Kathleen + Derrick | Kami Olavarria Photography

Posted on February 19, 2020
in Updates
by lcr

Fun Custom Detailed Wedding!

 

So much genuine care and creativity went into the planning process of Derrick and Kathleen’s Wedding here at our Ranch.

 

We loved helping these love birds put everything together to create such a fun-filled event!

 

Jamul Flowers came in and properly dressed our majestic Pepper Tree on our Wash House Patio for Derrick and Kathleen special day!

 

Nick Weiss was back at it again, entertaining guests and displaying his incredible skills and his melodious voice for guests’ entertainment.

 

When guests first arrived for the ceremony, greeting them was this little DIY sign made by the Bride and Groom!

 

Right before the ceremony began, Kami Olavarria Photography caught this precious moment where the flower girls were giving Derrick a little pep-talk.

 

 

We asked Kathleen to share some thoughts about her wedding with us, and she was so sweet to answer us!

 

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

Kathleen: “Given that Leo Carrillo was such a gorgeous outdoor venue, we just wanted to play off of that and have a really natural, simple wedding.”

 

How did you meet? 

K: “Derrick and I met at Outback Steakhouse, where he trained me one night to be a server.”

“It only took us about a week of working together to realize we liked each other and started to date shortly thereafter.”

 

Tell us about the proposal!

K: “Derrick proposed to me after three years together on a hike of the Torrey Pines Reserve, with both of our sisters and best friends.”

 

What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day? 

K: “The most special moment for us was our first look. It was the perfect time for us to really just experience the roller coaster of emotions between just the two of us.”

“It’s the one part of that day where you get to slow down and really take in everything together.”

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

K: “Our color palette started out one way but started to morph into something completely different as everything came together.”

“It ended up being based on the bridesmaid dresses that were a really pretty deep periwinkle color along with gray and green to compliment the space.”

Did you personalize the day in any way? 

K: “…We had a caricature artist come and draw our guests; it was so fun to see everyone comparing themselves to their drawings.”

Caricatures By Dave did a fantastic job treating each guest to a personal portrait, and the whole idea is such a novel way to get your guests to remember your event!

 

Along with the caricatures, guests enjoyed playing our complimentary lawn games like Giant Jenga, and Corn Hole.

 

 

During cocktail hour, Personal Touch Dining kept guests well fed and encouraged keeping a cold beverage always on hand!

 

How did you both choose your wedding day look? 

K: “Derrick and I both decided to go for a wedding look that we were comfortable with. I kept my makeup very light and natural.”

“I chose a suit for Derrick that would really accentuate his pretty blue eyes.”

How did you decorate? Was any part of the decor DIY? 

“Going along with the natural space, we decided to decorate mostly with flowers and greenery along with simple little things. We didn’t want to add too much, given the space is beautiful on its own.”

 

Guests helped themselves to the hearty buffet from Personal Touch Dining.

 

The newlyweds made their way around to each table during dinner, making sure no guests left without a quick kiss and hug!

 

Kathleen commented, “I would also have to say make sure you really take time and let your guests know how much it means to have them there; they really appreciate it.”

 

 

The happy couple had personalized Tic-Tacs made as another fun wedding favor for their guests!

 

Flour Power baked up the cutest personal Couple’s Cake for the ceremonial Cake-Cutting while pre-cut slices floated around the floor for guests to help themselves from another cake.

 

Nick Weiss kept the dance floor rocking the rest of the evening, and the guests danced away into the night!

 

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

K: “My advice to others, which sounds so cliché, but it really is the best advice is just to enjoy the day. You spend months planning and making sure everything is perfect for it just to pass in a blink of an eye.”

“It’s the best day, and you just wish that you could do it over again.”

We’re so happy these two enjoyed their special day, we loved celebrating with them!

 

Huge thanks to all the vendors who were part of this night, we sincerely appreciate all your hard work and commitment to your crafts!

 

Special thanks to Personal Touch Dining for the Catering, Coordination, and Venue Management of all our Special Events here at the Ranch.

 

Vendors:

Kami Olavarria Photography

Personal Touch Dining

Flour Power

Jamul Flowers

Nick Weiss

Caricatures By Dave

 

Becky + Jared | Chasing Light Photo & Video

Posted on February 14, 2020
in Updates
by lcr

 

Valentine’s Day Feature!

 

We saw the pictures from Chasing Light Photography of Becky and Jared’s wedding here at the Ranch and knew what we wanted to use for our red-letter Valentine’s Day post.

 

 

Framing the window in our Bridal Suite, the bridal bouquets from Flowers by Mae Mae welcomed Becky and her bridesmaids with their vivid coral and lush burgundy blooms.

 

Becky was super sweet and answered a few questions for us about her experience planning!

How did you both choose your wedding day look?

B: “For my wedding day look, I was going for a romantic vintage feel.”

 

 

Flowers by Mae Mae also decorated the ceremony space, and we’re in love with this bright burgundy tree decoration!

 

 

The flowers continued down each side of the aisle to thoroughly drench the patio in that vibrant color of love.

 

How did you meet?

B: “We met through a dating website in 2015!”

 

Tell us about the proposal.

B: “Jared proposed to me at a family gathering at my parents’ house. He had both of our families involved, and it was very special!”

