Frustration with a Capital “F”
November 10th, 2009 § 1 Comment
Dear Wedding Venue Person Who Is Not Calling Me Back:
I have waited for one week for you to follow-up to our last conversation. You said you would send information “right over” and we now find ourselves 8 days later and I am still waiting for that email.
Now I can understand how one would think that after 18 years of dating, 8 days seems nominal in comparison. Afterall, I have made it through 31 years of life waiting for this day to come…what are 8 more, right?
Well here is the thing Wedding Venue…if you knew who I was marrying you would understand my impatience.
I’ve trudged through my share of losers, jerks and douchbags. I’ve gone on many bad dates- one where the guy actually got so drunk he passed out at dinner. I have invested countless hours in painstaking ”get to know you” conversations, only for them to be for nothing. I have been through bad breakups and I have done things I am not proud of in relationships…so you see, I have done my time.
I’ve also given out my number before and waited for the phone to ring. So you see, I am no stranger to sitting by the phone willing it to ring, waiting for that one person you want more than anything in the world to call. And right now Wedding Venue-that person is you.
After all these years Wedding Venue, I finally found my person. He makes me feel like Christmas morning-you know that feeling you get of excitement and warmth early in the morning? He makes me feel like my grandma’s house did-safe and warm and loved unconditionally. He is that one person I never get sick of talking to-even in the moments when we sit and say nothing I still feel like we had the most important conversation. This is my person, Wedding Venue and now all I want to do is marry him.
So you see Wedding Venue, I need you to call me back because this is the person I am supposed to feed the ducks with at the lake on a bench when I’m 80. This is the person I want to wake up next to every day for the next 60 years and I cannot start that journey until we find the perfect place to begin our lives together. Wedding Venue you are that perfect place…except that you seem to not understand how important it is that you call us back. I know you are busy planning weddings, because so are we. But we need you to call us back so we can set our date, tell our families and so I can spend the next 11 months imagining the day over and over until the day actually comes. So please, save us from jumping off the ledge and going to the courthouse or eloping to Niagara Falls because I have already spent so much time imaging our wedding with you.
Condor’s Nest Ranch Part 2
November 1st, 2009 § 6 Comments
This weekend was tremendously productive for the wedding.
First, let me start by saying we went to Condor’s Nest and discovered that it was not our venue.
The drive to the ranch was interesting, it is right past the casino in Pala and in a neighborhood that is very rustic. I will tell you that the ranch itself is lovely. The ranch is owned by a very nice couple who live in Orange County and split their time between their home and the ranch. Condor’s Nest Ranch is home to a number of adorable fuzzy animals including llamas, horses, pigs, chickens and a handful of dogs. From talking to the couple, their affinity for antiques and adopting animals that have nowhere to go, is clear. Both things I have much admiration and respect for.
Condor’s Nest Ranch is a very rustic feeling wedding venue. If you want the run of the ranch, a large venue space, full accommodations, space for 15 of your family and friends to lodge in and don’t mind antiques and a western feel….well then this is your perfect venue!
They use the arena in the beginning of the ranch for parking. The arena can accomodate about 300 cars or so if I remember correctly.
There is a re barn on the site which has about 8 horses stalls and also keeps a large pig who recently had the most adorable baby piglets.
There is a tub right next to the bar which would be a great place to fill with ice and store all your drinks for your guests.
A great feature of the ranch is its rooms and accommodations for 15 people, which could actually translate to more people than that since it is so expansive. The rooms are all western themed and antique feeling. There is a John Wanye room and a cowboy room in the mix. Some of the houses have full kitchens and bathrooms so it would make for a very comfy space for your family or wedding party.
This is the newest addition to the ranch and will be the new greenhouse where the owners are toying with the idea of growing centerpieces on site for weddings.
This room is an old slaughterhouse converted to a house dedicated for the dogs on the ranch. I couldn’t stay in this room for long because I have a very vivid imagination and was getting much to into the “slaughterhouse idea.”
Here is the great tree that you could get married under. It looks out unto an amazing view of the valley.
This is the main house where your guests will enter and then proceed outside. The main house has many rooms, bathrooms and a full kitchen. It also has a large flat screen television and wireless internet.
While the Condor’s Nest didn’t have the rustic romantic feel I was looking for it is a very unique venue. If you want a ranch feel this is your place. A lovely couple, an expansive canvas and accommodations make this a great pick.
Pricing Information:
Package 1 – The Perfect Day Package $12,500 (includes tax and everything listed!)
Wedding Ceremony Site for up to 100 guests - no time limit.
Reception Site for up to 100 guests – no time limit!
Lodging in the main house (6,000 square feet) - 1 Night (sleeps 10)
Tables for Reception – 60″ round tables OR 8 ft. Long Tables (your choice)
Gold Chiavari “Bamboo” chairs
White Hotel Linens – full length tablecloths and napkins
Wedding Coordinator for Day Of! 8 hours on your big day, plus 2 hours ahead of time coordination (email/phone/meeting)!
Heirloom Silver Flatware - Beautifully mismatched!
