march 19, 2020 ramona home journal · discover diamond rings, classic bands, and unique styles....

March 19, 2020 raMona hoMe JournaL 1

2 raMona hoMe JournaL March 19, 2020 March 19, 2020 raMona hoMe JournaL 3

Its finally here. You’re engaged! Congratulations! It’s time to celebrate your love with updos, over-the-top wedding gowns and top-shelf cocktails, because soon you’ll be saying “I do” at your dream wedding.

If this leaves you excited but also thinking “I don’t,” as in, “I don’t know where to begin,” then you’re in the right place.

The No. 1 secret to why some weddings are at the top and others are not is preparation. Hiring a professional is the best way to streamline the process, and it’s more cost-effective than you think.

Of course, like many things in life, more is better — so more help and more time are ideal. If you have a small budget for the big day, hiring a “day-of” coordinator will save you a big headache.

Coordinators will usually offer a packet of information to help you do it yourself and a consul-tation where you can ask your most pressing questions. Most day-of coordinators will require a commitment from you to fill out checklists and paperwork ahead of time, so that she (or he) may run the event smoothly. Inviting — and paying — your coordinator to come to the

rehearsal is paramount, so that all key people are dialed in to the plan for the following day. Just like any large-scale event, many moving parts are coming together, and having no captain at the helm is not the way to help your love boat sail smoothly.

The biggest benefit to having a day-of coordinator is that neither you, your friends nor your family members have to keep track of everything that needs to be done. “This allows (the couple) to be present, enjoy themselves and know that a professional is there and in charge,” says Tuly Michailides, creative director of Extraordinary Life Events.

Many coordinators book quickly, so it is a good idea to contact them at least three months before your wedding. As for the price, it’s based on the amount of pre-planning required, intricacy of the event and guest count. The range is between $500 and $1,000 for day-of services, and $1,000-plus for full service.

No matter how you choose to plan your wedding, remember to savor every sip during the toasts and every dip on the dance floor. The night is yours for the taking, and the memories are yours for the making.

By Kaitlin Endres Photo by Saleena Kahn

March 19, 2020 raMona Weddings 3

Ramona Weddings coveR photo by sieRRa soliscouRtesy of mountain valley Ranch


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Weddings are a time of giving. When folks learn that their friend or family member is engaged, what follows the initial excitement is the need to find the perfect gift to celebrate the union.

Such gifts should feature elements of each partner, as well as their combined interests. Finding the right gift is easy when you shop local.

At Affordable Treasures, gift-givers will find an array of hand-made items from both local and San Diego artisans.

From cutting boards to pottery, beeswax candles, wall decor, kitchen towels and more, the store offers one-of-a-kind home goods for a new couple’s dwelling. They also have fun wire-wrapped and dichroic glass

jewelry that make for a beautiful gift to a new bride, flower girl or bridesmaid.

In addition, Sun Valley Florist is located right inside the shop at 677 Main St., so putting together a bouquet along with a gift couldn’t be easier!

For fans of do-it-yourself projects, a hand-painted sign or decor is a memorable gift to give the newly wedded couple for their home.

“Between (our) two stores, we have everything to do that,” says Kevin Bailey, general manager of Ransom Brothers True Value’s 1441 Main St. location. He ex-plains that most of the lumber and components for tackling such a project can primarily be found at Ransom Brothers Lumber, at 532 B St., while crafting supplies, including paint,

stencils and decorative accesso-ries, are available in a continually expanding section of the Main Street location.

“You can set up a whole flower bed with materials at the Main Street store,” Bailey adds, sharing that their supply of soil, fertilizer and flowers makes it a one-stop shop for customers looking to give a unique gift to a new couple.

Local business owners are always on the lookout for something special that their customers will love.

“People come in quite often because we have some unique pieces,” says Andy Canales, who owns Casa Rustica with his wife, Mary Canales.

Artisan-made Mexican décor and

gifts are handpicked by the cou-ple during trips to Mexico, and he adds that a heart-shaped planter with two lovebirds is a popular piece their customers come back to time and time again. Their current selection of products is on display at 316 Main St.

At Squash Blossom Trading Co., a curated assortment of rustic furniture, décor, jewelry and tex-tiles is available for couples who appreciate a Southwestern flair.

Be sure to check frequently, as owner Victoria Townsend adds new and exciting finds to her collection!

Whether you choose to make a gift from scratch or seek out a unique item to decorate a couple’s home, Ramona’s businesses are ready to help make your gift one to remember.

