Featured Venue: Scripps Seaside Forum! | San Diego Event Venues

 

Breezy, Beautiful Ocean-Front Venue of Your Dreams

 

We just recently did a post about a spectacular wedding at this venue and thought we’d set the spotlight on the venue itself!

Thanks to True Photography who took all of these amazing shots, this venue takes our breath away!

 

 

If you haven’t noticed from these pictures, the views at Scripps Seaside Forum are phenomenal!

San Diego has some of the best beaches in California, but the waters in La Jolla are especially clear

and being there for a ceremony is like being on your own private island retreat.

 

 

Outside, there are multiple location options for a ceremony, cocktail hour, and general lounging spaces.

Each provides unique and priceless photos with incredible backdrops.

 

Inside, the dining and reception area can be separated by sliding wall panels, in case you want the dining area to be a surprise for your guests!

 

 

The room exudes warmth and artistry unique to the Scripps Main Hall and can be modified with drapes to your liking.

 

 

Here we can see the upper mezzanine level delicately shrouded by the elegant wall drapes.

It is an option that can add a more formal atmosphere to the theatre-like space.

 

 

We absolutely adore working at Scripps Seaside Forum and wanted to thank

all of the wonderful venue staff who are there at a moments notice if needed.

The events we’ve worked there in the past have been some of our absolute favorites!

 

 

Phoebe + John | Alyssa Boynton Photography | Scripps Seaside Forum

 

A Beach Wedding to set 2019 Standards!

 

Phoebe and John had the perfect weather for their water-front ceremony and reception at Scripps Seaside Forum.

 

Their invitations and Paperie were done by Minted and we are so impressed with this gorgeous watercolor work that flowed throughout their event!

Phoebe was shining in her gorgeous lace gown!

Phoebe’s dress was from Badgley Mischka Bridal.

John and his groomsmen were outfitted through Hugo Boss.

 

 

 

These two were so perfectly matched with their surroundings:

 

 

Relaxed, Bright, and Beautiful!

 

The Bridal Party looked so polished in their soft gray and slate attire.

 

Bridesmaids dresses from Show Me Your Mumu.

 

The stunning floral arrangements and ceremony Chuppah were products of the masterful craftsmanship of  Joel Garlejo.

We can’t help but be transfixed by Phoebe’s bouquet with all of its eye-catching unique blooms!

 

 

Twiggs Bakery Cafe delivered this casual yet clean looking nearly naked cake, perfectly fitting the wedding’s motif,

and had all the guests raving about the look and amazing flavors!

 

 

The ceremony area was breathtaking with the ocean so close

and the Chuppah draped gracefully with garlands of fresh eucalyptus.

 

Chuppah from Cedar and Pine Events.

 

It’s the tiny details, such as these hanging geometric ornaments,

that put that otherworldly touch of magic and romance onto a setting.

 

 

The ceremony was hypnotic and all attention was captivated

by the waves of genuine love cascading from John and Phoebe.

 

Ceremony officiated by Joann from Ceremonies De Vie.

 

It all came down to this magic moment…

 

…skillfully captured by the photographers Alyssa Boynton and Ashley Strong.

After the nuptials, cocktail hour commenced where our staff whipped up some tasty treats and drinks for the guests!

 

The tables were awash with royal blue goblets and marine napkins

to match Minted’s aquatic table numbers and escort cards.

 

Goblets and napkins by Hostess Haven.

Tables and chairs from Cedar and Pine Events.

 

After dinner, the dancing erupted in a flourish of fast spinning circles and

of course

the Hora!

 

To finish off the night, the cake was cut and promptly accompanied

by tiny flan tasters for each guest!

 

 

Huge thanks go out to John and Phoebe for including us in their special day!

We’re so appreciative of Rachel from Tres Chic Affairs for Coordinating all us vendors and working so hard!

Finally, one more shoutout to Alyssa Boynton Photography and

Ashley Strong Photography for these incredible pictures!

