On a gorgeous August afternoon, Ashley and Tommy invited their friends and family to celebrate their everlasting love and happiness at Estancia La Jolla. Romance filled the Garden Courtyard with an abundance of dahlias and roses in every shade of pink. Copper lanterns and adornments completed the classic vintage look which Ashley envisioned for her wedding day. The elegant design was created by Annette Gomez whose floral are always so enchanting. As the processional began, little bell ringers filled the audiences with adoration, followed by two ring bearers, and a darling flower girl. Ashley looked absolutely stunning as she made her entrance down the cascading staircase. Under a radiant archway, Tommy and Ashley sealed their vows with a kiss and began their happy life as man and wife. Aaron Deleise Photography had the pleasure of capturing every moment of the magical day. 

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It was a gorgeous sunny afternoon on October 3, 2009 at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, where Rebecca Elder and Jayant Menon became husband and wife. The Garden Courtyard was adorned with vibrant shades of floral and glistening chivalry chairs. Guests were in awe upon seeing Rebecca and her father walking down the aisle dressed in luxurious fabrics. Jayant and Rebecca pronounced their love and commitment for one another under a majestic canopy with their parents at their sides. The celebrations continued with the reception in the La Jolla Ballroom, where guests indulged and danced all night rejoicing their happiness for the beautiful newlyweds.   

Photos taken by Sara France Photography

SaraFrancePhotography.com

“ The Estancia is one of the most beautiful venues I have ever photographed.  Serene landscapes, limitless unique settings, and exceptional service, make Estancia a photographer’s dream location.” -Sara France

 

 

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Some couples wonder why they need to hire a wedding coordinator, when they may be doing most of the planning, and they have their Estancia Catering Manager.  However, a wedding coordinator does a lot more than just que your wedding party of when to walk.  Your wedding coordinator will create a timeline to keep everyone including family, vendors, and wedding party on track so that the day runs smoothly and all events are executed.  They manage your vendors regarding arrival time and also once they are on property to make sure that all questions are answered and items are dropped in the appropriate place.  They make sure wedding favors, place cards, card boxes, and various other items are placed out exactly as the bride and groom wanted.  Furthermore, they organize the wedding party for the ceremony and grand entrance, que the dj for appropriate moments, and make sure that all wedding gifts, cake knives, and cards are brought up to the wedding suite.  For brides and grooms, who did most of the planning, many coordinators will step in for month or day of wedding coordination.  However, for those brides who want continual assistance including vendor selection, colors, and full wedding timeline there is also full service available.  Please contact Estancia for our list of preferred vendor wedding coordinators. 

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Michele Coulon could easily be described as the master of the wedding cake. A combination of her European background and love for baking has led her to be one of the leading wedding cake designers in San Diego. She believes in using only the freshest and best ingredients to create each one of her desserts. Her philosophy, “Dessert is not something you eat everyday, so make it worth your while….I would rather eat a small piece of something incredible than a lot of something not so great!” She also believes that “time cannot be a factor; the final outcome is what counts. It should taste and looking amazing but it has to look edible.” So whether it is a five tiered cake with cascading flowers, a traditional white cake, or something completely over the top; she has the ability to create the cake of any couple’s dreams. Michele’s creations continue to make their way back to Estancia, and we are delighted that she is one of our preferred vendors.

 http://www.dessertier.com

 

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Once the proposal is made and planning is underway, the biggest question for brides and grooms is what day we should get married? Based on a July 2008 estimate, 233,000 weddings in the U.S. was held during the months of June, July, and August. Summer appears to be the most popular time for wedding bells; however, for those that are attempting to save money, a winter wedding may be the perfect solution.  Due to the number of weddings decreasing significantly in the winter months, brides and grooms are able to choose from a wider selection of dates while prices for vendors and locations are drastically decreased as well.  Many of our wedding coordinators have also commented on higher attendance of wedding guests for fall and winter weddings.  It appears that people have more limited schedules during the summer months in comparison later half of the year. Choosing a wedding date is never easy, but make sure you are not immediately counting out those winter and fall months! 

