Signature Drinks and Bar Inspiration | San Diego Wedding and Event Venues

Posted on July 18, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

What is the second most remembered detail of your event?

 

The answer might give you a brewed awakening…

 

It’s the Bar!

Whether its simple and only serves beer and wine, or if you choose to go with the full liquor bar, our bartenders have excellent experience in crafting a mouthwatering cocktail!

Often, a theme to the event or a crowd favorite with your guests will inspire a drink specifically for the occasion.

Pictured above is one of Personal Touch Dining‘s signature drinks: The Apple Ginger Sparkler.

The original drink recipe is non-alcoholic, but upon request, they have recommended mixing the effervescent concoction with Bourbon, White Rum, or even a Cinnamon Whiskey!

Garnished with a cinnamon stick and some candied ginger, the drink is sweet with a bit of spice and is a crowd favorite.

 

 

Our Brides and Grooms have come to us with a wide assortment of delicious and adventurous drinks, renamed and given a unique twist to fit their big day.

 

 

 

With all these punny ideas, everyone will want to stop and smell the rosé at your event.

 

At least you’ll know you haven’t made any pour selections.

 

If cocktails are a bit too extravagant for your taste, go for a more full-bodied experience with a spread of local beers and wines instead.

San Diego is a hot spot for local breweries, and we’re just a jump away from the Temecula wineries!

 

 

Pick up a favorite beer or wine and bibbidi-bobbidi-booze!

Your bar will be a raving success!

Just ask our talented coordination team for more inspiration.

 

 

You all are making us blush! | Glowing Client Review from The Knot

Posted on July 11, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

We got this super sweet review from one of our Brides!

 

We adore our couples like family and are so honored that they took the time to review us.

Our business comes from word of mouth,

meaning we wouldn’t be here if not for our wonderful clients and vendors

spreading the word about us and our hard work.

We strive to make everyone’s big day perfect for them and it fills is with joy when we hear they were still so happy about it,

they were compelled to review us a month later.

 

Thank you Madeline M!

Our day was made perfect because of you too.

 

 

 

Carly + Albert | Swan Photography | Southern California Event Venues

Posted on July 9, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

South African Ranch Recreation!

Albert and Carly were a wonderful couple who brought an impressive number of their guests all the way from South Africa!

Carly and her Bridesmaids finished getting ready in our welcoming little bridal suite…
…and then went exploring with Swan Photography, a destination wedding photography husband and wife team, to find some priceless photo-op. spots!
All of the gorgeous floral arrangements were from the talented Flowr Box Designs and we love those bright pops of fuschia and peach!
The Groomsmen also got ready separately here at our Ranch and the photographers coordinated to make sure the Bride and Groom couldn’t sneak any peeks of each other before the ceremony!
These guys kept us all in stitches and the whole day was bursting with love and laughter.
The Ceremony was serenaded by the melodious Nick Weiss, one of our favorite DJs here at the Ranch, and he couldn’t have looked more at home!

Gotta make sure we included “The Glow” or “We Did It” shot!

This thoughtful and fun customized sign from Carly and Albert had some very important translations to make sure there were no language barriers during the rest of the festivities!
Here we see more of Flowr Box’s magic down at the reception site!
The dining area had a simple layout and a clean and soft tablescape with lots of cornflower blue and white.
Carly looks stunning poised in front of our beautiful bougainvillea.
After an adorable and lively first dance, Albert and Carly got to sit and enjoy dinner!
Personal Touch Dining served the happy couple’s choice of Mediterranean Chicken and Marinated Grilled Tri-Tip with Wild Rice Pilaf and Fresh In-Season Veggies.
After dinner, everyone joined the love birds on the dance floor!
A quick break from dancing allowed the cake, from Flour Power, to be cut and churros freshly fried on-site, by Personal Touch Dining, to be available instead of cake for the rest of the guests.
We just wanted to thank Carly and Albert for choosing to spend their special day with us here at the Ranch!
We loved working with them and their family and wish them all the best in the years to come.
Special thanks to all of our wonderful vendors mentioned above as well!
The night couldn’t have gone so smoothly without you all.
Special thanks to Personal Touch Dining who Manages, Caters, and Coordinates all our Events!

Amy + Mike | Kami Olavarria Photo | Leo Carrillo Ranch

Posted on July 1, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

Where Polish Meets Peach!

 

Amy and Mike had a gorgeous bohemian ceremony and reception here at the Ranch and we loved their deep peach and soft charcoal color theme.

Michelle McClure coordinated and everything looked flawless!

 

Blue Bell Floral was the artist responsible for these gorgeous floral creations.

There were so many interesting and complimentary flowers they used; every time we looked at a bouquet we saw something fun and new!

The Bridal Party looked fantastic in their Marine Dress Blues, black suits, and platinum gowns.

Our Visitor Center Barn cast the perfect backdrop to fit everybody in the shot.

The ceremony at the Pepper Tree in the Wash House Patio enchanted us with the charming yet simple decor.

The Persian rugs and wicker baskets naturally complimented our red stones and dark wooden chairs.

Kami Olavarria Photo absolutely rocked it capturing all the amazing moments throughout the night.

