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

 

 

 

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!

 

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!

 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

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.

 

Mary Louise + Scott | Anastasya Photography | Carlsbad Event Venue

Posted on April 29, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

With their ceremony off-site, Mary Louise and Scott came to the Ranch and got right into the party!

 

 

Welcomed by the Mariachi Band’s festive music and Personal Touch Dining’s delicious appetizers, guests made their way to the cocktail hour!

They were served Tomato Basil Bisque Shooters with Grilled Asiago Cheese Points, Mini  Bacon Bleu Cheese Beef Sliders, and Chicken & Waffle Bites!

Ananstasya Photography did a fabulous job of catching Mary Louise and Scott all over our Ranch at perfect photo spots!

Who knew we had so many?! *wink wink*

 

For extra entertainment, Mary Louise and Scott hired The Photo Bus to drive right in and open as the night’s photo booth.

We love working with The Photo Bus because we know they always show up on time, have fantastic and professional attitudes, are helpful to guests, and everyone has a blast!

 

Rositas Flowers was responsible for the stunning floral arrangements that covered every flat area of our Ranch.

It looked like a eucalyptus wonderland!

 

Our Reflection Pool so often gets overlooked in the decoration process, and we loved the little lanterns placed around the area.

They were adorable and even promoted safety!

(We’ll take any help we can get to keep our guests aware of the reflection pool edge…)

 

Once the cocktail hour finished, guests checked out the hand-made seating chart to find their seats.

Each name was written on a eucalyptus leaf!

Such an act of love and so unique!

 

Scott and Mary Louise had their first dance as Husband and Wife in front of all of their family and friends to mark the start of their glorious future together.

 

There was a small blessing, and then Personal Touch Dining opened the dinner buffet!

 

Mouths watering, the guests served themselves the Traditional Ceasar Salad, Fresh In-Season Veggies, and Savory Parmesan Potatoes.

With these sides, they could then finish their meals off with Herb Encrusted Mahi Mahi in a bright Lemon Chardonnay Sauce and some Citrus & Oregano Marinated Grilled Tri-Tip.

A recurring theme throughout Scott and Mary Louise’s personalized decor was Wall E and Eve from Disney!

Here on the Sweetheart Table were a pair of the cutest Wedding Mouse Ears!

 

Once each guest ate, toasts began, and the happy couple’s family and friends delivered heartfelt and beautiful speeches.

 

Wall E and Eve reappeared on their cake-topper too!

They were decked in their wedding finest and melted all of our hearts.

 

When Scott and Mary Louise decided to cute their cake, provided by Flour Power (another one of our favorite vendors), guests were able to choose from a vast assortment of desserts to satisfy their sugar cravings!

Personal Touch Dining presented an elaborate display of sweets including doughnut holes, cupcakes, carrot cake bites, and an entire separate Churro Station as well!

 

As a small token of thanks from the love birds to their family and friends, Scott and Mary Louise provided miniature wedding bells to “ring” them “into a lifetime of love and happiness!”

 

Finally, after much dancing and memories made, Mary Louise and Scott made their grand escape through a tunnel of loved ones, the sound of bells, and glow sticks to light the way into their happy future together!

 

 

We truly appreciate these two choosing us to help them celebrate their big day!

We wanted to thank all of our awesome vendors mentioned above, especially Anastasya Photography for providing us with all of these spectacular photos

and Personal Touch Dining for Managing, Coordinating, and Catering all of our events!

 

 

 

 

 

Kaleigh + Kevin | ABM Wedding Photography | Carlsbad Event Venue

Posted on April 15, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

Wine-reds added a russet touch to our rustic ranch.

Our signature sunsets seemed to be on the mind when Kevin and Kaleigh chose their color pallet.

 

The varying shades of reds, oranges, and bright yellows all warmly blend together while making the blue of Kevin’s suit seem to glow!

 

ABM Wedding Photography was able to capture some amazing detail shots like the one above and this one of the rings

which we are just obsessed with!

Kaleigh looked absolutely radiant in her gown and made our Ranch seem to sit-up and shake the dust off as she walked by!

 

 

They also had some cleverly unique decorations for our reflecting pool which we’re always excited to see get some love.

 

 

These home-made floating frames peacefully drifted with the wind and showed off the happy couple’s engagement pictures!

 

 

The ceremony was in our Wash House patio with the ever-wonderful Bethel Nathan from Ceremonies by Bethel.

 

Kaleigh and Kevin decided to have a few floral decorations down the aisle,

but kept it beautiful and simple,

allowing our Ranch’s natural beauty to shine through.

 

 

 

The dining area was framed in Farm Tables and we can’t get enough of all the dark wood to off-set our light and natural tones.

While admiring the floral arrangements, you might assume a professional came through and delivered each piece,

but it was actually Kaleigh’s Grandmother who decorated!

 

 

 

Thanks to her help with those final touches, the floor looked exquisite.

 

 

 

Guests were each given a custom-made wine glasses as a wedding favor to use throughout the night.

 

 

 

Personal Touch Dining added Crispy Bacon Crumbles to their already delicious Chicken and Waffel Bites at the request of the happy couple.

The result was an explosion of sweet and salty flavors that had the guests ravenous for more!

 

 

 

As the sun began to set, Personal Touch Dining served dinner.

Kevin and  Kaleigh chose their Citrus + Oregano Marinated Tri-Tip and Mahi Mahi with a Lemon Chardonnay Sauce

to go with Oven Roasted Potatoes, Fresh Vegetables, and a Spring Greens Salad.

 

 

 

For dessert, everyone was excited to see cookies, lemon squares, cake shooters, cake-pops, blondies, and fresh churros!

A little bit of each sweet is a sure recipe to a hungry guest’s heart.

 

 

Thanks again to Kevin and Kaleigh for choosing us to be part of their special day!

We loved celebrating your love!

 

Thanks also go to ABM Wedding Photography for the stunning wedding shots

and to Personal Touch Dining for the Catering, Coordination, and Management of our Ranch!

 

Megan + Hunter | Elizabeth French Creative | Leo Carrillo Ranch

Posted on March 25, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

Heartfelt, Hand-Crafted Charm

 

 

Dainty hand-made details were everywhere for Megan and Hunter’s wedding at The Ranch.

Their Sweetheart Table was adorable with a personal table setting that delighted us with a combination of rustic charm and chic gold accents.

 

How cute are all these details?! (Don’t miss that hint of peacock-teal!)

We can’t think of a better example of customizing a Sweetheart Table to fit the personalities of the Bride and Groom.

They turned this tiny table into their personalized throne and we cannot get enough!

 

The rest of the dining tables reflected their sense of style as well in a more formal manner, a perfect way to extend their personalities without over-cluttering the tables.

They had Kahki linens that beautifully stood out against the dark wood of the farm tables and lots of silver dollar eucalyptus, tying in our natural backdrop!

 

Their ceremony under our pepper tree was very sweet and afterward, their bridal party ushered

Hunter and Megan’s guests to the cocktail hour while the happy couple got to sneak away for a private moment.

 

For dinner, Hunter and Megan chose to serve Personal Touch Dining‘s Caprese Chicken, Stuffed Peppers with White Wine Risotto,

Oven Roasted Potatoes, and fresh in-season vegetables.

 

For dessert, instead of cake, they had pies to cut and serve with two fruit tarts for themselves!

 

Everything about their big day felt so genuinely straight-from-the-heart.

We were honored to have them choose us to help them celebrate it.

Thanks to Elizabeth French Creative for these stunning photos and to Personal Touch Dining for the food, coordination, and management of our events!

 

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