A Gift as Unique as the RecipientBy Charlene Pulsonetti

4 raMona Weddings March 19, 2020 March 19, 2020 raMona Weddings 5

Love has a way of bringing out the creative side of those who experience it. This creativity can be expressed when selecting wedding rings, too.

But, how can you find the perfect expression of love that also matches the unique character of the recipient?

Kathleen Cole, co-owner of Jewelry World & Loan, 1668 Main St., Ste. F, says the store has all the tools and materials on hand to work closely with clients looking to find — or create — that special ring.

“We can do anything,” says Cole. “We can have designs custom-made, as well.”

With Jewelry World’s sparkling array of loose stones, opulent setting options, the highest-quality materials and a skilled in-house jeweler, a client’s dream piece can become a reality.

Cole says that staff members keep up with the new trends people are looking for, noting that while diamonds remain a popular choice, younger customers often prefer colorful gemstones in their rings.

“We have an array of titanium wedding bands,” she adds. “They are very popular and affordable.”

They also have a selection of unique estate and vintage jewelry for those looking for something with elegance and historical significance.

And for those on a budget, the team at Jewelry World has a range of options to choose from.

Jewelry World’s new jeweler, Joseph Mayol, appreciates the opportunity to create custom pieces for each client’s special day.

“I love knowing that people have a sentimental attachment to their jewelry,” he says. “I take that into consideration when working on it.”

By partnering with skilled professionals, creating — or finding — a ring that matches the character of the recipient couldn’t be easier!

By Charlene Pulsonetti


any residual wedding planning stress, so they are ready for the moment they say, “I do.”

Terry adds that while many clients choose to receive their services close to the day of the wedding, their team is also able to create personal skincare plans months ahead of time. At iTAN Sun Spray Spa, owner Barbie Swanson says that they are a one-stop shop for bridal parties.

“We’re a full-service sun spray salon and spa — the possibilities are endless,” she says, adding that they also offer weight loss, toning and teeth-whitening services.

Though their spray booths have a three-minute turnaround time, she invites individuals and groups to schedule appoint-ments for their peace of mind.

And it’s not just the bride — or groom — who can benefit from these services. Members of the party often need to decompress from their travel to Ramona, whether they come from just an hour away or from the other side of the world.

A Day of FunFor some, the ultimate way to bond — or release that excess wedding-planning stress — is

with a little friendly competition.

Ramona offers a number of ways to have fun with your wedding party. Consider visiting a local golf course for a day of outdoor recreation in some of Southern California’s more scenic surroundings.

You can also gear up and go head to head during an exciting game of paintball — bridesmaids versus groomsmen, family versus family, it’s all in good fun!

“They will have their own per-sonal game coordinator,” says Velocity Paintball Park owner Denise Hazlitt. “They stay with them the entire time to ensure they are having a good time and being safe.”

Hazlitt says that the park is a popular choice for bridal parties, who have the added benefit of a unique venue.

“We’re outdoors,” she says. “We’re the only field in San Diego with actual trees and a forest setting. Terrain is a big draw here.”

Ramona is a full-service wedding locale, with local business owners ready to make your wedding one to remember. With breathtaking scenery, vineyards and activities at your fingertips, preparing for the big day just got a little bit easier.

Before the big day, bachelors and bachelorettes often gather with members of their wedding party for a one-of-a-kind celebration.

You won’t have to go far to put together a celebration just as unique as the wedding itself. Ramona offers a number of activities and experiences that are sure to put brides, grooms and their attendants in a festive mood.

Raise a Glass!With scenery as diverse as the varietals and styles they offer, Ramona’s tasting rooms offer more than just a means for a proper toast. You are sure to impress your bridal party with a visit to one of the region’s beautiful indoor and outdoor venues, complete with hospitable hosts.

Check with Ramona’s wineries and breweries for their selection of beverages and accommoda-tions to match your party’s style. From Tanat to Chardonnay, IPA to Stout, and even homemade sodas for those looking for non-alcoholic options, it’s all here.

A Ride Through the CountrysideWhat better way to enjoy your wedding locale than by horseback? Local ranches offer room for you and your party to roam and bond, as you travel across grassy plains and under shady oaks. You are sure to see wildlife, both in the sky and on the ground.

With the help of your equine partners, your group is bound to relax as you enjoy this special moment together.

Relax and ReviveIt’s no secret that planning a wedding can be a bit stressful. Why not take time beforehand to relax your body and mind with a spa or beauty treatment from one of Ramona’s local massage therapists, estheticians and stylists?

Linda Hall, owner of Bellamia Salon, Spa & Boutique, says that their cottage’s intimate setting is

a big appeal for brides-to-be.

