With the baby news, I had to push forward the wedding plan. Initially, I was thinking sometimes in late spring/early summer time frame for next year. Guess what, no longer the case. During the search for a location, I made the following criteria:
- Architecture or culturally interesting
- Prefer water view/water front locations
- Small & intimate setting rather than “grand”
- Beautifully décor and presented
- Size appropriately to the number of guests
- Excellent food and service
- Within budget
- Both the ceremony and reception sites are relatively close for transportation purpose
- SoCal area or Santa Barbara
I know my idea of a wedding has changed over the years. When I was much younger, oh, during the age when I was still reading romance, I wanted a grand wedding. Now that I am wiser, and understand myself much more, I rather have a smaller intimate wedding; just the people that is important in my life, not everyone under the sun!!!
Tom and I both agree on the guest counts, somewhere around 50 totals. Once I started searching for a site, I realize that having a smaller wedding is actually more costly per guest count as many places have a minimum amount requirement.
On the bright side, pushing the wedding forward brings me into the “off season” and “short notice” category. Of course, all Saturday evening slots would also be booked by now. So with either a Friday or Sunday choice, it is much easier to negotiate for a lower minimum spending requirement.
The criteria list, I narrowed down to two sites.
- La Venta Inn, Palos Verdes
- Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore, Santa Barbara
After a brief visit to both sites, I fell in love with the La Venta Inn immediately. In terms of cost for a Sunday wedding, the difference in not significant. On the other hand, the La Venta Inn would be completely private for my event whereas the Four Seasons, I would only have a private room and the courtyard for the ceremony. The view from the La Venta out beats the Four Seasons. Hard to believe, but it is true. I cannot wait for you to see it.
So at last, it is settled! The wedding ceremony and reception will be at the La Venta.
No comments:
Post a Comment