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.

 

Darling Garlands | Ceremony Tree Decor | Leo Carrillo Ranch

 

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

 

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

Tribute to Our Biggest Fans | Peacock Tribute | Unique San Diego Event Venues

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

 

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

 

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!

 

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

What is the second most remembered detail of your event?

 

The answer might give you a brewed awakening…

 

It’s the Bar!

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

Your bar will be a raving success!

Just ask our talented coordination team for more inspiration.

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

Our business comes from word of mouth,

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

spreading the word about us and our hard work.

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

they were compelled to review us a month later.

 

Thank you Madeline M!

Our day was made perfect because of you too.

 

 

 

Carly + Albert | Swan Photography | Southern California Event Venues

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!

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