Wedding Themes We Love! | Part Six | San Diego Catering

Welcome back for Part Six of our WTWL Series!

In Part Five, we talked about our lazy, “Sunday Kind of Love” wedding themes. If we were to categorize this next theme, we’d have to say it was for our “Hometown Honeys.”

One of the most popular and versatile themes last season was a love for the Rustic!

Rustic Romantic, Rustic Bohemian, Rustic Vintage, even Rustic Alternative couples have loved throwing a little of this flair into almost every wedding motif.

Specifically, when we’re picturing this homey concept, we imagine romantic string lights, mason jars, lots of lace, twine, dark or unfinished wood, barns, trees, mountains, ranches, and the rural outdoors.

Best of all…Every dining style fits this motif!

Buffets tend to be the most popular option for couples choosing to go along with the less formal feel of this theme, but Seated Dinners and Moving Style/Small Plate receptions work flawlessly too.

Check out some of our favorite venues below for a little inspiration.

The Historic Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad California

This gorgeous 1939 ranch is rich in history and tucked into the canyons of Carlsbad. With is classic Spanish influence, wild roaming peacocks, and great outdoor space, it’s perfect for couples who are looking for that unique rustic charm.

We can’t blame couples for falling in love with the pastel color pallet that comes naturally here.

We’re always fans of the crisp white, sage green, warm terracotta, and the signature Leo Carrillo blue.

Natural beauty is everywhere with succulent gardens, massive–nearly a century old–cacti, soft stone, and abundant fresh eucalyptus.

Many couples are relieved not to need extra decorations to achieve the look they want. Spend that extra cash on something fun for you and your guests!

There are separate Private Bridal Rooms that are available to get ready in!

The Bride’s Room, in the historic Hacienda, is Leo Carrillo’s repurposed bedroom, and its dripping with vintage elegance.

The Groom’s Room is outdoors in the historic Carriage House, and we love the masculine feel of all the exposed brick and textured beams.

Farm Tables look so natural at this location and add a higher authentic quality feel with the dark finished wood.

How many wedding venues have wild peacocks that freely roam around during events?

These friendly foul made Leo Carrillo Ranch their home long ago, and relish the opportunity for extra attention from guests.

Mt. Woodson Castle, Ramona California

Another even older historic venue, constructed in 1921 and tucked into the mountains between Poway and Julian, is alive with rustic charm.

The Castle was decorated with hand-painted artwork on many of the ceilings, giving each room personality and unique spirit.

The entire Castle is built from natural stone from a local quarry meticulously pieced together created a work of art that is perfect for the Rustic look.

The Windmill, originally used to draw water from a well, no longer functions as anything other than a fantastic background for magical photos.

The Castle has multiple ceremony locations, but by far, the most Rustic would be the Oak Tree Ceremony Location.

Beneath the shade of these majestic boughs, couples can declare their love while guests feel transported to a forest glen.

A Country Wedding with cowboy boots goes with the rustic theme like love and marriage.

We love this idea of white boots and a lace gown, exploring the flower fields behind The Castle!

The lace and boots combination isn’t only for the Bride!

Adorable, shorter, lace Bridesmaids gowns pair flawlessly with this motif.

For your tables, keep the decor simple!

Wildflowers, wood, and a few candles are all you’d need when the beauty of the mountain is all around.

Even the ceremony decor can be fresh from the farm.

Who knew that a few wood crates, candles, and some white pumpkins for a Rustic Autumn Wedding could complete your look?

These romantic misty mountain views are unchallenged is their unique beauty.

More Inspiration

DIY Seating Charts

These well-loved windows are the perfect place for your guests’ names and table assignments.

Rustic Sweetheart Table Decor is easy to find and affordable.

We’ve even seen couples use a vintage door and two wine barrels as their table!

As we always say: Keep your wedding theme True To You!

Need help with the planning process?

Feel free to contact our expert Event Planning Teams, who are always ready to answer any questions you might have!

Keep an eye out for Part 7, “Bohemian-Chic”, coming soon to our WTWL Series!

Martina + Ty | Lisa Marie Photographie | La Jolla Woman’s Club

Vintage Elegance with a Beachy Twist!

