Bridal Fair Follow Up, continued...

Last Saturday's Bridal Fair was a smashing success!
A HUGE Thank You to all of our participating sponsors and wedding contestants for helping to make the afternoon memorable, and fun, for all involved.
Clickery Photography, of Oceanside, was on-hand to capture the laughter-filled moments. Please, enjoy the Bridal Fair via photographs in the posts that follow.
And, stay tuned for more to be posted soon.

The Winners of Our Dream Wedding Giveaway...

Eric and Marie of Billings, Montana



Congratulations to our Lucky Couple!

We look forward to hosting your wedding nuptials at the Hidden Valley.

The Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa Bridal Fair and Open House in Photographs!

The outdoor ceremony site for our
September 12th, 2009, dream wedding giveaway.

Our handcrafted pergola was designed using only

organic, raw materials by our very own caretaker and artesian,

Ron Henson.

Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa Bridal Fair and Open House in Photos!

Who Wants to Win a Wedding????
"We Do!!!!"

A Bridal Fair Follow-Up: The Lovely May Day Was A Smashing Success

Steps leading up to the Main House

Last Saturday's Bridal Fair and Open House at the Hidden Valley proved to be a fun and exciting afternoon, - for all involved. Although the skies were gray and drizzly around both the city proper and low lying outskirts of San Diego, there were patches of blue sky to be found up the winding mountain roads east of Escondido.

On this day, the Hidden Valley was an oasis of casual cool and comfortable clouds. Over the course of these past few months, the Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa has seen some major upgrades. An outdoor stage, made of solely organic materials, was built and erected. Land was leveled, terraces were seeded and watered, and a green aisle leading from a dirt road up to the altar was laid. All in preparation of this day's festivities.

Our participating vendors, including Hair and Makeup Artistry by Melanie, Always and Forever Carriage Company, STS Invitations, So Belle, Music As You Like It, and Reverend Pat Borsum, all rolled in early to set up their booths within the Event Center gallery. The wedding contestants and Bridal Fair guests were next to follow.

Ariana and Matt

The small assembled crowd was the perfect size for really diving into the events of the day. In the Event Center Forum, Party Hats Entertainment had set up a decorating station while Elliot Lawrence serenaded us all with his lovely acoustic, cocktail jazz. At one point, the gallery was empty and the forum was full, - of vendors, contestants, and guests alike, all clamoring to create an award-winning hat and bowtie ensemble.

Carolyn and Mike

An hour later, wedding contestants were cajoled into parading around the Event Center gallery while showing off their Party Hat creations. Although Nathaniel really knew how to strike a pose, and Carolyn and Mike two-stepped around the wood floor, it was Zeolah and Alex who won the 10-person Party in a Hat Box gift for their silly stroll, which included Zeolah talking on her cell phone and Alex dipping Zoi in a final pose. Tonya with Indulge Catering pulled up just in the nick of time, and we all headed down to the outdoor stage and ceremony site next.

The Grooms

There, the brides were corralled and the grooms were posted to their positions of waiting at the altar. The brides were spun around in tight, little circles for ten seconds and then they were off! They made a mad dash for the altar. Along the way, they stopped at different stations (where they had to put on: gloves; a large, white crinolin skirt; a garter; and chocolate flavored lipgloss). Then, they rushed up to their respective grooms and laid a kiss on his lips. The first bride and groom to be photographed won this "Rush to the Altar" race. Yet again, Zeolah and Alex took home the prize, - an engagement photo shoot with Kellerman photography.

Zeolah rushes to the altar

Finally, the moment we had all been waiting for was upon us. With so many wonderful couples to choose from, including Ariana and Matt, Jennifer and Jason, Micheli and Richard, Marie and Eric, Rosella and Rudy, Chelsea and Nathaniel, and Zeolah and Alex, we were certainly hard-pressed to choose only one couple to win our "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest.

In the end, we chose Marie and Eric of Billings, Montana, to receive our
September 12th, 2009 dream wedding. Eric's story of persistence in the face of loss inspired us. And, we hoped that his and Marie's non-local residence would provide opportunities for our participating vendors. We are really looking forward to hosting their wedding nuptials at our hillside paradise.
Chelsea and Nathaniel

We also chose Chelsea and Nathaniel, a local Valley Center couple, as our runners-up. They received a 50% Gift Certificate to be applied to their wedding weekend at the Hidden Valley. For their participation and willingness to entertain, all of our attending wedding contestants received a $1,000.00 gift certificate to be applied towards their wedding weekend at the Hidden Valley.

Rosella and Rudy

Jenny and Jason

Micheli and Richard

Three More Days and Counting...

Find out which lucky couple wins our dream wedding giveaway this Saturday, May 30th, at the Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa.

