Big Sur

Too often we forget just how lucky we are to call California our backyard. This weekend, I took a little jaunt down to Big Sur for some fresh air and big views. Big Sur is actually pretty small as a town, there are about five or six little motels, two larger luxury resorts (Ventana and Post Ranch Inn), a few cute little cafes and restaurants, and that's about it really.

While we were there, we ended up discovering this absolutely adorable little hotel that I'm now completely obsessed with. It's just a mile or so down the road from Ventana, so perfect for any overflow guests if you're having a wedding at Ventana. It's a little spot called Glen Oaks Motel and it's made up of a few small cottages tucked into the redwoods alongside a few little bungalow style motel rooms that were built back in the 1950s. The decor is all super modern and adorable, and all the rooms feel really cozy (though that could have something to do with the fireplaces in each room or the heated stone floors). To top off the experience, right next door is the best roadside breakfast spot in town, a shop called the Ripplewood Restaurant. It's a funky little lodge-like atmosphere and it's owned by the nearby Ripplewood Resort, but their blueberry pancakes and breakfast potatoes au gratin are to die for.

Anyway, just made it back to SF and couldn't wait to share the pics. Hope you enjoy!


xoxo.
a.b.





We

Venue Spotlight: Brush Creek Ranch

Okay, so we've been coveting the photos of this ranch forever because it's so insanely gorgeous and we don't want anyone to know about it but us, buttttt we also really want you all to see this epic destination wedding spot because it's the most amazing and romantic and fun venue ever. No seriously, we've been nonstop talking about this place since we went out to scout it in March and it's really on our brains now that winter is creeping up on us again.

Brush Creek Ranch is located in Saratoga, Wyoming, which is about an hour and a half outside of Denver. So, your guests can fly into DEN, pick up a rental car from there and take the scenic route to Saratoga. Once on property, there's really no reason to leave the ranch. Brush Creek is an all-inclusive resort, so all your meals and activities are part of the package. Their food is unbelievably delicious (this coming from the SF food snobs we are) and activities on-site include horseback riding, fly fishing, skeet shooting, and more. You can even arrange a paint ball competition. On property, there are a number of event spaces, meeting rooms and outdoor spaces to check out for weddings or even for corporate off-sites.

In short, we're obsessed with this place. It's rustic yet modern, elegant yet down-to-earth, and we're just dying for the right couple to choose this as their wedding destination. Call us if you're interested ;)

Venue Spotlight: Encantado Resort in Santa Fe

If you've ever thought of having a desert oasis wedding, you absolutely have to check out Encantado Resort in Santa Fe. The property is a typical Auberge Resort, encompassing the luxury hotel brand's reputation for creating places that are private, secluded and luxurious while still having a very down to earth, natural and welcoming setting. The beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains mark the surrounding skyline and the grounds of the resort are rich in the natural beauty uniquely New Mexico.

What we really love about Encantado is the peaceful atmosphere that almost seems to transport you to another world. Being the city folk we are, it's such an amazing feeling to escape and run out to the desert to relax. There are 65 small villas, or casitas, as they call them, on the property. So, it's a perfect size for a destination wedding if you're planning an escape for about 130 guests.

Also, we love how modern and simple the property is. Everything is made up of clean, modern lines with plenty of white walls and natural wood. It's a wedding planner's dream canvas.

Anyway, we're just dying over all the property has to offer, both as a hotel and as a wedding venue. Seems like the perfect long weekend getaway to us. Check out the photos and let us know what you think!