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!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
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!
Friday, November 23, 2012
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
Bridal Bazaar
January 20, 2013
10am-4pm
San Diego Convention Center, Hall C
111 W. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Elizabeth and Tobin's Wedding
Each wedding is special and unique at Hidden Valley. From caterers to decorations, couples embrace their creativity and create a wedding day that is representative of their love story.
After the ceremony, guests traveled to the wedding lawn where large tables were set up for the reception. The bride's father, a lighting designer, brought in yards of string lights and created a unique lighting design to highlight the reception area. A dance floor was brought in and placed on our DG area, making for a smooth and solid surface where guests could boogie down. Once night fell, it created a whimsical and
warm atmosphere for all attendees.
Bouquets of lavender were placed at each table and were a prominent element from ceremony to reception. The purple was carried through to the signs direction guests and informing them of the celebration that was taking place. Menus and place cards echoed the purple hue in chevron patterns that added a bit of pizzazz to the natural surroundings. Lavender and moss colored succulents served as anchors for place
cards while vintage forks held up table numbers.


We want to thank Elizabeth and Tobin (and their amazing vendors) for allowing us to host their beautiful wedding celebration!
Photos by: Jenna Kageyama, Flutterglass Photography
We recently had the honor of hosting Elizabeth and Tobin's wedding. This duo incorporated DIY elements into every aspect of their big day and it looked flawless! A simple color palette and natural tones made for an elegant wedding that blended seamlessly with our outdoor venue.
Guests were escorted to Hippocrates Circle, our large oak-filled area that is popular for weddings. They walked through sage-colored curtains leading the wedding stage. Seating is the round here, but additional seats were brought in to accommodate more guests. Though the space is large and full of trees, it is very intimate and brought a closeness during the ceremony for the bride and groom. A wooden chuppah decorated with white flowers and vases of lavender framed the couple as they spoke their vows.
After the ceremony, guests traveled to the wedding lawn where large tables were set up for the reception. The bride's father, a lighting designer, brought in yards of string lights and created a unique lighting design to highlight the reception area. A dance floor was brought in and placed on our DG area, making for a smooth and solid surface where guests could boogie down. Once night fell, it created a whimsical and
warm atmosphere for all attendees.
cards while vintage forks held up table numbers.


We want to thank Elizabeth and Tobin (and their amazing vendors) for allowing us to host their beautiful wedding celebration!
Photos by: Jenna Kageyama, Flutterglass Photography
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
International Guests at Hidden Valley
At Hidden Valley we have a wide variety of guests that come through our doors. A recent visit from an international group had guests coming from as far as Asia! The coordinators used the property to enhance the trip for their students and incorporated team building activities throughout the weekend. By being immersed in nature and surrounded by their peers, the students were able to relax and enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Students were able to create skits and perform their works on the outdoor stage. They even summoned their inner Van Gogh and painted a memorable sign to celebrate the weekend. It was wonderful to see everyone bonding and coming together to have an unforgettable experience in California.
Take a look at the group and their wonderful banner masterpiece!
Students were able to create skits and perform their works on the outdoor stage. They even summoned their inner Van Gogh and painted a memorable sign to celebrate the weekend. It was wonderful to see everyone bonding and coming together to have an unforgettable experience in California.
Take a look at the group and their wonderful banner masterpiece!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
A Midsummer's Eve Inspiration Shoot
The beginning of fall just beckons for a romantic, rustic wedding...doesn't it? We're always interested in creating inspirational shoots for our prospective brides because it allows one to see the infinite possibilities at Hidden Valley. Originally, we wanted to create an inspiration shoot that conveyed a theme with bohemian accents, but when we met with our friends at The Bee and the Bobbin and Chris Wojdak Photography, we found a new theme for inspiration: A Midsummer Night's Dream.
What better way to celebrate the transition from summer to autumn than with woodsy elements and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Rich color schemes, lush floral arrangements, and romantic lighting transformed our property into a landscape worthy of any Shakespearean sonnet. Fading sunlight set the trees aglow and enhanced the natural beauty of the surroundings. Every detail hearkened back to a time when woodland fairies and young love ruled the world.
Take a look at the amazing work of all of our vendors and see the entire gallery on Style Me Pretty's Little Black book blog!
Venue: Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa
Photography: Chris Wojdak Photography
Concept, florals, and event styling: The Bee and the Bobbin
Linen: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental
Rentals: Pow Wow
Cakes: Cake Ball Love
Dress: Lovey by Isha
Paper: Paper Scissors Print
Bride’s Jewelry: Mimi & Lu
What better way to celebrate the transition from summer to autumn than with woodsy elements and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Rich color schemes, lush floral arrangements, and romantic lighting transformed our property into a landscape worthy of any Shakespearean sonnet. Fading sunlight set the trees aglow and enhanced the natural beauty of the surroundings. Every detail hearkened back to a time when woodland fairies and young love ruled the world.
Take a look at the amazing work of all of our vendors and see the entire gallery on Style Me Pretty's Little Black book blog!
Venue: Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa
Photography: Chris Wojdak Photography
Concept, florals, and event styling: The Bee and the Bobbin
Linen: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental
Rentals: Pow Wow
Cakes: Cake Ball Love
Dress: Lovey by Isha
Paper: Paper Scissors Print
Bride’s Jewelry: Mimi & Lu
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Ana & Gina's Wedding
Every once in a while we come across a couple that exudes love in every sense of the word. Ana and Gina are two people who not only deeply love one another, but perfectly complement the other in every way.
They incorporated unique elements into every aspect of their wedding day through the use of bright colors and festive decorations. Paper lanterns and giant tissue paper flowers adorned the wedding stage as well as the reception space in the event center.
Handmade fans had the program printed on one side and their engagement photo on the other. Nestled among the seats were parasols that guests could use if the midday sun became too hot. Both ideas helped everyone stay cool outside and they also served as mementos from the day.
Guests were welcomed into an inviting and intimate atmosphere with the set up at the wedding stage. Instead of being placed in straight lines, the chairs were arranged in a semi-circle. This allowed guests to share in all parts of the ceremony.
Summoning their inner crafty gurus, these two made use of existing items on the property very well. A vintage clothing rack magically transformed into a seating card display with the help of some crepe paper and creativity. It became a beautiful and functional focal point in the gallery that reflected the overall theme of the day.
To add ambiance, Ana and Gina draped round bulb lights throughout the gallery and forum. This made for some great sparkle late at night, but enhanced the room during the day, too.
One of the best ideas was converting our wood armoire in the forum into a dessert buffet. A homemade bunting, crocheted flowers, and photos of the happy couple made this more than just any old dessert table. Colorful treats were tucked away among mason jars filled with wildflowers. Tissue paper flowers and mini lanterns added a bit of whimsy to each shelf, too. All the elements came together and enhanced the most important part of all: the wedding cake!
Ana and Gina had many creative ideas for their wedding, but to make them a reality, they enlisted the help of their wedding planner, Elisa Suter. She was able to use existing items to solidify a theme that was carried through the entire wedding.
Here are other talented vendors that helped to make the weekend magical:
Wedding Planner- Events by Elisa
String Trio- Ocdamia Strings
DJ- DJ Wong
Photographer- Kaysha Weiner
Caterer- Silvia Stover
Rehearsal Dinner Caterer: Phil's BBQ
Florist- Carlota Garcia, friend
Cake- San Diego Desserts
Cupcakes- Calculated Whisk
Ceremony MC- Paulina Davis, friend
Party Rental- Affair Party Rentals
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