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The Garden Courtyard at Estancia La Jolla was filled with love and everlasting memories on October 18^th, 2009 as Kate Muszel and Gregg Anderson exchanged their first kiss as husband and wife. Under a sun-kissed afternoon, cheerful friends and family rejoiced for the happy couple of six years. Lynn Schuster from Pure Planning led the flawless coordination of the event with Haydee’s Creative Flowers who adorned ceremony and reception in classic white floral. The grand entrance into the La Jolla Ballroom was a site to see as Kate and Gregg glided on the dance floor rocking neon blue light up 1980’s sunglasses with “Stronger” by Kanye West playing. When I asked Kate what sealed her decision to have the wedding at Estancia she replied “Honestly, the gorgeous landscaping (it looks like nothing goes untouched EVERY SINGLE DAY) and the incredible service!” Congratulations once again to the lovely couple!       

 

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The menus that are created and food we serve would be nowhere near as excellent if it was not for our fearless leader in the kitchen, Chef Timothy Ralphs. He started his education at the University of Southern California and received his degree in communications, arts and sciences. He soon discovered his passion for cooking and attended Le Cordon Bleu and received a degree in culinary arts in restaurants management. Soon thereafter he became an Advanced Sommelier at the

International Court of Sommeliers in London, England. Chef Ralphs has had previous experience as a restaurant manager, and has traveled and cooked in countries such as; South Africa, France, Hong Kong, Austria, Germany and Italy. Before joining the Estancia family, he worked at the Omni San Diego and Top of the Cove restaurant.  Whether you are looking for something particular on your wedding menu, or wanting to look through our array of already created culinary masterpieces, Chef Timothy can meet with you and make any of your culinary dreams come true. 

The following is a simple but original salad dressing created by Chef Timothy that would go great for any dinner party!

PRICKLY PEAR VINAIGRETTE

INGREDIENTS:

2 cup prickly pear puree
¼ cup shallots, minced
2 Tbl honey
3 Tbl rice wine vinegar
1/2 each lemon, juice of
1/2 each lime, juice of

Briskly whisk all items together.

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Bella Pictures believes in the power of team. They have assembled experts throughout the process, who are focused on delivering your vision and wedding memories that you will love. From planning your wedding day coverage to the final design of your wedding album, the Bella Team is behind the scenes, focused on delivering outstanding service at an unbelievable value. Through surveys and feedback, their customers tell them that the Bella approach delivers a superior product and experience.

Their accomplished photographers have won Pulitzer Prizes and numerous industry awards. Their work is recognized by such nationally distributed magazines as Marie Clare and Modern Bride, and is recognized by industry resources such as Here Comes the Guide and The Knot Best of Weddings.

Every couple has a vision for their day, and they are here to ensure that your day is captured as it unfolds. Through an extensive consultation process and their Personal Style Assessment Tool, they create a style profile to match your vision and requirements for your wedding day. Nearly 100% of Bella brides are happy with their initial photographer match, but if you don't feel the photographer is the right fit, they will assign you a new one.

I am excited to be able to show you a montage of recent Estancia weddings that was created by Bella Pictures. 

http://www.bellapictures.com/estanciamontage

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Review written by Mona Ueda:

“We were married at the Estancia on July 11, 2009.  We couldn’t be happier with our venue selection and it provided us the opportunity to have our dream wedding.  Aside from the gorgeous setting, the other factor that influenced our decision was the exceptional service and genuine kindness at our initial meeting.  We continued to be impressed by the unwavering, phenomenal service we received throughout our entire wedding process.  The outstanding service was consistent at every encounter, from our coordinator Erica Davis, to the wedding concierges, to the chef and servers, to the valet staff.  We had no doubt that we would have a flawless wedding because of the attention to detail and attentiveness of the wedding team. 

The dinner was delicious and several months later, our guests are still talking about the quality of the food.  The majority of our guests stayed at the Estancia for the weekend, and were extremely impressed with the accommodations and staff.  Some have already returned for a weekend getaway.  We cannot thank you enough for making our day perfect.  We will cherish the memories from our wedding and plan to return for future anniversaries.”