 

 

Featured Venue: The Thursday Club | San Diego Catering

We Love The Thursday Club!

 

Photographer: True Photography

 

With its elegant historic charm and spacious entertainment areas, it’s completely won our hearts!

 

Chris Erikson, the Venue Manager of The Thursday Club, is always eager to help and has years of experience managing this venue,

making him a knowledgable and priceless asset to event planning here.

 

Photographer: Unveiled Wedding Photography

Known for the beautiful ambiance and stunning views, this location is a jewel in the hills of Sunset Cliffs area out in Point Loma.

 

When not in use entertaining events, the venue is a clubhouse for members of The Thursday Club,

a philanthropic organization dedicated to giving back to San Diego.

 

According to The Thursday Club’s official website, “The Thursday Club was formed in 1921 when four young women proposed the beginnings of a club that would combine social activities with worthwhile civic and benevolent projects.”

In carrying on with the tradition and founding members’ vision, “The Thursday Club continues to participate in fundraising activities as well as service projects, both large and small. Certainly the most well-known is the Annual Rummage Sale held in Balboa Park every spring…”

Offering half of the proceeds from this rummage sale to several different organizations within Balboa Park, the rest are granted to San Diego community philanthropies!

Click here for more historic facts and to check out pictures of the original clubhouse!

 

 

So if Chris and the views aren’t enough to sell you on booking here, who can say no to partying towards a purpose?

 

Photographer: True Photography

 

Recently, The Thursday Club hosted its first Event Open House!

Organized by Chris from The Thursday Club and the fabulous Courtney from Breezy Day Weddings and Florals,

the event was captured by Katherine Beth Photography.

 

Photographer: Katherine Beth Photography

We offered small plates of our Argentinian Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri, Grilled Zucchini, and Whipped Purple Peruvian Potatoes.

Check out our instagram to see the green of the Chimichurri and the purple potatoes pop!

We so appreciated collaborating with such talented vendors and had a blast meeting with all the excited couples interested in our food!

 

Photographer: Katherine Beth Photography

 

Since first making the preferred vendor list in 1998,

we have made countless wonderful lasting memories and friendships with The Thursday Club

and look forward to many more years of collaboration ahead!

 

Thanks to all the awesome photographers tagged above for making this post possible!

Catherine + Scott | True Photography | Rancho Palo Verde Ranch

Gorgeous Lake-Front Wedding in Alpine!

 

Scott and Catherine found a magical location for their ceremony at Rancho Palo Verde!

 

 

Moments in Bloom constructed a stunning floral arbor for the outdoor ceremony

and kept the bouquets clean-cut and classic with a variety of ivory and dusty pink roses.

 

 

True Photography dazzled us with these impressive photos of the lake in their background!

 

The rest of their special day was conducted in the Ballroom of the estate.

Coordination through Always Flawless Productions made setting up so effortless for us.

This happy couple had a beautiful dusty rose linen base accented with warm metallic rose gold and champagne.

Shots of navy blue, like from Scott’s suit, deepened their overall pallet.

 

For dinner, we provided a wine service so guests had beverages from the deluxe bar to go with their seated meals.

They enjoyed either our Braised Beef Short Ribs in a red wine demi-glace or the Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Romano Chicken.

Both entrees were served with our buttery Chive Whipped Potatoes, Petite Carrots, and a tender Baby Greens salad with Candied Pecans, Bleu Cheese Crumbles, and Shaved Red Onion.

The cake topper and cupcakes that concluded the night’s official events were from Simply Sifted!

 

Thanks again to Always Flawless Productions and True photography for all of your hard work!

It was fabulous being a part of the team with all of these fantastic vendors.

Craig + Heather | True Photography | The Ultimate Sky Box

Another Sky Box Stunner!!

 

Craig and Heather worked with Creative Affairs at The Ultimate Skybox who provided them with Chauncey to help coordinate their big day!