Heirloom Dinner Plates – Beautifully mismatched China!
Large Glass Vases (if needed) for each table (fill them with your favorite flowers)
White Wooden Folding Chairs with pad for the Wedding Ceremony
15 x 15 Dance Floor
Catered Food – Santa Maria Style Barbecued Tri-Tip and Chicken, garden-fresh salad, garlic (or plain) mashed potatoes, pinquito beans, garlic bread, barbecue sauce! (other menu’s offered, please inquire -some require an additional fee)
Set up and take down and clean up
Bartender for 5 hours (does not include drinks or alcohol, you purchase he or she will serve) *additional hours can be added for an additional fee
DJ, sound system and microphone for 5 hours -reception! *additional hours can be added for an additional fee including Wedding Music for ceremony for an additional fee!
Outside lighting – string lights!
Outdoor Commercial Heaters Available if needed (3)
40 cup coffee maker
Cleaning Fee included
Event Insurance included
All taxes AND gratuities included, no extra fees! no cake cutting or corking or whatever!!!
EXTRA LODGING MAY BE ADDED FOR $350 PER NIGHT FOR COTTAGE (SLEEPS 5) AND $1,000 PER ADDITIONAL NIGHT FOR RANCH HOUSE (SLEEPS 10 IN 6,000 SQUARE FEET AND INCLUDES COMMERCIAL KITCHEN)
Package 2 – The Grand Champion Reserve Package $18,750 (Includes tax and everything listed below!)
Wedding Ceremony Site for up to 150 guests - no time limit
Reception Site for up to 150 guests – no time limit
Lodging in Cottage – 1 night (sleeps 5)
Lodging in the Main Ranch House 6,000 square feet - 1 night (sleeps 10)
Tables for Reception - 8′ Long Tables
Gold Chiavari “Bamboo” chairs
White folding chairs for Wedding Ceremony – set up and take down
White Hotel Linens – full length tablecloths and folded napkins
Wedding Coordinator for Day Of! 8 hours on your big day, plus 2 hours ahead of time coordination (email/phone/meeting)!
Glass round large vases (if needed) for each table -You can fill them with your favorite flowers!
Heirloom Dinner Plates – Beautifully mismatched China!
Heirloom Silver Flatware – Beautifully mismatched!
15 x 15 Dance Floor (including set up and take-down)
Catered Food – Cooked Fresh On-Site Santa Maria Style Barbecued Tri-Tip and Chicken, garden-fresh salad, garlic (or plain) mashed potatoes, pinquito beans, garlic bread, barbecue sauce! (other menu’s offered –see menu’s page, please inquire -some require an additional fee)
Set up of chairs and tables and take down and clean up
1 Bartender for 6 hours (does not include drinks or alcohol, you purchase he or she will serve)
DJ, Speakers and Microphone (6 hours) –includes consultation prior to the wedding! Note: he can play wedding music for the ceremony as well for an additional fee*
Outside lighting – string lights
Outside Heaters and Propane included if needed (available =3)
40 cup coffeemaker
Cleaning Fee included
Event Insurance (property damages, alcohol liability, above the security deposit, for your protection and ours, is included.
All taxes and gratuities are included. No extra fees.
EXTRA LODGING CAN BE ADDED FOR $350 A NIGHT FOR COTTAGE (SLEEPS 5) AND $1,000 PER NIGHT FOR RANCH HOUSE (SLEEPS 10 IN 6,000 SQUARE FEET).
ALL WEDDINGS REQUIRE A $5,000 SECURITY DEPOSIT DUE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. IT IS FULLY REFUNDABLE AFTER DEPARTURE IF THERE ARE NO DAMAGES.
Package 3 - The Great Dane Package $25,000 (Includes tax and everything listed below!)
Wedding Ceremony Site for up to 200 guests
Reception Site for up to 200 guests – no time limit! You’ve got two nights!
Lodging in Cottage – 2 nights (sleeps 5)
Lodging in the Main Ranch House 6,000 square feet - 2 nights (sleeps 10)
Tables for Reception - 8 foot long tables
Gold Chiavari “Bamboo” chairs
White folding chairs for Wedding Ceremony – set up and take down
White Hotel Linens – full length tablecloths and napkins
Wedding Coordinator for Day Of! 8 hours on your big day, plus 2 hours ahead of time coordination (email/phone/meeting)!
Clear Glass Round Large Vases (if needed) for each table to fill with your favorite flowers!
Heirloom Dinner Plates – Beautifully mismatched China!
Heirloom Silver Flatware – Beautifully mismatched!
15 x 15 Dancefloor
Catered Food – cooked fresh On-Site! Santa Maria Style Barbequed Tri-tip and Chicken, garden fresh salad, garlic (or plain) mashed potatoes, pinquinto beans, garlic bread, barbecue sauce! (other menu’s offered – see menu’s page! Inquire, as some require an additional fee!)
DJ – Master of Ceremonies, sound system, Microphone for 6 hours – for ceremony AND wedding reception! Includes consultation prior to your event!
