Weddings

Feb 10

Featured Estate of the Week: Santiago Canyon Estate in Orange, California

Santiago Canyon Estate

The Santiago Canyon Estate in Orange, California is comprised of an 18,000 square foot main house and an impressive 5,600 square foot guest house with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms that can be rented out separately. Midway between both houses is a lush tropical resort style 30-foot pool engulfed in large rock scapes, waterfalls, hidden grotto, elevated Jacuzzi, and expansive terraces featuring imported African palms.

Request more information about this estate today!


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 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 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!

 

 

Jan 10

Hot Wedding Trends & Themes for 2012

The New Year has just begun and is bringing a wide variety of exciting new wedding themes and trends along with it. If you’re in the early stages of planning your upcoming nuptials, you’re probably curious about what’s hot in wedding trends this year. As always, private estate wedding locations and villa rental locations are popular choices. Beyond wedding venues, however, there are many other exciting trends. Check below to learn about a few of the best ones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Playful Themes

Playful wedding themes started picking up steam in 2011, and the trend will intensify in 2012. These types of weddings have whimsical ambiances, so they are perfect for couples who prefer less formal affairs. From pirate-themed weddings to ceremonies in offbeat locations, playful themes will be all the rage this year.

DIY: Personalized Weddings

By default, every wedding is personal. In the past, however, the majority of the decorations and party favors were purchased from wedding supply companies. Due in part to the economy, many couples are creating their own wedding favors and decorations. This helps to keep costs down, and it has the added bonus of producing a more personalized look and feel. If you are crafty by nature, this is one wedding trend that you’ll want to explore.

Mismatched Dresses and Decor

In an effort to create more organic and natural ceremonies, many brides and grooms are opting for dresses and decor that encompass different aesthetics and textures. To keep things from looking too disjointed, a single color palate is used to unite the decor elements. The end result is a purposefully mismatched look that puts a chic, modern edge on any wedding day. This trend is easy to incorporate and can help keep costs low too.

Green Weddings

Eco-friendly weddings are more popular than ever. People opt for green weddings to help protect the environment and to save money. There are many ways to go about planning a green wedding. You can incorporate as many green touches into your big day as you’d like, so this theme is easy to customize.

No matter what type of theme you choose for your wedding, you should take care to select a phenomenal wedding venue. From New York weddings to California weddings, there are amazing venues available just about everywhere. You can use the preceding themes at just about any venue too, so jump-start your wedding plans by finding the perfect location now!

 

For more wedding ideas and inspiration, take a look below:

Playful Wedding Inspiration…

Tips for finding a Unique Event Theme…

How to Cut Costs without Cutting that, “Je Ne Sais Quoi”…

 

*Images courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes

Jan 9

Making the Most of a Winter Wedding

When it comes to planning an unforgettable wedding, spring and summer shouldn’t be the only seasons that you consider. For a unique twist, you should think about tying the knot during the winter. Winter weddings are ideal for couples who prefer to eschew convention. A winter wedding can be every bit as fabulous as a spring or summer wedding; the trick is choosing the right venue and throwing in plenty of special touches. Pick up a few tips for making the most of a winter wedding below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location is Everything

In regions that experience cold winters, choosing the right wedding location is especially important. It’s easy to assume that finding a fabulous wedding venue during the winter will be difficult, but that’s typically not the case at all. Whether you’re planning a New York wedding or a Colorado wedding, the trick to having an amazing day is selecting an unforgettable location. Estate wedding venues, mansions and other wedding venues should be at the top of your list.

What makes mansions and estate venues such ideal choices for winter weddings? A great perk is that popular estate venues are typically decked out in gorgeous holiday decor at that time of year, which simplifies the process of decorating the venue for your big day. Depending on your specific needs, you could select a venue that includes a beautiful fireplace or large picture windows that allow guests to take in snow-covered vistas.

Fun Ideas for Winter Weddings

After selecting the perfect winter wedding venue, you should come up with a few winter-themed touches to make things even more exciting. For wedding favors, why not opt for lovely ornaments for each guest? They could include the date of the wedding and the names of the bride and groom. For refreshments, you can opt for unique options like spiced wine, eggnog or hot chocolate. In terms of decor, incorporating things like crystal details (to mirror the look of snow) or a color palate of whites, blues, and silvers will help your guests feel as thought they are celebrating in a Winter Wonderland.

Plan Your Winter Wedding Today!

Planning a winter wedding isn’t all that different than planning spring or summer nuptials. The most important thing is choosing a venue that lets the beauty of the season shine through during your big day. Winter is far from peak season for weddings, so you will be able to take your pick from a wide range of options. Kick-start your winter wedding plans by selecting a fantastic venue today! Click here to browse estates

 

View more posts on the wedding planning process:

Engagement Season is in the Air

You got engaged! Now What? 5 things that you should book now, and 5 that can wait.

Tips: Finding Inspiration for a Unique Event Theme

 

 

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