the condor's nest ranch

a good friend turned me on to this fabulous southern california gem today, and i simply had to share with you immediately — the condor's nest ranch in pala, california.

on a perfectly secluded california ranch, the condor's nest is not only naturally beautiful, but designed to make the planning process an absolute breeze. their packages are full of options and amazing prices, and the views are...stunning.

owner's bob and lisa have this to say: "we are committed to making the overwhelming process of planning your wedding day as easy as possible! ...we include as complete a package as we can so you can focus on the fun details (cake, flowers, invitations!) and being as creative as you want to be! (for the non-creative types we can do it for you, or recommend someone who can!!)."

if you're planning a los angeles wedding and want a unique, all-inclusive venue, give it a whirl.

photo by amy kaplan.

the ebell of los angeles — a true vintage gem

i've been blessed to discover several amazing venues this season, and the ebell of los angeles is truly a favorite. the fact that i only discovered it recently makes it all the more appealing.

a little history: the ebell is an educational and philanthropic organization founded by women in 1894 — already it's fabulous. they administer a college scholarship program for women and men, as well as a program assisting women in need. they also maintain and preserve art collections, an historic clubhouse, and the wilshire ebell theatre.

what makes this place additionally special are the exceptional grounds, gardens, ballrooms and grand spaces that are open for wedding and other special events.

there is something so romantic, nostalgic, almost otherworldly about this place. with its vaulted ceilings, arched doorways, lush landscaping, its history... it's so uniquely los angeles.

plus, they can accommodate guests in varying numbers, from an intimate 100 to a bash of 400. so if you're considering tying the knot here in town, or you're traveling in for a vintage hollywood destination wedding, you must put the ebell on your list.

and then, you can invite us. :o)

a rustic southern wedding at fearrington barn

while i love all things modern, i am also a sucker for all things vintage and rustic — and of course, chic. to that end, what could be more rustic and chic than a southern wedding held in an historic north carolina barn?

the folks at fearrington village may just have one of the most appealing, charming regional venues in all the south. in truth, there are several venues at fearrington, but my favorite is definitely the barn.

there's just something exceptional about the image of a couple enclosed in a rough-hewn barn made soft and romantic by silks, fresh flowers, twinkling lights, and an army of guests decked out in all their finery. if you're a bride anywhere near north carolina, you must consider this venue. and of course, send pictures!

photos courtesy of fearrington village, missy mclamb photography and abigail seymour photography.

purple splendor at the four seasons

we are delighted to share one of our favorite recent events — the january wedding of lisa & andrew at the four seasons hotel in los angeles.

with fabulous design by cobalt events and lush, sophisticated arrangements by the hidden garden floral studio, the amethyst and periwinkle palette was bold, romantic and utterly chic. we looove the use of creamy white flowers against bright plum vases and wisteria linens. it's a perfect balance of soft and vibrant color.

for our part, custom stationery was designed in hues of rich purple and delicate periwinkle to match the overall aesthetic. custom menus, table numbers, escort cards and programs varied in color to coordinate both with the couple's wedding invitations, and to complement the surrounding decor. we loved being a part of it.

for more details about this wedding, visit the secret life of flowers — the official blog of the hidden garden. their work {and blog} is synonymous with elegance, so you're sure to pick up a few great ideas.

photo courtesy of the hidden garden.

location is everything

okay, now this is cool. i literally just discovered the location connection, an incredible venue resource that provides access to unique privately-owned mansions, homes and estates across the country.

initially intended for use by the film industry, the company has opened its doors to couples looking for an unforgettable setting for their dream wedding — something above and beyond the ordinary.

that's exactly the kind of couple we cater to at paper olive, so i immediately had to share this. i honestly had no idea some of these spaces were even available, so it makes the idea of wedding planning even richer in potential. can you imagine some of this imagery as your ceremony backdrop?

from spectacular grand estates with sweeping vistas and sparkling pools, to chic intimate spaces with exotic flavor and eclectic decor, it seems these guys have access to anything and everything.

rental prices are comparable to those charged by 5-star hotels, so if you're looking for a genuinely original venue that sets the tone for a sophisticated, truly personal event, you definitely need to check them out.

pink + peonies = perfect

the peony is hands down my all time favorite flower. so when i saw an airy cluster of them featured on a pair of strappy pink heels recently, i went absolutely craaazy and was instantly inspired. a whole wedding built around pink and peonies? what could be more perfect?

the stunning badgley mischka shoes were clearly the inspiration, but there are many fabulous ways to incorporate this lush flower into your design aesthetic.

how about an outdoor central park wedding that mixes the summery peony with coordinating flowers and elements in the same pink hue? bold boutonnieres by ariston florist would mix beautifully with cherry blossom accents and a playful cotton candy display that looks like a vase of peony stems (very clever).

i'm nuts about this peony cake, which is whimsical-yet-classic and just plain gorgeous. it makes a perfect complement to the sweetly simple tablescape by martha stewart — don't you love the pink glass china? crazy pretty.

and finally, what bride would be complete without this dupioni silk-lined peony clutch by red ruby rose? it's like a breath of spring. all right, how many brides out there love the peony as much as i do?!

photo credits
cake • tara donne; cotton candy • kristin spencer photography; boutonniere • patricia kantzos photography; shoes • ling photography, st. paul, mn.

weddings on the mount • edith wharton style

edith wharton, nineteenth-century author of such classic novels as the age of innocence and the house of mirth, was as fascinated by architecture and garden design as she was by old new york society.

probably the most exceptional example of wharton's many talents was her first home and self-designed estate know as "the mount," built in 1902.

now a museum and tourist attraction in lenox, massachusetts, the mount is a lush, vast american estate that is now often used for weddings and elegant gatherings.  how breathtaking is this place?

