The paramount decision between farm tables and classic rounds with linens has plagued couples and event designers for time and memorium. Linens offer infinite options to help create the perfect tablescape and overall event look. On the other hand, farm tables can be just as versatile in their look depending on the rest of the decor.

Photos by Vafa Photography

For years, round and rectangular tables were the standard, and the linen industry ruled with an iron fist! 

Not without reason, either. The draw toward tables with linens is that of a clean-cut, classic look, and they happen to come in every shade of your imagination. Through shade, texture and layering, you can make your dream wedding or event come to life. The options and combinations are quite literally endless, so if you know what you want, little can stop you.

The choice of table shape includes more factors than you might guess. Round tables are especially convenient for social gatherings, allowing guests to talk freely without straining necks and voices. No longer are we restricted to a forced conversation only with the person next to us, because everyone faces the same center point! As a result, the centerpieces for circular tables can be tall, glorious works of art or smaller, cute, and more cost-efficient! Round tables are also easily maneuverable in irregular-shaped spaces (which happens to be the case with our reception area here at Leo Carrillo Ranch).

No respectable event allowed tables to go unclothed. It was indecent! Imagine naked tables all over your wedding, bare legs out for the world to see!

Scandalous.

The Rustic look, with all its wood and naked tables, didn’t become a trend until couples started wanting more to their weddings than hotel ballrooms. Couples began to desire less of a “big white wedding” look and sought something more tailored to fit their personalities. These farm tables appeal to those looking for something casual yet high-quality to carry the importance of the occasion.

The rustic look is growing in popularity to this day. Event planners and Pinterest personalities alike are discovering the untapped potential for these wood canvases. In places where outdoor events are available most of the year, they’ve become a standard!

Soon, a new generation didn’t mind these barbaric clothless tables. They were charming, simple, craftsman works of art. They had begun to appreciate the freedom that comes with a good glossy stain and not much else.

While farm tables grew in popularity, the divide between rustic and contemporary also expanded. Couples and wedding planners were tasked with exploring this new event motif while still trying to appeal to an older generation with traditional wedding ideas. The next hurdle became organizing these events with polar opposite visions and expectations battling for dominance. People had to decide: follow the traditional classic look of tables with linens, or embrace the new picturesque look of bare farm tables.

So the feud began…

Until someone discovered in a burst of inventive brilliance…

… why not have both?

Finally!!

In a stroke of genius, someone combined the two in the ultimate compromise. The final product is called Rustic-Chic (or Boho-Chic depending on the amount of pampas grass in the rest of the decor). The look is well-rounded, regal yet approachable, clean yet quaint. It melds the best of both worlds and can transform the layout of any event.

Where will your loyalties lie?

Ask our Event Coordinators to help you decide which style best fits your function when planning your next event at Leo Carrillo Ranch!

Thanks to Vafa Photography for the visual aid to this story!

And huge thanks to Personal Touch Dining for the Coordination and Management of our venue, as well as the phenomenal food quality and selection!

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!

Timeless Elegance Meets Rustic Charm!

Among his squad of groomsmen, the stylish surprise of Adam’s white jacket and black bow tie made him stand out as the prominent star of his show!

We love the fun mix of blues in Julie’s Bridesmaid’s dresses; the effect gives depth and personality to her side of the bridal party!

As their guests arrived, everyone stopped at the Welcome Table to drop off cards, gifts, and grab a quick refreshment before finding their ceremony seat.

As a cute activity for the guests, instead of a sign-in book, Julie and Adam asked for well-wishes or advice to be slipped into wine bottles for them to read years later!

Everyone waited excitedly for the ceremony on our patio, while they listened to Nick Weiss Music artfully sing and play his guitar.

Our Pepper Tree had a miniature makeover for the big day, thanks to KO Floral Designs, with a stunning garland of eucalyptus and pops of bright corals, pinks, and peach blooms.

The last to leave the Hacienda, the Bride and her Father get to share a private moment before they make their trip down the aisle.

What a spectacular backdrop this scene makes for The Big Kiss!

You can’t help but catch the excitement coming from The Glow off of these two!

As soon as the ceremony finished, guests moved to the reception area where Personal Touch Dining served craft cocktails and fresh appetizers made on-site!

KO Floral Designs and Ivory + Stone Event Co. worked together to make sure each dining table had the perfect tablescape.

Finally, after some romantic sunset pictures, the love birds made their way back to the party with their Grand Entrance.

The First Dance as Husband and Wife is such a heartwarming moment for the newlyweds to have, especially surrounded by their family and friends!

For dinner, Personal Touch Dining offered guests a delicious and well-balanced buffet full of Julie and Adam’s favorite dishes, all made fresh on-site!

A champagne toast after dinner brought laughter and happy tears right before opening the dance floor for the rest of the evening.

KO Floral Designs decorated the adorable Couple’s Cake and Dessert Bar shelves for the cake cutting later in the night.

Personal Touch Dining made sure to gather a wide variety of sweet treats for guests to grab on their way back to the dance floor!

