Vendor Parade: Fleurtica

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Fleuretica has been on my radar for some time. I first stumbled across them at a SoCal wedding expo and their booth was amazing- way beyond anyone else. Then on meeting them I found out how friendly they were...and I've been a fan ever since. Located near Pasadena, Fleuretica Floral Design Studio has been getting noticed for their luscious arrangements, playful colors and twists on tradition. I've seen them incorporate fruit, marsh mellows and all sorts of interesting things in the arrangements- and the result is fantastic.

And since they were so nice to lend their expertise to answer my readers questions, I thought I'd post about them today to make all of our days a little brighter.

Westlake Inn, Westlake Village

Located on 17 lush acres overlooking a private lake, Westlake Village Inn offers a serene and romantic setting for weddings, vow renewals, honeymoons and romantic celebrations. With its collection of romantic gardens coupled with a quartet of outdoor ceremony sites, Westlake Village Inn is a popular destination for exchanging or renewing vows.

Lakeside Gazebo:
Situated on the banks of the lake is an enchanting pergola where couples have wed for more than 30 years. Cradled by lush greenery, including roses of varying hues, guests will also enjoy the intoxicating aroma of rosemary and lavender.

The Waterfall:
Found at the end of a pathway is this symbolic venue. Swaying palms and a lush landscape create a stunning setting for exchanging nuptials. Its slight elevation provides guests with a fabulous ceremonial view.

Mediterraneo Gazebo:
This classic lakeside setting is ideal for exchanging vows from beneath a slightly elevated Romanesque gazebo. Lush lawns and colorful gardens add to the ambiance.

Tuscan Garden:
All eyes are on the bride as she makes a dramatic trek down the aisle beneath a fleet of arched
flower-covered arbors. Couples exchange vows beneath an open-air pergola supported by imposing columns.


A team of professional meeting and social event planners are able to assist in organizing single events or multi-day conferences in an intimate and elegant environment. Along with spectacular indoor and outdoor space, Westlake Village Inn offers state-of-the-art technology to ensure meetings and events are a success.


There is also more than 14,000 square-feet of flexible meeting, event and breakout session spaces with many areas offering panoramic views.

Provence Room – 2,860 square feet/225 guest capacity.
A stunning, bi-level space with adjacent outdoor usage offering panoramic views of the lake, tennis courts, fountains and golf course.

Lakeside Room – 2,800 square feet/140 guest capacity.
As the name implies, this elegant space boasts a large patio area next to the lake with private restroom and telephone facilities.

Mediterraneo Room and Terrace – 930 square feet/125 guest capacity
With its dramatic ebony crystal chandelier, imposing fireplace, and fabulous lakeside and garden views, this room can also easily be transformed into and indoor/outdoor dining room simply by pushing back the bank of doors..

Fairway Room – 2,200 square feet/150 guest capacity.
With views of the verdant golf course, this space features a built-in bar and private restroom facilities.

Library Salon – 510 to 1,530 square feet/ 30 to 90 guest capacity.
A trio of adjoining salons can accommodate both intimate and larger gatherings. The interiors feature shelves lined with books and the warmth of a fireplace, while the spacious patio is ideal for break-out sessions or a leisurely working lunch.

The Wine Cellar – 1,486 square feet/68 guest capacity.
Seemingly pulled from the vineyards of Tuscany, this room features stone-covered colonnades providing framing for the lakeside views. This open-air retreat also features a private bar and rustic wine barrels, and is ideal for corporate events, winemaker dinners, private luncheons and intimate soirees.

31943 Agoura Road
Westlake Village
(818) 889-0230
http://www.westlakevillageinn.com/

Casa Del Mar, Bella, and Margarita

Casa Del Mar: The location accommodates around 80 guests. It boasts a great room, perfect for a dinner seating of 30-40. The great room is augmented by an immaculately kept up garden patio with amazing and rare succulent plants as well as a trickling Italian fountain and a smattering of white lights reflecting off all the shiny glass windows. Just one block from the beach, near Stearn's Wharf, in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, just off State Street.

Casa Bella can accommodate up to 225 guests. It truly inspires with 180 degree ocean views which can be enjoyed by dining on a huge lush lawn. A proper Tuscan villa fronts the property and a Versace-inspired tile pool (with fountains) accent the incredible views. The entire estate is simply awe inspiring, from the moment guests meander down the long motorcourt lined with olive trees until they reach the extravagant backyard.

Casa Margarita can accommodate up to 150 guests. It's set on a small hill one mile from the ocean but with pastoral views of the neighboring villas and there are even 2 horses on site, which can be placed wherever you want, there are many stables. This site can offer terraced lawn seating or seating on a flat stone courtyard area. Two ponds full of mature koi fish are impressive, but the best part is the the entire lower level of the home may be used, so french doors can be open and the house can be an inviting pass through area.