we particularly love the glorious landscape and walled gardens of the mount, which seem almost to be designed for celebrations and entertaining.  if you're planning a wedding in the new england area, it's definitely worth a visit.

hooray for hollywood

so, you're getting married, but a church wedding just isn't your style. gardens and beaches aren't grabbing you either. what to do?

well, if you're the kind of bride who simply must find the most original wedding venue possible, then you might want to consider the special events department at paramount studios.

not only has this legendary institution been making movies for almost a hundred years, they are also in the business of making memories for couples everywhere. the experienced event staff offers 5-star service in creating your event, utilizing many of the same resources used by blockbuster productions. it's magic.

i mean, where else can you mingle with hollywood history while sitting beside such an iconic backdrop as the paramount studio gates?

and speaking of iconic, what better way to complement your event than with our hollywood save the date? it's fresh, irreverent, and totally fun. after all, if you're going hollywood, you might as well go all the way.

for more details on paramount studios special events, check out their website. lot wedding photo courtesy of paramount studios.

real weddings • allison and kevin • cape may seaside fete

other than my own wedding, one of my favorite events has to be my sister's wedding 3 years ago. fabulous modern color mixed with sophisticated antique accents made her wedding truly original in every way — it is still a model for my own personal wedding style.

probably my favorite thing? the incredibly unique juxtaposition of a hot pink and black color scheme against a beachy blue backdrop, and a reception hall with tiffany blue and silver walls. it was beach-meets-old-hollywood-glamour, and it totally worked.

allison's venue, the congress hall inn in cape may, new jersey, did a fabulous job with the special touches, like accommodating a special menu of mini-philly cheesestakes for the groom, and an out-of-this-world sugar seashell wedding cake for the bride.

with all the attention to detail, allison was fortunate to have bella pictures on hand to capture all of the gorgeous scenery — especially since they turned into a stunning custom photo album as part of their package. i just have to crack it open every time i see it on her coffee table.

oh, yes...and it doesn't hurt that my sister and her husband are both gorgeous! of course, the lazaro couture wedding gown did put everything over the top, and i absolutely loved it.

i gotta tell you, girls, sometimes the dream dress is just worth the splurge, don't you think?

hotel del coronado • the ultimate beach wedding

i just returned from a glorious weekend in san diego, california, where i was privileged to stay, sun and dine at the hotel del coronado. honestly, there is no other hotel on earth to match it.

the travel channel rates the del as the number one wedding destination in america, and it's no wonder. i ultimately chose a tuscan escape for my wedding, but my second choice was a casually elegant beach wedding at the del. it's quintissentially californian, quintissentially fabulous.

the hotel beach is vast, pillowy and pure white, and the hotel architecture is a throwback to the east coast, with its nautical trimmings, wraparound porches and english woodwork.

the accommodations are updated with modern touches, but still have an old-world feel. again, it's no wonder, since the del is an historical landmark.

can't you just see your wedding here? the beach ceremony above takes my breath away. it's just so inviting, so lush. so romantic.

the hotel also has great restaurants, pools and shops, which means a perfect escape for you and your guests. there's a sizable price tag for a del wedding, yes, but the overall setting is priceless. i couldn't wait to blog about it, seriously.

in fact, below is our beachcomber invitation, which was inspired by hotel del coronado. nestled in a luxe white box to match the beaches, the invite was adorned with blue abaca ribbon and leather cord, and secured with a genuine sand dollar. it's the essence of beach wedding chic.

if you are interested in more information about your own wedding at the del, visit the del's celebration center for details. and be sure to invite me!

photo & design credits: hotel del photos courtesy of hotel del coronado. wedding ceremony photos by tim otto photography, featuring floral design by karen tran florals. sand dollar beach wedding invitation by paper olive.

destination africa — a safari wedding

"your wedding ceremony takes place beneath ancient african ebony trees in a lovely area overlooking the sand river where crocodile swim by and hippo can often be heard grunting their territorial calls..."

such is a wedding described by into seychelles, a luxury travel service that specializes in arranging spectacular destination weddings within the indian ocean islands of seychelles.

for the adventurous couple who is daring of spirit yet still desires luxury as they explore the indescribable wilds of africa, into seychelles offers a wonder of choice.

wildlife is abundant, and the decor of the singita game reserves — a key partner of into seychelles and a supplier of luxe african honeymoon accommodations — certainly pays homage to the unforgettable african landscape.

so in love are we with the idea of an african safari wedding that we've designed luxury invitations to make the idea even more unique.

our safari invitation suite features all of the natural elements and color palettes one would expect from a seychelles honeymoon and game safari wedding, but with all of the elegant details a bride and groom of distinction would still expect.

it's original, it's unexpected, the entire concept is out of this world. married in africa. what are you waiting for?

a four seasons wedding

ahhhh...

that's all i can say. i recently lunched at the four seasons hotel in westlake village, and found it so luxurious, so spectacular, so serene, and the staff so generously stellar that i have no other words. if you're a platinum bride — or you would just like your wedding day to be the one time you genuinely go all out — you must consider the four seasons hotel.


don't get me wrong, the four seasons on doheny in los angeles is also outrageously perfect. but there was something of a resort feel to westlake, and the easy drive from l.a. made it feel like a genuine escape — perfect for a destination wedding without all the travel hassle.

my own wedding took place not far from the four seasons, and if the hotel had been available for me on my day, there's no question i would have jumped at booking this place. grrr!

so, why the blog? 2009 wedding season is fast approaching, and i know i was already booking my venue for my summer wedding at this point — so take note, brides. the four seasons westlake will soon require all brides who book weddings with them to hire a professional wedding planner to manage the often unwieldy battalion of vendors that are scheduled to parade through the place.

get while the gettin's good, my friends.