We were back at the venuefor our daughter's upcoming wedding in May.
It was the first time we had been back since we booked the date almost six months ago.
I am ever so happy it was even better than we remembered!We were revisiting the venueto get measurementsand finalize the flow of the weddingand areas to be addressed and styled!
San Clemente's Casinois a historic propertywhich was built in 1937in the original version of casinoswhich were gathering places for people to be entertained!
With the Casino's opening there was
live orchestra musicbig bandslive radio broadcasts and visiting Hollywood celebrities includingJudy GarlandVivian LeeDorothy Lamourand Mickey Rooneyto name just a few!
These days the Casino has once againturned into a gathering destination.
During World War Two
the Coast Guard occupied the facility as a wartime lookout station.
The Casino spent many years
incarnated into various
lodges, restaurants and dinner theaters.
Then it fell out of service for quite some time
with one owner even wanting to demolish the structure to build condos!
Thank goodness for the tireless work of
San Clement's Historical Society
for preventing such destruction
and
for the Lab Holdings LLC
for the incredible restoration and renewal they have made to the property!
The Sadeghi Family has brought this historic building back to new life!
As soon as I heard the Casino was owned by Lab Holdings
I knew it was going to be a fantastic property!
For those of you familiar with Orange County
this is the same forward thinking company that has done
The Lab Anti Mall
The Camp
The Anaheim Packing District
and
the reworking of Triangle Square in Costa Mesa!
This company is know for it's unique ability
to honor history while weaving community and culture with commerce
bringing new artistic venues into all of their redevelopment projects!
Now San Clemente's Casino
has be put back into her former glory
and
once again a destination venue for gatherings and weddings!
Nestled in San Clement's historic old North Beachit encompasses all the elegance of a bygone eraas well as the natural beauty that makes San Clementeone of Southern California's most iconic beach towns
The Casino's Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture is perfect example of
what has made San Clemente famous.
Upon entering the building the wedding guests will proceed to the leftdown a beautifully decorated hallfinished with photos of the buildings esteemed Hollywood history.
Our visit back was to begin the list of arrangementsand areas to address.
Up to this pointwe will have addressed the entry stepsand arrangements for the entry hall.
The hall leads to the Rock Gardenwhere the ceremony will be held.
This area provides a lovely and intimate experience.The layout has been plannedandspace allocated for the instrumental musicians we hope to find.
Measurements for the 'alter focal point'have been madeas well as notes for the other areas to address.
There is already a lovely flow to the Rock Gardenfor the ceremonybut the dirt path will have to have a solvebefore her long train and veil meet the space.This has been the only drawback to an otherwise perfect venuebut we have no fear we will find a marvelous solvewhich will add even more character and soul to the wedding.
While the bride and groom do pictures on the beachdrinks will be passed as well as served from thismost lovely bar.
It is in this area I hope to do two black and white framed art piecesthat are made up of photos of the bride and groom individuallyto show their i histories that have gotten them to this point as they join their lives forever.
Guests will enjoy cocktails and appetizerson the Patio of the Starswhere views of the ocean can be seen.
We want to rent vintage furniture for this outdoor fireplaceto make it a beautiful focal pointas well as a space for intimate conversationsand pictures!
Cocktail tables have been countedand plans for addressing them are in the worksas well as cushionsfor all of the seating that the venue provides.
The bones of this patio space are so greatit won't take much styling to really make it sing!
The reception will take place in the historic Ballroom.Measurements have been takenand space planning doneto bring this large undefined spaceinto more 'intimate rooms'to bring in the bohemian feeling that Ellis wantsas well as making sure all the needs of the evening are met.Form and Function at it's best!
I am so excited to highlight this fantastic honeycombed ceilingwhich is one of the only remaining ceilings of this type in California.
The original stagewill be the perfect space for the Sweetheart TableWe pulled a table up to try the space on for sizeand it's perfect!
Styling ideas for this reception focal point are well under way.
The Dance floor is already thereform it's original use in the 1930's!
We have space planned for the DJwedding cake tablePhoto Boothand lounge area all sorted out.
My main concern with the ballroom reception spacewas how to bring it down and cozybut by the time all the areas are addressedandsome boxed trees hopefully brought inI think a cozy bohemian vibe will definitely be achieved.
I even have some ideas to make this delightful bridal suitewhere getting ready will take placeeven more enchanting.I believe the whole day should be magicaleven the preparation for it!
Our venue walk through was a complete success.I can now see clearlyspaces that need to be addressedand where we want the visual focal points to be.
Notes were taken and measurements made.
I am finally getting pretty darn excited about the wedding.We are assembling a wonderful team of amazing vendors
some of which are some of San Diego's best
up and coming talent!
Who knew all those times I took the train down to shop for wedding venues with Ellisas we looked all over Orange County and San Diego for over seven monthsI was passing the venue each and every time.I just wasn't looking in the right direction!
Life can unfold so beautifully sometimesif you can have patience and intent.
As always my friends
I wish you love and joyas you style your life