 

Nick Weiss is a mind-blowingly talented DJ.

(Throughout the night, he played guitar and sang during the pre-ceremony, ceremony, cocktail hour, and then finally switched over to traditional DJ techniques for the rest of the evening.)

 

Becky looked so dreamy and beautiful, walking down the aisle!

 

 

While Becky stole our breath, Chasing Light Photography caught Jared in the throws of the moment.

It’s love like this that makes these two perfect for a Valentine’s Day shout-out.

 

What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding? 

B: “Exchanging vows in front of our favorite people, our first dance as husband and wife.”

 

The Big Kiss!!

 

 

The bridal party had such a fresh take on a classic look here at the Ranch!

(We’re so used to seeing groomsmen in sharp black suits, and bridesmaids in light colors, that we were pleasantly surprised by this group switching it up and looking so good!)

 

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

B: “Romantic, simple, and a little boho was my inspiration for the day.”

 

 

The main floor looked perfect thanks to the hard-working staff at Personal Touch Dining who set all the tables and carried each chair down from the ceremony site!

 

How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? Was any part of the decor DIY?

B: “We wanted to incorporate as many personal items to the reception. I made my Grandma’s famous chocolate chip cookies as wedding favors…”

 

(Who can resist homemade cookies?!)

 

“We had coasters made of our two corgis…”

 

(We love little personal touches like this for guests to take home! We know those cookies didn’t last past the end of the night.)

 

“…and we had a ton of photos of our parents and grandparents at the dessert bar.”

 

(This area of the Cabana is a favorite for couples who want to display memories of the two families coming together, loved ones who are with them in spirit, or pictures of their relationship history.)

 

What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day? 

B: “I’d say sharing our special day with all of the amazing people in our lives was pretty spectacular!”

 

 

 

Personal Touch Dining staff brought Becky and Jared appetizers to their Sweetheart Table, just in case they missed any during cocktail hour.

 

The talented Coordination Team also plated-up the love birds’ dinner, so they could finally sit and relax for the first time that night.

 

 

Personal Touch Dining also provided extra desserts for guests to help themselves to off of our dessert bar!

 

 

Flour Power baked up an adorable, and delicious, FunFetti-style Couple’s Cake for the ceremonial cake cutting.

 

Nick Weiss kept the dance floor rocking the rest of the evening as guests danced the night away!

 

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

B: “Don’t sweat the small stuff, the day goes by so fast, so try to take it in.”

“Enjoy every minute of it.”

 

 

We’re so honored we could be part of this amazing couple’s special day!

 

Thanks, Becky and Jared, for choosing our Ranch! Thanks also to Chasing Light Photography for sharing these incredible photos.

All the vendors who worked with us this day are fantastic, and we are always so appreciative of their hard work!

Finally, a special thanks to Personal Touch Dining for the Catering, Event Coordination, and Venue Management of all the Special Events at our Ranch!

 

Vendors:

Personal Touch Dining

Nick Weiss

Flowers by Mae Mae

Chasing Light Photography

Flour Power

 

Breanna + Daniel | True Photography

Posted on February 8, 2020
in Updates
by lcr

We asked these newlyweds a couple of questions to help us navi-gate this post.

They had so many beautiful details to share, we figured, “Why try to force it?“

So, we pass the mic to the love birds, Daniel and Breanna, as they reminisce about their wedding here at the Ranch!

(What could goron?)

How did you both choose your wedding day look?

 

Breanna: “Daniel knew he wanted a lighter colored tuxedo to stand out from the crowd while also fitting the outdoor, afternoon setting. He found a grey tuxedo he liked at Men’s Wearhouse and looked no further.”

Daniel: “Before she knew anything about what kind of dress she wanted, Breanna knew she wanted to wear white boots to the wedding. The dress was a surprise find from Anthropologie[…] Not expecting to find anything, she stumbled upon the perfect dress—comfortable, simple, elegant, and the last one was in her size!”

How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? Was any part of the decor DIY?

 

Both: “We mostly left the decor in the hands of Adina (we used Simply Adina Floral Design for all our flowers) to decorate the space with flowers and other plants. She did an amazing job carrying out our visions for the day, and it was a beautiful surprise on the wedding day to see what she had done. We also bought a few decorative signs from Michael’s and Hobby Lobby and bought chalkboards to write rules for the board games on.”

What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?

 

B: “Daniel’s most anticipated moment was seeing [Breanna] for the first time as [I] walked down the aisle. Of course, he hadn’t seen the dress before, only heard from everyone else that it was absolutely beautiful and perfect.”

D: “It probably seems silly, but I was nervous about having no participation in such an important part of the wedding. When I finally saw her coming down the aisle, with curled hair, light makeup, and an incredible dress with a floral pattern, she was beautiful far beyond my expectations. Obviously, I had nothing to be nervous about in the first place.”

Did you personalize the day in any way (food trucks, guest entertainment, etc.)? What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?