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What an honor!  Estancia was recently voted as one of the Top 5 Wedding Venues in San Diego by Channel 10 news!  Along with L’Auberge Del Mar, our sister property, we were recognized for our beautiful locations, outstanding service, lush scenery, and casual elegance. After a very busy summer filled with weddings, we are proud to be honored!

Posted by Estancia Weddings

Channel 6 interviews me about Estancia as one of the top wedding destination venues...  

Watch this special wedding feature on Estancia weddings! Better San Diego, Wedding Eddition: Destination Weddings

Erica Hinshaw | Romance Expert, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

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Innovative floral design company brings earth-friendly designs to life!

It is our pleasure to welcome our newest preferred vendor, Organic Elements, a contemporary, innovative floral design company with green-focused techniques.  Organic Elements creates unique floral designs showcasing the natural beauty of nature while also being mindful to “return the favor” by conserving water, recycling, composting, and utilizing tree planting offset programs.  Their Design Reducing Irrigation (DRI) design line uses little to no water to produce, due to California’s water shortage.  Also, The Ten Tree Exchange offers clients the option to participate in a tree-planting program to help reduce the carbon emissions produced during the transport of the flowers to Organic Elements and/or to the venue.  Check out this link to find out more about this super, earth-friendly florist!  www.organicelements.com

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Why not make your wedding a vacation for you and your guests?

The following story is told by one of our past brides, Jenni Mitten, who decided to not only treat her guests to an amazing wedding, but also to a beautiful San Diego vacation.

“When my boyfriend and I got engaged, we knew we wanted to hold a destination wedding. We got engaged in December 2007 and married in May 2008.

Our wedding planning started when we agreed upon a destination. California was our location of choice. The great weather and direct flights from Omaha, Neb., on ExpressJet made our decision easy. The next thing to select was our location. We previewed different locations in San Diego and La Jolla. Our pick was the Estancia in La Jolla, a AAA Four Diamond-rated property. We loved the rancho-style architecture and the lush grounds. Our guests were able to take advantage of the Spa at Estancia, the pool, Mustangs & Burros bar and restaurant, and Adobe El Restaurante. The level of service we received during our stay and at our wedding was impeccable. Several of the guests visited SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo and downtown La Jolla for some shopping.

The day after the wedding, we took a harbor cruise on the Aiolani catamaran. We cruised the San Diego Bay with views of the downtown skyline and Coronado Island on either side. Our day ended with dinner at the Fish Market.

Our trip up the coast started three days after the wedding. We drove through many beautiful California cities and stopped in Santa Barbara for a wonderful lunch at a sidewalk cafe. We enjoyed the downtown shopping area and headed up the coast to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the evening. We stayed at the quaint La Playa Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The next morning, we took the 17-mile drive through the Del Monte Forest and Pebble Beach. There were several photo opportunities on this drive, and it’s a must-see if you are in the Monterey area.

We left the Monterey area that day and headed north on the Pacific Coast Highway. Along the way, we stopped in the beach town of Capitola. Our next stop was the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and then lunch in Sausalito. When we entered wine country, we stopped at Rombauer and tasted some very sweet wines. We spent the night in beautiful Calistoga at the Solage. The studio-style room had Italian bed linens, semiprivate patios, locally made organic bath amenities and a cruiser bike. The Solbar was the resort’s restaurant and bar. The menu consisted of items that were organic and locally grown. Our favorite was the pesto bread and, of course, another locally produced item—wine from the Russian River Valley.

In the days following, we visited several vineyards, including Twomey, Vincent Arroyo, Trinchero, Hans Fahden, Graesar, the Simi Tasting Room and Whitehall Tasting Room, and Dean & Deluca for cheese and other snacks. We were able to set up a private tour and tasting at Hans Fahden with the third-generation owner, Antone Fahden. After our tour, we stopped off at Graeser Winery and tasted some fabulous wine. Richard, the owner and winemaker, did stop by the tasting room to tell us more about his wine. We were able to take a cellar tour and sample wine right out of the barrel.

