…Is just as gorgeous as everyone says. Happy Monday!

Photo by Michael Costa.

Location: Gainey Winery

Located just off the 154 in the Santa Ynez Valley, St Francis ranch is now available for weddings and private events. The ranch is over 800 acres and features stunning views of the Santa Ynez Valley and Lake Cachuma.

This ranch is the home to zebras and long horn cattle. How cool would it be to do your bridal portraits with the zebras?

There is a lower and upper areas that can be used for the reception site (above is the road that leads into the ranch). The upper one is one top of a hill and has stunning views. Guests would need to be shuttled to this location and everything would need to be brought in for infrastructure (power/water/lighting/rentals/bathrooms/etc). There is a high knoll that could be used for ceremonies and has a view of Lake Cachuma. Given its odd size, I would recommend a standing only ceremony up here. Just down the knoll is the area for cocktail/reception. There is also a historic home from the 1880s with a cactus garden adjacent to the reception area.

The lower location features a large lake and tons of privacy. If you’re looking for a historic California feel, this ranch has that in spades.

Some notes:

• On-site ranch parking for guests is available upon arrival.
• Shuttles to the various sites on the property are required.
• Kitchen, rentals, power, lighting & bathrooms would all need to be brought in.
• A slight grade in the upper reception may necessitate building a flat platform for dining.
• Heels for the ladies are not recommended (it is a ranch after all).

If you’re interested in the property, contact me to setup a location scout at kelly@kellyoshirodesign.com.

Hey everyone, go check out my guest post on top 7 Santa Barbara Wedding Locations over on Para Ti Novia.

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.

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.

Since the Foley Wine Group bought Firestone, several of their wineries have recently opened up for events. Lincourt Vineyards is one of these. A more rustic version of a winery, it has some rough edges, but it does have a gorgeous backdrop for ceremonies and a historic Sears Craftman house on the property.

(more…)

Firestone, just across the way from Crossroads is another stunning location at a more economical price. Featuring both indoor and outdoor locations, Firestone definitely delivers all a wine country wedding could ask for. From the view of vineyards of the ceremony location, to the cavernous indoor barrel room, this location serves up the best of wine country.

The barrel room holds up to 120 guests seated at one long feasting table. Dinner service must be plated.

For a reception you can also use the outdoor courtyard which is strung with string lights and holds up to 70 people for dinner.

Some notes:

• The rental fee guarantees exclusive use of the property.
• A kitchen must be brought in and you may only use caterers from the approved list of vendors.
• Amplified music is allowed until 11pm.
• A day of coordinator is required for your wedding at Firestone.

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

Yesterday I visited a very remote location up in mountains of Los Padres National Forest called Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse and it is absolutely stunning. A collection of three cabins from the 18th century (imported from the east coast) the rustic beauty is truly one of a kind.

(more…)