Our Most Picturesque First Look Locations | Unique San Diego Event Venues

 

Our Ranch is overflowing with unique and gorgeous locations that are perfect for must-have moments!

 

Tucked away between the Hacienda Courtyard and the Washhouse Patio, where we have our ceremonies, there’s a quiet garden featuring charming original architecture and an array of natural beauty.

 

Singler Photography

 

Perfect for photographers to grab multiple angles and quick-action approach shots, this secret location is ideal for the couple who want as much detail of this must-have moment recorded.

 

Singler Photography

 

Just through the gate seen in the pictures before, classic desert foliage unique to our Ranch’s rustic vibe frames the front of our stunning Hacienda.

 

Madeline Barr Photography

 

Through the front entry to the Hacienda, the courtyard hosts a spectacular stone arch draped in vibrant burgundy bougainvillea.

A perfect spot for those with lots of pinks and warm tones to their overall event motif!

 

Singler Photography

 

Crazy for more wild desert beauty? On the way to the historic Caretaker’s Cottage, check out the enormous Blue Agave plants on the right!

These plants create the most stunning boho backdrop for a First Look.

 

Joe & Kathrina Photography

 

It’s nearly impossible to miss our lovely restored Stables.

This space has two sides that are shaded and have lots of space for photographers to find those dramatic angles.

 

Phil Chester Photography

 

On the Stable’s side closest to the visitor’s Center, this intimate hall is striking and perfect for an artsy couple with a love of bright colors and a right eye for contrast!

(We like to imagine you could almost pass this off as a private villa on the cliffs of Greece.)

 

Madeline Barr Photography

 

There are countless locations around the Ranch for your perfect First Look!

No matter where you turn, gorgeous rustic architecture, natural wild desert beauty, and opportunities for must-have moments are all around!

 

 

Ginny + Michael | Singler Photography

Bohemian Bold!

 

This resourceful pair combined stunning desert scene photographs, a wild romantic ceremony arch, and minimalist table centerpieces to convey their love of adventure and modern bohemian spirit.

 

 

This gorgeous bride thought of every detail, using the accent colors in her bouquet to inspire her fabulous accessories!

Ginny paired her elegant lace bodice wedding gown with fun pale salmon fringe statement earrings and a set of gorgeous burnt orange satin heels.

 

 

To add a deep contrast to all the warm color tones, Michael and his groomsmen looked sharp in their navy suits.

 

 

In the privacy of the Hacienda’s side garden, the love birds snuck in their First Look.

 

 

Guests made sure to drop off gifts, cards, and any other wedding “responsibilities” at the Welcome Table before finding their ceremony seat.

 

 

Michael and Ginny fell in love with our Washouse’s rustic charm and chose to use it as the base of their incredible ceremony arch.

Rebecca Eichten Floral Art and Design blew us away with her spectacular array of dried desert flowers!

 

 

After the heartfelt vows, everyone cheered for The Big Kiss!

 

 

 

Glowing with excitement, the newlyweds made their way back down the aisle together as Husband and Wife.

 

 

We were so impressed by the statement this bar sign makes with its mesmerizing background!

As Singler Photography stole the happy couple and some choice family away for formal pictures, the rest of the guests helped themselves to the bar from Personal Touch Dining.

 

 

The theme continued to the seating chart as well!

Guests enjoyed the Pixster Photo Booth, and fresh appetizers made on-site from Personal Touch Dining before finding their tables.

 

 

The custom table markers explained the significance of each name to the Bride and Groom.

We love the ingenious use of cement pots to add modern flair to the rustic desert foliage in the centerpieces.

 

 

Every place setting showed an incredible amount of heartfelt attention to detail by Michael and Ginny!

It included a custom menu card, a bundle of sage as a wedding favor, and thank-you-note escort cards.

 

 

After an incredible dinner from Personal Touch Dining, the guests took to the dance floor with Sound Illusions and rocked the night away!

 

 

We’re so happy for this beautiful couple, and are beyond grateful for the chance to be part of their special day!

 

Thanks to the fantastic team of vendors who helped us make the magic happen!

Special thanks to Personal Touch Dining for the Special Event Coordination, Catering, and Venue Management!

 

Vendors

Singler Photography

Sound Illusions DJ services

Rebecca Eichten Floral Art and Design

Personal Touch Dining

Pixster Photo Booth

Abby + Jimmie | Chris Ellis Photography

Abby and Jimmie brought so much love and excitement to our Ranch!

Their romantic white wedding and spirited families lit up the night. Thanks, Chris Ellis Photography, for these stunning pictures that we can’t wait to share!

Jimmie and his half of the Bridal Party were the first to have their photos taken after getting ready in our repurposed Carriage House.