Nick Weiss Music kept the dance floor rocking the rest of the night, much to the delight of the groovy guests!

We are so proud to be part of this beautiful couple’s love story!

Thanks to Ivory + Stone Event Co., Mike Thezier Photography,  and the rest of the incredible vendors for working with us to make this day so special!

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

Vendors

Mike Thezier Photography

Ryan Films SD Videography

KO Floral Designs

Nick Weiss Music

Personal Touch Dining

Ivory + Stone Event Co.

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

Boho-Sweet!

Chris and Brittany brought their romantic boho dreams to our Ranch for their special day, and we couldn’t have been happier to have them!

We were head-over-heels for Brittany’s vintage-inspired croche lace gown!

For a lively group of Bridesmaids, we always recommend a free choice on bodice style.

Now everyone can look and feel their best on your big day!

Chris went with a light gray, almost linen suit, which is perfect for our sunny San Diego Summers!

His troop of Groomsmen sported a slightly darker suit to help Chris stand out.

Florist Lily Benjamin wound a lush garland around our Pepper Tree for the ceremony, and we love to see it all dressed up!

As guests arrived, our Coordination team helped them find the card box and encouraged everyone to sign in before finding their seats.

Full of laughter, tears, and infectious smiles, the ceremony made everyone present feel included.

After a quick ring exchange, it was officially time to seal the deal with The Big Kiss!

The newlyweds made their way back to the Hacienda, guided by one of our feathered friends, who are always ready for their closeup!

Personal Touch Dining served guests tray-passed appetizers to pair with their specialty crafted cocktails after the ceremony.

We loved the look of the engraved charger plates on the Sweetheart Table!

This style of charger is unique, elegant, and a beautifully sweet way to accent their tablescape.

Happy Camper Photo Bus entertained everyone for hours with their multitudes of fun photo props and instant-print photos to take home as a memory of the night’s festivities.

Bill Calhoun Mobile Music brought the happy couple back to the party with the Grand Entrance and First Dance!

Personal Touch Dining then opened the buffet for hungry guests to get their fill of the hearty dishes they provided.

The Tri-Tip is always a crowd favorite of the many fresh dishes made on-site!

A hilarious family heirloom cake topper decorated the Couple’s Cake from Flour Power Custom Cakery.

Personal Touch Dining served slices of cake and added extra sweets for guests to grab and go, perfect for on their way back to the dance floor.

We’re so thankful to Madeline Barr Photography, and the newlyweds, for allowing us to share such a fun and loving day with our readers!

We absolutely loved having Chris and Brittany’s special day here at the Ranch!

We wish them all the best in their bright future together.

Thanks to all the wonderful vendors who helped make this day so flawless.

Especially the staff at Personal Touch Dining for their Event Coordination, Catering, and Venue Management!

Vendors

Personal Touch Dining

Bill Calhoun Mobile Music

Lily Benjamin: Florals

Happy Camper Photo Bus

Madeline Barr Photography

Flour Power Custom Cakery

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

Thanks to Joe & Kathrina Photography, we’ve got some beautiful pictures to share.

After a heartfelt ceremony on our Wash House Patio, guests made their way down to our reception area.

Refreshing craft cocktails and delicious appetizers, made fresh on-site from Personal Touch Dining, circulated the area while everyone enjoyed mingling with their family and friends.

A vintage lounge area, from Sundrop Vintage Rentals, overlooked the patio games.

New lounge areas like this are high quality, comfortable, and perfect for any Instagram-worthy photo opportunities!

Beautiful Savage Flowers brought vibrant blues and pops of pink into their floral arrangements.

Overall, it had a wild romantic quality that blended seamlessly with the happy couple’s decor!

After cocktail hour, the newlyweds joined the party with their Grand Entrance, soon followed by their First Dance!

Guests enjoyed the heartwarming champagne toasts from the Bride and Groom’s parents, and then the buffet opened.

Personal Touch Dining served up another fantastic buffet dinner.

The guests were thrilled with the savory carved-to-order Tri-Tip and extra spicy Horseradish Cream Sauce!

Nick Weiss Music opened the dancefloor to everyone after dinner, and guests danced off just enough of their dinner to make room for the dessert!

The love birds decided to have a Couple’s Cake for their cake cutting ceremony.

We love the floral decoration on this beautiful cake!

Personal Touch Dining provided a full dessert display on our Dessert Bar for the guests to enjoy.

Between the Brownies, Lemon Squares, Cheese Cake Bites, and Chocolate Chip Cookies, everyone got exactly what they wanted!

We’re so happy for this incredible couple, and wish them all the best in their beautiful future together!

Thanks to all the excellent vendors who helped make this day so unique for Shelby and Emily!

We couldn’t do what we love without all your help.

Extra appreciative of Personal Touch Dining for the Catering, Event Coordination, and Venue Management of all our special events!

