EWE Blog

Feb 3

Featured Estate of the Week: Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley, California

Holman Ranch

Carmel Valley, California

Surrounded by the rolling hills of Carmel Valley, California, the scenic Holman Ranch is the ideal setting for weddings, special events, family gatherings, corporate retreats, and team-building events. With its charming gardens, stunning mountain views and serenity, this private estate affords old-world charm while providing modern day conveniences. This impressive property includes a fully restored stone hacienda, overnight guest rooms, vineyards, olive grove, horse stables and more.

Take your family and friends to the Holman Ranch Vineyard for a tasting of their finest wines and olive oils!  The estate wines of Holman Ranch include: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé of Pinot Noir. Carefully hand-harvested, cold pressed and bottled, the Extra Virgin Olive Oil produced from the fruits of their trees has a delightfully distinctive flavor.

View a noteworthy event at the ranch which was featured on Style Me Pretty!

For more ideas on how to plan your perfect ranch wedding, view our related articles:

Plan the Perfect Ranch Wedding

Hot Wedding Trends & Themes for 2012

Feb 2

Plan the Perfect Ranch Wedding

With their beautiful scenery, natural charm, and privacy, private ranches are an ideal location for events. With ranch venue locations covering the country, whether you are planning a destination wedding or looking for a wedding venue close to home, there is definitely a ranch location that will fit your vision to perfection.

When planning a ranch wedding, there are many factors to take into consideration in order to make your big day both inspired and successful.  We’ve compiled some great tips to assist and guide you through the process of planning a ranch wedding.

Draw Inspiration from the Ranch

 

When looking for inspiration for your wedding details and theme, draw inspiration from the Ranch itself. Take  in the architecture of the ranch house, the natural surroundings, and the flowers that will be blooming at the time of year of your wedding. By choosing your ranch wedding location first, it will allow you to make sure that all of the details of your wedding coordinate perfectly with your surroundings.

For the Holman Ranch (pictured above), imagine incorporating yellow as one of your wedding colors and strands of market lighting hanging from the towering oak trees. By drawing inspiration from the ranch, your guests will truly feel though they have experienced a wedding that is both unique and cohesive.

Be Creative with Ranch Elements

 

Don’t be afraid to get creative with ranch elements: by incorporating items found on the ranch, such as found wood, crates, or even tractors, your wedding will become fun and original. Use a tractor to make your grand entrance, start a campfire for S’mores, or have your guests sit on barrels of hay (covered in a fun fabric) for ceremony seating. Be sure to ask the property owner if there are any unique items that are available for use– you never know what they may find!

Fun & Functional Footwear

 

Given that you and your guests will undoubtedly be walking on grass, dirt, or another natural surface, opt for fun and functional footwear. Wearing cowboy boots, fun flats, or wedges will not only allow you to enjoy exploring the property, but will also add to the charm of your ranch wedding. Also, be sure to let your guests know that your wedding is in a natural setting; after all, four-inch stilettos and dirt don’t mix.

 

Take a look at our ranch wedding locations below:

Holman Ranch (Carmel Valley, CA)  |  Lower Lake Ranch (Pine, CO)

Beaumont Ranch (Grandview, TX)  |  Pine River Ranch (Leavenworth, WA)

Jan 31

Chateau de Beverly Hills: As seen in “In Time” Movie

Our esteemed mansion in Beverly Hills, the Chateau de Beverly Hills, is featured prominently in the movie “In Time” starring Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried,and Cillian Murphy.  The film is available on Blu-ray and DVD starting today. Pick up a copy to see this beautiful estate as the Weis family’s home!

All interior shots of their home are of the Chateau de Beverly Hills (the exterior footage features another property).

View the “In Time” trailer below!

Jan 27

Featured Estate of the Week: Lone Star Mansion in Texas

Lone Star Mansion

Burleson, Texas

The Lone Star Mansion in Burleson, Texas is just a short 15 minute drive from Fort Worth and 40 minutes from Dallas.  This one of a kind 10,000 square foot Texas mansion, will offer you everything you could possibly desire!  This 18 acre private venue can host everything including bed & breakfast romantic getaways, corporate events, luxury vacations, and of course private estate weddings!