The First Look is always such a suspenseful moment!

After a few last-minute touches to wardrobe, Ty was placed out in the garden patio and told not to peek while he waited for Martina.

With their Bridal Party eagerly watching from the windows, the love birds reunited with a light tap on the shoulder.

La Jolla Woman’s Club always allows for the best pictures!

If you’re looking for someplace with effortless class and vintage charm, this venue is perfect.

Can’t have a wedding without a ringbearer!

We love when couples involve every member of their family in their wedding plans.

These girls are ready to party!

A little bit of romance, a little 20’s vintage sparkle, and a lot of fun, these bridesmaids dresses were a fantastic choice.

Navy blue suits are timeless.

Sharp yet friendly, good for all seasons, and our favorite for versatility, this color makes everyone look great!

La Jolla Woman’s Club has three main outdoor locations with incredible backdrops for their ceremonies!

This fountain focal point also includes the gorgeous church tower and palm trees.

With Flourish decorated the floral arch for the ceremony, and we love the pops of peach in this wild romantic arrangement.

After the ceremony, guests were encouraged to share their congratulations on a piece of the happy couple’s sign-in puzzle.

Opting out of a book that will rarely get seen, we love ideas like this that can become art!

To find their seats, everyone looked for their escort cards beneath a shot of lemonade in the signature Shot Glass Wedding Favors!

The tables inside looked exquisitely set, with a mix of welcoming beachy airs and high-end vintage class.

The refined crystal cut goblets counterbalance the bo-ho chic nature of the wooden chargers and pom-fringed napkins.

TBD (To Be Designed San Diego) provided the overall look and worked closely with Ty and Martina to find that perfect combination.

With Flourish decorated the tables with simple centerpieces that complimented the elaborate tablescape, so as not to over-clutter the tabletops.

Our appetizers are always a hit with guests, and we appreciate couples who want to customize our menu to fit their specific needs!

Simple, with barley seed decoration, this delicious wedding cake was the perfect size for the love birds and their immediate family to enjoy.

Dessert stations with a little bit of everything are perfect for guests with different dietary restrictions.

The happy couple brought Macaroons, cake pops, and home-made Rice Krispy Treats!

Thanks to Lisa Marie Photographie for these incredible pictures, and to the newlyweds for sharing their special day with us!

We’re so happy we could help your dream day come to life.

Vendors:

Location- La Jolla Woman’s Club

Coordinator– Kayla Teague “Simply Gorgeous Events”

Rentals– TBD (To Be Designed, San Diego)

Lisa Marie Photographie

Florals- With Flourish

DJ– Good Mood Events

Spring Open House! | Thursday Club

True Photography

Wedding Showcase

A perfect occasion for a little direction in the wild world of Wedding Planning.

Visit one of San Diego’s most popular wedding locations!

Admire the sweeping views of famous San Diego beaches, and witness spectacular sunsets from this gorgeous one-of-a-kind event venue.

Unveiled Wedding Photography

Enjoy the evening with specially crafted food, drinks, and desserts!

We’ll be there, along with other vendors from The Thursday Club’s exclusive preferred list, serving one of our favorite dishes and answering any questions you might have.

Katherine Beth Photography

Open House means Open Invite!

The event is free, but reserving your spot is required.

So, RSVP HERE to put your name on the list!

We’re excited to see you there!

Wednesday, April 8th, 2020

6 pm-8 pm

Charnel + Munyoki | True Photography | Darlington House

Vintage Glamour

Another stunning wedding reception at the Darlington House!

Working in collaboration with Back Patio Event Design was a dream, and we loved celebrating Charnel and Munyoki’s special day!

This venue is so timeless in its classic beauty; the vintage elegance is unparalleled.

Our staff always take such care with setting the dining tables, especially when there are so many gorgeous details involved!

During cocktail hour, we served guests delicious appetizers and craft cocktails, like our Apple Ginger Sparkler!

Our fresh Bruschetta on crunchy Baguette Slices, drizzled in a tangy Basalmic Reduction, and topped with fragrant basil is a crowd favorite.