We absolutely love working with these ladies at Creative Affairs Inc., their events are always beautiful and run so smoothly!

The couple’s choice of colors reminded us of Diamond View’s amazing sunsets: Tiffany Blue, Peach, and Magenta.

The bridal party had a blast with True Photography, who really knocked it out of the park exploring all of downtown and taking every opportunity to have a bit of fun.

We’re always amazed at their sharp eye for the priceless angle or unique captured moment!

Their ceremony was outside on the balcony overlooking the spectacular views of Downtown San Diego…

…one of our favorite parts about The Ultimate Skybox!

Guests were encouraged to sign the “Guest Board,” a snowboard that the happy couple can proudly display in their home for years to come.

 

By this time in the night, the Bar was open and the happy couple treated guests to some signature drinks!

The Old Fashion and the Moscow mule were their concoctions of choice and both were fabulous crowd pleasers!

For dinner, we helped Craig and Heather choose from our extensive menu items what to serve for their guests’ seated meals.

They started with our colorfully delicious Watermelon Caprese Stack Salad, dressed with a Blueberry Basalmic Glaze.

For the main course, they chose our Filet Mignon topped with Garlic Butter and Sauteed Onions or the Mahi Mahi with our Lemon Chardonnay sauce, per guest preference.

Paired with each entree was our decadent crowd-pleasing Goat Cheese Whipped Potatoes and Asparagus Spears.

For dessert, Heather and Craig opted out of a large cake, and after cutting a cake topper from Flour Power, went mini with these adorable cupcakes!

After cake and a little more dancing, Craig and Heather had us offer some late night snacks, and with the ballpark so close, they had us serve up some of our delicious All American Sliders.

These are perfect for those late night cravings!

We just wanted to thank Heather and Craig for choosing us to help celebrate their wedding and to wish this happy couple a wonderful (slightly belated) one-year anniversary!

So grateful to Creative Affairs for all of their hard work and, as always, to True Photography for their spectacular pictures!

 

Amanda + Bill | Always Flawless Productions | BRICK Liberty Station

 

Broody is Beautiful!

Amanda and Bill brought so much romance and sultry splendor to BRICK in Liberty Station with their wedding.

All the small details took the glamorous 1940’s vibe of an old movie hand in hand with the modern air of the venue.

 

The gradiant red tones of these dresses adds so much depth to photos!

Deep burgundy and navy, like the Bill’s suit jacket, compliment each other so well and the florist did an effortless job of creating stunning bouquets with these hues.

 

For the ceremony, the Huppah was hung from the ceiling in the middle of the room so guests could see the ceremony in-the-round.

This is a clever way to allow a large guest count to still feel included in the ceremony for a more intimate approach.

 

All these deep reds of BRICK’s walls, the table linens, roses, and even red tones in the copper accents were broken up by gorgeous greens so deep they were almost black.

Instead of being overpowering or gloomy, the  colors blended seamlessly and the room looked like an antique story book painting from Grimm’s Fairytales come to life.

 

Once the room was flipped from ceremony space to dining space, everything just really came together.

The lush floral arrangements and copper accents throughout the room filled the otherwise open warehouse and the mix of dark wood farm tables and rounds really optomized space in the room.

 

The couple brought in Tap Truck to bartend and the good-natured guys served beer and wine from their mobile intoxication station to the thirsty guests.

 

Along the theme of tweaking tradition, instead of a cake topper, Amanda and Bill decided to cut into a giant doughnut to share!

We also set up a Build-your-own S’mores station for guests to help themselves to all the goodies like Reese’s peanut butter cups and marshmallows.

 

The rest of the night was full of dancing and overall frivolity as seen here when their guests lifted Amanda and Bill during the horah dances.

 

To finish off the night, flanked by fireworks and friends, the happy couple bid everyone goodbye during their grand exit.

