Beautiful Nepenthe.

Ah, Nepenthe. I was telling Scott while sitting on the patio of Nepenthe, in the 80 degree sun, looking over the edge of the cliff onto blue ocean waters, that this 'feels like home'. It just does. Something about Big Sur is just so comforting and exhilerating at the same time. I can see myself living there. And of course, Nepenthe is awesome!! They do weddings too, but only up to 80ppl with a site fee of $4000. Then, on top of that you have to rent all the linens, flatware, stemware, etc. Would add up quick - but you just can't beat that view!!! I'm in love.

South 40 - Hurricane Point

So Scott and I went to check out this private property in Big Sur this past Sunday. You turn off this tiny road just south of Bixby Bridge and wind down one of the most precarious roads I've ever been on. You're litterally right on the cliff - if your breaks went out, over the edge you would go!!! Any how, the location is amazing and they recently just did a wedding for 50 people. They have a little lookout where the ceremony would be - right on the edge of the cliff. The nice thing about this property is that it is only fifteen minutes from Carmel - and not too far down hwy 1.

Thanks!

Thanks to all who have been commenting on my blog. It is so fun knowing there are other people out there who enjoy the photos/thoughts besides my best friend and my mom!

Top Sites. 2. Tehama, Carmel

Tehama. Beautiful exclusive golf course up on the hills overlooking Monterey Bay. You will most likely run into some deer on your drive up to the property. The banquet space can most definitely accomodate our guest list - and there are indoor and outdoor options. It is so nice and quite up there too - always so peaceful! Another gorgeous option.

Top Sites. 1. Holman Ranch, Carmel Valley

So this is Holman Ranch. Located at the end of a private road in Carmel Valley. You pass horse stables to get up to the property. The ceremony site has a view of the Carmel Valley mountains and the property is absolutely stunning. It is a restored hacienda - original stone and tile with beautiful landscaping. There is a barn for dancing, a huge courtyard for dinner, a 'game room' for the boys (darts, pool, card table and private bar), sprawling lawn, horseshoe pits, grape vines and beautiful gardens. Pretty perfect. Except the party has to end at nine....

One More 'Ah-Ha' Moment - Rancho Grande

So, remember my earlier post from that wonderful wedding at some mysterious location in Big Sur? The one with the bride in the cute dress with all the views, the outdoor reception...well, by the wonders of the world wide web, and my stellar seaching skills I found where the property is and who owns it!!! So it is toward the south side of Big Sur and it is owned by the late David Packard, of you guessed it, Hewlett - Packard!!! Crazy. The property is called Rancho Grande, and I spotted it when I was checking out satellite arial photos of the Big Sur coast line. And that's it in the picture!! The bride had her ceremony towards the left...


then walked the guests back down the trail to the home where the reception was!!


Anyhow, turns out that Julie Packard, one of David Packard's daughters is one of the executive directors and founders of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. There are quite a few articles on the work they've done and the money they've donated to the Monterey and Big Sur regions.

I was SOOO excitd to discover this! Though, undoubtedly this locations is out of our price range I need to make some more phone calls just to see what more information I can get!

South 40, Big Sur

Came across a gorgeous location in Big Sur only 15 minutes from Carmel. Scott and I will be viewing the property this Sunday to see just how beautiful it really is. Max 70 people.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium

Isn't this stunning. I can't really imaging having our wedding here, but a rehersal dinner, or some sort of pre-wedding festivities would be so fun. The Aquarium is one of Scott's favorite places - plus we had one of our first dates here six years ago.

The Paion House

The Paion House

Maybe This Friday

I got a call back from Diane Allen, a local Big Sur/Carmel wedding planner (www.bigsurweddings.com). It was so exciting to talk to her about my thoughts for the wedding, and I mentioned how I was in love with Point 16. She suggested that I also look at a private property closer to civilization called the Paion House. The house is privately owned with ocean front vistas and only allows five weddings per year. You have to go and 'interview' with the property owners because they like to get to know the couples, their histories, families, etc. before they decide who will get married on their property. So when I spoke with Diane, she said that we may possibly be able to set up two viewings for this coming Friday to see both Point 16 and the Paion house. I am so excited! Hopefully it will work out!

Words of Wisdom from 2000 Dolar Wedding:

Dearest Bride-to-Be:

The 12-18 months of wedding planning will pass in a matter of hours or days. When it’s all said and done, the photos will be the primary artifact remaining.
My wish for you—when you look back at those photos—is for you to think:

Look at how relaxed I was. Fully present in the moment. Basking in it. Soaking it in. I was not saturated in stress.

My shoes and dress were comfortable enough for dancing. My beauty radiated out of me; it was not applied to me.

I got to spend quality time with my friends and family. I was myself, not a show. In fact, I was my fullest expression of self.

I do not remember whether the invitations were letterpress or whether the flowers at the ceremony were the same ones at the reception.

The wedding favors or the fanciness of the food did not make memories. The sincerity did. The connection did. The time together did.

It did not matter whether every last detail conformed to the signature colors. Instead of saying, “What a beautiful bouquet,” the guests said, “What a beautiful love.”
This is my wish to you, dear brides, as you pore over wedding magazines and read daily blogs. Some of it matters. Most of it does not. Casting your net in the wrong direction will most surely mean you miss the things you most dearly want to catch.

May your wedding be just one sincere, authentic, happiest day in a long line of many.

This is my wish to you.

All my best,

Sara