Only 8,650 Miles to Love - Couple #27

8,650 miles is the combined distance that it took Micheli to leave her hometown in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Richard his Baltimore, Maryland, upbringing, before cupid united these two at a Valentine's Day party in Los Angeles.


Cupid was quite literally a grown man wearing red, furry wings and a giant diaper, and his arrow was not initially striking at this Chinatown affair. The "Lock and Key" party proved to be a dud. Failing to find a spark with their counterparts wearing their matching key or lock, Micheli grew quickly frustrated and accosted the cherubic party host. He promised to find her a match.

Fortunately for Richard, he knew the man playing Cupid and he just so happened to be talking to him when Micheli walked by. Cupid grabbed her arm and exclaimed, "I have the perfect guy for you." Then he swung her around to face Richard.

It didn't take long before these two acted on what they knew from that very first moment, - that they are perfect for each other and that it was time to get hitched! As Richard says, "Winning the "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest would be the perfect way to bring our far-flung friends and family together."

A Horse and Carriage Ride for the Bride

Always and Forever Carriage Company will be providing our lucky bride with a horse drawn ride into our outdoor ceremony site on September 12th, 2009.
Need we type more????

Find out which lucky couple wins this wonderful prize at our Bridal Faire on Saturday, May 30th, from 12-4pm at the Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa.
We can't wait!

Couple #26 - Love In the Time of Childhood

Melissa and her military man met for the very first time when she was just 7-years old. He was her step-dad's nephew and, although his family moved around the country quite a bit, his and Melissa's mutual interest in one another was ignited with every encounter. However, it was not until the age of fifteen, when they were dance partners in her stepsister's "quinceanera," that these two children became close. With his family's move back to Miami, the young lovebirds not only become close, but they also became inseparable.

After years of moving, dating others, and the typical turbulences that accompany most adolescent years, these two were finally united here in San Diego, at Camp Pendleton. On September 12th, 2006, they married. There was no horse and carriage, or other memorable morsels to remember their commitment ceremony by. Rather, six-months later, Melissa was pregnant and her husband was shipped off for two back-to-back deployments. Finally, last summer, he returned and the happy family has been living together as a single unit since. Melissa is now hoping to win the wedding that she has always dreamed of. Good luck to couple #26!!

It Is Almost Time...

to announce the winners of our coveted dream wedding giveaway!

We are hoping that you are well rested after the long weekend and ready for our
Intimate Bridal Faire & Open House, up at the Hidden Valley, this Saturday,
May 30th, from 12-4pm. We have crafted an afternoon of activities, ideas, and fun, for planning your perfect nuptial day.

Stay tuned for more information leading up to this exciting event. I will also be posting more formal driving directions before then.

A Hint of Contemporary Sophistication

A Touch d'Elegance will be providing all of the decor for our September 12th nuptials. From linens and chair covers to centerpieces and candleabras, A Touch d'Elegance brings a sophisticated flair and an inspired atmosphere to any event.

Got Wedding Cake?

The French Gourmet has kindly donated the wedding cake for our lucky "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest winners' September 12th nuptials. The 30-year old catering company makes its wedding cakes from scratch. The French Gourment is attuned to the bride and groom's needs and desires, and only uses fresh, natural ingredients. The end result is a delectable taste, and a stylish center piece for any wedding reception.

Thank You, The French Gourmet!

Couple #25 - A bartender, a hostess, and two dogs later...

Megan and Armand met over six years ago while working at a Marie Callendar's. He was a bartender, she was a hostess, and the sparks flew. Since that time, these two have enjoyed spending time with each other as well as with their two dogs, Ginger and Stinky Pete. They are outdoor enthusiasts who love camping, skiing, and traveling. Although they are 100% ready to spend the rest of their lives together, their engagement has now stretched on for two-and-a-half years. This young couple feels torn between being financially responsible and having an enjoyable celebration for their family and friends. Winning this dream wedding contest would relieve a lot of the financial burden as well as stress associated with planning a wedding.

Couple #24 Finding Love on the World Wide Web

Jacque had posted a personal ad on myspace, - she was looking for a sweet and romantic man. Troy responded and though he had been married before he had never been in love. This time around, he says that Jacque makes him want to be a better man. She adores his doting affection and his chivalrous actions, while he loves the way they laugh and always have fun together. "We can have fun in any situation," he says. "We can walk to the grocery store at 11pm and laugh the whole way there and back."

These two lovebirds have been inseparable since last Halloween and, this year, Troy proposed. "He gets down on bended knee, and proposes everyday," Jacque writes. Jacque and Troy both believe that they deserve this fairy tale wedding because "we are what legends are made of, - our love will never fade or break."