D: “Probably our biggest personal touch was in the music. We’re huge nerds for the Legend of Zelda video games, so we selected beautiful orchestral arrangements of two pieces from the Zelda series for our biggest moments. Breanna walked down the aisle to a piece called ‘Zelda’s Lullaby,’ and the music for our first dance, ‘Gerudo Valley,’ is also from that series. We took a couple of private ballroom dancing lessons, and our instructor choreographed an exciting Paso Doble full of passion. The music perfectly fit the occasion and provided a fun Easter egg for the few who recognized it. Those moments—the ceremony and the first dance—were absolutely our favorite parts of the wedding.”

D: “The ceremony was personalized in a couple of ways as well. Since Breanna is really close to her brothers, they stood on her side as bridesmen.”

B: “Daniel’s brother was also the officiant for the ceremony.”

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

 

B: “I’d say Leo Carrillo Ranch itself inspired several aspects of our wedding. While we didn’t adhere too closely to any specific theme or traditions, we embraced the outdoor, southwest desert setting and Spanish cultural influence of the ranch. For example, we felt dressy casual attire was best for an outdoor, summer afternoon wedding. Many of the flower arrangements were accented with succulents and blue thistles (our color palette was dusty blue and sage green, not too different from the ranch itself). Our first dance was a Paso Doble, and the accompanying music, ‘Gerudo Valley,’ has Spanish influences and was even written to represent a desert region.”

D: “Breanna’s most anticipated moment was the first dance. We’d worked hard on practicing it, and it was exciting and thrilling to be doing something so complex and elaborate. It felt like an encapsulation of who we were—it was the kind of fun adventure and new experience that we like to do with each other, and the music meant so much to us.”

How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal.

 

Together: “We met in our freshman year of high school at San Dieguito Academy. We shared many classes together throughout high school, and our friendship grew slowly but steadily. By the end of high school, we were best friends and finally started dating after graduation, with only a few months of summer remaining before we left for college, Breanna to UC Davis, and Daniel to the University of Chicago. We persevered through four years of long-distance and precious but infrequent visits, before moving to Boulder together for Daniel to begin graduate work in physics at the University of Colorado Boulder.”

“Having all but committed to each other long ago, Daniel proposed in June 2018. Breanna had gone home to visit her parents while Daniel stayed in Boulder, secretly preparing the engagement. He decorated the coffee table with tealight candles arranged in a heart and the dinner table with new napkins, a new tablecloth, apple pie from a local bakery, and a bouquet of flowers. Best of all, he adopted a fluffy orange and white cat; how could Breanna say no to that? The plan was to have a friend prepare a special Spiegel-family salmon recipe while Daniel picked Breanna up from the airport, but at the eleventh hour, the plan was ruined: Breanna’s flight had been canceled, and she would be coming back the next morning. With the new cat, Daniel knew he had no choice but to propose as soon as Breanna got home. As a ruse, he told her he had to work, and she would have to bus home. When Breanna got there, she was greeted to the aforementioned decorations and a trail of rose petals leading to the bedroom, where Daniel awaited with cat and ring. Of course, Breanna said yes and with perfect timing, for not a minute later did the tealight candles set off the fire alarm! Daniel made omelets for brunch and salmon for dinner. In the end, it was a proposal neither of us will ever forget.”

TL: DR

They met in high school and survived a long-distance relationship for four years through college, across the country from each other before finally reuniting in CO. Daniel’s first try at proposing, (like any true romantic, with all the flowers, candles, and a new cat for good measure) failed, because planes. Second attempt the next morning: success! But he set off the fire alarm.

 

Unforgettable.

 

Throughout this eventful day-wedding, vendors were executing moves behind the scenes in a symphony of flawless movements thanks to our fabulous Coordination Team.

 

True Photography was capturing priceless shots of perfect candid moments, while DJ Mike Hogan was a master MC and dance-floor wizard!

Personal Touch Dining served up amazing meals, and no guest left unsatisfied.

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

 

D: “I think it’s important to plan the wedding in a way that feels special and right to the couple. Don’t be afraid to deviate from tradition when you have a better idea!”

One Last Tip!

 

B: “At the wedding, ask a few guests to take at least a couple of pictures! It was fantastic to have True Photography taking such amazing photos of our event, and I’m so glad that we didn’t have to worry about capturing the moments and could just enjoy the day. However, afterward, it was hard to wait so long for the photos to be edited and finalized, so we’re glad that a few friends took photos by themselves. Those casual photos from friends helped tide us over until we got the full set of professional photos from the day.”

When we initially asked this happy couple to answer some quick questions, we never expected this kind of response!

They said they felt “honored to be the subject of [our] blog,” but we are the ones genuinely privileged to be part of your big day.

We’re so glad this magical day was everything they dreamed it could be, and we wish these two all the best in their bright future together!

 

Thanks to all the incredible vendors who helped us, but especially Personal Touch Dining for the Catering, Coordination, and Venue Management of our beloved Ranch.

Details:
Invitation Designer – Minted.com
Men’s Attire – Daniel wore a grey Vera Wang Tuxedo with a blue tie and cufflinks, all from Men’s Wearhouse. The Groomsmen wore a very similar grey Joseph Abboud tuxedo. Groomsmen ties, tie clips, and cufflinks were groomsmen gifts from TealsPrairie on Etsy.
Dress Store – Anthropologie
Jewelry – Rings from Cronin Jewelers (in Boulder, CO) and Breanna wore earrings from her mother.
Bridesmaid Dresses – David’s Bridal and Nordstrom
Dress Designer – BHLDN
Vendors:

True Photography

Personal Touch Dining

Mike Hogan (DJ)

Simply Adina Floral Design

Stephanie + Roarke | Walter Wilson Studios

Posted on February 6, 2020
in Updates
by lcr

Live and Love Colorfully!