On our last day of the trip, we shipped several cases of wine home to Nebraska. We also met my uncle for breakfast in Healdsburg. He has lived in California since the mid-70s, so he’s very familiar with the whole state and had helped us plan our wonderful marry-cation.”

Posted by Estancia Weddings

Danielle Jacquet and Mark D'Andrea, Olive Lawn, July 11, 2009

Danielle Jacquet and Mark D'Andrea were engaged on January 2, 2009 after seven years of dating. The day after their engagement they immediately started planning their wedding by researching local San Diego venues. When they walked onto the grounds of the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa and saw the beautiful setting of the Olive Lawn, they instantly knew it was the perfect location for their wedding. As it happened, a date in July 2009 opened and they quickly took the opportunity to reserve the site. From there it was a whirlwind of planning and meetings with multiple vendors to make their wedding dreams come true. The catering manager at the Estancia, Erica Davis, made the process simple and enjoyable through her pleasant and professional demeanor. And after six months of planning, Danielle and Mark's wedding day arrived.

On a beautiful sunny San Diego day on July 11, 2009 Danielle and Mark vowed their life and love to each other. They were married under a Manzanita branch arbor on the Olive Lawn and surrounded by the support of their families and friends. The arbor was hand crafted by the Father of the Bride and was intended to be a gift to the couple to always remember the love they felt for each other on their wedding day. Following the ceremony, the reception was held in the Grande Room where the florist, Modern Bouquet, continued the Manzanita branch theme with simple yet beautiful Manzanita branch centerpieces embellished with green cymbidium orchids set in glass vases and surrounded by glass votives that adorned all of the guest tables. The couple's colors of green, purple and black, were tied in by the green taffeta sashes that adorned the white silk chair covers provided by Dreams Do Come True (http://www.dreamsdocometrue.com/). The evening was a hit thanks to the outstanding deejay services provided by Tim Altbaum Productions (http://www.taproductions.com/), and none of the guests left hungry due to Michele Coulon Dessertier's (http://www.dessertier.com/) delicious tarts. All the details of the day were expertly handled by the couple's wedding coordinators, Bride to Bridesmaid (www.bridetobridesmaid.com), and beautifully captured by the mastery of Barnett Photo (http://www.barnettphoto.com/). After the reception, the remaining guests transitioned to the Estancia's bar, Mustangs and Burros, where they enjoyed the last hours of the night with the newlyweds.

Danielle and Mark could not have asked for a better wedding and they can't wait to plan their next trip back to the Estancia!

Posted by Estancia Weddings

"Responsibility for the environment is incumbent upon everyone. Participating in a recycling program is no longer an option; whether at home or the workplace it is everyone's duty to identify and exemplify our commitment to the environment" by Scott Warzynski.

Scott is one of the founding members of the Green Team, which began as a spin-off of the Destination Earth initiatives.  The idea of going green is not something that is completely new, but definitely a trend that Estancia wants to keep strong for their San Diego weddings. The eco-savvy bride would be thrilled to hold her "green wedding" at Estancia for a variety of reasons. If you have not taken a tour of the grounds I highly suggest taking the time to come and view the natural ambience that surrounds every inch of the property. Coated in flowers, trees, and an array of plant life the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa mirrors the most remote of botanical sanctuaries.  We also have the ability to host your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, brunch, and guest accommodations all in one location to minimize the amount of fuel and travel needed. One of the many Green team initiatives was to create a mandatory hotel wide policy of recycling. All glass, plastic, paper, aluminum, batteries, light bulbs, cooking oil is recycled, the money that is generated from the recycling is then used to maintain and support the Green Team. Purchasing does their part by only buying 100% recyclable paper and biodegradable to-go ware.  Finally, enjoy a meal that is centered on organic ingredients that are brought in daily to make sure that you and your guests have a truly amazing dining experience. Estancia has created partnerships with local vendors to not only support the community, but also cut down on the amount of travel that is needed to bring in the different ingredients. We can proudly say that 98% of the produce that is consumed at Estancia is grown in California. Please call us and we can share even more of our green ideas with you! 

