Our inspiration shoot and virtual tour

Sometimes it is difficult to visualize exactly where everything is located on our property, so we teamed up with Here Comes the Guide to create a virtual 360 degree tour of our grounds. We decided to stage our own inspiration shoot in order to help future brides create their own Eco-friendly, DIY wedding at our property.

  First thing's first: our wedding stage. We wanted to use simple decorations to accent the ceremony site, so we chose something inspired by summer. A yellow lace trim was tied to each chair down the aisle, as well as to the stairs at the wedding stage altar to define the aisle. The color combination of lemon yellow and olive green was used to enhance the natural setting and give a pop of color against the white chairs we placed on the lawn. Simple, yet sweet!

   Next stop: Reception! We placed round tables on each tier overlooking the wedding stage. Cream colored linens were accented with silver buckets, filled with lemons and cream colored tulle. We wanted a fresh and summery feel, so we had to have mason jars filled with lemonade at each place setting. Sliced lemons, along with red and white striped biodegradable paper straws, were placed in each mason jar for extra fun. To top it all off, deep-hued green napkins were trimmed with our aisle ribbon and a silk marigold carnation to finish the look.

   When nature is the focus of your big day, then Hippocrates Circle is the perfect location. Our towering oak trees make for a visually stunning ceremony space any time of the year. For this outdoor area, we chose to do simple decorations so as not to compete with the surrounding nature. A cream colored burlap runner marked the aisle leading to the stage and small bows decorated each bench down the aisle. Ikea lanterns created a border with soft, glowing light. We used LED lights in particular, so there would be no fire hazards in such a heavily wooded area.

  Overall, our sweet, country style transformed the space without drawing attention away from the natural state of the property. Eco-friendly products and DIY ideas made for a fun celebration without harming the environment. Be sure to view our virtual tour and see our ideas come to life!

All photos by: David Lenhert 

The Clickery Inspiration Shoot

Here at Hidden Valley, we love Clickery Photography! Katie and Zack truly know how to capture life's important moments. From brides to grooms and everything in between, Clickery is as professional as it gets.

   With great photos from Michelle's recent nuptials, it's no wonder brides keep flocking to use their services. It's great to have a duo such as these two because they capture every detail of your wedding. Katie can be present for bridal shots and time with the girls, while Zack can focus on the groomsmen. With such a large property, one photographer can easily feel overwhelmed. However, with Katie and Zack, you never have to worry about missing that amazing wedding photo.

  We clearly love Clickery and all that they do, so we decided to enlist their services for an inspiration shoot. They are extremely familiar with our 11 acre grounds which made them efficient and knowledgeable about where to get the best photos. The final product was absolutely gorgeous- sun setting, vast angles, and picture perfect scenery.

  Katie and Zack are truly masters of the lens. Take a look!

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!