greater than yourself and the gratification of your own ego, then hard work becomes a labor of love.”– Steve Pavlina

Every event is different.

No matter how many weddings come through, we are fueled by the excitement and fresh joy that pours over us from each delighted client. Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” How lucky are we to be able to think creatively every day we work? This job requires us to continually imagine the beautiful and push the limits on what we can craft within our parameters.

Steve Jobs believed, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Not to sound cocky, but we are good at what we do.

There is magic and charm that The Ranch evokes, and the unspoken responsibility we feel to continue the magic becomes enchanting in itself!

Who wouldn’t want to be the magician, feeding into the glamour people come to see?

Almost selfishly, we revel in the glow of smiling cheeks, the laughter in sparkling eyes, and the warmth radiating from our client’s hearts. It feeds us, driving us on during the hottest days and coldest nights.

And as the last guest rolls out of the lot, when we’re the most tired and dirty, we’re smiling because we love where we work and what we do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are so thankful to be part of every special event that comes through our hands.

Our appreciation for all the staff and volunteers who help preserve this gorgeous site is constant. Without them, the true spirit of The Ranch would be lost.

Finally, thank you also to Personal Touch Dining who Manages, Coordinates, and Caters all of our events. Your team is the Ring Leader of this beautiful circus.

 

 

“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds.

Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world.

Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.”

Patanjali

Kate + Danny | Jordan Elizabeth Photography | Leo Carrillo Ranch

Posted on August 14, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

DIY Done Right!

Danny and Kate poured their hearts into every detail of their wedding day.

Kate spent years meticulously combing over antique shop treasures, collecting the perfect decor to turn her dream into a reality here at the Ranch.

 

During their first look, the anticipation nearly killed Danny, and his excitement was infectious.

When Kate finally rounded the corner, Danny’s face was priceless.

We had to get a close-up!

 

 

All the genuine shock and awe are tangible in this picture and it instantly makes our job worth it.

You can’t get this anywhere else!

 

 

They’re too cute!

How do we bottle this feeling? We’d make millions!

 

 

After their first look, their friends in the Bridal Party were able to get in on the action and had some fun with  Jordan Elizabeth Photography.

 

 

Kate and her Bridesmaids brought the fire with those sassy shades and sleek champagne dresses!

 

 

The ceremony was out in front of our Hacienda, and we LOVE it when clients utilize its natural rustic charm!

 

Here’s Danny, melting our hearts, yet again, with love just pouring out of his face.

We can only take so much, Danny! Jeez.


Kate’s brother officiated the ceremony and, as we had come to expect, there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd during the exchange of vows.

 

 

 

 

This shot is simply perfection.

 

 

And how could we not include the “After Glow” moment?

It’s one of our guilty pleasures!

 

The love birds were able to escape after the ceremony to revel in their first moments as Husband and Wife together while the rest of the guests were encouraged to enjoy cocktail hour with tasty refreshments and appetizers from Personal Touch Dining.

 

The gorgeous floral arrangements and Kate’s stunning bouquet were from the talented Chic Pink Petals Designs and Events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We can’t help but be impressed by how perfectly her bouquet goes with our vibe here at the Ranch!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kate also has the right eye for detail, and she took our rustic-chic look to a new level with all the hand made decor she worked on for this big day.

 

The Seating Chart, hand-crafted by this brilliant Bride, blew us away with the macrame mixed with the brass from the frame. It’s just spectacular!

 

 

Each guest’s name was on a small plaque tied into the design and demonstrates the time and effort she put into making everything look just right.

 

 

The Head Table, framed in the same greenery that grows naturally all around our beautiful venue, looked like something out of a fairy tale.

 

Kate collected every water goblet, charger, and napkin herself!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She knew the exact look she wanted and went for it, obviously with stunning results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She also brought a customized cake server, hand made all the table numbers and the guest book!

Round of applause for this amazing DIY Bride!

 

 

After a quick round of toasts, Personal Touch Dining served an amazing Taco Bar buffet where guests had loads of topping choices to customize their meals!

 

 

As soon as everyone ate, it was time to let loose!

 

DJ Manny from Sound Illusions rocked the dance floor and kept the guests grooving all night long.

 

Everyone jumped in line for a chance at their photoshoot in Rumor Photo Media’s photo booth.

 

 

For dessert, Danny and Kate cut a small cake topper from Flour Power and had Personal Touch Dining cook up some fresh churros for their guests!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The churro station was self serve and came with caramel sauce, fresh vanilla whipped cream, and chocolate syrup.

 

 

 

These two certainly left an impression on us as well as on the Ranch as a whole.

Anytime this much love comes around the whole park comes alive!

 

We just wanted to thank Kate and Danny for choosing to spend their special day with us.

We loved having them.

 

Huge thanks also go out to all the vendors mentioned for making the day fly by so flawlessly!

Especially Personal Touch Dining for Catering, Coordinating, and Managing all our events here at the Ranch!

 

 

DJ: Manny- Sound Illusions

Florist: Chic Pink Petals Designs and Events

Photographer: Jordan Elizabeth Photography

Photo Booth: Rumor Photo Media

Cake: Flour Power

Catering: Personal Touch Dining

 

 

 

Tribute to Our Biggest Fans | Peacock Tribute | Unique San Diego Event Venues

Posted on August 8, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

Party Crashers, Inspirations, and Charming Roommates

 

These be-jeweled beauties are generous enough to let us use their home for all our events and historic tours.

 

Photo above: Swan Photography

 

We’re going to be honest with you all.

Since these guys are free-range and wild, we have no idea how many are on our 27-acre ranch.

We can guess or ask our wonderful LCR Museum volunteers, but at the end of the day, all we care about is their health and happiness.