Ample amenities will provide you with memories to last a lifetime!  This property features a private pond, rolling hills, stunning views and ornate details that will impress any bride to be!  The groom will not be disappointed with the “man cave” which offers a pool table, sauna, steam room, gym and a 73 inch surround sound home theater system.

Hold your reception in the incredible Crystal Ballroom with beautiful chandeliers throughout, a full size catering kitchen, and bar to give your guests the time of their lives!

 

Jan 20

Featured Estate of the Week: The Valentino Estate in Rancho Santa Fe


The Valentino Estate

Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego

With its sweeping patios, scenic lake, and expansive grounds, the Valentino estate captures the true essence of Rancho Santa Fe. Complete with a large foyer and its own equestrian club, this location offers endless options for its guests, whether hosting a relaxed summer reception or a formal tented affair.

The Valentino estate encompasses 16.5 prime acres in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe, California. Just north of San Diego, this peaceful and serene setting features a year-round picturesque lake, acres of rolling lawns, an exquisitely manicured rose garden, and mature tree-covered riding and walking trails that surround the entire estate. The riding trails are directly connected to the extensive Rancho Santa Fe horse trail network, which winds its way throughout the Ranch, including to the Rancho Santa Fe Country Club.

With the Valentino estate you can create an outdoor living room surrounding your event’s dance floor near the lake with luxury seating, or enjoy the warm summer air while surrounded by wildflowers and market lights. Whatever the occasion, your guests are sure to feel right at home at the Valentino.

Check out a noteworthy wedding we had at the property last July.  With accents of purple decor and even a flash mob, this wedding was a day to remember!

Photo credits to Love Art Photography.

Jan 19

Top Tips when Planning your Colorado Winter Wedding

Pick a venue that suits your winter wedding style!

Choose a Colorado wedding venue that you love!  From rustic barns to a modern art gallery, you can take your pick from the best that Colorado has to offer!  Lower Lake Ranch (pictured above) is located in Pine, ColoradoThe beautiful grounds of this property provide a picturesque location for an outdoor ceremony, while two incredible indoor pavilions will shelter your guests from the winter chill during the reception.  Up to 40 guests can stay at the estate’s bed and breakfast to take in the local scenery.  Outdoor activities including fly fishing, hiking, skiing, ice fishing, ice skating, horseback riding and much more.

 

 Show your guests the best sights of Colorado!

Give your guests some travel ideas to keep in mind when booking their trip to your wedding.  Visit the Colorado Tourism’s website to see what is happening in town surrounding your wedding date.  Add these events, concerts, attractions, and vacation ideas to your wedding website for your guests to browse. Send them on day trips to visit historical Colorado attractions, like one of the many railroad tours available.  Colorado is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding resorts in the nation, so be sure to recommend your favorite spot!

 

Add that winter warmth in your décor!

Wear a fur/faux fur shawl or coat for pictures (and of course to keep yourself nice and toasty!) or in your decor.  Bring in lots of candles to create that intimate winter glow.  Embrace your natural surroundings by using bare branches in your tablescapes.   Instead of shipping in flowers that you would see at a summer or spring wedding, use flowers that only bloom in the winter.  For more fun ideas for your winter wedding, see our previous blog post on how to  Make the Most of a Winter Wedding.

For more venue ideas from Estate Weddings and Events, click to browse estates.

Jan 18

Top Five Wedding Styling Tips for 2012 by Couture Events

Allow me to introduce myself, I am Krystel, owner of Couture Events! I am a wedding stylist, designer, and coordinator.  I am so honored to be a guest blogger for Estate Weddings and Events. Each month I will be sharing the latest tips, trends, styles, and wedding ideas with you! 

Many of our clients come to us for styling advice and as we start out the new year we thought it might be best to share with you our top styling tips for 2012

 Couture’s Top Five Wedding Styling Tips for 2012

 1. Bohemian is Beautiful 


Kate Moss proved this with her gorgeous bohemian styled wedding attire. She has set the trend for 2012 as we see many of our brides asking for light, soft, and airy accents along with sheer, barely there fabrics and delicate details. Some of our favorite elements from Kate’s wedding are her Juliet cap veil and the white flower garland headpieces on the bridal party, so boho chic.