Their family came from all over the world to celebrate with the happy couple, so having a globe sign-in book was such a fun idea!

Pacific Entertainment, the DJ that evening, brought the newlyweds to the dance floor for their First Dance as husband and wife.

The sweetheart table, a true royal dais, looked like a work of art!

For dinner, guests went through our hearty buffet, eating their fill of our Herb Crusted Mahi Mahi, Rustic Chicken, and Rice Pilaf.

Our skilled staff expertly poured champagne for the toasts.

The dazzling three-tiered wedding cake, baked by Cakes to Celebrate, looked like one of the gorgeous decorations with all of its gold embellishments!

The happy couple also had a Candy Bar, filled to the brim with all white candies, where guests could pick their favorites and make goodie bags to take home!

We love a loud crowd for a fun Grand Exit!

Glow sticks and bubbles always make these pictures pop!

We were so honored to help these two celebrate their love, and we wish them all the best in their future together!

Links to Vendors:

Darlington House

True Photography

Cakes to Celebrate

Pacific Entertainment

Lol Foto Booth

Back Patio Event Design

Wedding Themes We Love! | Part Five | San Diego Catering

Welcome to Part Five of our Wedding Themes We Love (WTWL) Series!

Are you looking for a more laid back, even “Lazy Loving,” kind of vibe for your wedding?

Our experts found a couple of great theme examples paired with the perfect dining experience for each!

West Coast/ Beachy

Beach weddings are always a favorite for couples and guests!

The soft breezes, salty air, and vacation escapes are reminiscent of Part Four of this series if you want to mix a little tropical travel into your wedding motif.

Photographer: Alyssa Boynton Photography

Have fun with your bridal party, and incorporate some cute beach details into their ensemble.

We love these mermaid earrings, and groomsmen could sport some themed socks or ties on the big day!

Photographer: Logan Cole Photography

This smart couple used an old oar from a thrift shop for their sign-in book, and it’ll look so chic as decor in their future home!

The best part of this theme is that anything that washes up could be perfect decor with a little TLC.

Spice up your linen options with a fun pattern.

These broad stripes are fun and just nautical enough to give the tablescape the right feel.

The escort shells are eco-friendly, long-lasting, and so darn cute!

Just find some on the beach and make a night of it with your friends and their most delicate handwriting.

Pull centerpiece inspiration from the beach!

We love the look of this “Coral Garden” made from a few succulents and a sea star.

Have some fun in the sun!

Beach weddings are the perfect excuse to let loose. Ask your photographer to have fun with your photo opportunities, and we’re sure they won’t disappoint!

Photographer: True Photography. Venue: Scripps Seaside Forum

Speaking of the Sun…

Custom shades are the perfect wedding favor for your guests!

Photographer: True Photography

Beach and Beer go together, like Love and Marriage.

Keep those brews chilled on a warm beach day with a custom beer koozie favor!

Photographer: True Photography. Venue: Scripps Seaside Forum

This theme is as beautiful as it is low-key, views like this are the best backdrops in the world!

Photographer: Alyssa Boynton Photography. Venue: Scripps Seaside Forum

Deep blue goblets and watercolor table numbers are an elegant way to keep the ocean idea subtly running through your tablescape.

Photographer: Alyssa Boynton Photography

Repurpose that junk surfboard for your seating chart!

All this idea took was a little black chalkboard paint and a steady hand.

Venue: Darlington House of La Jolla

This theme is super flexible for dining styles, and our experts love the idea of a Buffet style, but all three of our suggested methods work!

If you’re looking for a set up on the classy scale, a seated dinner would add a little formality, especially while your guests are going to be admiring the hard work you put into your tabletop decor.

The Moving style dinner is another excellent choice if you know your guests are likely to want to kick off their heels and eat while they dig their toes in the sand.

Garden Party

This type of wedding is just as relaxed as a beach wedding, but there’s no need to worry about sand in your shoes.

Garden Parties, like Beach Weddings, are lovely in their versatility. It’s easy to make your event more casual or formal, depending on your tastes by including a few small details.

Venue: La Jolla Women’s Club

Garden parties work perfectly for couples who want a romantic feel without overdoing it with excessive, expensive florals.