The front entrance of our Stables is a photographer favorite for its rustic whitewashed brick walls that add a fun juxtaposition to the sharp lines of a well-tailored suit.

Abby and her Bride Tribe started the wedding day prep in their hotel room before putting the final touches on at our Ranch.

Her dress was an exquisite blend of vintage elegance beading and a boho-chic cut with delicate flower details.

With loose waves and a crystal flower crown, Abby looked every inch a dream Bride.

Like a Queen in her castle, She glowed with excitement sitting in our vintage chairs as the final touches to her ensemble were added.

We always recommend a First Look over at The Stables.

It gave the love birds a private moment to see each other before the craziness of the Ceremony and Reception began.

A First Look is often the last private moment a happy couple got before they became Husband and Wife.

With the First Looks finished, the whole Bridal Party got together at our Cabana before the ceremony.

Large Bridal Parties like this are always the life of the party!

The ceremony on our Washhouse Patio beneath the shade of our majestic Pepper Tree was for Jimmie and Abby’s closest family and friends.

Small ceremonies like this sometimes offer that sense of intimacy a Bride and Groom want to reflect throughout their relationship.

Abby’s Father, Bill, officiated the ceremony.

Jimmie’s excitement is contagious in this picture, and we can’t get enough!

Finally, The Big Kiss!

This moment here is why we love what we do.

The “I Do” Glow is one of the best parts of these special events.

As the newlyweds went to take family pictures, the rest of the guests made their way down to the reception area.

There, Personal Touch Dining served fresh appetizers, made on-site, and craft cocktails to kick off the party!

 Chris Ellis Photography took the love birds all over our event site for the perfect couple’s portraits.

The stunning floral arrangements, from the bouquets to the table centerpieces, were from The Flower Shop Encinitas!

We love the natural hints of pale blue in Abby’s romantic bridal bouquet.

After all the formal pictures finished, Abby changed into her party dress!

This Grecian-inspired gown looks comfy while still exuding classic elegance meant for a Bride.

For dinner, Personal Touch Dining served a hearty buffet, with food made fresh on-site!

They always make sure to include substitutions for anyone with potential dietary restrictions; all they need is a little heads up.

After dinner, guests enjoyed chocolate-covered strawberries from Personal Touch Dining for dessert and then danced the night away with Sound Prodigy!

We loved working with this incredible couple, and we wish them all the best in their bright future together.

 

 

Thanks to all the fantastic vendors who helped us make the magic happen for Jimmie and Abby! Special thanks go to Personal Touch Dining for the Special Event Catering, Coordination, and Venue Management.

Vendors

Personal Touch Dining

Photography: Jessica Wardwell and Chris Ellis Photography

Florist: The Flower Shop Encinitas

DJ: Sound Prodigy

 

Natalie + Dillon | Marissa McBride Photography

 

Taco-‘Bout Some Sweet Lovin’!

 

 

Dillon and Natalie brought their closest friends and family to party the night away here at our Ranch!

After a heartfelt ceremony at our beneath our lofty Pepper Tree, the festivities started right away during cocktail hour.

 

Personal Touch Dining kept guests guessing what delectable treats would be coming out of the kitchen all evening!

For appetizers, their friendly staff tray-passed Mini Beef Sliders with Bacon and Creamy Blue Cheese, sweet and savory Chicken and Waffel Bites, and Mini Margherita Flatbread Pizzas all made fresh on-site.

 

The Taco Bar Buffet is incredibly popular with our clients and their guests for dinner, thanks to the hearty side dishes, authentic, fresh ingredients, and a rainbow of topping choices!

That evening steaming pans of Cilantro Lime Rice, authentic Black Beans, a crunchy Mexican Cesar Salad, and House-Made Tortilla Chips and Salsa paired well with the three taco options: Carne Asada, Carnitas, and Polla Asada.

 

Every guest, no matter their age or food preferences, will find something to love about that menu!

These happy Groomsmen pause for a quick picture, eager to get back to their table to feast!

 

Marisa McBride Photography caught this shot of our reception area right after the golden hour.

Our Market Lights create the perfect ambiance for guests to dine by. No extra lighting needed!

 

After dinner, Parent Dances with the happy couple warmed up the dancefloor for the guests, who were ready to show off their best moves.

 

 

Our complimentary Lawn Games, such as Corn Hole and Giant Jenga, are always left out for guests to enjoy all night!

 

 

The newlyweds cut their Couple’s Cake while Personal Touch Dining made sure the home-made Donut Stands stayed well-stocked!

These talented DIY love birds discovered that polished rustic copper wire, molded into the shape of a dowel, created the perfect donut stand.

