Last, but not least....Ventana

This is the reception site at the "Upper Terrace" - again, beautiful views of the ocean. Space for dancing, a huge outdoor fireplace and a pretty veranda. We both really liked this space.





So this is the ceremony site with a beautiful view of the ocean and hillsides. Scott loved this location - the acoustics are really nice and it is an intimate area that would seat 50 people very comfortably.

Rancho Rico (Revisited)

Just some more beautiful photos of Lygia's place. The wedding shots were provided by Diane Allen...so beautiful!!!

Big Sur Day with Mom - Stop 2. Rancho Rico!

So...

This is what I was talking about when I envisioned a 'Big Sur ranch wedding'!!!! This property is absolutely amazing. There are uninterrupted, 180-degree sweeping views of the pacific at the ceremony site. There are no frills - it is a working ranch with cattle and horses and dogs running around. Beautiful, rustic wooden fences, natural grasses and trees...just simple, Big Sur magesty! I LOVE it, and can't wait to bring Scott - he fell in love with the pictures, so I know he will love it in person. Lygia has a large barn that she lives in - the upstairs being her private art studio - the barn can open for dancing if you choose to have your reception at the site. Then there is a fairly flat area in front of the barn where tables can be set up...I'm thinking however, that we would probably only have the ceremony here - spend a couple of hours with the guests taking photos, drinking lemonade and champaign while enjoying the stunning views and property. I am pretty much afraid to commit to an outdoor reception due to weather inpradictability and the questionable comfort of the guests. Plus renting a tent costs an arm and a leg...which is out of our price range anyway. But oh those views! If we decide on this location I will HAVE to wear cowboy boots!!!

Big Sur Day with Mom - Stop 1. Paion!

So this is beautiful Paion, and of course the images don't do it any justice...but it is breathtaking. The lawn is perfectly manicured and you are right on the cliffs above the ocean where you can hear the crashing waves. Diane was a great host with tons of valuable information and experience working with the homeowners. My Mom and I had so much fun seeing the beautiful place. There was also a firepit and a small wooden platform on the edge of the cliff for the bride and groom to post up on after the ceremony to enjoy a few private moments together. What a treat to see such a beautiful private property in Big Sur!

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.

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....