Wedding Venue: Poinsettia Pavilion

Poinsettia Pavilion is located in beautiful Ventura, California. Despite having lived so close to it, I never had much of an interest in checking this place out. Mostly because I thought it was a "typical" wedding hall venue that probably looked like every other banquet room.

It wasn't until I saw it person that I really began to appreciate all that this venue had to offer. Which came in the form of a lobby right out of Mad Men.

And by that, I mean I'm pretty sure all of the decor is original to this 1954 building.

So if you love kitschy, vintage styles from that era, like I do, this place will be right up your alley.


Disclaimer: I didn't take the best photos. In fact, looking back, I'm wondering why the hell didn't I get a shot of the exterior of the building. Your guess is as good as mine.

Brady-Bunch-esque mod poles flank both of the front doors

Lobby

The Pavilion offers two reception halls to choose from (actually, there are three, but the third one seems more like a meeting room). The Santa Paula Room accommodates up to 70 people, and the Ventura Room accommodates up to 250.

Entrance to the Ventura Room (kitchen is on the far side)

-Parquet flooring throughout

-PA system

-Wireless internet

-Piano available

-Plenty of private parking

-Event must end at midnight

All dining arrangements must be made through Scofield Catering.

Worth Noting: When I visited the pavilion earlier this year, I was told that they were in the process of updating all of the drapery. The curtains shown in these photos were going to be replaced with a more neutral colored set.

The Poinsettia Pavilion is situated on a hilltop and offers a pretty great view that even rivals the one at The Cross (minus the treacherous drive).

The Channel Islands

Rental fee includes the following:

-6 hours, including set up and clean up
-Setup of all tables and chairs
-Use of microphone

Additional fees include:
-Decorations offered by venue
-Linens
-Security (required if alcohol is served)
-Security deposit

Santa Paula Room (not shown): $900
Ventura Room: $1,800

For more information, contact Carol at (805) 648-1143

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Engagement Shoot: Photography by Melissa Bergen

Several weeks ago, Eric and I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with our friend-slash-wedding photographer, Melissa Bergen.

Since this was the first time that Eric and I had taken legit photos, we were both pretty nervous about how the day was going to go. Neither of us really knew how to "make love to the camera" (Remember when Tootie said that on The Facts of Life?) and we were both sure that we did NOT want staged, fakey, prom-like poses. You know the kind I'm talking about. Borrrrring.

We knew how we wanted our photos to look- aged and candid with a touch of American Gothic and Flowers in the Attic- and Melissa made it happen.

The day ended up going by so fast and we had such a great time, we were actually bummed when it was over! Melissa has this super calm way about her and she got straight to business without us even knowing. Not once were we posed or asked to do something cheesy or generic.

She got so many great shots, we had a hard time narrowing down our selections.

Here are a few of our favorites...

We LOVE our photos and can't wait to see what she does on our big day!

If you're looking for a photographer- she does all types of shoots- in the greater LA area, I'd highly recommend contacting Melissa. She's affordable, super easy to work with, and takes great photos!

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Wedding Cakes: A Never Ending Saga

I'm going to complain about wedding cake tasting. Which sounds stupid, I know. But just wait until you hear the whole story, then you'll really think it's stupid.

Bakery #1: I had to email and call the baker several times, reminding her that I was waiting to hear back. I was told by a staff member that they only offer cake tastings during the week from 12 - 3pm. But was told a different time by the actual baker. We finally made it to the tasting and guess what it sucked. Both the frosting and the cakes were greasy as shit. Not to mention, the baker wasn't payin' no mind to the simple style of cakes we were describing, but instead, pointing to photos of brightly colored, obnoxious, fondant cakes that she has made. Barf.

Basically, this was the baker. Except not as cute.

Bakery #2: I was lucky enough to speak directly with the baker on my first call. She was a little busy and asked that I call right back and leave my info so she could call me back. There were a few days of phone tag. We had a tentative time set up to talk shop, but that time came and went. Turns out, she was actually really busy because her son was graduating that week. More phone tag. We finally catch each other... and she tells me that she's a small-time baker and not equipped to serve such a large party. She could have told me that about 10 calls sooner. Ugh.

Bakery #3: Emailed a few times with the baker. Filled out an online form with all of our wedding details, including cake flavors. Scheduled a cake tasting. Two days before the appointment, I emailed to confirm. Only then did she respond saying that her husband's grandchild passed away and that they had to cancel. When she got back, more delayed follow up. This time, it happened to be because her son was coincidentally getting married that very week. By this point, I'd given up interest. However, she followed up with me in an attempt to reschedule, so we went along with it because A) she might have totally bitchin cakes, and B) it could have been bad timing with the other things going on. She said she would email me some paperwork immediately. Two days later, I still hadn't received it. Over it.

Bakery #4: Loved the baker and the cakes! Didn't love the price. Wah.

