The Venue Search | Carmel & Big Sur Wedding Venues

Finding a venue is the first step in planning a wedding. It also happens to be one of the most challenging. Finding everything you want in one place isn't easy, but it can be done! (sometimes you just have to visit a billion venues, like I did).

I received an email asking for venues from Big Sur to Santa Cruz with redwoods, pine trees or gorgeous views. Not all of these fit that exact bill as I like to give options, just in case! I thought I'd share some good venue options here too!

Big Sur:

Anderson Canyon: This one is my very favorite!

Wind and Sea: Great for smaller weddings. 

Glen Oaks: Recently redone! This place looks so beautiful, although very mid-century modern. 

Post Ranch Inn: Gorgeous location, but only for smaller parties up to 20 people. 

Ventana Inn: This was another top contender when I was getting married! Beautiful hotel and location to get married :)


Carmel:

Holman Ranch: Obvi I have to throw Holman Ranch on this list. :) 

Gardener Ranch: Beautiful spot and it has accommodations for up to 50 people! So you really get to make an experience out of it! 

Santa Lucia Preserve: This place is a stunner! Logistically, it is a tough one as you have to have a member of the community "sponsor" your event. This was my number one location when I was getting married but I was turned off by how much of a pain it would be to try to find someone to sponsor, etc. 


Santa Cruz:

Nestldown: Beautiful trees, a gorgeous barn. This place sort of has it all. 

Castle House and Gardens: I love this charm of this location. It takes "backyard wedding" to a whole different level!

Costanoa Lodge: This one isn't my most favorite in terms of ceremony locations, but it has some gorgeous views and a very cozy feel. 

"Be Yourself, Together" Rehearsal Dinner

Break out the cocktails and get ready to party! The rehearsal dinner is a perfect time to enjoy the company of your closest friends and family before the whirlwind of your wedding day. This event also gives your two families a chance to mingle and get to know each other. The "Be Yourself, Together" Campaign

So today I'm here with a round-up featuring everything you need to create a perfect party. Target has turned into a huge resource for entertaining and decorating my home. Seriously, they are just so good!

 

target-bridal-shower.jpg

1: Vase | 2: Taper Candle Holder | 3: Candle Holder | 4: Marble Print Tray | 5: Votive Elephant Candles | 6: Bar Cart

Keep the rehearsal dinner fuss-free yet beautiful with lots of candles and simple place settings. No need to go over the top with details galore, that is what your wedding day is for! 

Add a few vases of flowers to the tables, and some serving trays for those yummy bites (seriously, how amazing are those marble trays?!) and of course a bar stocked wit hall the essentials to get the party going! 

Take the time to enjoy your company and don't stress over anything on the night of the rehearsal dinner. 

 

Industrial Wedding at Loft 212

I posted a sneak peek of this wedding on Instagram a while back, so I'm really excited to finally share the whole thing!

This venue and this dress are seriously the most perfect combination. I just love how this whole wedding was pulled together from the luscious floral, amazing sunset and beautiful brick detailing. It was all captured wonderfully by j. Woodbery Photography. 

Photographer:  j.woodbery photography//Transportation: Coats Classic Cars LLC//Event Venue:Loft 212//Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Mr Burch Formal Wear//Cinema and Video: ProjectMEDIA Productions//Makeup Artist: Rawwbeauty Makeup Artistry//Floral Designer: Studio Flower//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Mr & Mrs Smith - Picture Perfect Honeymoons

Oh my oh my, get ready for some of the most beautiful hotels in all the land! I can't get over how amazing the Mr & Mrs Smith collection of hotels are. I mean seriously, take a look at that view! This is the perfect place to find your perfect honeymoon hotel.

I'm a huge fan of infinity pools, private beaches and perfect decor when it comes to vacationing. I always have a pretty hard time finding and picking the perfect spot, (Photoshopped rooms photos, bad locations. Please tell me you guys know what I'm talking about here?!) which is why I'm really into the concept behind Mr & Mrs Smith. 

Mr & Mrs Smith handpicks the most stylish and beautiful places all over the world (like the one above located on Lizard Island). When they find a good one, they personally visit the location to ensure the experience is everything it should be.

Stunning, right?! That view in Greece is looking pretty amazing right now. 

Post Ranch Inn (above) in Big Sur is on my list of must-stay places. They really do have the best of the best. 

Featured in Destination Weddings Magazine

I'm excited to share this bit of fun news today :)

Last September we went to Italy to produce an intimate and beautiful wedding on the hillsides of Tuscany. Last month this wedding was featured in the pages of the latest issue of Destination Weddings Magazine! Look how pretty the feature is!

And now, here is a bigger glimpse into the magic that went on last year. The venue team was seriously amazing! 

Photography: Jason & Anna Photography | Venue: Sasseta Alta | Wedding Planner + Designer: Engaged & Inspired | Florals: Floral Theory | Videography: Bubblerock | Hair and Makeup: Louise Faulkner

And I couldn't leave you without the beautiful video created by Bubblerock.

Positions with Engaged & Inspired

Here we go! Wedding season is just starting, and it is apparent that we will need a little help over here to get through this season and beyond! 

OFFICE INTERN: This internship is in-office as opposed to wedding day assistance. I'm looking for someone who enjoys being creative, but also loves organization and making the back end of things run smooth! 

DUTIES:

Blog posts | mailings | preparing for weddings | design sourcing | paperwork | emailing | social

LOOKING FOR:

Someone eager to learn | a self starter | problem solver | willingness to do whatever it takes to make the client happy | writing and/or blogging experience | local to San Francisco or willing to travel.

POSITION:

This position is about 6-10 hours per week located in San Francisco. This is a 5 month internship with consideration of paid positions after that time period is complete.

Email allison@engagedandinspired.com with resume and why you'd be interested in this position.

FLORAL ASSISTANCE: This position is for someone who loves floral and has some experience in this. Starting with assistance with processing and arranging flowers, and soon turning into learning ordering, proposals, etc. to advance your skill set! 

DUTIES:

Flower processing | Flower arranging | Market Trips 

LOOKING FOR:

Some floral experience | Confident in taking on orders of your own | Good eye for color and style 

POSITION:

The Thursday + Friday prior to a wedding | Based on wedding schedule | Hourly Pay

Email allison@engagedandinspired.com with resume and why you'd be interested in this position. 

Wedding Paper Divas + Marchesa

Wedding Paper Divas teamed up with bridal gown designers Marchesa to create a new invitation suite inspired by the Marchesa Spring 2014 collection. 

I've known about Wedding Paper Divas since before I got married, and I'm so excited about where they have gone in the last couple of years. They continue to improve their designs and quality of services. I now consider them a very useful resource for paper goods!

Check out these new designs and the dresses they are inspired by! Don't you love it?