A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of touring a quaint new estate location in the Santa Ynez Valley called Goodgame Ranch. The home is the oldest dutch house in the area and was recently renovated. It is now open for weddings and over night accommodations (sleeps six).

The front yard features rose bushes, two trees and would be lovely for an intimate ceremony.

In the backyard there is a pool which would be a perfect area for cocktails.

There is a large grassy area that would work for dinner. There is also a barn on the property that makes a lovely rustic backdrop for photos. I think putting the dance floor down below and creating a lounge area would be fun for after dinner festivities.

Some notes:

• Maximum guest count is 100.
• All guests must be shuttled to the property.
• No more than 6 vendor cars can be parked on site.
• Amplified music is allowed but must be off at 10pm.
• For a guest count over 50, additional bathrooms would need to be brought in.
• Tenting and staking is allowed.
• Candles are allowed in glass.
• There is power & water on site.
• Two night minimums are required, & the site fee ranges from $3,500 – $5,000 for the 2010 season.
• A kitchen is on site; additional kitchen rentals may be needed depending on guest count & menu.
• Tables/chairs/linens/glassware/china would all need to be brought it.
• You may bring in your own alcohol.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.

I’m so excited to share that the beautiful historic theater, The Granada, is available for weddings and private events! The building was recently renovated and all of the original details from the 1920′s have been beautifully restored. Best of all, you can put your name on the marquee for your wedding!

The lobby features beautifully painted ceilings, wrought iron, chandeliers, and deep red carpet.

It is available for wedding ceremonies and cocktail hour.

Upstairs is the founder’s room that can host up to 130 guests for dinner. Dancing can take place just outside the room (above).

It features a built in bar and fireplace (though you cannot build a fire!). It would also be a great location to host a rehearsal dinner, especially it you wanted to share historical Santa Barbara with your guests.

Another option for the reception is to have dinner on stage. You can accommodate about 150 guests or so. It should be noted that you can use the lights the theater has, though you must pay the union to set these up for you.

Some notes:

• Candles are allowed in glass only (no open flames are allowed).
• Amplified music is allowed & there is no required cut-off time.
• A limited warming kitchen is available; additional kitchen equipment will likely be needed.
• You may bring in your own alcohol.
• Tables and chairs are provided for up to 100 guests.
• All linen/china/glassware/flatware would need to be brought in.
• To book your reception four months out, the rental fee is $2,500.
• To book your reception a year out (and your date falls between June 1st & September 1st), the fee is $3,500.
• Use of the stage area requires an additional fee.
• There are nearby garages for guest parking.
• There are plenty of bathrooms.

For more information for pricing and availability please contact the location here.

All photos by Halberg Photographers. Images 3 and 6 provided by The Granada.

Last week I had the opportunity to tour a brand new estate in the Santa Ynez Valley called Zaca Creek Ranch. The estate features a large lawn with stunning views of the valley and is surrounded by large oak trees. There is a small platform built on one side of the lawn that’s perfect for hosting ceremonies. The max guest count… is well a lot. The lawn itself could easily hold 500 people.

This location would be the perfect base for a destination wedding. The family could stay at the house and easily arrange tours of wine country. The feel is very similar to Crossroads, but much more private since the property is a whopping 1600 acres. And, cowboy rides, camping, or hay rides can take place on the property.

The property also features a large house that sleeps 10.

On one side of the house is a large barn that can be used for cocktails or as an area for dinner.

There is also a large fire pit which would be perfect for toasting some marshmallows for smores.

Some notes:

• Pricing is based on guest count & the season.
• Additional lighting & power would need to be brought in.
• Guests must be shuttled to the property
• Vendor parking is available on site.
• There is a large BBQ on site that can be used.
• All chairs/tables/linens/china would need to be brought in.
• There are hale bales avaliable for renter’s use (could be fun for the ceremony).
• There is no restriciton on amplified music.
• Candles are allowed in glass ,but can not be placed on the ground.

For more information please visit Santa Ynez Vacation Rentals.

Images via Santa Ynez Vacation Rentals.

Casa das Palmas is a new estate located just outside the exclusive Hope Ranch area of Santa Barbara and is very close to Hendry’s beach. The property allows weddings and can sleep up to 10 people.

