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!

 

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

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