Fess Parker's DoubleTree Resort, Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a sun-drenched ribbon of beautiful estates, terraced vineyards, mountain canyons and golden sands formed by coastal bluffs. Cradled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the blue Pacific Ocean is Fess Parker's Double Tree Resort . Virtually every day is temperate and sunny; the air is clean, fresh and dry. It’s one of the world’s most perfect climates. The dramatic landscape has drawn a diverse community to Santa Barbara; it vibrates with activity and culture. The city has galleries and studios, theaters and concerts, pleasure boats and working vessels in the busy marina, and many shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars minutes away from the Resort.

Note from Melissa: I have seen countless weddings held here on many sun drenched afternoons. Withe the gentle salty breezes and fabulous views, the Fess Parker's Double Tree Resort is the perfect spot for your beach front Santa Barbara wedding.

633 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara
(805) 564-4333
www.doubletree.com

Aquarium of the Pacific

With the grandeur of the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop and a tantalizing dining experience to compliment your surroundings, your evening at the Aquarium of the Pacific will fulfill your vision of the perfect celebration.

As your guests enter the main entrance they will first experience the breathtaking beauty of Tropical Preview complete with bright fish and unusual invertebrates. Continuing on, soak in the grandeur of our life-size blue whale, the largest mammal on earth. The last stop will be the Seal and Sea Lion exhibit where our California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals will delight guests of all ages. The diversity of galleries your guests can experience will make their trip through the Pacific Ocean an event to remember.

Personal note from Melissa: I have been to an evening event at the Aquarium of the Pacific - it was magical watching the colorful fish and jellyfish swim as we wandered about with our Hor'dourves and wine. The Aquarium has always been a favorite of mine, but in the evening it takes on a wondrous quality making events seem out of this world. Plus their event menu is amazing, the staff courteous and knowledgeable...it was one of the best events I have ever attended.

Can accommodate 50-500 guests
(562)951-1663
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/

The Vineyards, Simi Valley

Nestled along the foothills of Simi Valley, Ventura County, our elegant facility accommodates up to 400 for indoor and outdoor events. With a variety of banquet rooms, patios, garden areas and waterfalls, we welcome you and your guests to experience one of the most unique venues in Ventura County.

Your wedding at The Vineyards will be talked about for years! We offer a picturesque setting for elegant indoor or outdoor events. The outdoor patios, gardens and waterfalls create a beautiful setting for weddings and all celebrations. Imagine a cocktail reception on a spectacular patio overlooking the gardens. Picture food so good that your guests will thank you again and again. Think of the truly unique photos you will show your family and friends of the two of you with a backdrop of lush landscaping, beautiful gardens and breathtaking waterfalls!

All of our banquet rooms feature wrap-around windows which afford plenty of light and offer dramatic views of our romantic patios, beautiful gardens and waterfalls. Our main wedding reception hall is an exquisitely spacious room with the capacity to entertain large parties while maintaining the ability to meet every detail and individual need. For smaller weddings or events, you might want to reserve the beautifully appointed upstairs banquet room offering the same dramatic views of our gardens and waterfalls. Whichever banquet room you select, The Vineyards is the perfect place for your next affair.

Our professional wedding planner will guide you through every step of the wedding process from the wedding vows to the wedding cake. With years of experience, our friendly staff will help you create a truly unique and unforgettable wedding. From the moment you book your date until the last guest departs, we work with you to produce a flawless wedding day. Let The Vineyards make your Wedding Day Dreams come true!

Phone: (805) 582-9473

http://www.thevineyardsimi.com/

Elings Park, Santa Barbara

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Elings Park is a beautiful location for your outdoor wedding. It has two sites; Godric Grove and Singleton Pavilion.

Godric Grove is a large estate-like private setting at the top of the park with incredible views of the city and ocean. It can accommodate 300 guests and includes a natural stone amphitheater, a large lawn surrounded by lush gardens and liquid amber trees, and a large reception deck shaded by quiet oak trees. There is a spacious serving area and location to set up a bride or caterer’s canopy. A private parking lot will accommodate valet parking, or guest self-parking with easy access. Beautiful matilija poppies bloom from spring to summer.

Singleton Pavilion is a gorgeous, large grass area with a charming gazebo and two tree-shaded, natural stone terraces. It provides wonderful views of the mountains, city, and a peek of the shining Pacific Ocean. Singleton can accommodate up to 150 guests and includes a caterer's sink, large barbeque, electricity and restrooms nearby. With it's new landscaping and terrific views, Singleton is the perfect location for private intimate events.

Contact: Trina Hudson
Phone: (805) 569-5611
http://www.elingspark.org/

Photo by Doug Miranda.

Southern California Venues

This week I'll be featuring some of the best outdoor, unexpected, luxurious and charming Southern California Wedding Venues. I'll be listing two venues a day that have excellent facilities and staff for many types of weddings. Enjoy!

Photo by Judi Bumstead.