Charming tents fit right in with this theme and are fantastic for a little added shade for your guests during those peak hours in the sun.

Venue: Martin Johnson House

If you’ve got craft skills or are interested in DIY decor, this type of wedding would be perfect.

This theme is casual, and we’ve seen couples stick with traditional dining styles, such as a Buffet dinner, and love it.

A new and fun idea we would love to see during cocktail hour is a combination of a Buffet and a Picnic!

Encourage your guests to grab a basket and travel along an appetizer station, filling their baskets with tasty snacks as they go. At the end, offer guests small blankets to promote lawn lounging in groups!

Day/Brunch Wedding

Fun, comfortable, and finished before sunset, this type of wedding is a delightful treat we wish was more common!

Perfect for Sunday Events or couples who aren’t looking for a lot of fuss, just quality family time.

Photographer: Sara France Photography. Venue: Darlington House of La Jolla

Entertain your guests with some fun lawn games!

Incorporate vintage class with Croquet for that Victorian Era feel, or stick with the favorites like Corn Hole and Bocce Ball to please the crowd.

Photographer: Sean Walker Photography. Venue: Mt. Woodson Castle

Morning weddings are a great excuse to have creative cocktail bars too!

We’ve seen Mimosa Stations with fancy juice varieties and fruit toppings, but this Blood “Marry Me” Bar looks like a Sunday morning dream!

Photographer: Sean Walker Photography

Morning hours also mean perfect weather!

Here in San Diego, summer mornings are known to rival the evenings.

Photographer: Sara France Photography. Venue: Darlington House of La Jolla

Try a lighthearted floral plate to add to the Brunch vibe for your tablescape!

Photographer: Sara France Photography

Sunny mornings should come with all the right accessories, and we love the idea of parasols as wedding favors!

Photographer: Sara France Photography

Much like a Garden Party dining style, Buffets are perfect but make it a breakfast buffet, and we’re sure your guests will be thrilled!

A Moving style or having multiple Breakfast Stations would be a step up and provide a more extensive selection for guests who are picky eaters first thing in the morning.

Contact our talented Coordination Team for a relaxing planning process for your event!

Keep an eye out for Part Six of our WTWL Series, where we focus on Rustic Charm!

Coming Soon!

Wedding Themes We Love! | Part Four | San Diego Catering

Welcome to Part Four of our WTWL (Wedding Themes We Love) Series!

In this section, we’ll stray away from generalized “Moods,” such as we’ve shown represented in a Romantic or Modern theme.

Instead, we’re shining a light on Specified Subject Themed Weddings.

Some couples have a distinct shared event, pin-pointed hobby/interest, or even holiday that they feel defines a significant part of their relationship, and that subject steers couples towards the theme of their special day!

Travel

Here’s a theme that has become super attractive to young adventurous couples recently!

We’ve seen so many creative ways to incorporate travel into the smallest details for a wedding.

Photographer: Sara France Photography. Venue: Darlington House of La Jolla.

Above, a talented couple was able to recreate the Adventure Book from Disney’s “UP!” used as their suggestion/sign-in book where they asked their guests for new travel destination inspiration.

Guests can even pick up personalized ticket/escort cards to find their seats, seen below!

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

This witty Flight Attendant had her garters custom made from pieces at her job!

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

Have guests sign an atlas to use in your future travels!

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography. Venue: Mt. Woodson Castle.

Use a globe as a sign-in book or destination suggestion/card box.

Have your guests fill out postcards to themselves for you to send when you’re on your adventures!

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

Vintage suitcases make perfect displays for favors or photo booth props.

Photographer: Robin Harris Images

Tropical

Can’t wait till the honeymoon?

Excitement over palm leaves, tropical flowers, and island escapes have been blowing up over the last few seasons!

Honestly, we can’t blame these couples for falling in love with the neon, retro, exotic, frond-filled paradise they’ve created.

Photographer: Dear Lovers Photography. Florist: Splendid Sentiments. Venue: Harbor View Loft.

Like being dropped into a jungle, minus the heat and humidity, a wedding in a garden venue such as the San Diego Botanical Gardens, would be a perfect affordable tropical escape.