 2. Muted Colors are IN! 

Nudes and blushes for everything including wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, florals, and makeup. Yes, you heard us, this year we are seeing more colored wedding gowns in muted tones. We are also seeing many brides choosing muted bridesmaid dresses, a nude wedding lip, and going with soft blush and cream florals.

 *Tip: If you decide on a muted color gown, DO NOT choose muted or nude bridesmaid dresses as this will only wash everyone out. Remember you want to stand out on your special day, no matter if it is white or a beautiful blush. 

 3. Lighting is Everything

Lighting is the single best way to transform any venue from ordinary to extraordinary! In 2012 creative lighting will take precedence in the wedding decor and budget. We will be seeing more chandeliers, up-lighting, gobos, market lights, and candles, all of which help create an incredible ambiance for your guests to enjoy.

 4. Glam is Back

While we have had so much fun with the rustic styling, we see that Glam is coming back and we couldn’t be more excited.  Whether iconic black & white, gold and silver accents, or just the sparkle (crystals, rhinestones, glitter, and shimmer), we are seeing many brides bring some bling into their wedding. Every detail is becoming more glamorous in both vintage and modern wedding themes, brides are embracing the GLAM look.

 5. Long Banquet Tables are Luxurious

We will be seeing many long rectangle tables with pretty runners and assorted sized centerpieces. Round is out, brides no longer want just one centerpiece, they want assortments of bottles, vases, candles, and florals at all different heights to entertain the eye and bring dimension to the tables. They also like the idea of family style banquet tables, creating a more intimate feel.

–Krystel of Couture Events

Image Credits: Bohemian is Beautiful: Photos by Mario Testino via Vogue; Muted Colors Are In: Photo by Kristen Weaver Photography; Lighting is Everything: Photo by Suthi Picotte; Glam is Back: Photo by Joielala Photographie; Long Banquet Tables are Luxurious: Photo found on Style Me Pretty

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More about our new guest blogger: Krystel, Owner of Couture Events

Krystel spent several years in the fashion and entertainment industry, working with some of the top modeling agencies, fashion designers, and FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) before stepping into the world of events where she freelanced with one of the most prestigious event production companies, Events

 International Company, in Malibu, CA . In

 2008 she was able to combine her love for fashion and events by founding Couture Events! Coming from the world of fashion where Couture is EVERYTHING- she wanted to combine all of the elements of Couture into her events: quality, handmade, gorgeous, unique, and glamorous. 

Her reputation has grown quickly as she is now one of the most sought after wedding coordinators in the San Diego. She has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Disney’s Fairytale Wedding Blog, San Diego Magazine, 944 Magazine, Exquisite Weddings Magazine, Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, Green Wedding Shoes,  and is the coordinator for the NotWedding San Diego. She also is a preferred vendor with Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, and Estate Weddings and Events

 

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If you like this post, take a look below…

Plan the Perfect Beach Wedding

Top 15 Wedding Inspiration Blogs to Follow

Top 10 Private Estate Wedding Venues

Estate Weddings

 

 

Jan 14

Plan the Perfect Beach Wedding!

From dramatic sunsets to the mesmerizing sound of crashing waves, the beach is a gorgeous place to get married. The popularity of beach weddings comes as no surprise.

To plan your own beach wedding effectively, it pays to approach the situation in a practical and measured way. Like most people, you probably already have a general geographic location in mind.

Before you do anything else, you need to pinpoint venue locations and luxury villas in the area to ensure that your big day goes off without a hitch. Pick up a few great tips by checking out the following information.

All-in-One Venues

It’s easy enough to choose a spot on the beach to exchange vows, but where are you and your guests supposed to go from there? The best thing to do is to choose a beachfront wedding venue.

If you think that finding such a venue is impossible, think again. Whether you’re investigating your options for San Diego weddings, Los Angeles wedding or weddings in other coastal areas, finding estate wedding venues that include beachfront locations doesn’t have to be difficult.

