Across the street from the main Four Seasons (more information on that site later) is the Coral Casino Club. Originally opened in 1937 it has been under renovation the last two years. After September 1st, 2008 the La Pacifica Ballroom will be available for weddings and events.

The venue is the most modern space I’ve seen in Santa Barbara and the views of the ocean are gorgeous.

Ceremonies can be held on the patio, as well as cocktails. You could even tent out here, and create a cabana if you want (just make sure the tent isn’t higher than the second floor).

Some notes:

• The inside ballroom features large columns & a distinct coral wallpaper.
• Drapery and lighting can be used to transform the decor and theme of the space.
• Four Seasons cater all food and beverage, including the cake.
• Catering menu is charged per person.
• Bar fees are charged on consumption (ie no bar packages).
• There is a food and beverage minimum, which depends on the season.
• A 20% service charge (standard for hotels) & taxes will be applied.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.

[Top photo from the Coral Casino Club website]

This morning I visited a well known location that has a new ballroom that has been under renovation for the last two years. Opening on September 1st it is one of the best ocean side locations and music can go until 12am (very unusual for Santa Barbara). Tomorrow I’ll have more information and photos on this new and modern property. Stay tuned!!!

Located in a beautiful valley, Edna Valley Vineyard is a stunning and secluded spot to say “I do.” The location offers an outdoor area with views of the vineyard and surrounding mountains. For a ceremony and reception the site can accommodate up to 175 guests.

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Robert Hall Winery is in the heart of Paso Robles and features stunning architecture that has both a of modern and rustic feel. The brick is gorgeous and simple and striking fountains create unique focal points for an outdoor wedding.

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Last week I had the pleasure of visiting a brand new wedding location in Montecito. It is a private home that rents only the backyard for weddings and events. The backyard is a lush garden setting divided into three zones which makes it ideal for a bride that wants different event designs in each area.

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One of my favorite brunch spots in Santa Barbara is Andersen’s, located on State Street. It is both a bakery and a restaurant, and it can accommodate a group of up to 20 in their upstairs room. The decor is very feminine and french country and you just can’t help but feel happy inside.

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Finding a rehearsal dinner location can be hard especially when you don’t live in town. To help destination brides avoid tourist traps I will be featuring local restaurants that have good food and service.

To start this series I have to feature one of my favorite restaurants and actually where I held my rehearsal dinner, Arnoldi’s. It’s off the beaten path on Cota & Olive streets and is known for being a locals hang out. For events Arnoldi’s can accommodate 20 to 100 guests easily. The menu for rehearsal dinners ranges from $28 to $35 per person and included appetizers, salad, and two choices for the entree. Wine starts at $27 per bottle.
Parties can be held in the back room which features a large mural of Lake Como or outside on the patio which features two large bocce courts. The ambience is warm, friendly, and very relaxed. If you go, you must try their lasagna its sooo good.

Called the “Jewel of the Gaviota Coast,” Arroyo Hondo is a beautiful nature preserve, with limited events held each year. There are several locations to choose from for the reception and ceremony site, from the rustic barn area to the sweeping meadow which is a short car ride away.

The verdant meadow is on a slight incline and has a breath taking view of the mountains.

Overall, the location is absolutely stunning and shows the visitor what Santa Barbara must have looked like 100 years ago. For the adventurous, out-doorsy couple who loves nature this location would be a great choice.

Some notes:

• Holds less than 8 weddings a year.
• Music can go until 12am.
• Candles can be used if they are in glass containers & are not placed on the ground.
• Everything would need to be brought in, including a kitchen, lights, tables, chairs, linens, etc.
• Shuttles would need to brought in for transport throughout the location.
• Renting bathrooms is recommended; a few porta potties are available.
• A generator is recommended as electricity is limited.
• Bridal dressing area is available in a historic cabin built in the late 19th century.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.

On Stearn’s Wharf is a little known venue, the Ty Warner Sea Center. Located at the end of the wharf it has a spectacular 360 degree view of the city, ocean, and islands. The location rental includes the Sea Center building, which can hold about 60 for a plated dinner and a huge private outdoor deck that can hold 300 or so. The outdoor deck is by far the most spectacular feature of this location, the view and the decor possibilities are endless.

The best part is that the rental fee is extremely reasonable, one of the lowest I’ve seen to date.

Some notes:

• All rentals including a kitchen will need to be brought in.
• Equipment delivery can be done the day before, but setup can’t occur until the day of the event and equipment must be picked up at the end of the event.
• A/V system is available.
• Dressing area for the bride is available.
• Music can go until 11pm.
• For events under 80 guests, parking is $8 per car.
• For events over 80 guests, a shuttle will need to be brought in.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.

Located off the 154 in the hills above Santa Barbara, the Greek Orthodox Center has a stunning view of the ocean and surrounding hills. The church is a crisp white with the reception hall located across the courtyard.

The reception area features a room with beams (these can be draped with fabric if you like) and the adjoining outdoor patio features a gas fireplace. The reception area is pretty raw, but for the creative couple it could easily be transformed with some lighting and draping.

Some notes:

• Dressing areas for the bride & groom are available.
• A full kitchen is available that the caterer can use.
• Set-up can be done on Friday.
• Rental fees are reasonable.
• Room can accommodate up to 200 guests.
• All types of alcohol can be served.
• Music must be off by 10pm.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.