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

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

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

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

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

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

This First Look was so sweet!

How did you two meet?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tiny Victories brought so much excitement to the tabletops!

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

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

Tiny Victories is a true master of their craft.

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

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

How did you both choose your wedding day look?

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

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

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

Did you personalize the day in any way? 

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

What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?

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

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

 

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

Stephanie: “Make it as you as possible!”

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

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

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

Lily + Ross | Anna Delores Photography

Posted on January 9, 2020
in Updates
by lcr

Springtime Sunshine at the Ranch!

 

Anna Delores Photography shared these pictures from Lily and Ross’ charming Spring Wedding and Reception here at the Ranch last year!

We reached out to the newlyweds and asked for a little inside scoop of what they remembered most about their big day, and if they had any tips for future couples.

 
How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal.
Lily: “We met via OkCupid in D.C. in October 2011. I was a speech-language pathology grad student at GWU, and Ross was working at the Treasury Department. We hit it off on our first date and have been together ever since! Four and a half years, two cross-country moves, and three Brooklyn apartments later, Ross proposed in Central Park in March 2016. A mutual friend’s grandmother made the ring from an heirloom diamond my grandfather found on a Brooklyn street in the 1950s.”
 

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

Lily: “Our biggest inspiration was the ranch itself. We were and are absolutely in love with the space, and it was important to us that our aesthetic choices serve as complementary touches to the existing structures and gardens.

That said, I had the hardest time making decisions on almost everything wedding-related! It took me months to settle on yellow and white with lots of greenery for our flowers. Luckily, Kristin Osterloh,” of KO Floral Designs, “did an amazing job with the garland and repurposing flowers from the ceremony to re-use at the reception.”

During this time of the year, our feathered tenants are bold, beautiful, and always ready for their glamor shots!

Anna Delores Photography caught this one showing off for the bridal party.

 

The ceremony, accompanied by musician and DJ Nick Weiss, was beautifully heartfelt.

 

What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?
Lily: “Saying our vows – I didn’t know it would make me so emotional, but I cried the entire time!”

Anna Delores Photography added a special treat to Lily and Ross’ wedding shoot by snapping some priceless polaroids for the happy couple to take home with them that night!

Pictured here is just a sampling of them all, but having an expert take polaroid pictures sure makes a difference in quality!

 

 

How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? Was any part of the decor DIY?
Lily: “LOL, this was the hardest part for me! I was SO stressed out about how to decorate the cabana, and I spent hours scouring the blog and LCR’s Pinterest for ideas. Most of our decor was DIY – we bought a bunch of frames from eBay and Goodwill for family photos, and I went to Target for streamers and paper flowers. Kristin probably contributed the most with her gorgeous floral designs, which we used for both the ceremony and reception.”

Kristin, of KO Floral Designs, added a little extra sunshine to everything she touched that day!

We love the delicate white and yellow floral choices she went with, it added so much to the romantic feel of the whole event.

 

After the ceremony, Personal Touch Dining kept guests thoroughly entertained while the love birds took some family pictures.

Between the lawn games, delectable bite-sized appetizers, and craft cocktails, guests of all ages were having a blast!

 

 

We love the way the main dining area turned out!

The crisp white linens are perfect for a fresh Spring day, and our dark wood chairs always create such a pleasant contrast.

 

 

KO Floral Designs provided the floral centerpieces, placing a sweet and simple arrangement on each table for guests to enjoy.

A little bit can go a long way on these round tables!

 

 

How did you both choose your wedding day look?
Lily: “After we got engaged in 2016, I was totally overwhelmed with the multitude of options for my wedding! I had no idea where to start, so I thought, well if I pick a dress first, I can use that as a springboard for everything else (style, theme, color, etc.). I actually ended up buying a dress before we even set a date! But finding my dress really did help inform every other decision I made, including the location and venue.”
“Ross knew he wanted to wear a blue suit, but was having trouble finding the right shade and cut. He initially bought a $500 suit online, which ended up looking terrible because the fit was all wrong. Luckily he found a beautifully cut wool suit at Bonobos about a month before the wedding, which fit perfectly!”

 

Nick Weiss played music for Ross and Lily’s Grand Entrance and First Dance.

We love Lily’s choice of her flowy strapless gown, it fits our Ranch’s motif perfectly, and she looked incredible!

 

 

Personal Touch Dining treated everyone to another fantastic buffet dinner, and we’ll never get tired of their famous Citrus Marinated Tri-Tip, always carved to-order!

 

 

What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?

Lily: “Our favorite parts of our wedding were the sweet speeches from our family and friends, our first dance, and getting to spend time with the people we love but don’t get to see often enough. It was really special to have our dear friend read the poem Ross read to me when he proposed (Having a Coke with You, by Frank O’Hara) during our ceremony. Another special moment came from Ross’s aunt, Annie Leibovitz, who took portraits of us before our ceremony, something we will always treasure.”

