The Green Chamber of Commerce series

As you know, Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa is committed to being a green venue. We work hard to have environmentally-friendly practices at the Retreat. We've joined the Green Chamber of Commerce, a community dedicated to helping green businesses succeed. They've recently been working on a YouTube series of green businesses, and we were lucky enough to be featured on it! Fiona had a chance to talk about all of our green practices while they filmed beautiful shots of our property!

Check it out:

The New Reception Area!

We have completed the new reception area! It's been done for a while now, but we've been waiting for our first bride to test it out!
The new Reception Area is a 20x40 ft space just below the wedding stage. In the vain of the rest of Hidden Valley Retreat, we did our best to keep it natural. It is lined with hand-set rock walls, just like the other tiers of the property. We used decomposed granite to "pave" the surface, giving it a natural look while still being hard enough to dance and lay tables. This space has plenty of room to seat 100 people at round tables.
Check out the photos from our most recent wedding!

Reception Area below the Wedding Stage

We loved the paper lanterns around the stage!

Tables set-up in nature

Clickery Photography Wedding!

Our good friends and associates, Katie and Zack of Clickery photography were wed on May 10th, 2011. We have had a great relationship with them since we met at our bridal fair, and chose them as our preferred photography vendor. Katie and Zack are an extraordinary couple that own their business, and they photograph as a team. 

You can imagine our joy when K and Z told us they wanted to use us as their wedding venue. Out of all the venues they've shot at, they chose us! We were honored to have them, of course.

All of that excitement was recently revived after we received a disc in the mail of all of their beautiful photos! Unfortunately, the talented team couldn't shoot their own photos, but they sure had an entourage of photographer friends to do it for them! Because Katie and Zack were so familiar with the property already, they knew all of the best locations (even secret spots) to take pictures together. 

Here are a few of our favorite photos, you can view their whole album on our Facebook. 

On the terraces, we love the balloons!

The ceremony was held at Hippocrates Circle.

We love this bench!

K&Z fancied up our fence leading to Hippocrates circle.

Reception in the Event Center.

We LOVE this photo, so funny!

We highly recommend Clickery Photography for any wedding! Because they are a team, it is like getting two for the price of one! While Katie is in the Mountain View Suite capturing every moment of the bride getting beautiful, Zack can be clicking the groomsmen getting ready and goofing around in the Barn House. You get the eyes of not one, but two talented photographers. And now with the experience of getting married at our venue, we can give our full guarantee that your Hidden Valley wedding pictures will be better-than-perfect if you choose to use this dynamic duo.

Clickery Photography can be found here. 

Earthday 2010

We are all very excited at Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa because we will be exhibiting at the annual Earth Fair at Balboa Park! This is a great accomplishment for us because we pride ourselves in being a green venue. It also represents a big opportunity to promote the Hidden Valley to this environmentally aware group of people. The Earth Fair draws around 70,000 visitors that enjoy art galleries, a parade, special themed areas, great food and activities for the kids and so much more.

We invite you to come and join us during this wonderful celebration. The fair will be held this Sunday, April 18, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We will be waiting for you at booth# 1055 in front of the Art Museum. We will have beautiful pictures of the property and all our staff talking to everyone about what a great venue Hidden Valley is for their next retreat. Bring your whole family and friends and spend a unique day cruising around the exhibition booths, entertainment areas and food courts.

You can visit this link for more information about EarthFair 2010: http://www.earthdayweb.org/EarthFair.html

Couple #21 - Love On a Rainy Day

Rain's month could not have been any worse. She got laid off and was struggling to find new work, her roommate moved out, and then her beloved Chihuahua ran out the front door and underneath the wheels of a speeding motorist. Her life was quickly becoming a bad country song gone worse. Fortunately Justin, a skinny rocker dude with tattoos and long black hair, walked out his sister's front door and into Rain's life.

Justin was her neighbor's brother and, after an evening spent outside talking for hours, he reminded Rain of "how beautiful life can be and how full of promise a new day is." Now, the happy couple lives together with Squid, a Chihuahua who they rescued and have nursed back to health. Meanwhile, Rain has landed her dream job and her and Justin can still talk for hours. As she says, "it may sound corny, but he is my best friend."

