The First Step

After getting back from my trip from the Bahamas I told all my friends and Family the good news about my engagement. They were all very thrilled and excited for me.

Now where do I begin? I didn't know what to do first. When my sister got married 3 years ago, I helped her plan the wedding and thought I new what I would want to do for mine. I was so wrong. I don't know what I want, and I don't know where to begin. I think this is normal for most brides.

Research...Research...Research...I can't stress that enough. No matter how hard and tedious it is you have to research all your options. Someone once said to me, "even the richest people compromise somewhere with their wedding"

The First Step - Find a venue, get a date and time..
you can't do much else without a date. Photographers and florist need to know if they are available.

Oh and don't think it's too early to start looking....

My venue searching process consists of venue in the San Diego area all the way north to the OrangeCounty area.

Orange County:
Seven Degrees: This place is beautiful. It's in a unique shaped art museum. Very Creative staff and they do not require a coordinator. $$$
Marbella: Don't go here with Jeans on. They will not tour you if you are wearing denim anywhere(club policy) Other than that they place is gorgeous. The Ceremony site if large and faces the golf course. The reception site is beautiful as well, but it's small. $$$
Orange County Performing Arts Center - Patina Catering: This place is very unique. It features multiple options. There are floor to ceiling windows. you'll fee like a star. $$
Amada Plaza: I haven't checked this place out $$
Muckenthaler Mansion: My friend for married her! It's pretty! $$

San Diego:
Rancho Valencia: Spanish Villa feel. Very beautiful. They can accommodate parties as large 350, but you will have to rent a tent and all equipment the the reception will be on the Tennis court. Rental fees: $150 per person on top of the per person food and beverage fee. $$$$
Loews Hotels: Very Nice hotel. A little out dated. They have a grand ballroom, but the ceremony site faces a parking lot. Not good $$$
La Costa Resort & Spa Weddings: I loved this place. This the place we ended up choosing $$$$
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa: This place is fantastic. Spanish Villa feel. Very Cozy $$$$
The Prado: Beautiful Architecture. Small Ceremony site $$$
Paradise Gardens $$
Bahia Hotel: Grand Ball room , but dated curb appeal $$
Omni Hotel: Didn't check out this place but it's a gorgeous new hotel $$$
Lake Oak Meadows: Haven't been here $$
Catamaran Resort Hotel: Dated $$
Hotel Del Coronado: Gorgeous Ballroom that can accommodate a large party. Dated Curb appeal unless you like the cone shape roof. $$$$
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines: Very grand hotel. Gorgeous inside and ceremony site. Just have to make sure there are not golf tournaments during the time you want to get married to avoid all the tents and flags. The drive way up is a little dated. $$
The Ivy Hotel: Gorgeous hotel very high class. Expensive$$$$
The Witherby: Above SideBar in downtown San Diego $$$
The US Grant: I loved this place. It was my inspiration for my color scheme. $$$$
Lake San Marcos Resort My friend got married here. It was nice! ocean view... The receptions is not very open. We couldn't even see the wedding party. $$

Temecula:
Temecula Creek Inn: Very County feel. Comes with a Stone House $$
Villa De Amore: This place is gorgeous and private. The only thing that I found bad about this place is that there is quite a drive to get there. Kind of dangerous for people whom may drink alcohol. $$$
Pala Mesa: This place is very nice and well thought out for weddings. $$$

Very Pricey Venue:
Montage Laguna Beach: $$$$$
St. Regis Monarch Beach: $$$$$