Flour Power provided the adorable personal cake for the ceremonial Cake Cutting.

KO Floral Designs decorated it, and we can’t get over how cute all the dainty yellow flowers were!

 

Personal Touch Dining supplied the rest of the sweets for guests, who helped themselves to cupcakes from our dessert bar.

 

 

Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?
Lily: “Wedding planning is stressful! We decided early on what was most important and where we were willing to splurge versus what we didn’t really care about, so that definitely helped our decision making. Remember that you can pick and choose what to include in your celebration – you don’t have to follow every tradition or do things that are trendy right now if they’re not important to you. For instance, Ross and I never bring home wedding favors, so we didn’t have favors! Think about weddings you’ve attended or been part of – what worked and what didn’t work? What did you like/what did you not like?”
Lily: “I would also advise couples to keep the not-so-fun yet essential logistics in mind! Plan these out first so you have a better sense of what ‘fun stuff’ you can afford – for example, figure out transportation to and from the wedding for you and your guests before you book that photo booth or late night snack! Remember that you can almost always add things at the last minute if you have extra room in your budget, but it’s a lot harder to get back a deposit you’ve already put down or figure out how to cover an expense you didn’t plan for late in the game.”

 

Huge thanks go out to Lily and Ross for choosing us to share in their special day, and for taking the time to answer our questions!

Hopefully, your words of wisdom will help any future couples looking for a starting point in their planning process.

From the Leo Carrillo Ranch Team, we wish these two all the best and can’t wait to see what their bright future has in store!

 

 

Thanks also to the fantastic vendors who helped us create such a magic-filled day!

We can’t do what we love without you all!

Special thanks to  Personal Touch Dining for the Venue Management, Event Coordination, and Event Catering of all our Special Events here at the Ranch!

 

 

Vendors:

Anna Delores Photography

Catering, Coordination, and venue Management: Personal Touch Dining

KO Floral Designs

DJ: Nick Weiss Music

Cake: Flour Power

Invitation Designer: Minted
Men’s Attire: Bonobos
Veils and headpieces: KO Floral Designs
Bridesmaid Dresses: Reformation and BHLDN
Dress Designer: WToo by Watters

 

Madison + Greg | Laurie Ashley Photography

Posted on December 19, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

Love Among The Desert Beauty

 

 

Laurie Ashley Photography shared these incredible pictures with us of Madison and Greg’s magical day here at the Ranch!

With all the shades of dusty rose, sage, and gold accents in their decor, Madison and Greg’s romantic southwestern sunset motif caught our eye.

 

 

Madison and her stunning Bridesmaids were girl gang goals helping each other get ready for the events to come!

 

 

Greg and his Groomsmen sported some floral printed ties to add a little levity to their sharp navy blue suits.

 

 

The look on Greg’s face right before the First Look makes us think these two know how to have fun.

 

 

Staying young at heart keeps love alive, and he looks like a kid at Christmas!

 

 

The big moment arrived, and a couple of cherub-cheeked angels heralded Madison before she came down the aisle.

 

 

Right before they turn the corner to head down the aisle, we always tell our Brides to pause in our perfectly framed archway to take in the moment.

 

 

We love ceremonies beneath our grand Pepper Tree.

Guests are protected from the afternoon sun, and it provides such a romantic backdrop.

 

 

Laurie Ashley Photography captured a shot of the big kiss!

Being a team full of hopeless romantics, we’ll never get tired of this stuff.

 

 

For our followers who are as sappy as we are, here’s what makes it all worth it: The “I Do” Glow!

It’s impossible to look at these two and not smile along with them.

 

 

Sound Prodigy always brings the awesome tunes, but they take entertainment to the next level by also providing this radical vintage VW Photo Bus as well!

 

 

Speaking of radical, did you catch that glimpse of Madison’s custom jean jacket??

We’re loving this look and can’t get enough of the tiny detailed flowers beneath her new name!

 

 

Personal Touch Dining served appetizers and cocktails while guests mingled and enjoyed lawn games after the ceremony.

Everyone who snagged a tasty beverage was encouraged to dress it up with a fun koozie favor!

 

 

Guests seated, the official Grand Entrance and First Dance began, kicking off the start of the party!

Do we see some flirty red dancing shoes peeking out from under Madison’s dress?

 

 

Personal Touch Dining always blows us away with their fantastic food, but they’ve set a new highest standard this time with their Rustic Chicken.

Their Grilled Chicken is topped with heaping amounts of Cheddar and Jack Cheese, Crispy Bacon, Savory Bell Peppers, and Sliced Scallions, and it’s a mouth-watering entree to end a hearty buffet!

 

 

These little cake toppers perfectly tied into their homemade cactus centerpieces on each dining table.

A little perk about these? They’re a Salt, and Pepper Shaker set!

They can be used daily, instead of hidden on a shelf, to remind Greg and Madison of their special day here at our Ranch.

 

 

Personal Touch Dining pulled out all the best desserts for their dessert bar!

Guests nibbled on assorted Donut Holes, Raspberry Crumble Bars, Fudge Brownie Bars, Lemon Bars, Mini assorted Cupcakes in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Red Velvet.

Plus Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, and Sugar Cookies.