So Belle? So Delicious, and Thoughtful too.

So Belle Chocolates & Favors For All Occasions has generously donated their exquisite chocolate favors to our "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest winners. One lucky bride and groom will sure leave an everlasting impression on their September 12th guests with So Belle's distinct edible creations.
Thanks, So Belle!

Couple #18 - Pepe le Peu's Persistence Finally Pays Off

Finally, after two years of nagging her to go out on a date with him, Eric got Marie to relent. The friends of two years only dated for a little while before they broke up due to vast differences in their personal lives. Eric was heart broken. He was so love sick that crying became habitual and hunger never seemed to set in. Nonetheless, he made a personal resolve, - he would take every step neccessary to recapture the love of his life. And, he did! The happy couple have been inseperable since last August. On Valentine's Day, Eric proposed and Marie said "yes." In regards to their love story, Eric says "ours is a testament to a spirit who refuses to be told that something cannot be done." He also writes, "winning this contest would be the most incredible conclusion to this extraordinary courtship. My reward is to have the love of my life in marriage, and winning this would only add to this majestic covenant."

Good luck to couple #18!

The Art of Beauty at its Finest

Melanie Littlewood, of Hair & Makeup Artistry by Melanie, is donating her Hair and Makeup services to our lucky bride on the morning of her September 12th nuptials. Melanie will also be on hand at our Bridal Faire on Saturday, May 30th. Melanie is a licensed cosmetologist who works as a makeup and grooming freelance artist. Her work has been displayed in print, on runways, and in TV commericals. Welcome, Melanie! And, thank you for your kind and generous donation.

Couple #17 - If the Heart Leads the Soulmate Will Follow

Rosella and Rudy met when they both volunteered for a church program in February of '07. Rudy says that "Rosella's pretty face hasn't left my mind since the moment when I first laid eyes on her." Although Rosella was initially intrigued by Rudy's
6'6" stature, she wasn't as sure. In a bold, early move, Rudy asked a mutual friend for Rosella's number and called to ask her out on a lunch date. However, after their second date, Rosella tried to tell Rudy that she just didn't think they were a good match. Undeterred, Rudy asked Rosella out again. His persistence eventually broke though her tough walls, and this happy couple hasn't stopped dating since. Together, they are currently taking a pre-marital class and are striving daily to "grow closer and to strengthen our walk with Christ." Rudy writes that he and Rosella want to "be an example of how marriage is more than just a life-long commitment; it is a gift from god that should be treasured for life."

Find out whether or not Rudy and Rosella are our contest winners at our Bridal Faire on Saturday, May 30th from noon - 4pm up at our glorious hillside paradise.

Couple #16 - Love Lost, Love Found

These May days are springing past us. Memorial day will soon be here, bringing with it another summer as well as the winners of our "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest. On May 30th, we will announce our lucky contest winners at a Bridal Faire up at the Hidden Valley, from noon - 4pm. Until then, we have more exciting news to report as the contestant entries and the participating vendors keep rolling in.

Now introducing couple #16, - Tammy and Mark of Phoenix, Arizona.

Tammy's world seemed to be falling apart all around her. She had just relocated herself, and her two children, to Phoenix when she discovered that her fiance was not the man she had been led to believe he was. Devastated and distraught, she packed her, and her children's, belongings and moved out. In need of moving assistance, her cousin and his friend volunteered to help. It was then when Mark, a patient and caring man, walked into her life. He hasn't left her side since.
Tammy is hoping that winning this contest will be her thanks to Mark for all that he has done for her and her children since that fateful day.

Couple #15 - A Soldier's Return and a Couple's Love Reignited

As a single mom, Jen was won over by her now husband when, after years of friendship, he finally asked her out on a real date. That night, he backed Jen's new car into a fence and then stole a kiss from her in order to soothe her panic and frustration. Ever since, he has been a loyal and affectionate partner who has taken care of not just Jen but her son, too.
Together, this happy couple was first married during a tiny, cheap, and rushed, wedding over ten years ago. Now, Jen is eagerly awaiting her husband's return home from his deployment overseas. She is hoping to renew their vows with a ceremony at the Hidden Valley. Winning the "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest would be a "truly amazing way to reignite our love for each other," she says.