 

Sound Prodigy knows how to keep people out of their seats and on the dance floor!

This group rocked our Ranch the rest of the night, putting in the work to make up for all those extra donuts.

 

We adored having Natalie and Dillon here at the Ranch, and wish them all the best in their bright future together!

 

 

Thanks to the super-star team of vendors who helped us with such a fun night!

Special thanks to Personal Touch Dining for all their hard work, Coordinating, Catering, and Managing our Venue for our special events!

 

 

Vendors

Personal Touch Dining

Sound Prodigy

Marisa McBride Photography

Florals by the Bride!

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.

 

Vendors:

Kami Olavarria Photography

Personal Touch Dining

Flour Power

Jamul Flowers

Nick Weiss

Caricatures By Dave

 

Stephanie + Roarke | Walter Wilson Studios

Live and Love Colorfully!

Roarke and Stephanie brought all the colors of their love to our Ranch for their wedding and reception.

Tell us about your wedding! What was the inspiration behind your day? 

Stephanie: “We were inspired by the peacocks + cactus at the ranch paired with the Romantic touch of the hacienda and bougainvillea.”

Adore Folklore provided the fun rugs that went down the ceremony aisle, further incorporating the southwestern vibe of our beautiful patio area into their motif.

How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? 

Stephanie: “I made a few DIY signs and put our pictures and a lot of items from our house around.”

This First Look was so sweet!

How did you two meet?

Stephanie: “We met in college at UCI. He was in a frat, and I was in a sorority. We were on a frat bus to lake Havasu, and he introduced me to fireball whiskey.”

Tiny Victories was responsible for the incredible florals placed all over the Ranch.

They helped knit together all the different parts of decor that brought vivacity to the event, and we were so taken by Stephanie’s stunning bouquet!

Personal Touch Dining greeted guests to the ceremony area with Cucumber Watermelon Mojitos!

Did you incorporate any cultural or religious traditions in any part of your day?

Stephanie: “During our ceremony, we literally ‘tied the knot’ by incorporating the Celtic tradition of handfasting.”

“Each of our parents placed a ribbon that represented parts of a strong marriage, and we tied a knot with them. His family is Irish.”

“We also took a fireball shot during the ceremony to remember how we first met. It was a fun surprise no one knew was coming.”

Did you have a specific theme, style, or color palette? 

Stephanie: “The theme was kind of romantic boho with wildflowers and a mix of patterns likes the dresses and the aisle rugs.”

“Once I found my fun bridesmaids dresses, the colors all came from there! I didn’t want a set color palette, just a variety of fun and vibrant colors.”

Nick Weiss not only sang and played guitar during the ceremony, but he transitioned effortlessly into the cocktail hour, where he continued singing and playing in the background until the grand entrance!

Personal Touch Dining served appetizers and provided the bar service, with more of those delicious mojitos, as guests enjoyed the casual atmosphere.

Tiny Victories brought so much excitement to the tabletops!

Stephanie: “The flowers made everything come together!!! I loved the flowers so much.”

Just look at the small forest of flowers adorning the sweetheart table!

Tiny Victories is a true master of their craft.

Adore Folklore finished off the rest of the tablescape with their amber goblets, chargers, plates, and festive napkins.

The sweetheart table had an exclusive table setting, while the family and head tables had less extravagant similar versions.

How did you both choose your wedding day look?

Roarke knew he wanted a blue suit, and I knew I wanted a dress that was a little less traditional!

Personal Touch Dining served another bountiful buffet with their fresh Mahi Mahi and addicting Mashed Potatoes!

We love the look of this long feasting style head table where the Bride and Groom sit like royalty in the middle of their friends and family.

Did you personalize the day in any way? 

Stephanie: “We did a bridal party dance after dinner to the tequila song.”

What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?

Stephanie: “I loved incorporating the fireball shot into the ceremony; it was very us.”

“Our first dance to I’ve got you babe was one of my fav memories bc we had a little routine and nailed it! It was fun to learn together.”

 

Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?

Stephanie: “Make it as you as possible!”

We wish these two all the best in their bright future together!

Thanks to all the vendors who helped us make the magic happen, we couldn’t do what we love without you all!

Details:
Invitation Designer- ETSY 
Men’s Attire- SuitSupply 
Veils and headpieces- ETSY 
Dress Store- Grace Loves Lace 
Bridesmaid Dresses- AMAZON 
Dress Designer- Grace Loves Lace
Vendors:
Photo Booth: Can Ham
Photographer: Walter Wilson Studios

Madison + Michael | Tayler Ashley Photography | Leo Carrillo Ranch

 

 

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.

 

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

 

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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