 

Thanks again to Bill and Amanda for bringing us along their journey towards wedded bliss. They were a wonderful couple to work with and we wish them all the best.

Thanks also to Always Flawless Productions for coordinating and as always to the BRICK staff for all of their hard work!

Confectionery Glee! | San Diego Catering

Wedding cakes are the newest blank canvas.

 

Couples can customize their cakes in nearly any fashion

and unlike our parent’s wedding cakes…

Although beautiful in their complexity, today’s cakes are simpler.

 

Cakes are very much like people;

they come in every shape, size, color, and flavor.

This is a chance as the Bride and Groom express yourselves on a blank canvas! Get the flavors you feel best represents your relationship and the style you feel best about!

 

If you’re looking for a clean classic look, check out these cakes with crisp white frosting and sharp straight edges.

Ivory or white frosting and is splashed with color from a few simple flowers to coordinate with the wedding colors. One of our favorite vendors, Flour Power Cakes, always has the most beautiful cakes with an infinite number of flavors.

Beautiful and timeless, this style goes well with modern, chic, or industrial looks.

 

This type of cake is also most often crowned with dainty, intricate cake toppers that can be customized to send any message the couple wants!

 

Oh, but believe me, we’ve also seen some unique cakes as well!

 

Another style that gained popularity over the last few years is the unfrosted or “naked” cake, which is the classic cake’s free-spirited cousin.

This particular cake pictured above is only “half dressed” and the style offers a trendy look while still falling under the “rustic” genre.

 

We’ve also had naked cakes that weren’t even caked at all!

Just recently a bride and groom ordered a giant, three-tiered Napoleon Cake for their special day. Many layers of golden brown puff-pastry are filled with millie fueille cream and dusted with powdered sugar, no frosting needed at all. It was unique, light in texture and flavor, and absolutely delicious!

 

If big, multiple tiers of cake just seems a bit too much, you can join another newer trend and go mini!

Not only do cupcakes allow for perfect portions, but they’re also great for exact number counts and the flavor options can be limitless!

To cut to the chase: your cake is free ground to express yourself however you want! Pick something you would want to eat. No ifs, ands, or bundts.

 

Recipe For Happiness:

“Happiness is like a cake we bake that creates the joy and fullness of life.

And, the recipe begins with one cup of resilience to keep it all together

Place next, one cup of acceptance for loving yourself dearly as you are

Put in one cupful of appreciation for your life and the beauty of nature

Insert one cup of direction to help follow those special goals you seek

Next, blend in one cupful of emotion for life’s intense love and feelings

Enter then, a heaping cup of relationships, made of family and friends

Stir in one cupful of giving for sharing your love and kindness with all

Stir, then add a cup of meaning for the purpose that makes happiness rise.

There you have it!”

 

By Sandra M. Haight from Poetry Soup.com

Featured Venue: The Ultimate Sky Box at Diamond View Towers

Where else can you get married over a baseball game in San Diego??

Photo by: True Photography

The Ultimate Sky Box in Diamond View Towers is one of our favorite venues for the wonderful Coordinating staff, chic modern style, and amazing views.

 

 

 

Downtown San Diego is spectacular from this angle!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The view from the patio deck has a 270-degree view of downtown and out towards the bay from Coronado Island to Point Loma.

 

 

They put on every kind of event and often host corporate events for conventions happening just down the street!

 

 

 

Photo by True Photography

Photo by True Photography

Photo by FilmFotoFusion

Since it is 15 stories up, there are no neighbors you have to worry about keeping up late at night with all the fun you’re having.

 

 

 

 

 

Weddings have great success here where the glass paneled wall can be opened or closed to accommodate larger parties during the on-season.

 

 

 

Full ceremonies can be had outside on the deck while the game goes on.

 

Some couples are lucky enough to finish their vows as the Padres made a home run, unknowingly timing their nuptials to the fireworks!