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Estancia associates give environmentally-friendly programs a big green thumnbs up!

To recognize the increasingly important worldwide environmental focus, Destination Hotels & Resorts, Estancia's parent company, formed the Destination Earth program to develop environmentally-conscious initiatives.  The Estancia Green Team, a group of associates leading these initiatives, brainstorms and develops earth-friendly practices and monitors their effectiveness.  For example, Estancia now purchases organic (and locally grown) foods, spa products, and other hotel supplies.  Also, our facilities/maintenance team now utilizes energy-efficient lighting, heating/cooling systems, and water-saving devices around property.  The Green Team also sets the example for other associates to be environmentally considerate.  The entire Estancia team has given these initiatives a big green thumbs up!

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Treat your guests to comfort-food snacks to satisfy their late-night cravings...

A new trend has emerged for wedding receptions that have been a great hit with wedding guests.  Now picture this... the late hours of the night approach as your guests dance the night away with celebratory cocktails, when suddenly they smell the aromas of tray-passed mini grilled cheese sandwiches, beef sliders, or sweet caramel apples!  Late-night snacks are another fun detail to include in your stunning day and leave your guests with a lasting impression.  In selecting your late-night menu, personalize it with you and your sweetheart's favorite treats, such as mini quesadillas, mac-n-cheese bites served on parmesan crisps, chocolate-dipped rice krispie treats, or even a multi-flavored popcorn station.  Whatever memorable treats you decide on, your guests will love every last tidbit!   

                    

   

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Your wedding venue is crucial in the success of your wedding...

Choosing the perfect venue to host your wedding is crucial to create the atmosphere and theme suitable for your wedding. After all, you have dreamed about the Big Day for years and now it is finally time to live the dream! First and foremost, you must prioritize the most important details for you and your spouse-to-be and choose a location that caters to those details. If you are looking for a serene, luxurious atmosphere with superior service and cuisine, Estancia is the perfect venue for you!

Estancia cultures a relaxing atmosphere with rustic, Rancho-style surroundings ideal for outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions. Our associates are enthusiastic and passionate to ensure the most enjoyable and stress-free experience during your stay. From the vibrant, aromatic gardens and scenic architecture to an environment that emphasizes comfort, relaxation, and a truly memorable experience, you and your guests will feel exhilarated and ready for the celebration.

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After months of detailed planning and lists of decision making, brides-to-be deserve a full day of relaxation and pampering. The Spa at Estancia La Jolla treats our brides and bridesmaids like queens! A special Bridal Bouquet Package was customized to please the needs of every bride and her bridesmaids. The journey into indulgence begins with a stress relief massage where an Estancia masseuse alleviates the body of any tension and discomfort while recharging the body's energy channels. Next, the spa attendants will spoil you with an Enlightenment Estancia Manicure and Pedicure. These luxurious treatments are infused with exotic herbs designed to exfoliate, hydrate, and soften hands and toes. This 50-minute sensory indulgence pleases the mind and body! All Estancia Spa Treatments include access our men or women's private lounges, Eucalyptus steam rooms, and sea salt Jacuzzis. Come find serenity and a heightened sense of well being at Estancia's distinctive spa oasis.           

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Generally, the first things that every bride does, when she first gets engaged, is run to the nearest grocery store and buy every magazine on the shelf. Bride, Martha Stewart, InStyle Wedding as long as there is a woman on the front with a wedding gown she is sure to grab it from the shelf. One suggestion is to look a little further and order a Ceremony (www.ceremonymagazine.com/sandiego) or Exquisite Weddings (http://www.exquisiteweddingsmagazine.com/) from the internet. These magazines are full of local vendors and ideas specific to San Diego. They feature local weddings all with different themes and colors to give brides and grooms tons of different ideas on flowers, linens, furniture, etc. So next time you are at the grocery store or trying to figure out what to get your newly engaged friend pick them up a copy of Ceremony or Exquisite to give them an idea of where to start planning. If you happen to get the newest Ceremony magazine flip to the back page and you will be delighted to see the latest ad for Estancia!