 

 

For the rest of the evening, guests played lawn games, posed inside the photo bus, and rocked out to the expert DJing skills from Sound Prodigy!

 

 

We’re so excited about the future in store for these two!

We wish them all the best and are so thankful that we got to be part of such a perfect day!

 

We can’t do all this without the help of our fantastic vendors!

Thanks to all of you for your hard work!

 

Vendors:

Coord.: Jacki Fucinari

DJ and Photobus: Sound Prodigy

Photo: Laurie Ashley Photography

Catering: Personal Touch Dining

 

 

 

 

Laura + Jason | Pauline Conway Photography

Posted on November 28, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

Modern Love Meets Old Spanish Flair

 

 

These love birds welcomed guests to the ceremony area and encouraged everyone to take a vial of dried flowers to use at the end of the nuptials!

 

 

With the celebratory sound of Mariachi Real de San Diego, the big moment had arrived!

 

Jason was the first down the aisle, and his excitement is contagious.

 

 

As Laura came through the arch, a collective gasp was audible from the crowd.

 

 

She looked stunning in her sleek modern wedding gown.

 

The cowl back and delicate buttons lead down to an elegant train, and we’re in love with the whole ensemble.

 

 

The Pepper Tree makes the perfect backdrop if a happy couple wants to have their big moment supported by the natural beauty of its rugged, majestic timber.

 

 

Of course, we had to include a shot of the “I Do” Glow!

 

 

Personal Touch Dining escorted guests towards drinks and appetizers down in the main reception area.

They had the dining tables all set and ready, decorated with succulents, eucalyptus, slate blue napkins, and even some Cactus cookie favors on each plate from the Bride and Groom!

 

 

Chic Flowers collaborated with Jason and Laura o better understand their desired look for their table arrangements, and we are in love with these sweetly romantic flower clouds they whipped up!

 

 

The Photo Bus looked right at home in its usual spot among the lush desert foliage.

 

Guests had a ball taking pictures inside with the variety of unique props and accessories for the perfect picture.

 

 

Our historic mantle inspired Jason and Laura with its rustic charm.

 

They created a mural of moss and succulents to decorate it, and we love the way it turned out!

 

 

After the Grand Entrance, everyone in attendance could feel the love these two shared during their First Dance as husband and wife.

 

 

Inspired by the ambiance of our rustic Spanish Ranch, these two decided to go with Personal Touch Dining‘s Taco Bar Buffet!

 

Guests feasted on Carne Asada and Pollo Asada Tacos with Black Beans and Corn.

There was also delicious Enchilada Bake, Cilantro Lime Rice, a Spicy Spinach Salad, and a separate station devoted solely to Chips and Guac!

 

Sticking to the theme of the night, Flour Power decorated the couple’s personal wedding cake with the most adorable cactus themed cake topper!

 

 

Personal Touch Dining provided the rest of the desserts for the guests at our Dessert Bar.

 

Brownie Bars, Lemon Bars, Carrot Cake Bites, Cheesecake Bites, Chocolate, and Red Velvet Cupcakes, and a whole Apple Pie framed the tiny cake and filled the entire Cabana bar front!

 

 

To keep the party going, we always trust Bill Calhoun Mobile Music to rock the dance floor, and guests danced the rest of the night away!

 

 

We loved working with this loving couple, their love was so genuine, and we know their future will be bright!

We’re so glad we could help create their perfect day.

 

 

As always, we so appreciate all of the excellent vendors who help us do what we love!

Special thanks to Personal Touch Dining for their extra help Catering, Coordinating, and Managing our venue for all our special events!

 

 

Vendors:

Personal Touch Dining

Flour Power

Bill Calhoun Mobile Music

Chic Flowers

The Photo Bus

Mariachi Real de San Diego

 

Meagan + Chad | Rachael Consaul Photography

Posted on November 20, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

 

Romantic Greecian Ranch Wedding

 

 

 

Rachael Consaul Photography treated us to yet another heart-stoppingly gorgeous bunch of photos from Meagan and Chad’s big day here at the Ranch!

 

 

These two were nothing but wonderful through the whole planning process with our talented and appreciative Event Coordination Team.

 

Even before meeting them in person, we could tell they’d be a dream to work with, and they did not disappoint!

 

 

Chad and his groomsmen took the traditional approach with sharp black suits and bowties with Chad in a Navy Blue version!

 

 

This blue theme carried over to the bridesmaids, who all had varying shades of a soft slate blue, a fabulous color for all types!

 

 

The love birds had their first look in the Hacienda’s central courtyard, and the love in their eyes had us all reaching for some tissues!

 

Just so sweet!

 

 

Rachael Consaul Photography then took the happy couple out and about for a quick photoshoot before the ceremony and captured these two in their natural environment: hopelessly in love.

 

 

Posies Floral Co. helped Meagan and Chad decorate the ceremony space with more of the intrinsic desert-style the Ranch already invokes but added a little coastal flair!

 

Our Hacienda Ceremony location is ideal for a larger crowd and that iconic backdrop.

 

Reminiscent of a coastal Grecian villa, the terracotta and painted pots held some masterfully artistic arrangements from Posies Floral Co. 

 

Embellished with the sandy-gold woven lanterns, the aisle was dressed and ready for the big moment!