Venue: San Diego Botanical Gardens

This happy couple brought the exotic beaches of Cuba to their big day through the use of palm fronds.

Photographer: Logan Cole Photography. Florist: Joy of Bloom Florals. Venue: Darlington House of La Jolla

Correctly placed printed palms can establish the proper mood as well!

Photographer: Logan Cole Photography. Florist: Joy of Bloom Florals. Rentals: Adore Folklore.

Fiction

If you and your love are fans of any fictional world, we’re talking about anything from Disney, Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Game of Thrones here is some inspiration!

Have your wedding in an actual castle!

Venue: Mt. Woodson Castle

Your favorite books can be centerpieces or table numbers as a creative way to get your guests to their correct tables.

Photographer: True Photography Venue: Mt. Woodson Castle

The Cake Topper is often a personalized reflection of the Bride and Groom, why not make it a fun version of yourself?

Photographer: True Photography

After your event, using the centerpieces as your guests’ wedding favors is a sure way to immerse them in your favorite fantasy world.

Holidays

Popular holidays such as Christmas, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, etc. have been used as inspiration for a couple’s wedding theme as well.

These dates can be attached to important cultural events or meaningful family moments that are influential enough to be an underlying spirit throughout the wedding.

Are you looking for a little extra luck on your big day? In the picture above, the couple wanted to celebrate their strong connection to their Irish roots, and threw their wedding on St. Patrick’s Day!

A white winter wedding can be like a second Christmas with the chilly weather and gathering of family. Subtle decor, like the pinecones below, can be a discrete nod to the holiday season without covering everything in tinsel.

Photographer: ABM Photography

Hobbies

Whether it be a specific sport, activity, or shared interest, if you and your loved one share a passion, why not bring it into your wedding planning?

Photographer: True Photography

For example, this couple wanted to bring their love for Baseball into their celebrations for loving each other!

Photographer: True Photography

This caffeine craving couple custom printed their favorite drinks onto their toasting glasses!

Photographer: Dapper Images

All in all, a wedding day is all about celebrating love!

If a couple loves a particular subject almost as much as they love each other, use it as a launching point for a wedding theme!

Chances are, it’ll be no surprise to any friends or family who know the happy couple, and everyone loves a customized wedding.

Feel free to Reach Out to our talented coordination team for answers to any planning questions!

Keep an eye out for Part Five of our WTWL Series, coming soon!

Valentine’s Winter Open House | The BRICK | San Diego Event Catering

See us at BRICK’s Winter Open House!

The clock strikes midnight on February 15th. In that instant, romance is off the shelves, perched on discount racks, and tragically forgotten.

But if you’re up for a little more love in the air, BRICK is throwing their Winter Open House, February 19th!

The perfect belated Valentine’s date, or Galentine’s night out, this event will be a hopeless romantic’s dream!

From 6-9 pm, see us in action as we serve up our best, and take in all of the stunning love-inspired florals, rentals, and decor from other talented San Diego vendors.

This exclusive event is free for our amazing clients and their friends or family. So, click HERE to let us know if you’re interested in joining us!

Other Participating Vendors:

Platinum Event Rentals

Folklore Rentals

New Creations SD

DJ Hot Chocolate

Frost Me Gourmet

Wednesday Cake

Andrea David Photo

The CLLCTIVE

Voice & Video

Posh Privy

Diamond Daughters

BRICK Beverage

BRICK Coordination

Wedding Themes We Love! | Part Three | San Diego Catering

Here we are again for Part Three of our

“Wedding Themes We Love!” Series

Romantic

In Part One of this series, we mentioned the Formal/Traditional Themed wedding as the most often mentally pictured for a wedding.

If Formal the first, thanks to Hollywood, the Romantic Theme would be the close second.

This theme is most natural to blend with others, and frankly, there are very few weddings that wouldn’t fall under the Romantic spectrum.

The defining characteristic of this theme?

All the florals, bigger is better, especially in loose, wild arrangements as though plucked from an enchanted forest.

Florals below by Flora Glamor

Photo by Gabriel Conover Photography

Everything is in pastels like cream, blush, lilac, sage, and cornflower blue.

