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

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.
 

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.

   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

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!