Outside lighting – string lighting
Outside Heaters and Propane included if needed(available =3)
40 cup coffeemaker
Cleaning Fee included
Event Insurance (property damages, alcohol liability, above the security deposit, for your protection and ours, is included.
All taxes and gratuities are included. No extra fees.
EXTRA LODGING CAN BE ADDED FOR $350 EACH ADDITIONAL NIGHT FOR COTTAGE (SLEEPS 5) AND $1,000 PER ADDITIONAL NIGHT FOR RANCH HOUSE (SLEEPS 10 IN 6,000 SQUARE FEET).
Package 4 -The Quarter Horse Package $31,500 (Includes Tax and Everything Listed below):
Wedding Ceremony Site for up to 250 guests – All Day – no time limit!
Reception Site for up to 250 guests – no time limits!
Lodging in Cottage – 2 nights (sleeps 5)
Lodging in the Main Ranch House 6,000 square feet - 2 nights (sleeps 10)
Tables and Chairs for Reception - 8 foot long Tables
Gold Chiavari “Bamboo” chairs
White folding chairs for Wedding Ceremony – set up and take down
White Hotel Linens – full length tablecloths and napkins
Wedding Coordinator for Day Of! 8 hours on your big day, plus 2 hours ahead of time coordination (email/phone/meeting)!
Clear Glass Large Round Vases (if needed) for each table if you’d like to fill them with your favorite flowers!
15 x 15 Dance Floor (including set up and take-down)
Catered Food – cooked fresh on-site Santa Maria Style Barbequed Tri-tip and Chicken, garden fresh salad, garlic (or plain) mashed potatoes, pinquito beans, garlic bread, barbecue sauce! (other options available, see menu’s page! -some require an additional fee!)
2 Bartenders for 6 hours (does not include drinks or alcohol, you purchase they will serve)
DJ / Master of Ceremonies, Sound System, Microphone – 6 hours – Including Ceremony and Reception! Includes Consultation prior to your Event!
Outside lighting – String Lighting!
Outside Heaters and Propane included if needed (available =3)
40 cup coffeemaker
Cleaning Fee included
Event Insurance (property damages, alcohol liability, above the security deposit, for your protection and ours, is included.
All taxes and gratuities are included. No extra fees.
EXTRA LODGING CAN BE ADDED FOR $350 EACH ADDITIONAL NIGHT FOR COTTAGE (SLEEPS 5) AND $1,000 PER ADDITIONAL NIGHT FOR RANCH HOUSE (SLEEPS 10 IN 6,000 SQUARE FEET).
Package 6 -The Condor’s Nest Package $37,500 (Includes Tax and Everything listed below!):
Wedding Ceremony Site for up to 300 guests – All Day – no time limit
Reception Site for up to 300 guests – no time limit or noise restrictions!
Lodging in Cottage – 3 nights (sleeps 5)
Lodging in the Main Ranch House 6,000 square feet - 3 nights (sleeps 10)
Tables and Chairs for Reception – 8 foot long tables
Gold Chiavari ”Bamboo” chairs
White wood folding chairs for Wedding Ceremony – set up and take down
White Hotel Linens – full length tablecloths and folded napkins
Wedding Coordinator for Day Of! 8 hours on your big day, plus 2 hours ahead of time coordination (email/phone/meeting)!
Clear Glass Large Round Vases (if needed) for each table, for you to fill with your favorite flowers!
15 x 15 Dance Floor (including set up and take-down)
Catered Food! Cooked Fresh On-site Santa Maria Style barbecued Tri-tip and Chicken, garden fresh salad, garlic (or plain) mashed potatoes, pinquito beans, garlic bread, barbecue sauce!
Heirloom Silver Flatware – beautifully mismatched!
Set up of chairs and tables and take down and clean up
2 Bartenders for 6 hours (does not include drinks or alcohol, you purchase they will serve)
DJ & Master of Ceremonies - microphone – ceremony and reception – 6 hours (including consultation prior to your event!)
Outside lighting
Outside Heaters and Propane included (available =3)
40 cup coffeemaker
Cleaning Fee included
Event Insurance (property damages, alcohol liability, above the security deposit, for your protection and ours, is included.
All taxes and gratuities are included. No extra fees.
Extra Lodging can be purchased!
Condor’s Nest Ranch
October 29th, 2009 § 3 Comments
Our wedding venue quest continues. It has been a long and arduous process to find this hidden venue for our “wedding to be.” I have had many moments of doubt and feelings of futility.
Paul and I discovered a very unique wedding venue online that we both adored. Condor’s Nest Ranch is in Pala, Ca. and it seemingly has everything we are looking for.
We were scheduled to see the venue earlier this month but had to cancel the appointment when my dad was hospitalized. Since then, I wrote the venue off as it was a little out of our price range (what isn’t.)
Well, I decided that we need to go see the venue because we are having little luck anywhere else and it was the first venue we both loved. Wouldn’t that be the way it works out, that the first venue we discovered online and didn’t look at yet turns out to be “the one” only after we looked at 20 other venues.
So this Saturday, keep your fingers crossed for us that we find a love match between us and the ranch!
Photography – Daisy Varley