Photo by Fleeting Fox Photo

No hard edges or defined lines.

Like walking in a dream, everything is soft and flowing with a life of its own.

Photographer: Gabriel Conover Photography

Warm glowing hanging lights, like the classic Market or cheerful Christmas lights, add to the ambiance.

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photo

Plunge your guests into an ethereal atmosphere where magic seems closer than ever, and they feel like they’re part of your fairy tale!

Photographer: True Photography

This theme can fit any dining style due to its versatility! So take a closer look at your guests and their needs instead.

Have a reasonably young crowd excited to dance? Go with a “Moving Style.”

Are you looking for something more traditional for your fairytale wedding? The Seated or Buffet dining option is more your scene!

Whimsical

This theme is for the unconventional couple looking to embrace the unexpected on their special day, hoping to wow their guests!

Photographer: True Photography

If your mood is “Don’t take life so seriously, this is a party,” then this is the theme for you!

Photographer: Bella Grace Lynn Photography

Mismatched decor works well for this idea, so go wacky, unique, and eccentric for your big day.

The bottom line is always to think bright, colorful, and happy!

Photographer: Bella Grace Lynn Photography

If you and your partner are both a little quirky, be proud and let it reflect in your centerpieces, signs, everything!

Photographer: Mirage + Light Photography

Due to its young, fun-loving, casual, unconventional nature, going with a “Moving” or Small Plate Style dining for this theme seems like the best fit.

A Buffet is a fun option for this theme, too, if wedding guests would feel more comfortable casually sitting to chat throughout the night.

Alternative

On the opposite end of the color spectrum, a couple doesn’t have to be bright and cheery to be unconventional!

Photographer: Mirage + Light Photography. Florist: Love Her Madly

No need for sunglasses inside to battle the neon aesthetic like in the theme above.

This theme tends to feel more formal with a nod towards modern class and sophistication.

Photographer: Jessie Schultz Photography

It’s perfect for the offbeat couple who are looking for something broody and beautiful.

Darker, jeweled tones promote a moody color palette that can be just as romantic as the pastels!

Photographer: Aubree Lynn Photography. Florist: Studio Fleurish

We love the idea of smokey grays embellished in champagne or wheat.

Or perhaps a palette inspired by the sky at night calls to your heart!

Photographer: Val Dostalek Photography. Florist: Splendid Sentiments

We can see Small Plate or “Moving” Style dining perfect for this theme, but with its formal air, a Seated dinner could also be a smart choice!

Coming Soon!

Keep a lookout for Part Four of this series as we explore the Tropics, and some clever Travel themed weddings, (for those who can’t wait for the honeymoon!)

Venue Appreciation Post | La Jolla Women’s Club | San Diego Catering

The La Jolla Woman’s Club

Photographer: Sutography Weddings

According to the official website, this historic venue was established, and the club created in 1914.

The organization’s objective is “to work in all ways and at all times for the welfare of the world at large and the community of La Jolla, CA and to be a center for educational, cultural, artistic, moral and social betterment.”

Photo by: Alex and Jana Photography

With its timeless elegance and rich charm, it’s one of our favorite venues to make the magic happen!

Photo by: Alex and Jana Photography

The ample space available allows for flexibility both indoors and out for the ceremony and reception!

Photographer: Sutography Weddings

Historic stained glass windows, like heavenly bodies, watch from above as the stage hosts live bands and DJs ready to keep your dancefloor popping!

Photographer: Sutography Weddings

Working with this incredible venue for as long as we have, we’ve always appreciated the refined elegance they incorporate into their daily practices.

Photo by: Alex and Jana Photography

We just wanted to give them a little shoutout for keeping us in mind for all these years of wonderful memories and incredible events!

We’re so honored to be considered part of the past, as well as a future!

Bejeweled Goblets for Every Occasion! | Colored Glassware | San Diego Events

Color doesn’t have to only come from the flower arrangements!

Spice up your tablescape by adding pops of color at each seat with these gorgeous goblets.

These come in all different styles and shapes as well, so stick with one color or even mix and match hues to encompass the full spectrum of your wedding pallet.