 

 

 

With projector screens, TVs, a built-in bar, awesome staff, and electrifying views, The Ultimate Sky Box is jam-packed with features to make your event amazing.

 

Thanks to all of the amazing photographers who captured the Sky Box’s best angles and to the fabulous coordinating staff for all the hard work you do to put on these events!

Photo by FilmFotoFusion

Vendor Appreciation | True Photography

Word of mouth has always been our most reliable and most lucrative source of advertisement here at Personal Touch Dining.

Without our clients, locations, vendors, and even staff, the advertising attempts that we have made would need to be expanded by hundreds–if not thousands–of dollars.

Even so, nothing beats recommendations from a trusted source.

True Photography has been an unquestionably loyal and favorite vendor of ours not only because they are fantastic to work with, but because their work is simply amazing. Few other photographers have such a skilled eye for unique angles and priceless opportune moments.

Location: Mt. Woodson Castle

Location: Leo Carrillo Ranch

Location: Mt. Woodson Castle

We love recommending them to our clients because we know the client will be thrilled with the experience and the product every single time.

We hope that this process goes both ways and just recently, True Photography reached out to us with this statement from a client:

My fiancé and I just booked our wedding at Mt. Woodson Castle in Ramona, CA for Sunday, October 27, 2019. We fell in love with the venue thanks, in large part, to your photos that Mt. Woodson features on their website (we live in Washington DC and were unable to visit any venues in person).” 

 

We can’t thank True Photography enough for all their hard work and unequivocal reliability throughout our time working with each other.

Out of the hundreds of pictures they’ve shared with us, it was nearly impossible to choose our favorites.

Here, we’ve only included a handful.

 

Location: Leo Carrillo Ranch

Location: Mt. Woodson Castle

Location: Leo Carrillo Ranch

Location: Leo Carrillo Ranch

Location: Leo Carrillo Ranch

Location: Leo Carrillo Ranch

Location: Leo Carrillo Ranch

Location: Leo Carrillo Ranch

Location: Leo Carrillo Ranch

Location: Leo Carrillo Ranch

Location: Mt. Woodson Castle

Location: Mt. Woodson Castle

Location: Mt. Woodson Castle

Location: Mt. Woodson Castle

Location: Mt. Woodson Castle

We look forward to any collaborative works in the future,

delighted as always.

 

Nathan and Erin | Next to Me Studios | New Children’s Museum

What a fabulous wedding!

Nathan and Erin had so many unique details that they brought into their special day, illuminating The New Children’s Museum.

Transportation from the hotel to The New Children’s Museum was on a stunning white and gold trolley car. It had just enough space for the happy couple and all 16 members of their Bridal Party!
The girls looked gorgeous in a variety of colors from dark teal to the palest dusty pink.
To offset the girls’ dresses, the gentlemen looked dashing in their navy blue suits and each tie matched the bridesmaid they were paired with!
Every detail was thought of.

The New Children’s Museum exhibits change periodically depending on the artwork contributed, but they always offer some of the most unique and fun photo opportunities.

The ceremony was outside, across the street in the public park. A giant golden hexagon, draped in light purple, peach, white, and pink roses served as the backdrop for the top of the aisle where the couple said their vows.

After the ceremony, back inside on the museum’s main floor, dining tables for guests were set all in white. The white chairs, linens, and napkins brought so much natural light to the space and made the metallic gold accents stand out.

One of our favorite unique details of the wedding was when two of the Bride’s cousins performed a song for Erin and Nathan!
How cute are these custom Jones Soda Bottles!?
The buffet food and some of the dessert station were provided by us here at Personal Touch Dining. We gave them lemon squares, berry bars, red velvet cake shooters, and they provided some of their own traditional family desserts as well.

We had so much fun with this beautiful couple and their wonderful family. Thank you to Molly Stark from Tres Chic Affairs for coordinating and Next To Me Studios for the stunning photography!

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