 

 

Guests were encouraged to enjoy a pre-ceremony Prosecco Welcome Drink, provided by Personal Touch Dining, and snag a fan from the Bride and Groom.

 

 

Meagan was a vision in white as she walked down the aisle, and after exchanging some tender vows, they were pronounced Husband and Wife!

 

 

Rachael Consaul Photography captured the “We Did It” Glow!

We’ll never get enough of this stuff.

 

Posies Floral Co. also added their creative touch to the place card and dining tables, and we are in love with all this royal blue and white!

 

Chad and Meagan decided to use stunning hand-painted tiles instead of place cards for each guest!

 

 

Guests were enticed by the promise of free food and a hosted bar down in the main event space for cocktail hour, thanks to Personal Touch Dining.

 

 

On the dining tables, Posies Floral Co., Personal Touch Dining, and the happy couple collaborated to create a sensational tablescape!

 

 

Chad and Meagan provided the blue glass water pitchers and silver or white gossamer linens to accentuate their overall motif.

 

Posies Floral Co. brought lush romantic floral arrangements with a soft neutral pallet and textured greens to each tabletop.

 

Alongside some blue and gold candles to add just a pop of color, the whole collection was fresh and trendy while keeping to its romantic origins.

 

 

SoCal Wander Bus thrilled guests with their wide variety of photo booth props for their pictures to help pass the time!

 

 

After toasts, for dinner, Personal Touch Dining treated everyone to a savory buffet of Citrus & Oregano Marinated Tri-Tip with extra spicy Horseradish Cream Sauce and Tomato Corn Relish, or Mediterranean Chicken with Asparagus Parmesan Risotto.

 

The Farmer’s Market Salad with Tender Greens, chopped tomatoes, Sliced Almonds, Roasted Red Peppers, Parmesan Cheese, and a Lemon Herb Vinaigrette Dressing went perfectly with the overall theme as well.

 

 

 

Flour Power baked the sweetest little cake topper for these love birds while Personal Touch Dining decorated our dessert bar with some tasty treats!

Churro Shooters, Chocolate Cake bites, Cheesecake Bites, Lemon Bars, Blondie Bars, Donuts, and Donut Holes framed the happy couple in this stunning shot.

 

 

 

Bill Calhoun Mobile Music helped Meagan perform her rendition of Grease’s “You’re the One that I Want,” much to her hubby Chad’s delight!

 

 

In response, Chad’s ride-or-die guys serenaded Meagan and officially welcomed her into the family.

 

 

Bill Calhoun Mobile Music then opened the dancefloor and kept everybody grooving for the rest of the night!

 

 

Finally, after the last song, guests lined up in front of the Hacienda, where the ceremony was held and tossed flower petals as the happy couple made a quick dash for their get-away car!

 

 

We loved working with these two and know they have the brightest future together ahead of them!

 

Huge thanks to all the incredible vendors mentioned for their consistent excellence and devotion to our clients.

 

We couldn’t do it without you!

Special thanks to Personal Touch Dining for the Management, Coordination, and Catering of all our special events!

 

Vendors:

Rachael Consaul Photography

Personal Touch Dining

Posies Floral Co. 

Bill Calhoun Mobile Music

SoCal Wander Bus

 

Amanda + Emily | True Photography

Posted on November 20, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

Turquoise Turtledoves in Love

 

Emily and Amanda wanted their special day to be colorful, celebrated with a close-knit group, and all about love!

 

 

Here we see the girls anxiously awaiting their first look!

 

Each Bride got ready in our separate private rooms to keep the surprise for as long as possible.

 

 

Guests were received by the adorable welcome table as they arrived, sweetly adorned in the bright turquoise accent runner and seating sign.

 

The peaceful ceremony was in our Wash House Courtyard in front of our grand Pepper Tree.

 

The intimate group had a perfect view of the detailed speeches and customized traditions that Amanda and Emily incorporated into their service.

 

 

 

Finished with their vows, the brides celebrated their union with a big kiss, and let the party commence!

 

 

These flirty and fun floral arrangements from Honeysuckle & Ivy were all over the property, and we love the wildflower, “fresh-picked from the field” look!

 

 

The Brides made sure to let their guests know how much they all meant to them with touching Thank You Notes lovingly folded into each guest’s napkin!

 

Personal Touch Dining kept the guests well-fed with their delicious assortment of appetizers!

 

Pictured below are the Baked Brie Bites with Apricot Sauce and fresh Blueberries, and the Coconut Shrimp with a Mango Puree.

 

The Photo Bus also helped keep guests busy during cocktail hour with pictures inside and out of their adorable vintage VW Bus Photo Booth!

 

True Photography captured the Brides snagging a ride in the front seat of this little love mobile!

 

Personal Touch Dining served up an incredible plate for Emily and Amanda’s seated dinner.

These hungry Brides chose to start with the fabulous Watermelon Caprese Stack Salad.

For their entrees, guests either had the Filet Mignon with Caramelized Onions and rich Garlic Butter or White Seabass with Mediterranean Spices and a fresh Lemon Butter Sauce.

All this goodness was over the Truffle Mashed Potatoes and Petite Carrots!