Find out whether or not this couple, or the other fourteen couples profiled, wins our dream wedding giveaway at a Bridal Faire and Open House held at the Hidden Valley on May 30th, 2009, from noon-4pm.
Mark your calendars, as the date will soon be upon us!

Couple #14 - Cupids Arrow Finally Strikes These Two College Acquaintances

Zach and Lauren first met in Calculus class during the fall of '04 at the University of Missouri-Columbia. At the time, they were both in serious relationships with other people, thus Cupid had to take a raincheck. Years later, as college graduates and business professionals, the arrow struck.

The young people were re-introduced, through friends of friends, and they eventually went out on their first date. It was a Cardinals game and, somehow, Lauren's aunt managed to tag along for the ride. Nonetheless, Zach and Lauren hit if off and began dating soon thereafter.

One night, during a BBQ at his place, Zach hit the ball far out of the ballpark when he got down on one knee and seranaded Lauren with Garth Brooks' song "Shameless." True to form, Zach performed it in front of all of his assembled dinner guests and friends.

During the winter of '06, Zach fell deathly ill with a Staph infection. Lauren had to skip out on numerous holiday parties and family events in order to be at Zach's bedside in the hospital. It was then when she realized how much her and Zach were meant for each other. Ever since, she says, "we have known that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together, and that we would do anything for each other."

Lucky Couple #13 - Happiness Found At the End of One Rainbow

Vanessa and Daniel met in Boston in 2005. At the time, Vanessa was a distraught single mother of a son who was suffering with severe asthma. Vanessa and her son spent almost a year of stressful time at the Children's Hospital, where Daniel was a security officer. Daniel was kind, open-hearted, and sympathetic. He always offered a gentle smile and a warm hello, even though Vanessa continually snubbed him and his offerings. However, after Vanessa's son had healed and been allowed to return home, Vanessa received an email from Daniel.
He began to charm the lovely lady through the world wide web. After months of casual conversations, this sweet couple finally moved their relationship outside. They started dating officially, but Daniel didn't just want Vanessa, he told her. Instead, he said that he wanted "the whole package." This developing family of three then began spending time together. And, now, Vanessa wants to give Daniel the perfect wedding because, she says, "Daniel is my bestfriend, and I want to spend all of eternity with him."

Couple #12 - A Long-Winded Romance

Lucky and Laurie first met in 1982 in Kona, Hawaii. They were both working in the hospitality industry while leading the lives of a musician and an outdoors enthusiast. After quickly hitting it off, Laurie soon found herself taking care of Lucky's 10-year-old son as well as his 70-year-old mother. Next thing she knew, ten years had elapsed, two more children were born, and then the young couple split up for seven years.
However, 1999 reunited their paths. Laurie moved back to the mainland, and back in with Lucky. These two star-crossed lovers finished raising their sons together. Jacob is now in the USMC, and Zachary is completing med school. Meanwhile, their parents have yet to marry. The "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" Contest is the perfect opportunity for Lucky and Laurie to, finally, pronounce their undying love for one another in the presence of their two beautiful sons, and other close friends and loved ones.

"Vote" On Your Favorite Love Story

In search of the perfect couple to give a 70-person dream wedding to on
September 12th, 2009, at the Hidden Valley, we have been profiling our
contestants on this blog. Simply scroll through the pages below to read
about how they met and then click on the 'Comments' link to tell us why you think they should win.

On May 30th, from noon - 4pm we will be announcing our dream wedding giveaway
winners at a Bridal Faire on our historic property. So, keep tuning, in,
subscibe, and tell us what you think!

Couple #11 - Videogames and a Non-Virtual Love

Chelsea and Nathaniel met during their freshman year of college. One day, Nathaniel popped his head outside of his bedroom door just as Chelsea was strolling by. He introduced himself and then asked her to join him for some video game playing. Although Chelsea said that she might, she never showed up for a game and Nathaniel spent a whole night in waiting.
Months later, the dorm neighbors ran into each other again at the cafeteria. This time, Nathaniel pretended not to know the girl whose eyes made him cower. Feeling snubbed, Chelsea stomped off and then proceeded to shoot dirty looks at the boy feigning forgetfulness. Finally, Nathaniel grew weary of the game of love that he and Chelsea had been dancing around for months. He went up to her and re-introduced himself. "Yeah," Chelsea responded, "we've met."
"So, if I know you and you know me, then maybe you could stop glaring at me every time we see each other," Nathaniel purred.
Now, the happy couple are college graduates (they have the same degree no less!) who have realized that they are perfect together. They have settled in San Diego, where Nathaniel proposed and where Chelsea plays video games.

