Meet our new friend at Hidden Valley!

  There's always something new at Hidden Valley and this week is no different! 

  Our newest addition to the property has adopted us as his new home. Not sure where Mr. Peacock came from, but we think he decided to leave the wild animal park for some rest and relaxation at Hidden Valley. 

 Who knows? Maybe you'll see this guy nibbling the fruit trees when you stop by!

  

       

Holly and Omri's Wedding

  It's official! Wedding season is in full swing at Hidden Valley Retreat. We've been anticipating the spring season and now that our gardens and trees are beginning to bloom, we have some wonderful weddings on the horizon.

  One couple who had their recent nuptials at Hidden Valley chose to start the season on a truly colorful note. Borrowing inspiration from the numerous flora we have on site, Holly and Omri created a rainbow-like atmosphere complete with handmade goods and lots of love.

  Our wedding stage at the property is a wooden work of art. It is one of our most popular areas for couples to recite their vows. Not only does it provide shade, but it evokes a rustic setting with the numerous intertwined branches overhead.  Not wanting to take away from its beauty, Holly created a ribbon canopy in every imaginable shade to accent the natural wood. It added a hint of color and panache without taking away from the woodsy setting during their ceremony.Several  galvanized buckets filled with baby's breath outlined the bridal party's path, adding a delicate, sweet touch to the festivities.

  After vows were recited at the wedding stage, guests then made their way to the Main House for some food, dancing, and fun! Market lighting was strung across the deck area creating a warm, intimate space for guests to gather as the sun went down. Multicolored Bunting signs were hung to add a handmade touch and continue the colorful theme from the ceremony site, too. A sweets station decked out with sugary treats added a bit of fun for the adults, while a kids table with crayons and pinwheels added some joy for the little ones. Even portable heaters were brought in to the area so that no one would be chilly on such a cool, spring night. It was an idea many guests were thankful for at the end of the day!

Deck reception at sunset

Deck reception with market lighting at night

 Once speeches were made and dinner was finished, everyone hopped over to the pool area for some amazing music and dancing! Twinkle lights, bunting, and even large inflatable pool balls were present to evoke a bit of charm and whimsy for the reception. Once the music started, there was no stopping this couple and their guests from having a joyful, loving celebration!

  We would like to give a special thanks to Justin and Keary Weddings for sharing their beautiful photos of the day and to all the vendors who made everything possible!

Caterer, Encore Catering- (858) 705-7320 
DJ, Lou Garcia- loudgarcia13@gmail.com
Cake, Twiggs Bakery- (619) 296-4077

Spring is in bloom at Hidden Valley

Spring is in full bloom at Hidden Valley!

    We are busy enhancing every aspect of the property in preparation for all of our spring events! We've added several rose bushes and sculptural trees near the wedding stage to create a more romantic setting. Our wheelbarrow plant beds have also begun to bloom with succulents, marigolds, and other spring flower varieties. Our caretakers are busy planting and pruning so everything is in tip-top shape for our guests.

From our flower beds to our new fruit trees, we cannot wait to see what nature has in store for us this season!

Hidden Valley gets a concrete floor!

 We're always looking for ways to enhance our guests' experience here at the property and this month is no different! We have brought in a wonderful, family-run concrete business, Hoaglund and Sons, to create a  one-of-a-kind floor near the Wedding Stage. They are truly specialists in their field and have vast knowledge of the concrete business.

 All three generations of Eric (Sr, Jr, and grandson) were on hand to install our new floor and have it blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment. First, a smooth layer was put down as a foundation. Next, they brought in a seamless stamp which will make the floor have a similar appearance to the amazon fountain nearby. Once the floor is finished, it will become a wonderful space for weddings, retreats, and reunions to gather at the property.

Hoaglund concrete is also installing a wheelchair accessible ramp that leads to our new Twin Oaks bathroom. This bathroom will be conveniently located near the wedding stage and will be equipped to help those guests who have difficulty getting around the property.

We'd like to thank Hoaglund and Sons for their wonderful work and we're thrilled to have Eric, Jr. and his wife celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary at the property this fall! We hope that you enjoy this project as much as we have-stay tuned for more photos once it is complete!

Introducing our new caretakers, Alex and Irina!

   We are excited to welcome Alex and Irina to Hidden Valley as our lovely new caretakers. While their responsibilities on the ranch are vast, their onsite presence has added beauty and vitality to the space with a dedicated personal touch. Irina is especially fond of the garden and has spent time adding varieties of plants to numerous locations here. The blooms this spring should be the most beautiful we've seen here at Hidden Valley!

   Her husband, Alex, has been handling construction projects on the property and is currently installing a new bathroom. These renovations will ensure a wonderful experience for all of our future guests. If you are heading out to Hidden Valley for your upcoming wedding or retreat, you'll surely see one of their smiling faces. Welcome, Alex and Irina!

Jen and Mack's Wedding

 

    When it comes to planning a wedding, inspiration is everywhere. From Pinterest to wedding blogs, there are creative ideas to suit every couple for their big day. One of our recent couples, Jen and Mack, found several elements to fit their Midsummer Night's Dream inspired wedding. With a little help from family members and friends, they were able to create a romantic, inviting atmosphere for their nuptials at Hidden Valley. 

    Armed with lace and vibrantly colored floral arrangements, they truly made the property their own. Yards of cream colored fabric were hung on the wedding stage, summoning an image reminiscent of a Shakespearean sonnet. Richly colored roses in every shade adorned the stage and added a midsummer's eve element to the location of their vows.  

   After the ceremony, guests were guided to a gorgeous, white tent complete with draped fabric and lanterns covered in flowers. After the sun went down, this beautifully constructed area echoed an ethereal quality with dimly lit twinkle lights lining the perimeter. Details became more romantic and the space more intimate as they celebrated with their loved ones.  

  

                                            

    

Congratulations to Jen and Mack!

Bridal Bazaar in January

  It's that time of year again! Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa will be at the Bridal Bazaar on January 20th. Our friendly staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the property and all that we offer for your wedding day celebration!

  We look forward to meeting you there!

Bridal Bazaar
January 20, 2013
10am-4pm

San Diego Convention Center, Hall C
111 W. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101