“Walking in here says it all — they love the homelike feeling when getting ready for their big day,” says Hall, adding that the salon and its front yard provide a beautiful backdrop for the bride’s photographers and videographers. A private dressing room is also available, so the bride and her bridal party can take their time getting ready for the ceremony.

For facials, massages and scrubs, Riviera Wellness Spa is a full- service day spa offering a number of options for brides, grooms and their guests without having to leave Ramona.

“People don’t want to drive far, and this is nice and local,” says PJ Terry, co-owner of Riviera Wellness Spa. “We have amazing therapists here — (this is) their passion. They want you to be well.”

In addition to spa services, they also have stylists on staff and work with a number of makeup artist vendors who can bring their services on-site.

Shorter services, such as mini-facials and 30-minute massages, are easy to fit into a busy schedule. For the bride and groom, though, packages that combine multiple services are the perfect way to melt away

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Whether your dream wedding includes good wine and refinement or backcountry beauty, you are sure to find the right Ramona venue for your special day.

Exceptional wedding locales include wineries, parks, ranches and resorts. A modern look and clean lines are trending, as are rustic backdrops and country themes.

If your dream is to say “I do” against a refined country back-drop, local wineries provide elegant options.

Milagro Farm Winery is an organic farm and orchard where guests can enjoy a ceremony under a canopy of oak trees or next to a serene lake, among other outdoor settings. Best of all, an experienced team works with you to customize your special day.

Cordiano Winery is a family-owned and family-operated establishment that creates an intimate environment encircled by rocky hills and stunning views of the valley. Full-service wedding planning is included in their packages, and every detail is personalized. Whether you opt for the assisted buffet or family-style meal, your guests are sure to have an experience to remember.

“It’s very relaxed, and it’s a beautiful view with great atmosphere,” says director Kimberly Sisti. “We’re doing a lot of updates and changes, so that gives potential brides and grooms new things to see.”

San Vicente Resort boasts a beautiful outdoor ceremony site overlooking the golf course and waterfall pond. The event plan-ner manages details for up to 150 guests, and the resort’s culinary team is prepared to create a customized menu for the occasion. If one day isn’t enough, guests can book

accommodations on-site and extend the festivities. Live bands also perform in The Par Lounge at the facility on Friday and Saturday nights, so after the reception, guests are welcome to cross the hall and keep partying.

“You get the dress, and we do the rest,” is San Vicente Resort catering manager Joyce Whelehon’s motto. “We do everything for our brides. They don’t have to do anything but get here.”

Mountain Valley Ranch is the perfect place for those who want a country feel and a rustic space, and plenty of freedom to express their creativity. As this is a new local wedding venue, the sky is the limit when it comes to personalized touches, complete with the use of the barn and pastures as a scenic backdrop.

Another up-and-coming venue is Lavender & Olive, with spread-ing lawns, distinctive olive grove areas, a covered terrace and beautiful hacienda ranch house. Owners Robin and Carolyn Hoffos are offering this newly renovated venue in 2020, and wedding parties will have the en-tire ranch to themselves for the day, with all of the spaces available for a tailored feel. The site’s natural beauty and privacy are sure to make your day mem-orable from start to finish. Even better, if you want to extend the festivities, the ranch can accommodate overnight lodging for six to 12 guests.

“You create your wedding your way, making the day yours alone,” Carolyn says. “We’re not a cookie-cutter facility. You can make your dream come true — we’re just the blank slate for you to write your own story.”

For possibilities that include e verything from casual to elegant, the Ramona Outdoor Com-munity Center is an exceptional place for a party. A bride’s room and groom’s room are available,

as are kitchen facilities. With its 9,000-square-foot pavilion, your guests can dance the night away after witnessing the memorable exchange of vows. And thanks to the adjoining rodeo grounds, this is also the ideal spot for those whose wedding would be incomplete without their equine friends.

If a fairytale wedding is your dream, Mt. Woodson Castle is an outstanding historical venue when it comes to atmosphere. Located near the heart of Ramona but still ensconced in its own grandeur, the castle sits on more than eight acres of landscaped grounds and includes plenty of enchanting spots for photos. Weddings demand attention to detail and, from start to finish, the experienced staff takes care of everything from day-of

coordinating, right down to the table linens and chairs.

Dos Picos County Park is another outdoor venue with a picturesque setting and abundant photo opportunities against a lush landscape. Surrounded by grand oak trees and nestled between two mountains, the park provides a secluded and serene ambiance, ideal for a beautiful wedding and reception on a budget. After the couple exchanges vows in the gazebo next to the pond, guests can adjourn to the picnic area for the reception.