Just look at this “We Did It” glow!

Personal Touch Dining provided appetizers and bar service during cocktail hour while guests enjoyed the perfect weather, mingled, and played some of our lawn games.

This Custom Seating Chart was the perfect mix of clean lines and whimsical flowers and matched the rest of the decor seamlessly!

White, Charcoal and Peachy Terracotta made for a fresh yet rustic feel and the triple-long center table created a fun focal point to the main dining area.

The Grand Entrance had a special Marine tradition: The Arch of Swords, ( AKA Spanking the Spouse according to Military Wedding Traditions), where the Bride and Groom entered the reception area through a tunnel of swords. At the end of the tunnel, they’re stopped and encouraged to kiss which allows them to pass the final guards. As they move past, the last Marine gives the civilian spouse a light tap on the behind and says “Welcome to the Marines!”

This lighthearted and sweet tradition was a treat for all as we watched Amy get accepted into the Marine Family.

Flour Power baked a delicious traditional three-tiered wedding cake, enough to feed all the delighted guests.

Another exciting Marine Wedding Tradition was the Sword Cake Cutting!

Everyone gathered to watch as Mike and Amy expertly sliced out a piece to share.

Pixster helped entertain the party with their user-friendly photobooth packed full of props!

Bill Calhoun Mobile Music was fabulous to work with as always and kept the fiesta flowing all night!

The dancefloor was THE place to be after dinner and the guests had a blast.

 

Just wanted to thank Amy and Mike for choosing to include us in their special day!

We had so much fun with you!

Round of applause to all the awesome vendors mentioned who helped us out and made everything so perfect.

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

 

 

 

 

Featured in Bridal Musings!! | Let’s Frolic Together | Leo Carrillo Ranch

Posted on June 18, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

Andrew and Jenna had a stunning Ceremony and Reception here at our beloved Ranch and we love all the amazing pictures that Let’s Frolic Together took!

Colorful Boho Palm Springs Jewish Wedding – Lets Frolic Together 30

 

Everything about their big day was so unique and colorful, definitely one of our favorites so far.

 

Colorful Boho Palm Springs Jewish Wedding – Lets Frolic Together 34

Check out the full gallery and article from Bridal Musings HERE!

Huge thanks to all the amazing vendors for all of their dedication and awesome work!

 

Catering, Coordination, and Management: Personal Touch Dining
DJ: Bill Calhoun

Photobooth: Can Ham Photo Booth

Katie + Billy | True Photography | Leo Carrillo Ranch

Posted on June 10, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

Billy and Katie were bedecked in bold navy and boyish blues

for their Boho Chic wedding ceremony and reception.

We love a good little” something blue” here at the Ranch, in case you haven’t noticed, and these two knew how to rock the look!

 

 

Studio Fleurish worked their magic on the floral arrangements and Katie looked angelic with her halo of eucalyptus and roses.

 

Everyone looked so classy in their darker ensemble and we love the way this couple mixed formal and rustic aesthetics for the perfect Boho look!

 

Cocktail Hour was serenaded by Nick Weiss, one of our favorite DJs here the at Ranch, who performed live and later expertly MCed to guide the guests through the reception festivities.

Personal Touch Dining provided a savory buffet of Miso Glazed Salmon, Carved Citrus and Oregano Marinated Tri-Tip, Garlic and Chive Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes, and a Spicy Spinach Salad.

To sweeten the deal, dessert was a station of Fresh Churros where guests could help themselves to the decadent crunchy treats and top them with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and caramel syrup!

Shots like this remind us why we adore True Photography and their ability to capture the most breathtaking pictures!

They’ve been to our Ranch so often, they know the exact times and places that make the couples, and our Ranch, truly shine!

 

Thanks to all the amazing vendors mentioned for their hard work!

We loved working with Katie and Billy and wish them all the best in their future together.

Finally, as always, thanks to Personal Touch Dining for the Coordination, Management, and Catering of all our spectacular events!

Ashley + Kristopher | Chana and Don Photography | Leo Carrillo Ranch

Posted on June 4, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

 

Photo by Chana and Don provided these fantastic pictures of one of our favorite weddings!

 

 

We’ve used pictures of Ashley and Kris’ wedding as examples of some fun and original ways to decorate and display a couple’s personal touch on their wedding.

 

 

Like at most of our weddings and receptions, their ceremony was on our upper patio in front of the historic Wash House and gorgeous pepper tree.

We love this angle that Chana and Don used!

 

After the ceremony, Personal Touch Dining offered libations and appetizers to the hungry guests.

 

 

Their Seating Chart is just one of the reasons we use their photos as an example of what a little imagination can bring to a common item!

Custom built by the family, this seating chart was definitely an eye-catcher and the gentle ombre of each guest’s name card sets our yearly goals aesthetically!

 

Their tablescape was on-point too!

 

These farm tables are so versatile and the centerpieces from Splendid Sentiments are the perfect size for that uncluttered classy look.

 

 

To entertain the crowd, they brought in The Photo Bus fully equipped with props and loads of fun!

