My browser’s homepage is Yahoo, so as I perused the morning’s headlines, I noticed something interesting. One of Yahoo’s top searches this morning was Beach Weddings. Beach Weddings! They’re great in theory, in my opinion.
But if you ask me, the whole point of a beach wedding — being near the serenity and beauty of the ocean — would be better accomplished with an ocean-view venue. (The idea of sand and bridal gowns, oh, and wedding cake? Lord. Not a good mix in my opinion.) The above photo, by the way, was taken many years ago — maybe 10! — at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates. I have some more recent photos of the venue here.
Southern California is easy when it comes to ocean-view venues, but they’re always going to be pricey, don’t even fool yourself. So you better take care to choose a really gorgeous spot, so you don’t have to spend so much on flowers, if you have to choose one or the other.
Now, I’ve never done a wedding here, but don’t you think Angel’s Gate Park and the Korean Friendship Bell would be a great spot to have a wedding?
But this is not even the best part. Here’s the best part:
The view, baby! Plus, all that concrete floor can only be a help to the placement of tables and a dance floor. This is, of course, a public park, so there are probably special restrictions regarding music, alcohol and other things. However, did I mention this is a 180-degree or more view?
Another place I’d like to point out is Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Wayfarers Chapel, to say the least, breathtaking. I think I’ve been here once, but not in recent years, so I have to try and go again one of these days.
Obviously, two of the venues I picked out here today are in Rancho Palos Verdes or Palos Verdes Estates (two different “cities” but in the same general area). I want to note that getting to these venues are not easy — think lots of windy streets and far from the freeways — but hey. It’s going to be your day, might as well make the most of it.
Oh, and I have one more suggestion. Rent an entire pier! I found a photographer’s blog who shot a wedding that took place on Malibu Pier. How cool is that! Scroll all the way down, to the third photo from the bottom, to get a picture of what it looked like. It was probably quite a narrow space, but man. What a great idea.
Hello Darlene,
My name is Khristine. I hired your mom Aida to take care of all our wedding floral arrangements many years ago (almost 7 yrs!) . I can only assume that you were helping her there too. We got married at the Courtyard Marriott B.P. in May 2002. I am soo very sorry that your mom is not with us anymore. I actually have been looking for her for a few weeks (researching at least) to ask her to decorate for my friends wedding, until I found your website. I am entirely thankful for all her (and her group) for creating a beautiful reception. I am still getting rave reviews about that!!! I am writing you to ask and to offer a few things:
1. If you can recommend any florist for me (within your mom’s usual charging range). I am still local (Pomona area).
2. How much do you charge for doing decor?
3. Lastly, I do have my own wedding pictures that include the floral arrangements and reception. If you would like to use them on your website, just ask and I will send copies to you.
With warm regards to you and your family,
Khristine (Gustilo) Tulpinski
Hi Darleene, I was wondering if you could help me figure out a certain fabric that is used for a wedding arch I saw in a photo. I could email the link to you. I need to purchase my fabric in time for a March wedding and can’t decide on chiffon, organza, etc.
If you wouldn’t mind, let me know.
Thanks so much and I enjoyed your website.
Annie