Bakery #5: Phone tag AGAIN. After a couple of weeks, baker leaves me a voicemail apologizing for being MIA. Apparently, her mother is sick in the hospital and she had to rush out of state to be with her. I give her the benefit of the doubt and we continue with the phone tag business. She seems super nice, so I continue to waste my time. I leave her a voicemail recapping all of the wedding details and mention that we would like to make a decision by next weekend. The next day, she calls with news that she will be traveling to another state, then having foot surgery, and will be out of commission for the next month. Considering that our wedding is just around the corner, she's off the list. Fucking aye, by this point I'm expecting to see Allen Funt at any moment.

Bakery #6: Great cakes! Loved this place. Ready to seal the deal! Then we find out our wedding venue is out of their delivery zone. Fuuuuuuuuuug.


We have one bakery left to try this week and then a decision will be made.

CAN I JUST GET SOME FUCKING CAKE?!?!

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Featured Wedding Venue: La Perla del Mar Chapel

It's official: The wedding planning has begun!

Over the next few weeks, I'll be showcasing a different venue that I've visited in the hunt for our perfect wedding location. Most of these places are not popular venues that you'd find in your typical wedding research. Some may be a little non-traditional. And all of them are perfect for the budget-conscious.

 One thing I noticed while looking at venues online is that most websites don't show the details of the space. I.e. the light fixtures, windows, flooring, etc. And they always show the space when it's fully decked out in someone else's wedding decor. Hopefully, the shots I've taken will give you a better idea of the what each venue looks like as a "blank slate."

Like a venue? Give me your input! (If you already know which venue we've chosen, don't spill the beans, please!)

Courtesy of www.laperladelmarchapel.com

LA PERLA DEL MAR CHAPEL

Located in Shell Beach, this chapel can be rented out for all kinds of events, including church services, yoga clases, and art shows. Originally built in the early 1940's, the chapel was losing its congregation and funds and was put up for sale in 2008. Shelley Malcom and Garin Sinclair purchased the property and renovated it as an events venue for public use.

There is a small, two-bedroom cottage located right next to the chapel, which can be used as the bridal party's dressing room, a honeymoon suite, or even for cocktail hour, if you're hosting a smaller event. The cottage is a former schoolhouse, and while it is located at the same venue, the use of this space is not included in the rental fee.

Chapel - alter area

Chapel - wood beams

Chapel - lighting

Chapel -windows

Chapel - exterior

Chapel - exterior

Cottage - kitchen

Cottage - dining room

Cottage - living room

Cottage - bathroom

Cottage - bedroom 1 (Murphy bed) 

Cottage - bedroom 2 (Murphy bed)

Cottage - exterior 

View to the beach

The rental fee for this venue is as follows:

Hourly rental - $200

Six hours - $1,000

10 hours - $1,500

Packages include Wedding Coordinator and chairs (not sure about tables).

Additional fees include security deposit ($500), liability insurance, Officiant, and sound technician or DJ.

Note:

I emailed/ spoke directly with Shelley Malcom and she was super friendly and accommodating. Even though she was going to be out of town during our visit to the area, she arranged for her daughter to let us in to both buildings, and even followed up with an email after our visit. Very easy to get on contact with. Two thumbs up for this vendor.

This is a great venue for a more natural, homey, rustic wedding.

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Phrases I'm Tired of Hearing.

If I never hear these words/ terms/ phrases again, I will be in Heaven.

Saying "I know, right???" or the alternate "-Right???"
Used in a conversation
Person A: "I can't believe she wore those jeggings. They are so out of style."
Person B: "I know, right???"
This makes no fucking sense because Person B has not said anything that would require affirmation. Instead they are asking for affirmation for what Person A just said. Which obviously Person A already affirmed because he/she was the one who freaking said it in the first place.


Verbally saying "OMG" pronounced "Oh em gee"
Used in a sentence
"OMG, I'm so excited!"
This slang verbiage should be saved for texting or some other occasion that requires informal typing. The only time it should be used in actual conversation is never.


Inappropriately calling someone "Passive-aggressive"
Used in a conversation
Person A: "Hey, would you guys mind keeping it down? I'm on a phone call."
Person B: "SOMEONE'S being passive-aggressive today..."
When a person directly asks you to adjust your behavior, that's not called passive-aggressive. That's just normal human interaction. Quit making something out of nothing and get back to work.


"Honestly???"
Used in a conversation
Person A: "What do you think of your brother's new girlfriend?"
Person B: "Honestly??? I'm just so over her."
No, not honestly. I asked you a question because I want you to answer with the most inaccurate, falsified, faker-fakington response your imagination can think of. To be clear, there's nothing wrong with starting a sentence with the word "honestly." It's the pause and question mark that are unnecessary.


"Bandwith"
Used in a conversation
Person A: "Hey, do you have any bandwith to take on this editing project?"
Person B: "No, sorry. My schedule is full today."
Usually heard in the workplace, "bandwith" seems like the trendy way to say "time." Why don't people just use say "time" instead? For the same reason they say "ping me" instead of "contact me." Because this is the future.


"Literally"
Used in a sentence
"I laughed so hard, I literally shit my pants."
Do you know what the word "literally" means? Did you actually poop in your pants? I'm pretty sure you didn't, because if you had, you probably wouldn't be so eager to share that piece of information*. (*Unless you're me.)

