Michelle & Tim's Wedding

   On Saturday, March 31, 2012, we were delighted to have Michelle and Tim exchange vows at Hidden Valley. Months of preparation, e-mails, and phone calls transformed into a beautiful event celebrating the love that these two share. 

   Michelle was wonderfully creative when planning her ceremony and reception on the property. We love how she used specific locations to enhance the experience for her guests. The celebration started at Hippocrates Circle beneath our gorgeous, towering oak trees. Our seating at Hippocrates Circle is arranged in the round, creating a connected and intimate ceremony for all who attended.  

   Once the ceremony was over, guests were ushered over to the wedding stage for a reception. Michelle chose to use the tiers for seating and even had a jazz band set up to entertain guests. Once everyone boogied, guests were then escorted through the grounds to the main house for cake and celebration!

     As a symbol of their love, Michelle, Tim, and their son, Nate, decided to plant a pomegranate tree to commemorate the beginning of their new family. We now have a wonderful, new addition to Hidden Valley that will continue to grow and flourish, much like their love for each other. 

  

Michelle's Vendors: 

Caterer - Arvie Alto, (760) 805-0875 

Additional serving staff - Kiel Brander (951) 907-8874

Cake - Cute Cakes  

DJ - Injoy Entertainment,  Jason (760) 473-9800 and Chad (858) 229-6467

Photography - Clickery Photography, Katie & Zack

Officiant - Reverend Pat Borsum   

Jazz Combo - Sandy Devito trio

Chris and Amy's Wedding: February 4, 2012

 This couple focused on family and friends for their wedding at Hidden Valley. They utilized the gardens to create an intimate location for their ceremony. Guests joined them on the wedding stage for a lovely service to celebrate their love.

   Shortly after the service the photographer, Albertine Feurer, gathered everyone for a memorable group photo. By gathering everyone in attendance, it makes for a unique twist on a traditional wedding photo.

Since Hidden Valley is more of a DIY location, Amy was able to incorporate her colors and create an elegant atmosphere for the day of her wedding. She brought in elements of nature along the aisle to enhance Hidden Valley's outdoor setting. 

There are so many options when it comes to planning your reception. Take a look at how Amy used the event center to make the celebration come alive.

  Congratulations, Amy and Chris!

Photos by Albertine Feurer

It's a Small World

  Hello everyone! We recently collaborated with some wonderfully professional people to create an inspirational wedding shoot at the property. Inspired by mid-century art, all the participants came together and produced a retro, chic set-up for brides-to-be. Thank you all for being involved with this amazing project- we had a great time making this happen!

  Be sure to check out the final product on a great wedding blog called Green Wedding Shoes. Like it, comment, and pin to your heart's desire!

The Bug Blug

   We all had an amazing time when High Tech Middle Media Arts (HTMMA) students came to the Ranch to study bugs! This school has a 2-week intensive study and 35 kids chose to research Entomology (the science of bugs).  The teachers and kids ages 12-14 arrived nice and early armed with butterfly nets, jars, digging gear and a bit of ether to knock the bugs out.  What a day we had hunting for our multi-legged and winged creatures.  They also caught and released many frogs, lizards, and even a baby garden snake.

   The night was perfect for roasting marshmallows and making Doughies (cooking a poppin’ fresh biscuit over the fire on a stick and then filling it with chocolate and whipped cream on top!) Yummy!  Then they set up a night capture net with a black light to attract the bugs.  We told stories, watched a movie, and then called it a night as the group slipped into dreamland…

    The next day everyone excitedly sorted and mounted their displays and by the afternoon the group was off. They returned to Point Loma to send the kid’s home, with memories of the great times they had together and, with a bag of bugs!  It is so wonderful, as a parent, to be at the Hidden Valley Retreat with our children and their friends to enjoy the country and our magical gardens. This wonderful property is a great place to experience nature so don’t let the bugs…bug you!

Lizard found on the property

Let's find some bugs!

Butterfly catching time!

Making Doughies.....yum!

Researching bugs

Spring is in the Air

It's official- Spring is here!

   At Hidden Valley we have been hard at work preparing for all that spring has to offer. Retreats, family reunions, and weddings are in full swing...and the plants are, too! Our lilies are blooming, fruit trees are blossoming, and the grounds are alive with color. Our orchards are full of lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and other beautifully scented plants. As you walk along the winding paths, you can immerse yourself in a natural environment that so clearly beckons for you to stay. Who knows? Maybe you will have the chance to make a sign for one of our plants on the property!