 

 

 

Flour Power brought in yet another delicious confectionery delight and Personal Touch Dining sweetened the deal with extra take-away bites while they cut the cake!

 

 

These favors were adorable, plus the jar can be re-used at home when the candy is gone!

 

 

Just wanted to thank Kris and Ashley for choosing us to spend their big day with!

So much effort and collaboration went into making this night flawless and we couldn’t have done it without the other awesome vendors who were there with us!

Finally, huge thanks to Personal Touch Dining for Managing, Coordinating, and Catering all our events!

 

 

Client Appreciation | Stunning Review | Leo Carrillo Ranch

Posted on May 27, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

Huge Thank You to Katie McNeil for the glowing review on our Wedding Wire!

 

We loved working with Billy and Katie on their April wedding and reception here at our beautiful Ranch.

It’s always encouraging to hear how happy our clients are, even a month later after the wedding excitement has died down.

These two were so sweet and we cannot be more flattered that they went the extra step to review us!

 

Photographer: True Photography

Check out the review Katie left below!

 5.0

“Complete magic”

“Our wedding was pure magic and it’s all because of the service we received from the staff at Leo Carrillo.

From planning to execution it was top notch.

I was planning our wedding from out of state so I needed a little extra hand-holding when it came to certain things and they totally stepped up.

Kendra & Lexi were on top of everything the day of and we didn’t have to worry about anything.

They went as far as saving appetizers for us to try since we were busy taking photos during cocktail hour.

When it came to dinner they took our plates and filled them so that we could have a moment to ourselves.

The ranch itself was absolutely beautiful and while we never expected our wedding to be magical, but it truly was.”

 

Reviews like this are the life-blood to our business, and we are eternally grateful to those who wish to see us continue doing what we love!

 

 

Vintage Vogue | Leo Carrillo Ranch

Posted on May 20, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

If anybody knows Vintage, it’s us.

Our Historic Ranch is the Mecca of vintage accessories and flair!

From rustic to mid-century, even Victorian and Boho-Chic, every type of antique vibe fits our motif.

 

Photographer: True Photography. 

 

VW Busses are pretty textbook under the “Vintage” category.

The Photo Bus, pictured below, works with us here at the Ranch all the time!

 

Photographer: Photo by Chana and Don

 

From what we’ve seen…

the experts in Vintage Boho-Chic might be Folklore Vintage Rentals.

Their extensive collection of vintage furniture can be combined in endless combinations to create multiple themes.

 

Photographer: True Photography. Lounge Furniture: Folklore

 

Photographer: True Photography. Furniture: Folklore

 

If these pictures look familiar,

it’s because we just used Folklore to furnish our Stables in our Styled Grand Opening Photoshoot!

They were great to work with and we felt like they truly understood what we wanted the overall theme to come across as.

 

Photographer: Holly Ireland Photography. Lounge Furniture: Folklore

 

They’ve also furnished some of our lounges at our main location

and couples love piecing together their perfect relaxation space.

 

Photographer: Plum & Oak. Lounge Furniture: Folklore

 

This Welcome Table from Folklore looks like it belongs here!

 

 

Photographer: Plum & Oak. Furniture: Folklore

 

We know all these choices can be intimidating…

So just ask our talented Coordinators about your Vintage options!

They have all your answers and are always excited to help.

 

Thanks to all the awesome photographers for their stunning shots and to the vintage rental companies who dress up our beautiful Ranch!

Leo Carrillo Ranch is Managed, Coordinated, and Catered by Personal Touch Dining.

Jennifer + John | Gretchell Rapayrapay Photography | San Diego Event Venues

Posted on May 13, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

These two were adorable exploring secret spots to enjoy some precious moments alone before the busy night to come.

 

Look at this stunning dress!

 

The Wash House Patio Ceremony Site was captured in pre-ceremony stillness by Gretchell Rapayrapay

and we love how she was able to reveal its soft and welcoming nature.

 

Jennie looked radiant all day, but especially bright in our vintage Bridal Suite!

 

 

White weddings are so classic, we love how they match our Hacienda!

 

Centerpieces and many other decorations were made by the Bride and Groom!

Simple, clean, and beautiful!

 

Each guest got to take home an adorable succulent candle!

 

These sunsets never cease to amaze us.

 

Personal Touch Dining served a delicious assortment of Jennie and John’s favorites from their menu:

Miso Glazed Salmon with Green Onion and Sesame Seeds, Panko Encrusted Herb chicken with a Gruyere Cheese Sauce,

Garlic and Chive Whipped Potatoes, In-Season Veggies, and a Strawberry Salad with Goat Cheese and Toasted Almonds.

 

DJ Bill Calhoun Mobile Music is shown here, conducting the Father/Daughter Dance.

Just one of the significant unofficial events that create the pyramid of special moments during a wedding reception.

 

Desserts were provided by Personal Touch Dining as well and the Cabana always looks its best when frosted!

 

We loved being part of Jennie and John’s special day!

Thanks to all the wonderful vendors who helped us make this such a magical night!

 

 

Leo Carrillo Ranch Events Managed, Coordinated, and Catered by Personal Touch Dining.

 

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