A special place for your Malibu wedding.....

Here at An Amazing Affair, one of our favorite parts of our jobs as wedding coordinators and event planners is scouting out the best venues for your event.  Of course, what may be perfect for one bride may be laughable to another.  So each week, Max Gough and I tour a different venue, always on the hunt for a place with that special something, that different vibe, that energy that cries out to be THE SPOT where two live, two families, two worlds collide and combine to create something new. 

This week, we went to the hidden treasure in Malibu - the Calamigos Ranch.  Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, surrounded by vineyards and estates, the 130 acre Calamigos Ranch offers a tranquil setting for your event.  It is almost hard to believe that you are so close to Los Angeles - there is no traffic.  No noise other than the falling water of the properties many waterfalls and the light breeze through the trees.  Beautiful open lawns with green grass and ponds, as well as pavilions nestled amongst the trees creating mini woodlands for your magical event. 

The place is rustically charming.  You almost feel as if you have been transported to a different time.  The Calamigos Star C Ranch was created in 1947 by Grant and Helen Gerson as a wellness and healing resort.  Amazingly, the ranch is still in the Gerson family!  Today, Glen and Mon-Li Gerson are carrying on the elegantly rustic tradition of excellent service in a fantastic environment that Glen's grand-parents and parents started over 60 years ago. 

Calamigos Ranch offers four different areas for your wedding or special event.  From small and intimate to a 500 guest extravaganza - Calamigos Ranch can handle your event.  Each unique and separate venue areas have their own individual style and charisma.  It is a ranch, and has a ranch style.  As we drove up the winding driveway, we were greeted by lovely horse statues on one side of the road, and growing grapes on the other.  Just lovely.

While everyone parks in the same area, (valet is available), there are several different paths leading to the four different venues.  The Garden Patio, the Ranch House, the Oaks, and the Garden & Pavilion.  

The Garden and Pavilion is simply breathtaking.  It is the grandest of the options at the ranch, with the ability to comfortably and seamlessly handle up to 500 guests.  The setting for the ceremony is under the embrace of a 100 year old oak tree with cascading lights.  The bridal party is perched up on an ivy covered elevation, giving all of your guests a framed view of your special moment. 

After your ceremony, you and your guests walk down a sycamore lined pathway with candles lighting the way.  The reception space is draped in white, with endless opportunities to create your own look, your own style in this lovely spacious area. 







If you guest list is somewhat smaller than 500, the Garden is an incredible alternative to the Pavilion.  It is a private enclave surrounded by majestic weeping willows and lush lawns for your guests, a lovely patio for your cocktail hour, and a lovely reception room centered around a natural stone fireplace flickering with warmth (in the wintertime, of course!).  





The magic of the Oaks begins as your guests step onto the path to walk up to the building.  It brings them into a garden with 100 year old trees, flowers, and ferns that create a feeling of being in another world.  As a bride, you cross a bridge spanning natural stone waterfalls to the ceremony spot.  You have indoor and outdoor choices for dining, and a fireplace to add vibrancy to the interior space.

The Ranch House offers a space for the most intimate affairs at Calamigos with a maximum of 140 guests.  The ceremony spot at the Ranch House is nestled against a limestone waterfall and seems almost dreamlike.  The ranch house also offers the option of dining under the stars or eating inside.

A few amazing things about Calamigos Ranch:

•  Even though they have four different areas with four ceremony sites and four reception venues, they all feel secluded, separate and private!
• Throughout the grounds, they have unique lighting outdoors.  Beehive lanterns, elegant chandeliers hanging from trees, bold light bulbs suspended on minimalist cords......it adds interest and a magnetic glow.
• They have a pond with a raft that is reminiscent of Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn.
• This location offers to ability to have your entire event at one location, which can be a plus for many brides.
• If you want a Los Angeles or Malibu wedding with a different flavor than what is typically expected, this is a place to consider strongly.

While this posting has mainly delved into the possibilities of weddings at Calamigos Ranch, at An Amazing Affair, we feel this venue has strong options for may events including bar/bat mitzvahs, sweet sixteens, vow renewals, anniversary and birthday parties, graduation parties, company and corporate events, and of course.......hoe-downs!

Contact us at An Amazing Affair for more information or a guided tour. www.anamazingaffair.com  We would be delighted to help you plan the wedding of your dreams at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu!
http://www.calamigosranch.com/

http://www.calamigosranch.com/

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Wedding Planning

Won't a wedding planner just take over and try to run the whole show?
In a word - no.  We work with our clients to handle as much or as little for the event as requested.  It is still your wedding!  We are there to take your visions and dreams and turn them into reality.  The style, the ambiance, the unique aspects of the day will always be a manifestation of your desires.

Can't I just plan my wedding myself?
Of course, you can plan your wedding yourself!  Frankly, the planning is part of the anticipation and fun of the engagement period.  However, it can also be a time-consuming hassle.  Checking out several vendors for each category of service and support needed, reviewing contracts and purchase orders, coordinating logistics, production elements, rentals, design, favors - all the details that need to be in place for your big day.    And - are you getting the best deal possible?  Or is your negotiated price higher than it should be because it is for a "wedding"?  (It happens!)  On your wedding day, your wedding planner will make sure that you and your bridal party, your family, and your guests can all relax and enjoy the fruits of your ideas and dreams.  You can focus on the beautiful memories being made, time spent with those you love, and the sweet elements of the ceremony and reception.  Let us handle all the rest.

