|
|
|
Paradise Gardens to the Rescue
|
An Enchanted Forest …
Becke and Fred had been engaged for nine months before their enchanted wedding and reception at Paradise Gardens on April 9, 2006. Fred is a pilot and flew Becke to San Francisco for a romantic proposal on July 3, 2005. Becke works with the costume design industry in Hollywood.
When I sat down with Becke to discuss her elaborate themed wedding, she told me, “Many years ago I saw a wedding that was at the S.D. Convention Center. It was in their tented area, so I was standing outside looking in. There were performers all throughout the space, as if you were at a Cirque de Soleil show. It was so beautiful. I thought if I ever get married I would love to have a wedding like that. There the seed was planted along with my theatre background for creating a celebration that went beyond the traditional wedding. Fred also wanted something special and different. We also knew we had several unique, talented friends who would like to perform at the wedding.”
|
Photography by Got The Shot
|
Becke had selected her location at a winery in Escondido and was well into planning her wedding. The theme would be the Enchanted Forest. Becke knew she wanted to do something extra special and personal. “The environment of the venue was a big part of the inspiration. There weren’t many restrictions on which vendors we were allowed to use so we had the opportunity to go any direction with the wedding. Inspiration came from everyone and we just kept adding new ideas all the time whether it was a suggestion from Fred or Totally Coordinated Events or several artist friends.”
|
Photography by Got The Shot |
Becke and Fred had already selected all of their vendors and were feeling very organized and ahead of schedule when her location notified her that they had double-booked her wedding date … This is truly a bride’s worst nightmare! Although Becke had booked her date first, the winery was planning on trying to do two events at the same time, which is not something they were equipped to do. With all her extensive plans already in place, this put Becke through a tremendous amount of stress. |
With the suggestion from Totally Coordinated Events, Becke started looking for alternative locations. “It was definitely the most stressful aspect of the wedding.” That is when she found paradise ... Paradise Gardens that is. Located in Oceanside, Paradise Gardens is San Diego’s Wedding Paradise and best-kept secret. When asked about this last minute development, Becke added, “We so lucked out when I came across Paradise Gardens and the timing worked out, otherwise it would have been a much different wedding. Paradise Gardens turned out to be a much better location and more beautiful.”
Paradise Gardens, formerly know as Natural Reflections, has been doing events for over ten years. They only do one event per day and their philosophy is that it is the “Bride’s Day.” With its cascading waterfalls, giant lotus lilies, dense tropical foliage,band shell, and Tiki torches, I truly thought I had walked onto a private island in the middle of Oceanside! They are also adding a fully insulated pavilion, which will accommodate 500 guests with a dance floor; making Paradise Gardens the largest,private event facility in North County!
|
Sensitive to Becke’s situation, Paradise Gardens’staff pulled out all the stops to make sure Becke and Fred had their dream wedding. They also allowed her to bring in all her own vendors and had very little in the way of restrictions. From the Chuppah and fabric wrapped-gazebo to the amazing flowers and backdrop, the property was transformed into the Enchanted Forest that Becke had longed dreamed about. |
Photography by Got The Shot |
The menu was exquisite and included scrumptious Hors d’oeuvres, which were served during the cocktail hour. Bar Works Catered Beverage Service set up three bars on the property so all aspects of the facility were utilized. During the cocktail hour, you could hear the music of Keltic Karma while costumed Fairies danced around the guests and Stilt Walkers enchanted everyone. Continental Catering did an amazing job with the décor on the various stations that were set around the tent. The dinner began with a Platted Roasted Pear Salad and International Stations. Complete with a Traditional Carving Station, an Indian Station, and a Mongolian BBQ with made to order Stir Fry. Plated Kosher Meals were also available. It was quite the feast!
|
Photography by Got The Shot |
Finally there was the Dessert Station and we can’t forget the Strawberry Display with Hot Fudge Fondue! While still enjoying the desserts, the band started to play and everyone clambered to the dance floor. At the end of the evening, the guests were treated to yet more performers. On the vast grass area under the moonlit Willow Tree were Fire Dancers and Fire Spinners!
|
The spectacular show was the perfect ending to an already magicalevening. Most of the performers for the event were friends of the bride and groom. It’s amazing what you can come up with to enhance your wedding with a little thought and help from your friends! The entire event including the process of setting it all up was handled impeccably by Becke’s coordinators. Becke and Fred would have never had the fairy tale wedding of their dreams without a professional coordinator to assist them and run the show. |
Photography by Got The Shot
|
|
|
|