Amenities and Features

When planning a beach wedding, you should worry about your venue details first and the details of your ceremony second. After all, beachfront wedding venues are wildly popular. Many of them get booked solid years in advance. To get the features and amenities that you want, you’re going to need to get started with your search for the perfect venue right away. Whether you envision a romantic ceremony in a backyard villa or would like to exchange vows on the balcony of a stunning mansion, knowing what you want is essential.

Practical Concerns

To ensure a picture-perfect wedding day, you need to take as many details into consideration as possible. Beach weddings involve special circumstances, and it’s important to keep that in mind.

If you’ll be exchanging vows directly on the beach, will you and your guests be going barefoot? If so, you should plan an easy and convenient way for people to remove their shoes before the ceremony begins. Small points like these should be handled with care to ensure a worry-free event.

By taking the time to select an amazing beach wedding venue, the rest of your plans should fall into place with ease. It’s more than possible to have the beach ceremony of your dreams and follow it up with an amazing reception.

Start making plans right now to make it happen!


Wedding Inspiration Images Courtesy of Couture Events San Diego. Click here to view more beautiful images from “Seaside Pottery Barn Wedding at the Surf and Sand Resort.” Couture Events’ Creative Director, Krystel Tien, is now also a guest blogger with Estate Weddings and Events. Check back to check out Krystel’s insights into event planning!

 

Jan 13

Featured Estate of the Week: Sebastopol Sanctuary, Sonoma Event Venue

This Bali- inspired architectural gem is the perfect fusion between the contemporary and the natural.  Sebastopol Sanctuary is the ideal green event venue. Set on 8.5 acres, this Sonoma Estate features a lavender farm, olive trees, and a pinot noir vineyard, truly surrounding its guests with the essence of Sonoma. Enjoy the scenery from the hardwood deck with cocktails and gourmet hors d’oeuvres made with ingredients from the estate’s own garden. Dance the night away underneath the Sonoma stars following dinner on the lush lawn, while strung market lights, wildflowers, and breezes smelling of lavender create a natural ambiance unlike you’ve ever experienced.

The estate features a commercial kitchen, wine cellar, a bocce ball court, private lake and much more!  Overnight accommodations are available for up to 8 guests.  To receive a custom quote for your next event, click the picture above to receive additional information about the estate.

Jan 13

Top 15 Wedding Inspiration Blogs to Follow

With our Love for Estate Weddings, this list may be a bit biased since we love and specialize in all things Estate Weddings, Ranch Weddings, Farm Weddings, and Mansion Weddings.

Estates, Ranches, Farms and Mansions create the perfect setting for many popular wedding themes and inspirations, such as vintage, rustic, unique, gardens, fields, barns, destinations, green,  intimate, DIY, etc. Check out our top 10 favorite blogs for inspiration on your unique venue wedding…

 

Here are our top favorite blogs to get inspired

1. Green Wedding Shoes

Ideas for outdoor weddings, Eco-Friendly Tips, and DIY Ideas

2. Style Me Pretty

Provides inspiration for all design styles.

3. Ruffled Blog

Vintage, Chic and DIY Wedding inspiration.

4. Cap Classique

South Africa based blog with inspiration from around the world.

5. Love My Dress

Glamorous and Vintage Wedding ideas

 

6. Snippet and Ink

Inspiration Boards for every bride

7. Southern Weddings

Creative Southern Wedding ideas and Southern Inspiration

 

8. June Bug Weddings

Classic Brides and Stylish Real Weddings

9. Post Cards and Pretties

All Wedding things Sweet and pretty

10. Intimate Weddings

Creative Ideas for small intimate weddings

11. Magnolia Rouge

Classic Beautiful Wedding Ideas

 

12. Bustled Blog

Stylish and Modern Wedding Inspiration

13. Bridal Hood

Creative Wedding Photography to spark creative wedding Ideas

 

14. Santa Barbara Chic Blog | Kelly Oshiro Events

Santa Barbara Luxury Weddings

15. Grey Likes Weddings

 

“Love. Well Styled”

 

What is your Favorite Wedding Blog?  Let us know by commenting on our Facebook page!

 

 

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