The estate features mature palm trees, pool, tennis court, fireplaces, and gourmet kitchen.

The estate can accommodate up to 200 guests for a wedding.

Ceremony can be held in the front yard which features even more palm trees and a gorgeous, Spanish style arcade.

Some notes:

• Shuttle service for guests is required.
• Music must be off at 10pm.
• A catering kitchen needs to be brought in.
• All rentals including tables/chairs/china/linen would need to be brought in.
• Power is available.
• Additional lighting is recommend.
• The tennis court may be used as long as some type of flooring is put down.
• Candles are allowed in glass.
• Music must be off by 10pm & they prefer DJs only.

For more information email ronit@worldshare.net or visit the website here for more information.

Last week I had the privilege of touring the newly renovated Villa de la Guerra. A historic estate, it feels like a miniature version of the Getty Villa and its proximity to the Mission can’t be beat.

Since its a historic property the owners would love to host rehearsal dinners and a handful of weddings a year.

The backyard features a beautiful pool and the surrounding lawn could accommodate up to 125 guests.The outdoor patio would make a lovely setting for a rehearsal dinner (one long table would be fun) or as the backdrop for a ceremony.

The indoor courtyard may be used for cocktail hour, though the rest of the house is off limits.

Guests could enter through the back gate, which would be a nice option if the ceremony was at the Mission (its literally across the street).

Some notes:

• Smoking is strictly prohibited on property.
• Bathrooms, catering kitchen and all rentals would need to be brought in.
• Additional lighting would need to be brought in.
• There is ample street parking, but valet is highly recommended.
• Candles are allowed in glass.
• Music must be off at 10pm.
• All trash needs to removed from the property at the end of the night.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.

Last week, I had the opportunity to tour a brand new private estate in Montecito, La Bella Vita. The property features a formal lawn with a fountain for cocktail hour, and a lush tree lined lawn for the ceremony and reception.

On the upper half of the picture is the area for cocktail hour and welcome drinks.

This is the ceremony/reception area from above. Instead of using the lawn, you can also use the adjacent walkway and setup one long feasting table for dinner.

And this is a close up of the ceremony/reception area. The trees are magnificent.

The property is incredibly, serene, lush, and in a private gated community in Montecito.

Some notes:

• Max guest count is 200.
• For guest counts over 50, additional bathrooms need to be rented.
• Guests would need to be shuttled in and can be dropped off right next to the formal lawn.
• All rentals, catering, kitchen, power & additional lighting need to be brought in.
• Music must be off at 10pm.
• The property only allows 3-4 weddings a year.
• At minimum, a day of wedding coordinator is required by the estate.
• A dressing area for the bride is available at the house (which is above the event area).
• The house is not available for overnight accommodations.

If you’re interested in the property, please visit the website.

I have recently visited two new locations avaliable for weddings and private events. The first is Sycamore Estate, a vacation rental that allows wedding for up to 150 guests. The home has a very rustic, shabby chic kind of feel to it. Receptions take place in the backyard.

The home has three bedrooms and is avaliable for overnight accomodations (with kids it can sleep up to 11). Some notes: guests would need to be shuttled in, a kitchen would need to be setup in the garage, all tables/chairs/lighting would need to be brought in.

Vasquez Ranch is located in Gaviota and is very rustic, beautiful and private. The ceremony area is an oak grove (above) and the reception site is huge grassy lawn nestled in between two hills. The location can hold up to 300 guests and is $7450 to rent. This location is 100% raw, power, bathrooms, the catering kitchen, and all rentals will need to be brought in. Valet and a shuttle are also required since the ceremony and reception sites are at two different locations.

Across the street from the main Four Seasons (more information on that site later) is the Coral Casino Club. Originally opened in 1937 it has been under renovation the last two years. After September 1st, 2008 the La Pacifica Ballroom will be available for weddings and events.

The venue is the most modern space I’ve seen in Santa Barbara and the views of the ocean are gorgeous.

Ceremonies can be held on the patio, as well as cocktails. You could even tent out here, and create a cabana if you want (just make sure the tent isn’t higher than the second floor).