Couple #23 - A Shining Example of the Strength of Vows and Commitment

Latisha and Scott's love story has been a serious lesson in perseverance. After seven years of marriage, Latisha grew tired of being rejected by Scott's family as well as Scott's refusal to stand up for both her and their children. So, she left him, - just like that. However, it must have been the wake up call that Scott needed because, eleven months later, he came back around. Only, this time, he was there physically as well as spiritually and emotionally. The break-up was exactly what he needed to realize that he had been failing at the most important aspects of marriage, - he had not been a partner or a friend throughout all those early years together.
Latisha, on the other hand, was not sure if she wanted to reconcile, but she was always a person who believed in second chances. So, this couple of old started attending marriage counseling sessions and, little by little, Latisha's passion started making a come back. Love was reborn, anew.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck again. This time in the form of cervical cancer but Scott was there, every step of the way. He proved, once and for all, that he is Latisha's life long rock. These two have weathered the serious storms that all marriages can bring with them. Yet, they never had the pleasure of celebrating their big day with a special wedding ceremony. Now, Latisha thinks its time.

Couple #22 - Six Beautiful, Strong Years

For these two, love came early. It was in high school where their relationship blossomed. He remembers that very first day. What she was wearing, and how he thought, "This is going to be a good year." In Algebra class, they would fight for the teacher's attention, meanwhile she would secretly stare at him in a daze.

It has been six years since these first fateful days. "Six beautiful, and strong years," Andrea says. Now, it has been over a year since he first proposed and the idea of financing a wedding just doesn't seem plausible. "Still," she says, "every time I look at him, whether he knows it or not, I get those butterflies. The feeling tends to take over my whole body, and I can't help but to smile."

Find out whether or not these young lovebirds receive the gift of a lifetime, - a dream wedding that will leave both of their heart's smiling for eternity.

Indulge Your Senses with Indulge Catering Company

Indulge Catering has generously donated their amazing contemporary catering services to our "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" nuptials on September 12th, 2009. Indulge chefs perfectly blend the art of gourmet cooking with a sense of professionalism and attention to detail. Their goal is to "create the reception of your dreams." Indulge is also sensitive to the wishes of the bride and groom and seeks a "careful representation of the relationship between the two" in the food they prepare, arrange, and serve.

We are excited to welcome San Diego's Indulge Catering on board as a participating sponsor in our "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest,and we look forward to presenting the gift of a dream wedding to one lucky couple on Saturday, May 30th, at the Hidden Valley's Intimate Bridal Faire and Open House. See you then!

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."

The "Who Wants to Win a Wedding Contest" and an Intimate Bridal Faire

The "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest is winding down. In the posts that follow, you will find the profiles of twenty couples who have entered our dream wedding giveaway. From San Diego to Los Angeles, from Montana to Arizona, and from Rhode Island to Massachusetts, their love stories are diverse and filled with tales of hope, loss, perseverance, and redemption. Thus, we are going to need your help in deciding which couple to award a 70-person wedding to on September 12th, 2009.

We will be announcing the winners of our contest at a Bridal Faire, held at the Hidden Valley on Saturday, May 30th, from noon - 4pm. So, let us know your thoughts before then. Find the love story that speaks the most to you and tell us why you think this couple should win our contest by clicking on the 'Comments' link at the end of the posting. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you at the Hidden Valley on May 30th. Good luck to all our couples. Read on!!!

Couple #20 - A Match Made in a Massage Parlor Heaven

Jenny and Jason are both massage therapists who met while co-working at a spa. At that time, Jenny was married and Jason was torturing himself by chasing other women. After three years of watching Jason cycle through romances, Jenny became a divorcee. During one fateful night at work, these two wandering souls shared a conversation that seemed to cover eveything all at once. As Jenny says, "I felt more connected to him than I had to another person in years." Jenny marked her return to the dating scene, after a 10-year hiatus, by calling Jason up and asking him out, but he turned her down! Apparently, he had band practice that night and, he was so discombobulated from the offer, he forgot to ask for a raincheck. Kicking himself over a lost opportunity, Jason emailed Jenny a few days later and asked her out this time. Upon receiving his email, Jenny became giddy like a teenager. She jumped up and down around her apartment. These two soulmates, who fit together like jig-saw puzzle pieces, have been together ever since.
Unfortunately, the collapse of the economy took with it a nest egg that was intended to be used for their wedding nuptials. The setback took the wind right out of this couple and they have been floundering for ways to create the wedding they envision since. They're keeping their fingers crossed that the Hidden Valley's "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest will be the answer they've been seeking.
Good luck to Jason and Jenny our "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" couple #20!