Do I need a contract with my wedding consultant?
As in real estate, we recommend having an agreement in writing with your consultant.  Ideally,  there should be a formal contract or a letter of agreement outlining the scope of the services provided, fees, responsibilities of the parties, and timelines involved would be signed by all parties involved in decision making for the wedding and the consultant.

Do Bridal Consultants get "kickbacks" from suppliers and vendors they recommend?
Some vendors do offer commissions to consultants, much like airlines paying commissions to travel agents.  At An Amazing Affair, we pass on any commissions as discounts to our clients on the services in question.  Regardless of whom you hire, you should be informed of any additional payments the consultant may be receiving.   We take such disclosures seriously at An Amazing Affair.

We are a typical family - divorced/remarried parents, relatives all over the country (and some out of the country!), and both of us work.  How do we handle tensions or rifts in the family and still have the wedding of our dreams?   
With a wedding planner at your side, we can handle many of the detailed aspects of the wedding itself.  And we have the ability to smooth over the issues that may arise with today's complex familial relationships and history.  Ultimately, we want the bride and groom to have the people at the wedding that mean the most to them, and have their special day create memories for themselves and all of their loved ones.  Even obstacles that seem insurmountable can usually be overcome in honor of your wedding day.

Do I need a Bridal Consultant?
This is one of the times in your life that is precious......the time of your engagement.  Whether it lasts four months, a year, or longer, why not make this one of the most memorable times of your life?  Having a wedding planner at your side will be an asset for you as you plan your wedding.  You will always have someone to turn to at each step of the way, with the experience to handle the common stresses that may arise during the planning of such a momentous occasion.  Wouldn't it be nice to spend time with your fiance, your families, and your dearest friends rather than worrying about your big day?  One of our brides touched the lives of everyone in her bridal party (even the groomsmen!) and her closest relatives by writing heartfelt letters to each of them in the weeks leading up to her wedding while we reviewed contracts and arranged for parking valets and security.  Which would you rather do?  On the day of your wedding, you should be the shining star, emanating poise, grace, joy, and love while we meet the caterer and track down the florist!  Let us be the behind the scenes workers that make your day magical.

I don't know if I can afford a wedding planner.  I want a Bridal Consultant....but I have a tight budget.
In an ironic twist, it is in many cases even more important for a bride and groom on a tight budget to work WITH a bridal consultant!  Our clients save so much on flowers and floral design alone it usually covers the expense of the consultant fee (when working with our in-house florist).  Hands down, a bridal consultant will be able to negotiate lower fees in many instances, and will know which vendors will give you the most bang for your buck.  Your overall budget can remain the same, and you can have a lush, full day as big as your dreams.  Many couples feel that they just have to do away with the elements of their day because they cannot afford it; at An Amazing Affair, we work within your budget to give you everything you desire.  At the same time, we are up front with you about elements you may want that will stretch your budget too far.  Let us be your sounding board.

Visit us at www.anamazingaffair.com for more information.  We can assist you in creating not just a memorable day, but also a memorable engagement period, and wedding weekend.

The guests need to eat. Buffet or plated dinner? Decisions, decisions....

One of the many decisions couples have to face is.........buffet or seated dinner?  Sheesh.  This is a polarizing issue.  Some people are absolutely opposed to having to get up and get their food, and others want more choices and control over how much they get to eat.   Things get interesting when there is one of each in the marrying couple!  One of our last weddings, the bride hated buffets and the groom hated the limitations on plated dinners.

Years ago, the decision was usually a financial one.  Nine times out of ten the buffet was less expensive than the plated service.  Brides and grooms were able to have more guests and feed them all while still staying in their budget.  However, with the amazing buffets and action stations that many couple are opting to make a part of their wedding, often the costs are comparable.

So, what are the factors to consider when making this decision?  It is a big one to be sure.  

Buffet Pros:

1.  Amazing variety of foods and choices.  Gone are the days of plain chicken, grayish brown mystery meat with mystery sauce, and green beans in water.  Today, buffets can be creative, trendy, and fantastic.  Of course, carving stations are always a hit (at least with all the meat eaters).  However, now you can have action stations, where chefs create anything from hand rolled sushi to stir fry to customized pasta.  

2.  It is All You Can Eat!   Your guests can eat as much or as little as they like.  No one will be left wanting more.  If someone is in love with your gratin potatoes, they can sneak more without the embarrassment of asking the server for another plate of potatoes!

3.  More guests in less space.  On a practical note, the dinner tables can be slightly closer together than with a plated service.  If space is a concern, or you want a longer guest list, this can be a consideration.

4.  Your guests will get up, move, and mingle.  Your guests will see more of the other guests, more of the room, and more of you decor and personal touches.  Sometimes, when you have plated service, some guests "take root" in their seats and settle in for the evening.