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Serious or funny, pre-planned or spontaneous, the First Dance is a highlight of every wedding. Many brides and grooms are taking the time to receive dance lessons before the big day, so their on-looking guests will be amazed by their dancing abilities. The special dance does not have to be a serious foxtrot or waltz.....why not incorporate the salsa or tango? Many wedding couples have adopted a recent trend of designing synchronized dances for the entire wedding party. This is a great way to wow your guests with something totally unexpected and have a good time while doing it! Be sure to have fun with the dance and make it something to look forward to! Call your local dance studio and ask for suggestions for your first dance. Check out Cheek 2 Cheek in Pacific Beach, http://www.cheek2cheek.net/ or Fred Astaire Dance Studio located on Clairemont Mesa in San Diego, http://www.fredastairesd.com/. We look forward to your first dance here at Estancia, regardless of what you choose!

Posted by Estancia Weddings

1. Venue: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

2. Cake

3. DJ

4. Bridesmaid's Dresses

As the wedding list begins to be checked off, many brides and grooms stress over the best linens for their decor. As they begin to concentrate on matching their linens to their bridesmaid dresses, place cards, ribbons, favors, vests, and flowers, their heads start to spin over whether the color is really maroon or is it a true red or has it finally been determined to be merlot. Our friends at A Perfect Table (http://www.aperfecttable.com/) suggest a trend that many brides and grooms would be happy to hear, "Black and white weddings are a really hot trend right now. Whether it's just a simple basic white chair cover with a black sash or an elegant damask print, the greatest thing about black and white is it's seasonal. A colored napkin or vibrant flowers can be added to spice things up." By keeping your tables neutral it allows for your flowers, menus, and table settings to really pop! So call A Perfect Table and sign up for the white and black treatment and get excited to cross something else off your list.

 

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Specialty drinks tailored for your next event....

So many times we encounter the same commonplace beer and cocktails at weddings and events. Guests may not dish the hint at the time, but they can tend to get bored with the monotonous party beverages. Why not jazz up your cocktail menu with specialty drinks tailored to your event? We have recently introduced specialty beverages as an alternative option to traditional event cocktails. For example, our Pomegranate Margaritas, Hibiscus Nectar Champagne, and Peach Sangria have been recent hits among our guests. We have even named them for an extra memorable flair i.e. Pomegranate Passion Pomegranate Margaritas, Champagne Kiss Hibiscus Nectar Champagne, and Truly, Madly, Peachly Peach Sangria. These cocktails can be prepared for all kinds of occasions, for all types of guests!

If your event is an elegant wedding, serve White Wedding Day Spritzers with a combination of white wine, club soda and fresh lime juice. If your soiree is a birthday celebration, serve Birthday Bonanza Banana Daiquiris with sugar-coated banana slices. If your function is a fundraiser/auction with a "going green" theme, serve Green Thumb Green Tea Martinis infused with lemon vodka, orange liqueur and chilled green tea.

There are so many ways to get creative with specialty drinks for your event, and the ones suggested here are just a few. All you need is a taste for crowd-pleasing drinks, a nose for aromatic ingredients, and a mind for creating those forget-me-not specialty drink names. Go for it!

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An elegant affair to remember in appreciation of our most valued wedding planners...

Our Catering Team recently hosted the First Annual Wedding Planners' Event in honor of our valued partnerships with Southern California wedding planners. The affair began with brainstorming creative ideas to really "wow" the planners and their guests. The Catering Team collaborated with some of the hotel's preferred vendors, i.e. Kathy Wright & Co., Paul Barnett Photography, Wayne Foster Entertainment, and Michele Coulon Bakery, to showcase our versatility with their products and services. For example, Kathy Wright designed extravagant floral centerpieces for La Jolla Ballroom with copper-toned spiral accents, cream fringe-lined bases, and vibrant eggplants and beans for an organic touch. Michele Coulon created a magnificent four-tier wedding cake, each tier separated by fancy wine glasses (alternating in opposite directions) and donned with picturesque flower accents and exquisite detail. Paul Barnett captured beautiful shots of the event (shown below) from the reception on the lovely Garden Courtyard to the main dinner in La Jolla Ballroom.

