California Wedding Wave | Ceremony Magazine Wedding Blog

Nestled in the Fallbrook foothills north of San Diego, the Pala Mesa Resort is not only a gorgeous backdrop for a wedding celebration, it is an event waiting to happen. Garden weddings are held in a private white rose garden surrounded by 30-foot cascading waterfalls. Upon saying I do underneath the craftsman-style bell tower, a seven hundred pound antique mission bell proclaims your joy. The menu appeals to a wide array of tastes and budgets guaranteeing a unique experience for your big day. The vast resort offers accommodations to suit your needs including:

• Attractive indoor/outdoor event space
• Accommodating up to 350 guests
• Four distinct venues, from lavish gardens to intimate receptions
• 133 spacious guestrooms
• Aqua Terra restaurant featuring fresh seafood and a sushi bar

The ample amenities provided at Pala Mesa Resort include a top-rated golf course, swimming pool and fitness center ensuring your guests will be entertained for the duration of your event. Contact the fine folks at Pala Mesa to learn how they can make your wedding day dreams come true. You may also contact Louise Lambert at 760.477.7240 or by email at weddings{at}palamesa.com. The Pala Mesa Resort is located at 2001 Old Highway 395, Fallbrook.

{Photography by} Rob Stark Photographer, Food & Travel Photographer

From the locally grown food to the regional wines showcased on their menu, Artisan is the embodiment of Paso Robles wine country. The menu follows the American Bistro concept while respecting the practices of naturally grown foods along with proteins that are wildly caught or sustainably farmed without the use of hormones or antibiotics. Having an integrity for the cuisine brings out the beauty of an already gorgeous locale. Artisan does service groups and events. Inquiries may be made to Shandi Kobayashi at shandi{at}artisanpasorobles.

*Image via Metro Galleries website {Designed by – Chimaera Designs}

Visualize a rehearsal dinner or wedding reception surrounded by art. There is not much greater than to be inspired by the gifts that artists can share with you and your guests. Located in the burgeoning Arts District of Downtown Bakersfield, Metro Galleries has a reputation for exhibiting paintings, sculpture, pottery and mixed media works with contemporary realism and figurative influences. Although Metro Galleries does not have on-site catering, you may compare it to the works of art displayed at this venue; it is an empty canvas awaiting your inspired ideas. Metro Galleries does have a list of preferred vendors they recommend to get your creative juices flowing. Their packages accommodate small events, standard fare and larger weddings. Contact Creative Director, Don Martin to give you the implements to frame your own special event!

At this time of year, my mind wanders to thoughts of Oktoberfest. Tasty sausages, hearty beers and delectable desserts. If German food and fun sounds like a great way to celebrate your rehearsal dinner Teske’s Germania Restaurant in San Jose looks like an über place to begin. The beer garden is a laid back locale to bring together friends and family. Teske’s Germania Restaurant is located at 255 North 1st Street, San Jose. Call 408.292.0291 to answer your inquiries.

The Wilshire Restaurant in Santa Monica exudes old world charm with a flair for the modern. There are several well-appointed rooms to meet the needs of your rehearsal dinner featuring locally grown ingredients prepared as American cuisine with a fusion of international flavor. For an intimate setting of up to 12 guests, the Wilshire Suite is ideal. The room is equipped with a gorgeous antique mirrored table, a flat screen telly (perfect for sharing a photo montage) and a private powder room. Most rehearsal dinners require a larger room for more guests. The Agate Room can accommodate 36 seated guests or 50 guests for a cocktail reception. Replete with amentities, the Agate room also has a flat screen television with audio-visual equipment and iPod deck to play your perfect playlist. Their staff is willing to work around themes and seasons to create an ambiance that truly reflects your style. For all inquiries regarding catering, please contact Devry Juthans or Kristen Mahoney, by phone at 310.453.2104 or by events{at}wilshirerestaurant.com.

Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Wine Country in the Santa Ynez Valley is Gainey Vineyard. The lush setting along with several areas to accommodate guests creates an ideal setting for a relaxing rehearsal dinner. The Spanish inspired decor of the tasting room provides a view of both the vineyards and the mountains that maintains a limit of 50 guests. The Patio and Vineyard View Picnic Area are quaint outdoor settings surrounded by the vineyards, majestic oak trees and mountain vistas. Both of these may accommodate up to 200 people. Three other settings are available for larger groups and are suited for events such as weddings. The Courtyard is an on-site, outdoor setting with a large circular area near the entrance which can meet the needs of 500 guests. The old homestead, called The Ranch is a half mile from the vineyards and features an original 1890s barn. Gainey prides itself on providing barbecue events for a minimum of 35 guests. Gainey Vineyard’s rustic locale rife with wine and whimsy is truly a California experience. Call 805.688.0558 for more information.

The El Dorado Kitchen housed in the chic, boutique El Dorado Hotel, is the ideal locale for a Sonoma County wine-country wedding or rehearsal dinner of guests from 20-250.  You may choose an ambiance that suits your discerning tastes from a wedding under the fig tree on their garden patio, to a stylish cocktail party in a private lounge or a warm, friendly dinner at the communal table. If you so desire, the entire restaurant is available to reserve for larger parties. The El Dorado executive chef will tailor a menu to your unique specifications. Contact Director of Special Events and Group Sales, Angie Bettinelli, at angie{at}eldoradosonoma.com or call 707.996.3030.

Copley’s on Palm Canyon exudes a California Casual ambiance while also demonstrating a flair of sophistication in its extensive wine list and taste tempting menu for the perfect rehearsal dinner experience. The dining room accommodates up to 55 people while the garden which features mountain views, fountains and a fire pit may serve up to 120 guests. Inspired dishes from roasted duck breast on foie gras cremé brulee to shellfish paella will satisfy your guests’ exquisite taste in cuisine. Nothing is quite as relaxing as spending an evening in the warm desert under the vastness of the stars!

If you are lucky enough to be getting married in San Diego, La Jolla is a go-to destination that really showcases the beauty of the coast. Trattoria Acqua is a quaint Italian restaurant that overlooks the La Jolla Cove and the Pacific Ocean. As if that wasn’t enough to get you there, the extensive banquet menu offers an array of choices from the ocean to the range. There are several rooms available to accommodate your specific needs. Up to 24 guests may be held in the Gazebo Room, 30 guests may be accommodated in the Wine Room and the Main Dining Room is capable of serving up to 60 guests.

Catalina Island brings out the quixotic side of even the most level headed individuals. M Restaurant at Hotel Metropole offers visitors to the quaint enclave of Avalon on Catalina Island an ambiance of warmth and hospitality while the menu, inspired by California’s local resources, brings a flair to the concept of New American cuisine. Your rehearsal dinner (or wedding menu) may be customized to suit your taste. Besides having many savory food options, you cannot beat the oceanfront views that can be yours when reserving the outdoor patio for your event. The patio accommodates up to 50 guests, while the indoor dining area holds a capacity of 100 guests. There is a reason Catalina Island is called “The Island of Romance.”