 

Flour Power baked and decorated a simple, yet lovely, personal-sized cake to showcase the custom made cake topper silhouette.

 

It fits these love birds perfectly!

 

 

We’re so excited to follow these two as their beautiful future together unfolds.

 

And we’re so honored they chose our humble Ranch to be part of their celebration of love!

 

 

Thanks to all the incredible vendors who helped us create another magical event!

Special recognition goes to Personal Touch Dining for the Catering, Coordination, and Venue Management of all our special events.

 

Vendors:

DJ: Mike Hogan of Entertainment at Large

Florist: Honeysuckle & Ivy

Photography: True Photography

Photo Booth: The Photo Bus

Cake: Flour Power

Catering, Coordination, and Venue Management: Personal Touch Dining

 

Kyla + Warren | Alexandria Monette Photography | Leo Carrillo Ranch

Posted on October 24, 2019
in Updates
by lcr

 

Magic in Maroon!

Alexandria Monette Photography shared some of the photos from this incredible day here at our beautiful Ranch.

We’re so excited to show off this fantastic couple and their gorgeous wedding day!

 

 

Kyla and Warren were, by far, one of the sweetest couples to grace us with their love.

Their easy-going personalities blended effortlessly with their romantic Boho-Chic motif, and we can’t get enough of the sensational maroon accent color!

 

Kyla chose an exquisite lace dress paired with a set of cheeky maroon velvet heels!

The simple lines gracefully accentuated her beauty while the softness of the lace added a vintage sweetness to her overall look.

 

Warren and his groomsmen, in their striking maroon suits, completed their look with amber ties and some sienna dress shoes.

Looking so bold and trendy must be thirsty work!

 

 

Where Kyla was delicate with vintage elegance, Warren was bold with retro lines.

Their looks melded together seamlessly for the perfect boho-chic vibe.

 

 

Is there anything more romantic than a delicate flower crown?

Wildflower Studios was the floral genius behind all the blossoming masterpieces, big and small, throughout the day.

 

 

 

The ceremony was out on our Washhouse Patio in front of our welcoming pepper tree, where DJ  Nick Weiss welcomed guests with his sweet-sounding guitar.

 

 

Wildflower Studios gave our tree a full makeover or the ceremony!

We would never think of having such a fun contrasting combination of the delicate peonies and dried palms.

 

 

Alexandria Monette had quite the task of appeasing our feathered camera-fiend while still capturing the wedding vows.

It looks like we need to brush up on their wedding etiquette!

 

 

After the big kiss, everyone was encouraged to enjoy cocktail hour while the Bride and Groom finished taking pictures.

 

 

Personal Touch Dining provided the bar and food service during cocktail hour, and our favorite appetizers are hands down the Brie Puff-Pastries with Apricot Sauce and Blueberries.

A perfect marriage of sweet and savory, we could’ve eaten an entire platter to ourselves!

 

 

 

Personal Touch Dining doesn’t just stop their fantastic service at food and beverage!

They also provided all the linens and tableware, setting each piece to make Kyla and Warren’s dream tablescape come to life.

 

 

The love birds chose to use these artsy amber goblets and mismatched antique china plates to continue their unique vision.

The minimalist flower vases are adorable and add just the right amount of brass accent tones to these gorgeous farm tables.

 

 

We love having The Photo Bus here at the Ranch!

Their vintage bus is the perfect compliment to almost any motif, from retro to rustic, and guests always have a blast!

 

 

Cocktail hour was full of great music, fun photo booths, and amazing food, but the night had just begun!

Just before dinner service began, the happy couple took a moment to themselves during their heartwarming first dance as husband and wife.

 

 

 

Personal Touch Dining served the season favorite: the Strawberry Spinach Salad!

This crowd-pleaser is like taking a bite out of summer with its creamy goat cheese, fresh slivered almonds, and sweet strawberries.

 

 

They also served their signature Garlic Whipped Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Seasonal Veggie Medley, and their delicious Herb Encrusted Mahi-Mahi with a Lemon Chardonnay Sauce.

 

 

Now and again we have a couple who can’t decide on which type of cake to order for their big day, so they get two!

 

 

Both incredible cakes, made by Flour Power Cakery, were personalized to fit each personality flawlessly.

A classic scraped tiered cake for Kyla in peach and strawberry was complimented by Warren’s expertly decorated “Family Name” sign cake in chocolate.

 

 

Nick Weiss kept the dancefloor jumping for the rest of the evening and even played a special song for the happy couple who wanted a private moment before their grand exit.

Alexandria Monette captured this special moment, and you can feel all the love just by looking at them!

 

 

Surrounded by their cheering friends and family, Warren and Kyla had their grand exit out from the front of our historic Hacienda.

 

 

We’re deeply honored that these two chose our beloved Ranch to start their greatest adventure!

Their love for each other will light their long and beautiful future together, and we’re so happy for them!

 

Thanks to all our excellent vendors who help us make the magic happen!

Special thanks as always to Personal Touch Dining for the Coordination and Catering of all our special events!

 

 

Vendors:

Alexandria Monette: Photography

Nick Weiss: DJ

Wildflower Studios: Florist

The Photo Bus: Photo Booth

Personal Touch Dining: Catering

Flour Power Cakery: Tiered and Groom’s Cake

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