Vendors

Joe & Kathrina Photography

Personal Touch Dining

Nick Weiss Music

Beautiful Savage Flowers

Sundrop Vintage Rentals

Spring is our Peacock season, here at the Ranch, so there were plenty prowling around hoping for the chance with Joseph McCalment Photo + Video for a mini photoshoot!

We’ll never get tired of the magic that happens during ceremonies held beneath our stately Pepper Tree.

The heartfelt vows and the Big Kiss got everyone in the crowd cheering for the newlyweds!

Walking back down the aisle, showing off that “I Do” Glow, Markie and Ryan got a chance to bask in the love and support from their family and friends.

To start the party, Personal Touch Dining fed peckish guests while encouraging them to try their craft cocktails.

Their home-made seating chart went perfect with our rustic vibe!

The love birds decorated the tables themselves, choosing to think ahead and make each table number a memento for future anniversaries!

The Bride and Groom offered this sweet treat Candy Station, open all evening, for their guests to make to-go bags as a party favor!

Once all guests were seated, the happy couple rejoined the party with their Grand Entrance and First Dance!

Soon after, Personal Touch Dining began their dinner service with yet another fantastic hearty buffet.

Their fresh In-Season Veggitables, savory Oven Roasted Parmesan Potatoes, and Herb Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a Garlic Cream Sauce are all favorites in any crowd.

As the final touch to their buffet, their mouth-watering Citrus & Oregano Marinated Tri-Tip is carved-to-order for the juiciest cuts.

Everyone gathered in our Cabana for the official Cake-Cutting, hoping for a chance to see a mischievous bit of cake end up on someone’s face.

Instead of cake for the guests, Personal Touch Dining arranged a delightful dessert bar for everyone to try donut holes, brownies, cannolis, and more!

The rest of the evening was in the trustworthy hands of Sound Prodigy, who kept the dancefloor full and guests happy for the rest of the party.

We are so honored to have been part of the memories these two will share for the rest of their lives, and we wish them nothing but the best in their future together!

We couldn’t do what we love without the incredible team of vendors who make it all possible.

Thanks to everyone who was there that day helping make the magic happen!

Special thanks to Personal Touch Dining for their constant professionalism and dedication to excellence in Catering, Event Coordination, and Venue Management.

Vendors

Personal Touch Dining

Sound Prodigy: Photo Bus and DJ services

Evermore Floral Co.: Bouquets and Boutonnieres

Centerpieces: Bride and Groom!

Joseph McCalment Photo + Video

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!

Primavera en El Rancho

Our favorite time at the Ranch is Spring!

Especially around April, when the peacocks are active and inspire our clients with their beautiful foliage and bright personalities.

Katy and her bridesmaids took their time getting ready in our historic vintage Bridal Suite while waiting for the ceremony to start!

We can’t get enough of the stunning embroidery on Katy’s gown!

Eamonn looked fresh in his Spring-inspired ensemble!

A light suit with a splash of color in a floral pocket square is the way to go for an April wedding.

As guests made their way down the path from the parking lot, enjoying the natural beauty of our Ranch, tray-passed champagne and sparkling water welcomed them into the ceremony area.

The intimate ceremony was for closest friends and family only, but right after, everyone enjoyed delectable appetizers and craft cocktails from Personal Touch Dining!

Below are pictured some of the Mini Beef Sliders with Muenster Cheese and Bacon Jam made on-site.

Our seating chart went with their rustic motif perfectly, and is flexible enough for escort cards or more extensive table arrangements!

We always appreciate when a happy couple wants to customize their tablescape; it allows us to show off our variety of options!

This gold flatware matched the vintage champagne glasses, and a menu-fold napkin has endless possibilities to tuck all kinds of thoughtful treasures for your guests.

These simple, yet gorgeous centerpieces were all from the Bride and Groom!

A tablescape can feel complete with a few hand-potted plants and a chic source of light for after sunset.

After the Grand Entrance, this glowing couple gathered everyone and expressed their sincerest thanks for all the love and support they’ve received.

Soon after, guests found their seats and staff from Personal Touch Dining poured more champagne as guests helped themselves to the buffet.

The rich assortment of food on the buffet, provided by Personal Touch Dining, included their heavenly Oven Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and tasty Herb Crusted Mahi Mahi with Lemon Chardonnay Sauce and Fresh Herb garnish.

As a final touch, their second protein was their famous Citrus & Oregano Marinated Grilled Tri-Tip, carved to order!

 This pairs best with their fresh Horseradish Cream Sauce, a Tomato and Corn Relish, and decadent Au Jus.

As thoughtful wedding favors, the lovebirds offered guests cozy blankets that matched our royal blue peacocks!

We loved working with this terrific couple, and wish them all the best in their bright future together!

Huge thanks also to our team of incredible vendors who helped us make such a fun day flow flawlessly!

Especially with all of Personal Touch Dining‘s hard work Catering, Coordinating, and Venue Management of the event!

Vendors

Bill Calhoun Mobile Music

Florals: By Client

Rentals: Adore Folklore

Personal Touch Dining

TK Photography

Pixster Photo Booth