If you have any, feel free to add them below. Sharing is caring.



Speaking of poop-

Yesterday, while on a phone call with a wedding vendor, I managed to say "feces pit" instead of "pieces fit." I'm sure she was impressed with my extensive knowledge of wedding terminology.

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You Will NEVER Guess What Happened This Weekend...

Friday night, Eric and I had plans to see The Shining at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. We had both been looking forward to it as we both LOVE The Shining and an actual showing in a theatre is not something that happens everyday. We left home early and spent time walking around The Grove. For anyone not familiar with the LA area, The Grove is an outdoor shopping mall where celebs are always spotted. In fact, we were walking next to a couple who (apparently) was famous and a TMZ photographer was trying to strike up a conversation with them.


We admired the sights...

And enjoyed the sounds...

We ended up in The Farmer's Market, which is a labyrinth of covered, outdoor food vendors. There were LOTS of places to choose from and it was kind of overwhelming.

We decided to take a break and have a drink at one of the vendor's stalls, 326 Bar. Eric ordered Golden  Monkey, a Belgian ale. I ordered a chardonnay because I felt like being fancy. We struck up a conversation with the female bartender, who had a booming voice and looked like she would be a contestant on Chopped. We were having a great time, hanging out, talking about anything and everything.

And then something amazing and unbelievable happened...

ERIC ASKED ME TO MARRY HIM!!!!!

! ! !

And, of course, I said YES.

We hugged and kissed and I asked him a million questions about the whole thing. I was SO surprised and had no idea it was coming, so naturally I wanted to know all of the details. It turns out, he had consulted with two very important people the night before: My mom and Pearl. He got the thumbs up from both and decided to pop the big question while we were out seeing one of our favorite films. He was originally thinking he would ask me in front of a light exhibit at the museum, but we were having such a good time at The Farmer's Market, that the mood struck him and he went for it then and there.

With tears of joy in our eyes (and a swollen red nose from crying), we told our new friend, the bartender, about our new relationship status. It didn't take long before everyone at the bar knew and were clapping for us.

Time flew by and the next thing we knew, we had to book it if we wanted to make it to the film on time. We snapped a couple of photos on our way out to commemorate the moment and made our way to the museum.

We made it with a few minutes to spare. And then we watched The Shining.

And took pictures of the light exhibit on our way home.

And celebrated with Pumpkin Spice and Chocolate Sprinkle cupcakes at 12am.

And that was my weekend.

I am SO happy. My life has been so much fun and so little stress since Eric and I met. If we had decided to stay boyfriend/ girlfriend forever, I would have been totally fine with it because I felt like I had already won: I didn't need to get married to have the best partner. So the fact that he went out of his way to surprise me with this special moment means even more. Plus, he gets mega points for proposing in the middle of a food haven.


Did I mention we're totally engaged???

:)

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It's a Nice Day for a... White Wedding.

Two weekends ago, Boyfriend and I headed up the coast to San Luis Obispo for Katie, my old college roommate's wedding.

The beautiful bride making her entrance. She was escorted by her cousin.

Her super cute dress was from a vintage store in Hollywood.

The ceremony was very short, but very sweet. Katie's dad was the officiant. He told sentimental stories about what it means to be a husband/ wife and he told funny stories about when Katie and Adam first started dating. Right around the time when my eyes started to well up, they both slipped their rings on, said "I Do!" and it was over. Which I was thankful for because I didn't want my makeup turning into a Marilyn Manson mask.

Hors d'ouevres. They had my favorite cocktail hour snacks- cheese, fruit, pita, and hummus.

The wedding was held at Tiber Canyon Ranch- a beautiful woodsy venue where they make blown glass and olive oil. During cocktail hour, they also had cubed bread and several varieties of flavored olive oil for dipping.

With roomies, Courtney and Liana. "Durrrrrrrr."

"Just one more picture!"

"JUST ONE MORE PICTURE!!!"

Roommate reunion!! It's just like I'm in college again!! ...Except with less highlights and more muffintop. (L-R: TILTE, Katie, Liana, Courtney)

Gah- I love these photos! Boyfriend is so handsome.

The couple decided to go with a cupcake display instead of a traditional wedding cake. There was no "cutting of the cake". Instead guests were welcomed to pick the cupcakes of their choice any time after dinner was served.

A chandelier hanging over the cupcakes.

The barn where the ranch owners live. The inside is where the buffet was set up. The outside is where the dancing took place.

My plate. Bread w/ butter, seafood paella, green salad, tabbouleh salad, and grilled veggies. Did I mention it was a buffet...? Mm-hmmm.

The happy couple during their toast. The groom's sister told a funny story about when she used to work as Katie's supervisor. She always knew Katie would make the perfect partner for her brother and she kept bugging him to give her a call.

The first dance as Mr. and Mrs. White.

A handsome onlooker.

Cool lighting.

Eating a cupcake the "right way" according to Chelle.

And lastly, our drive back home.

Everything about this wedding was beautiful- from the location, to the food, to the couple. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. White- hope you're enjoying your honeymoon!

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