Buffet Cons:

1.  The long, long, long line.  Please try to avoid this at all costs!  Have the DJ or the band announce tables to go up one at a time for crowd control.  Keep the line so that there is never more than three to five people before your guests reach the plates.

2.  Cold food, or food that runs out.  Make sure as you work with your wedding planner that the caterer is excellent at managing the temperatures (both hot and cold) and amounts needed to keep everyone happy.

3.  Carrying it all - plate, glass, napkin, flatware.  Consider your guests - make sure that getting their food is an easy, relatively effortless endeavor.  Just the plate, thank you.

4.  Mystery foods.  For both your picky eaters AND your foodie friends, make sure that your foods are labeled, or that your program has a detailed menu for them to peruse.

Plated Service Pros:

1.  There is a natural sophistication and elegance to plated service. Your guests feel as if they are being taken care of, and being served.  

2.  Better time management and crowd control.  It is easier to do toasts during dinner after everyone has been served (and are hopefully nibbling happily).  This is tougher with a buffet because people are focused on getting their food.  This can allow for more dancing after dinner!

3.  The Bride and Groom will actually eat!  So often at weddings, the bride and groom do not really eat dinner.  Having a plated service gives the bride a groom a chance to catch their breath and actually eat at their own wedding!

4.  You can express yourself!  You can choose both of your favorite dishes, and make it a part of personalizing your wedding reception.

Plated Service Cons:

1.  More expensive.  Even thought this is a smaller margin than before, the plated service usually still costs a little more than the buffet due to the need for more wait staff.  

2.  Still may not be perfect!  By the time it is served, the food may be cold.  Or vegetarians may accidentally be served meat.   Or, if you have children at your wedding, they may turn up their noses at the beautiful presented masterpiece.

3.  The guests just get what they get.  Their choices are usually more limited.  (I know of one wedding where the guests had nine main entree choices for the plated service!)

4.  Another item to track.  If you are having the guests send in their preference with their RSVP, make sure that your wedding coordinator has simplified how you will track who is eating what and sitting where!

A few more thoughts - if there are children at the wedding, it is easier for the parents to just make a plate from the buffet of food they know their kids will eat.  however, some of your other guests may get nervous about kids being near the food being served!  (Sometimes, it seems like a no win situation!)  Buffets do allow your guests to make their food the way they like it - sauce/no sauce, more veg/no veg, shrimp feast/no seafood.  Plated service adds a touch of elegance to a wedding that is undeniable, and makes crowd control a little bit easier.

One last note about buffets - please still have drink service at the table, and please still set the tables beautifully.  No wedding guest should risk spilling food and drink all over themselves and/or someone else trying to wrangle everything at once to their seat!

Ultimately, working with your wedding planner to make sure that they know what is important to you in terms of food experience, ambiance, spacing, and options is critical.  Then, having a masterful catering company to execute your dreams is crucial.  The reality is that both can be amazing, and both can be horrible.  As for the divided couple that had opposing views?  They ultimately had a fantastic buffet, with a carving station, and gourmet choices with an excellent caterer to pull it off with style!

What do you think is better?  And for those of you that are already married, which did you choose?

Which venue should I use for my beach front Santa Monica Wedding?

Where should I have my Santa Monica wedding?

One of the last weddings that we planned was at the beautiful Annenberg Community Beach House in the Marion Davies Guest House and Courtyard.  http://www.annenbergbeachhouse.com/plan-your-event/celebrations-and-weddings.aspx?s_kwcid=TC-1025855-8859924092-bb-813764189

The venue for a Santa Monica wedding was perfection.  The Marion Davies Guest House is a historic charmer overlooking the beach and the ocean.  The bride and her party get ready in a private room upstairs with an ocean view balcony and windows to spy on the pre-wedding activities.  The wedding ceremony takes place at the edge of the beach in a sunken courtyard.  This is ideal – you have the feel, the scents, and the sights of the beach and the ocean without the sand in your shoes and wobbly chairs. 

The cocktail hour is held inside the guest house as the courtyard is transformed into the dinner and reception area.  There is a “bar room” as well as a great room with a fireplace for your guests to lounge about drinking and noshing on hors d'oeuvres. 

The reception area can accommodate buffet style or sit down dinners, and the Annenberg Community Beach House has a list of preferred caterers for you to select.  Back to the Beach Catering did a fantastic buffet for this Santa Monica wedding! 

When you book this facility, they assign and “Event Coordinator” for your party.  This may sound like you are getting a wedding planner or wedding coordinator for your special day; however, your Annenberg Event Coordinator is mainly your contact person for the facility and all of the insurance, parking, and security aspects of using this venue.  They are a great resource and do a wonderful job, and work very well with your wedding coordinator to produce a phenomenal wedding or event!

As soon as we have clearance from the photographer to publish photos from the wedding, we will post them.  For now, to get a closer view of the facility, check out the website by clicking on the link above.

At An Amazing Affair, the Annenberg Community Beach House is one of our preferred venues for any type of celebration, and we would be more than happy to guide you through the intricacies of booking your Santa Monica wedding or celebration there!

Contact us and we will be happy to give you a guided tour of the facilities and options!