Whether you want to sway in time with the band or rock with a DJ, prefer full-service coordinating or a DIY approach, the perfect Ramona venue is waiting for you.

By Megan PeraltaPhoto by Paige Hill Photography Courtesy of Milagro Winery

Saying ‘I do’with a Ramona Wedding


By Megan PeraltaPhoto by Shellz Dezign, Photography & Dogs

Come for the Party, Stay for the Ambiance of Ramona

10 raMona Weddings March 19, 2020

Weddings are fun! But after the festivities are over, out-of-town guests often look forward to relaxing and exploring the local area.

What they’ll soon discover is that they’re in the center of one of the most tranquil and picturesque corners of the world.

Ramona is unique in offering accommodations that make it easy to enjoy every level of activ-ity, whether it’s floating in a pool, visiting a spa, strolling along a nature trail, golfing, bicycling or playing tennis.

Riviera Oaks Resort & Racquet Club is one such option, nestled in the countryside and well equipped to make your stay en-joyable. If you’re the active sort, you can jump on a rental bike or explore the nearby hiking trails. If relaxation is your goal, come in early and take advantage of the day spa or play a round of golf at nearby San Vicente Golf Resort. Riviera Oaks also offers suites that are perfect for families that want a “home away from home” feel.

“The Riviera Oaks Resort &

Racquet Club is a serene and tranquil, family-friendly resort with amenities and activities for all ages,” says resort manager Alicia Shults.

The Lodge at the San Vicente Resort is situated away from the usual bustle of town, and offers grand views of the surrounding mountains and a championship 18-hole golf course. This is an especially convenient option for guests attending a wedding at the resort. There is a restaurant — The Oaks Grille — and a bar — The Par Lounge — on-site, so you don’t have to go elsewhere to enjoy a nice meal or a drink. And if you feel like getting some sun, bring your golf clubs for a swing around the course or your bath-ing suit for a dip in the Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool or oversized Jacuzzi. While you relax, the kids can romp in the children’s pool.

If you want a taste of “the good life,” that’s what The Good Life at San Diego Country Estates spe-cializes in. This award-winning, gold crown-rated resort prides itself on combining active pur-suits with complete relaxation. Living the good life can include

unwinding at the day spa, playing tennis, relaxing by the pool, taking a spin with a rental bike, hitting the hiking trails and horseback riding.

For wedding guests who ap-preciate nature, you can bring your camper or pitch your tent close to the wedding site at Dos Picos County Park. The park is a peaceful locale with camping options that include partial RV hookups, tent sites and cabins. Just minutes from downtown Ramona, it offers a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. There is an abundance of flora and fauna to appreciate, and campers have access to hiking trails, picnic areas, showers and more. You might also want to take part in a competitive round of horseshoes or bring your fishing rod.

“Dos Picos is truly a park for everyone,” says Michelle Mowad of the County of San Diego Communications Office. “Many of the park features are acces-sible for people with mobility challenges. This means it’s easier for nature lovers of all abilities to enjoy visiting for the day or staying overnight.”

The Ramona Oaks RV Resort is also close to Ramona’s down-town district and is a truly family-centered facility that goes out of its way to make sure that guests enjoy their stay. One of its big-gest amenities — literally — is the Olympic-sized swimming pool, in addition to a hot tub and full-service spa. There are plenty of activities for kids, including mini-putt-putt golf and a play-ground. Bring your hiking shoes and enjoy the great outdoors on the seven-plus miles of walking trails connected to the facility, with lots of wildlife to see along the way. This is also the place to be if you appreciate a good catch-and-release fishing pond. Ramona Oaks RV Resort is a pet-friendly facility.

When you come for a wedding, there are many places around Ramona that provide convenient and relaxing accommodations. While the bride and groom enjoy their special time as a newly married couple, you will find no shortage of fun activities and relaxing pastimes to help you make the most of your stay.

12 raMona hoMe JournaL March 19, 2020

633 Montecito Way, Ramona, CA 920651.858.610.1692

Email: [email protected] | lavenderandolivesandiego.com

Located in San Diego County, Lavender & Olive is the blank canvas

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Come and see the space for yourself! Please contact us

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At Lavender & Olive we are here to build your dream . . . whether you are planning a family reunion, corporate event, or wedding. Create something your friends

and family will never forget, create your dream your way.

LAVENDER & OLIVE

12 raMona Weddings March 19, 2020

march 19, 2020 ramona home journal · discover diamond rings, classic bands, and unique styles....

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