The event began as our guests checked into the hotel, each given an overstuffed gift bag upon their arrival. Each guest had the option to enjoy a complimentary massage session or hair/makeup session with a spa staff member in pre-arranged rooms on property. Then everyone was invited to a cocktail reception on the Garden Courtyard, our featured wedding ceremony site, where a "faux" ceremony and wedding couple were staged. The team then escorted everyone up to La Jolla Ballroom for the main dinner event, where our guests enjoyed a tailored four-course dining experience and live entertainment. The event continued with a late-night party at Mustangs & Burros, our featured bar on property, with displayed chocolates and truffles, an espresso bar, a candy apple station with choice of toppings, and a DJ to "mix it up" for all the guests.

To complement the busy night, we planned a poolside yoga session the next morning, followed by a farewell brunch and hike to Black's Beach. With a mighty team effort and a strong commitment to an outstanding guest experience, the event was a huge success! From elaborate gift bags and VIP service to an elegant event ambience and a genuine feel of appreciation, all the guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves and felt refreshed for the busy upcoming wedding season.

Posted by Estancia Weddings

Guests are pleasantly surprised at these gift baskets filled with personalized goodies welcoming them to the special event......

Historically, party favors have been very commonly used as "parting gifts" for guests who attend weddings, birthday celebrations, fundraising galas, and all kinds of other events. These favors are typically given to them post-event as a token of gratitude for their attendance or as a subtle way to leave a lasting impression of the event/special occasion. Well, these days a new trend has emerged - welcome baskets/bags stuffed with a variety of personalized goodies that serve as a warm welcome to guests upon their arrival to the venue site. At Estancia, we store the welcome baskets in advance and provide delivery to all guest rooms. Event guests are pleasantly surprised to find these special welcome gifts. The baskets can be filled with items such as customized bottled waters, candies and snacks, tissues, wedding timeline/programs, miniature champagne bottles, and toiletries. As a courtesy, Estancia also offers basket fillers for purchase such as spa vouchers, sundries, Estancia sparkling wine, organic power bars and energy drinks, and gourmet foods such as truffles, whole fresh fruit baskets, and flavored popcorn.

This trend is growing in popularity among many weddings and events and is sure to pave the way for other nifty trends to go above and beyond for your guests.

Posted by Estancia Weddings

Nowadays, more newlyweds are choosing alternate destinations for honeymoons due to limited budgets in this economy. There are many desirable locations to travel to without leaving the country, or even the state! Destination Hotels and Resorts offer beautiful honeymoon getaways to Hawaii, La Jolla, Vail, Lake Tahoe, Palm Springs, Oregon, and also the newest oceanfront resort in Palos Verdes. After doing some research, I also found that many of our Destination Resorts locations are offering affordable packages. For instance, Hawaii is offering special honeymoon packages that include one free night accommodation, a free car rental, plus free valet parking! Newlyweds will find themselves melting away in tranquility at the Miramonte Resort located in beautiful Palm Springs. Miramonte offers specially priced honeymoon packages that provide rose petal dusted accommodations, dinner for two, and full body rejuvenation at the serene Well Spa. For the nature-loving honeymooners, check out Skamania Lodge which is a magnificent mountain resort nestled in the spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Skamania Lodge created the Ultimate Romance Getaway for couples to enjoy hand-dipped strawberries and champagne upon arrival followed by a generous hotel spa and dining credit offered exclusively to newlyweds. Honeymooners- come find Romance and Rendezvous at Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa located in the jewel of San Diego! At Estancia, newlyweds will be treated like Kings and Queens while basking in the perfect sunny weather of La Jolla. Honeymooners will indulge in the most romantic Secret Garden Couple Massages followed by sparkling champagne and fresh organic berries. The Estancia Romance and Rendezvous Package offer all of the above in addition to a delicious breakfast-in-bed for two and free valet parking to top it off! No matter what your image is of the perfect honeymoon getaway, Destination Hotels and Resorts provide accommodations for every budget conscious newlywed. We hope to see you soon! For more information on Destination Hotels & Resorts Honeymoon Packages and Promotions, please visit us at http://www.destinationhotels.com/.