Some notes:

• The inside ballroom features large columns & a distinct coral wallpaper.
• Drapery and lighting can be used to transform the decor and theme of the space.
• Four Seasons cater all food and beverage, including the cake.
• Catering menu is charged per person.
• Bar fees are charged on consumption (ie no bar packages).
• There is a food and beverage minimum, which depends on the season.
• A 20% service charge (standard for hotels) & taxes will be applied.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.

[Top photo from the Coral Casino Club website]

This morning I visited a well known location that has a new ballroom that has been under renovation for the last two years. Opening on September 1st it is one of the best ocean side locations and music can go until 12am (very unusual for Santa Barbara). Tomorrow I’ll have more information and photos on this new and modern property. Stay tuned!!!

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting a brand new wedding location in Montecito. It is a private home that rents only the backyard for weddings and events. The backyard is a lush garden setting divided into three zones which makes it ideal for a bride that wants different event designs in each area.

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One of my favorite brunch spots in Santa Barbara is Andersen’s, located on State Street. It is both a bakery and a restaurant, and it can accommodate a group of up to 20 in their upstairs room. The decor is very feminine and french country and you just can’t help but feel happy inside.

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Finding a rehearsal dinner location can be hard especially when you don’t live in town. To help destination brides avoid tourist traps I will be featuring local restaurants that have good food and service.

To start this series I have to feature one of my favorite restaurants and actually where I held my rehearsal dinner, Arnoldi’s. It’s off the beaten path on Cota & Olive streets and is known for being a locals hang out. For events Arnoldi’s can accommodate 20 to 100 guests easily. The menu for rehearsal dinners ranges from $28 to $35 per person and included appetizers, salad, and two choices for the entree. Wine starts at $27 per bottle.
Parties can be held in the back room which features a large mural of Lake Como or outside on the patio which features two large bocce courts. The ambience is warm, friendly, and very relaxed. If you go, you must try their lasagna its sooo good.

Called the “Jewel of the Gaviota Coast,” Arroyo Hondo is a beautiful nature preserve, with limited events held each year. There are several locations to choose from for the reception and ceremony site, from the rustic barn area to the sweeping meadow which is a short car ride away.

The verdant meadow is on a slight incline and has a breath taking view of the mountains.

Overall, the location is absolutely stunning and shows the visitor what Santa Barbara must have looked like 100 years ago. For the adventurous, out-doorsy couple who loves nature this location would be a great choice.

Some notes:

• Holds less than 8 weddings a year.
• Music can go until 12am.
• Candles can be used if they are in glass containers & are not placed on the ground.
• Everything would need to be brought in, including a kitchen, lights, tables, chairs, linens, etc.
• Shuttles would need to brought in for transport throughout the location.
• Renting bathrooms is recommended; a few porta potties are available.
• A generator is recommended as electricity is limited.
• Bridal dressing area is available in a historic cabin built in the late 19th century.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.

On Stearn’s Wharf is a little known venue, the Ty Warner Sea Center. Located at the end of the wharf it has a spectacular 360 degree view of the city, ocean, and islands. The location rental includes the Sea Center building, which can hold about 60 for a plated dinner and a huge private outdoor deck that can hold 300 or so. The outdoor deck is by far the most spectacular feature of this location, the view and the decor possibilities are endless.

The best part is that the rental fee is extremely reasonable, one of the lowest I’ve seen to date.

Some notes:

• All rentals including a kitchen will need to be brought in.
• Equipment delivery can be done the day before, but setup can’t occur until the day of the event and equipment must be picked up at the end of the event.
• A/V system is available.
• Dressing area for the bride is available.
• Music can go until 11pm.
• For events under 80 guests, parking is $8 per car.
• For events over 80 guests, a shuttle will need to be brought in.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.

Located off the 154 in the hills above Santa Barbara, the Greek Orthodox Center has a stunning view of the ocean and surrounding hills. The church is a crisp white with the reception hall located across the courtyard.

The reception area features a room with beams (these can be draped with fabric if you like) and the adjoining outdoor patio features a gas fireplace. The reception area is pretty raw, but for the creative couple it could easily be transformed with some lighting and draping.

Some notes:

• Dressing areas for the bride & groom are available.
• A full kitchen is available that the caterer can use.
• Set-up can be done on Friday.
• Rental fees are reasonable.
• Room can accommodate up to 200 guests.
• All types of alcohol can be served.
• Music must be off by 10pm.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.