 

Photo above by: Shane and Lauren Photography

 

Besides being beautiful to look at, and charming in their uniquely quirky personalities, they are great at keeping pests away like bugs and rodents!

…If and when they feel so inclined.

 

Photo above by: Gipe Photography

 

Mostly, their days consist of leisurely pecking around for tasty snacks, and people watching as much we watch them.

 

Photo above by: Gipe Photography

 

These guys flourish in front of a crowd and love the attention,

as long as you keep a comfortable distance.

 

Photo above by: Swan Photography

 

We often have to remind park guests that our feathered friends are wild and do not like to be pet!

Their personalities are inquisitive and proud, and if chased, they know how to defend themselves.

Photo above by: True Photography

 

They love the camera!

It’s hard not to find one roosting above a wedding or photobombing a happy couple.

 

Photo above by: True Photography

They’re pegged as being attention seekers, and we can’t help but agree.

 

Photo above by: True Photography

Any chance they can get to steal the show, they will!

During the early spring and into the beginning of summer, the famous fan is a popular sight.

All those beautiful peacocks are trying to impress a hen!

(So they’ll practice for just about anyone.)

Photo above by: True Photography

These wild creatures have adopted the Ranch and us as their own, and we love them and know to respect their space.

We understand why it’s hard to remember that they’re wild when they seem trained and like hanging out with our guests!

Photo above by Audrey Rynberg Photography

These little guys are so fun and add another delightful layer to all the fun sights here at the Ranch.

Next time you visit us, check-in with the Visitor’s Center and ask about the Peacocks!

Photo above by: True Photography

Lindsey + John | Meurer Image Photography | Leo Carrillo Ranch

Posted on July 29, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

Love the Earth as You Would Each Other

These two Earth-conscious love birds didn’t let the craziness of wedding planning distract them from their constant efforts to be as eco-friendly as possible.

Lindsey and her Bridesmaids looked so elegant in their color-coordinated gowns!

We love the depth of this option for dresses offers through pictures.

John and his Groomsmen also looked very sophisticated in their dark blue suits.

The wedding colors were prominent, but not overdone, resulting in a very tasteful presence.

The centerpieces and other floral arrangements from Cherry Blossom Floral Designs had a magnificent pure beauty and grace.

The Farm Tables the happy couple chose to go with looked like they belonged in our large open dining area!

All the tables needed for decoration were eucalyptus runners and some classic lanterns for the centerpieces!

We love the idea of having the Mason Jar water glasses; it adds a playful feeling to an otherwise traditional motif.

For their wedding favors, each guest received an aluminum engraved reusable straw.

This gift was perfect for Lindsey and John’s Earth-friendly lifestyle.

These two are just the sweetest.

During their first dance, their love could be felt by the whole party.

For dinner, Personal Touch Dining served food from four different food stations where guests could choose the dishes they preferred, or have all four!

(Between Herbed Chicken Roulade, Fresh Grilled Quesadillas, Short Ribs with Waffle Fries, and Salmon with a Coconut Curry Sauce everyone went home more than well-fed.)

Have we mentioned our iconic sunsets?

Not to sound too biased, but they’re some of the best in San Diego.

So we’re thrilled Meurer Image Photography helped prove us right!

Flour Power provided a dainty cake topped for Lindsey and John to cut together

which Personal Touch Dining helped supplement with a fantastic Ice Cream Sundae Station accompanied by a mountain of incredible topping choices!

Thank you, John and Lindsey, for choosing our beloved Ranch to spend your special day!

Your love for each other and the Earth is a shining example of what our futures could be if we put our hearts into it.

Thanks to all of the vendors for the hard work and excellent professionalism as always!

Special thanks to Personal Touch Dining for Managing, coordinating, and Catering all our events.

 

 

 

DJ: Nick Weiss

Florals: Cherry Blossom Floral Designs

Photo: Meurer Image Photography

Food and Coordination: Personal Touch Dining

Cake: Flour Power

Emily + Rose | True Photography | San Diego Wedding and Event Venues

Posted on July 24, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

We all want

That Sunday Kind of Love

Emily and Rose were an absolutely gorgeous couple and we were so honored they chose to spend their special day with us here at the Ranch!

 

 

 

The floral arrangements were all the masterful work of Bloom Babes,

the colors perfectly complimented their Turquoise and Ivory color scheme.

 

 

The Two Brides got ready separately in our bridal party areas in preparation for the First Look!

 

Then True Photography took the lovely ladies out exploring around the grounds for some excellent photo oppurtunities.

 

We love how well True Photography always captures priceless candid moments like this one!

 

The ceremony was in front of our grand pepper tree and The Brides walked each other

down the aisle to the cheers of their family and friends.

 

 

 

After the ceremony, down at the reception area, The Photo Bus was ready and waiting to entertain guests during cocktail hour.

 

 

 

These two loved to laugh and their joy spread throughout the night, lifting up the spirits of everyone present.

 

 

 

Personal Touch Dining provided Rose and Emily’s choice of a full Taco Bar and Buffet!

Guests were able to customize their taco toppings and serve themselves heaping helpings of sides like the Cilantro-Lime Rice, an Enchilada Bake, and a Spicy Spinach Salad.

 

Flour Power treated the Brides to a delicious Raspberry Champagne Cake Topper

while Personal Touch Dining stuck with the Spanish theme and served guests fresh Churros!

These deep-fried delights were doused in cinnamon sugar and paired with lots of fun sauce options to drizzle on top.

 

 

Thanks again to Emily and Rose for wanting to spend your big day with us!

We loved celebrating your love and wish you two all the best!

 

We also appreciate all the hard work of our vendors mentioned above, we couldn’t have done it without you all.

Special thanks to Personal Touch Dining for Managing, Coordinating, and Catering our events!

 

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