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A typical day in the life of an Estancia Wedding Concierge...

Going into wedding season here at Estancia is always very busy and exciting, especially as a Wedding Concierge. Welcome to our world during the spring and summer! Our duties on a typical day of a wedding include catering to the bride, her groom, and their wedding parties with start-to-finish top-notch service. We love taking part in their special day, seeing happy couples tie the knot! To get started, we prepare custom wedding accessory boxes for the bride and groom to help them get ready on that day and greet each of them upon their arrival. We check in with them throughout the wedding day, making sure that they feel as relaxed and pampered as possible. We also assist the on-site wedding planner in setting up centerpieces, place cards, party favors, and other decor on the ceremony and reception sites and with any special requests. All in all, we provide the "icing on the cake" for the future Mr. and Mrs. and take pride in making their day a fabulous memory.

Posted by Estancia Weddings

Planning your Wedding in 2009, without breaking the Bank...

In 2009, we are noticing a New Bride emerging. A Bride that is Budget Conscious. As economic trends and also traditions change, and the average age of couples getting married for the first time has increased, more couples are paying for their own weddings with little or no financial help from family members. After they start to plan their weddings, they get sticker shock. With these changes comes a whole new breed of brides, the bride who is planning a wedding on a small budget. The budget bride tries to find thrifty ways to have the wedding of her dreams without going into debt. To cut wedding costs, you need to do a lot of research and get creative. Budget, shop around, compare prices, bargain, barter and delete unnecessary expenses. Almost Every bride in 2009 will be shopping around. As the Venue is most likely the majority of the Budget, I have some suggestions on how to save a dime. 1. Ask about current promotions and specials. You might be surprised about what offerings can be made. 2. Inquire about a Cocktail Reception rather than a Formal Sit down Dinner. This can save quite a pretty penny, if done the right way. 3. Ask about Beverage options. A Beer and Wine Bar can be much more affordable than a Full Service Bar. 4. Inquire about Corkage Fees. Many times, if you are meeting your committment with the hotel, you can discus bringing in your own Wine to serve during dinner and save a bit of money. With all of these suggestions and advice, hopefully a Bride's decision will become a bit easier, and the overall budget will be easier to swallow. Good luck with the planning!

Posted by Estancia Weddings

A Lovely Fall Afternoon...

On Saturday, September 20, 2008, Alyssa Holstrom and Martin McNees exchanged vows. They gathered all of their closest friends and family and married on our charming and quaint Olive Lawn. Their wedding planner, Merilee Hennings of Ever After Events, was invaluable. She helped them find all of the perfect vendors to include Annette Gomez, who created breathtaking centerpieces and archway. All were natural and rustic elements, designed especially for the bride and groom. The reception took place in the Grande Room, which was breathtaking with chocolate brown, rustic orange and a hint of copper, all tied in to match their natural theme. Jennifer Dery, was the chosen photographer for their wedding. She captured every moment of their special day as always. Congratulations!

 

Posted by Estancia Weddings

There are not many occasions that take your breath away.

On this occasion, you could not only feel the warmth of the day, but you could feel the love of the family and friends involved. What a wonderful family and group of guests! Claire was absolutely stunning in her White Strapless gown and her Lace Ballet Flats! Lance was dressed to the nines in his formal Marine Uniform. What a great looking couple. The ceremony was breathtaking with a Traditional Marine Sword Arch at the end of the recession. White Lilac, based out of Orange County, was the Florist and Event Decorator for the wedding. I was so happy to have the opportunity to work with this amazingly creative team. Brooke from Details Details coordinated the event, which of course, is AMAZING at what she does. I cant wait to work with her more often. Aaron Delesie was the photographer and Elysium was the Videographer. I was so pleased with this Orange County group of vendors! So professional and wonderful to work with. Congratulations Claire & Lance!

Posted by Estancia Weddings