Music the Only Way We Like It

Music As You Like It of San Diego will be providing all of the music and entertainment needs for our September 12th nuptials. From a live harpist for the ceremony to a tuxedoed DJ for the reception, Music As You Like It provides a diverse array of sounds and tunes to accomodate the desires of any bride, or event.

Build Your Own Bird House, - A Gift from Us at Hidden Valley on This Earth Day

Spring has sprung here in southern California and at the Hidden Valley. Although we've been busily building a 12' x 14' pergola for our up and coming "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" nuptials, we spent the late winter crafting, painting, and then placing numerous, wood Bird Houses around our 11-acre property.

Today, it is absolutely lovely to amble around the historic ranch while breathing in the verdant valley views and soaking in the early morning antics of our neighbors, - a verbose bunch that includes doves, crows, sparrows, woodpeckers, thrushes, and even some birds of prey.

In honor of this Earth day, we thought we'd share some simple bird house making designs with you. It is important to remember that birds make their own choices, so don't be surprised if you find tenants you never expected in a
house you intended for someone else. Also,all the birds care about is their safety and the right dimensions: box heighth, depth and floor, diameter of entrance hole, and heighth of hole above the box floor. In other words, how elaborate you make your bird house depends on your own personal sense of aesthetics.

Below are some tables that refer to various bird sizes and needs:
Species Box Box Entrance Entrance Placement
Floor" Heighth" Heighth" Diameter" Heighth'

American
Robin* 7x8 8 --- --- 6-15
---------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern &
Western
Bluebird 5x5 8-12 6-10 1-1/2 4-6
---------------------------------------------------------------
Mountain
Bluebird 5x5 8-12 6-10 1-1/2 4-6
---------------------------------------------------------------
Chickadees 4x4 8-10 6-8 1-1/8 4-15
---------------------------------------------------------------
Titmice 4x4 10-12 6-10 1-1/4 5-15
---------------------------------------------------------------
Ash-throated
Flycatcher 6x6 8-12 6-10 1-1/2 5-15



When it comes to building your birdhouse, you will also want to keep in mind:
Ventilation, Drainage, Entrance Hole, Accessibility, and Limiting Predator Access.
For more information on these as well as building a bird house for other types of birds, please see
http://www.talewins.com/birds/birdhouse.pdf

Most importantly, we hope that you will take the time to enjoy the bounty that this planet offers up not just today, but everyday. We hope you'll always take a moment to: smell the roses, look up and at the cloud formations in the sky above, listen to the wind as it rustles through the trees, and revel in the steady hum of bees pollinating flowers, and life continuing, changing, growing, dying, and being born once again, anew.

Couple #4 - A Dancing Queen Meets Her King

Next up...

Michelle and Jesus, of San Diego, California.

This local couple just celebrated 6 happy years together.
As avid groovers, they met on a dancefloor and
haven't stopped dancing since. Jesus laments the
fact that he can't provide the "princess
wedding" Michelle deserves, while Michelle hopes
that winning this contest will "finally take our
relationship to the next level since we know we want
to be together forever."

Good luck to couple #4!

Couple #3 - Love Discovered on the Mats

Up next in the pursuit for the coveted 70-person wedding award is...

Sarah and Johnathon of Casa Grande, Arizona

These two lovebirds met on their high school's wrestling team.
Sarah was the only girl on the team, while Johnathon was the only
boy willing to practice with her. Sarah went on to pin the
biggest guy on an opposing team and has since known that, with Johnathan
by her side helping and encouraging her, she can take on anything.
Young, and in love, this couple hopes to serve others in many ways.
Sarah is studying nursing and massage while Johnathon is working
towards a degree in nutrition.
Good luck to couple #3!