Location! Location! Location!

Finding the right venue to have our wedding was the most challenging and important part of my planning. There were a few requirements that the place had to meet in order for it to be dubbed "the perfect venue”.

First of all, the ceremony and reception had to be at the same place. I didn't want to have to deal with transportation for my guests, between the two locations. And if I could get ready at the actual venue that was an extra added bonus!

And second, the venue had to be unique and very "us." I wanted the "wow factor" but it also needed to be within our budget.

So after throwing out ideas like Hawaii and South Africa and briefly checking out some places in Northern California we decided it was best to get married in our own backyard. (Not literally since our "backyard" is a 6'X3' concrete patio.) But in our own backyard meaning San Diego. After all it is where we met, fell in love and hope to spend the rest of our lives. Why wouldn't we get married here?

After stopping off at a few places in La Jolla and Del Mar, we found ourselves in Rancho Santa Fe at the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa (www.ranchovalencia.com) I fell in LOVE! Over and over and over again.

Believe me when I say this place is incredible! You can see for yourself by visiting their website but you really need to see it in person. As you drive up to the resort you're welcomed by groves of gorgeous citrus trees (so very California), and upon entering the actual resort area you're surrounded by beautiful reddish pink Mediterranean style architecture.

Every corner we turned offered up another "ooooh" or "aaaah" moment. With lush, tropical plants like bougainvillea (I still have no idea how to pronounce this word as everyone has their own opinion) and huge palm and eucalyptus trees, it's easy to get lost in the moment.

So on September 27th 2008 Rich and I will be married on the Sunrise Patio, which is a quaint little location featuring saltillo tiles, a bubbling fountain and white roses. The cocktail hour will be held in the Fountain Courtyard with a center fountain and outdoor fireplace and we'll dance the night away in the fabulous Terrace Room, with beautiful French doors and covered terrace.

Everything is really coming together and I'm getting more excited each day. But for now I'm off to Vegas Baby! To celebrate my dear friend Lynsdy's Bachelorette party. It's going to be so great to let loose and focus on another bride for a few days!

Look out Vegas here we come!

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