Wedding Location: Rancho Dos Pueblos- The Beach

Kelly
February 11

Dos Pueblos Ranch is a beautiful 3000 acre ranch that can host Santa Barbara weddings on its own private beach. For the ceremony, there are two options: one is on the beach itself, and the other is high on the bluffs overlooking the beach.

The jagged cliff side makes a stunning backdrop, and the white beach is the ideal location for a couple looking to get married with their toes in the sand. The bluff location is equally as beautiful, but requires a bit of a walk to get to (a staircase followed by a short uphill walk). For the elderly, renting a golf cart would be ideal.

For receptions there are again two options, each adjacent to one of the ceremony locations. By the beach is a parking lot that could be used for the reception as is or tented (I would recommend a clear tent), and carpeted for a more finished appearance. Alternatively, the bluff reception location has a large grassy field that would be ideal for a daytime event. Once night falls, the bluffs and hillside can be quite dangerous for guests (especially for those who have enjoyed too much wine).

You can contact the ranch here.

Some notes:

  • All items need to be brought in, including bathroom/tables/chairs/kitchen/lighting/power.
  • Small & large events are welcome.
  • Music can go until 10pm.
  • Candles in glass are allowed as long as they are set on tables.
  • There is guest parking on site.
  • Valet is not required but suggested due to length of walk to beach.
  • No dressing area for bride available.
  • Please call for the site fee.


Location: Rancho Dos Pueblos- Casa Grande

Kelly

The house on the Rancho Dos Pueblos has a relaxed elegance and old world charm that is entirely one of a kind. The drive up to the house is something out of an old movie, there is a long circular drive, a large magnolia tree greets guests, and then you proceed down and around the palm tree lined drive. The home itself has lovely chandeliers and a relaxed (not fussy) elegance to it. Truly the jewel of this location is the stunning backyard lawn. Surrounded by a grove of Morton Bay Fig trees (the facility manager believes them to the be oldest in the states) the lawn is just like taking a step back in time.

The front lawn is another option for Santa Barbara weddings, and could be a great place for the ceremony or reception (that magnolia tree would be so gorgeous in photos!)

The house can be rented for the weekend and can sleep from 8 to 10 people. So you could have your rehearsal dinner and post-wedding brunch at the the house– truly the ideal location for a Santa Barbara destination wedding! The rooms are furnished in a relaxed and elegant style as featured in the rest of the house, and there’s a lovely room for the bride to get ready in.

The elegant dining room.

The master bedroom and getting ready area for the bride.

One of the guest bedrooms with a very nice view! You can contact the ranch here.

Some notes:

  • A kitchen would need to be rented.
  • Guests would need to be shuttled from the guest parking area.
  • Power for the DJ & lighting will need to be brought in.
  • Bathrooms must be brought in to accommodate for the older plumbing in the house.
  • All rentals including tables/chairs will need to be brought in.
  • Valet is recommended, but not required.
  • Music can go until 12am.
  • Site capacity is 300.


Inspiration Board #25: Picnic Wedding

Kelly
June 08

The inspiration for this board came from Karen Mordechai‘s photo from her Sunday Suppers blog (second row, far right). I picture this wedding as a very casual picnic style wedding. Rustic peach cobbler would be served instead of wedding cake, and family heirlooms, such as the cameo below, would give this wedding a personal touch. For more picnic ideas check out this board from Snippet &  Ink.

picnic wedding

Description: Picnic, summertime, home cooking, burlap textures, a touch of pale pink

Images from left to right, top to bottom: {Row 1} 1. Jeff Newsom 2. Tim Evan-Cook 3. Frances Janisch {Row 2} 1. La Vie Photography 2. Michele Waite 3. Karen Moredchai {Row 3} 1. Anders Gramer 2. Karen Moredchai 3. Lessa O’Rielly


Web Happenings

Kelly
June 01

Just wanted to mention a few updates here in wedding blog land. Junebug Weddings has just released their Southern California vendors guide.

Junebug Weddings

Style Me Pretty has a rocking new look for the blog.

And Once Wed will be unveiling their new look later today. Congratulations ladies!


Inspiration Board #24: On the Lake

Kelly

I love a pretty lake, and a love the idea of a wedding inspired by this setting, but not taken to literally. I imagine this wedding with soft mint blue touches and a very casual, but elegant vibe throughout.

lakeside wedding

Description: Lakeside, picnic, soft blue, summer

Images from left to right, top to bottom: {Row 1} 1. Kate French 2. Frances Janisch 3. Liz Banfield 4. Laura Novak {Row 2} 1. Leo Patrone 2. Lessa O’Reilly 3. Bella Figura 4. Jose Villa {Row 3} 1. Frédéric Lagrange 2. Trine Thorsen 3. Janne Peters


Ring a Ding Ding

Kelly
May 15

Sapphires? Yes, please! Photo by Vallentyne Photography.


Pretty Garden Clusters

Kelly
May 13

I just love the look of an organic grouping of garden flowers.

The look is so pretty, homey, and not overly styled.

Plus, you can use potted flowers which is great for the budget and is a nice green option for decor.

Best of all, they can be used as a back drop for a ceremony, like with these flowers above.

wedding blog garden wedding

See what I mean?

Images from top: 1. Nato Welton 2. Anders Gramer 3. Paul Barbara 4. & 5. Photo by Ashley Garmon via Once Wed