Erika + Manny: A Radiant Wedding at Spanish Hills Club

This is a night Erika & Manny will surely remember! Scroll through their wedding gallery to be inspired.

We loved the romantic, tearful video shot by Light Up Videos, and the captivating photos by Taylor Ashley Photography. The venue of course is fantastic; with their various photo locations & views, friendly staff, and accommodations that make choosing you venue here, easy. An incredible DJ (Bouquet Sound), who we know as Dominiq —who is not only great at mixing your ideal wedding playlist, but is also an charismatic MC. The florist company (Camarillo Flower Shop) is not only a local, friendly vendor but their flowers are delightful, especially when lit up by marquee lights by Alpha Lit Los Angeles. And we love the makeup by Beauty by Alicia Leming AND the local bridal boutique, Bella Bridal Couture, where our brides always find their perfect wedding gown.

Find these awesome vendors BELOW:

Venue @spanishhillsspecialevents
Planner @jamisonevents
Planning Associate @coordinationbycasnova
Photographer @taylerashleyphotography
Videography @lightupvideos
DJ @bouquetsound
Hair and Makeup @beautybyalicialeming
Florist @camarilloflowershop
Cake @camarillocupcake
Marquee @alphalitlosangeles
Dress @bellabridalcouture

Indoor vs Outdoor Weddings: Let’s Hear the PROS & CONS!

So, you’re trying to decide if you want to have an indoor or outdoor wedding or maybe you haven’t considered ALL the factors yet. How do you choose? This is actually one of the biggest decisions you have to make when deciding on a wedding venue.

For continued support on finding your wedding venue, here is Top 10 Things to Consider BEFORE booking your Wedding Venue.

Whether you see yourselves getting married in a lush backyard garden or exquisite ballroom, when it comes down to making hard decision like this…it’s time to pull out a good, old fashioned PROS + CONS list!

Indoor

Pro: Weather worries, no problem!

No matter what season your wedding is, indoor weddings will put your mind at ease about undesirable weather. From a little light breeze to a rainy forecast, indoor venues ensure your festivities will go on and your guests will be comfortable.

Con: Extra Costs

Indoor weddings tend to have a higher price tag than other outdoor locations. This is because there is more space to fill with décor and additional luxuries such as bridal & groom suites, restrooms, and lounge areas — these accommodable features will cost you some extra cash.

Pro: Design Opportunities

Your event design options are seemingly endless as long as you follow your venue's regulations. Indoor venues have lots of blank walls and ceilings tp create the perfect backdrops with cute decorations, and you’ll find some some already furnished! And you definitely don't need to worry about the wind knocking over your centerpieces or blowing our your reception candles.

Con: Photo/Video Lighting

If you choose an indoor wedding venue, then make sure your photographer AND videographer know how to capture an indoor event. Indoor photos generally aren’t bright & airy, like outdoor venues unless your venue has indoor + outdoor selections, so ensure your photographer/videographer has some specialty shooting indoors.

Pro: Intimate & Cozy

Indoor weddings gather all of your guests into one room for a more enclosed, cozy feel. There will be much less external distractions such as overhead airplanes, car horns, etc. to interrupt your ceremony & toasts.

Now that you’ve read our PROS & CONS list for indoor venues, for our more adventurous couples — take a look at the outdoor venue list!

Outdoor

Pro: Gorgeous views & scenery.

You want that bright & airy, open space look for your wedding? Choose an outdoor venue where there’s plenty of natural lighting for photos, cost effective natural beauty, and a pretty backdrop for all your events.

Con: Unpredictable Nature

Remember, an outdoor wedding has beautiful sights, but you can’t control nature. Bugs will inevitably crash your outdoor wedding and although you can’t fully prepare for undesirable weather or nature conditions, you can make preparations in advance! This includes purchasing a tent, heaters, using heavier materials (less paper), LED candles, and any backups you can think of.

Pro: No Space Constraints

More space can prove to be very family friendly to couples who want to invite a larger number of guests. You also have more space to design creatively and create an epic event.

Con: Rental Costs

Generally, outdoor wedding venues come as a clean slate. Yes, there is plenty of natural beauty, but because you want to PREPARE and protect against the natural elements, this can set you back thousands of dollars (tents generally being the costly item). And depending on your venue, you may need to spend extra cash on items such as portable restrooms, a dance floor, tables, chairs, and lighting.

Pro: Family Friendly Atmosphere

While some couples may not choose to invite children, an outdoor setting welcomes these little ones. Children will have plenty of space to run around, which will hopefully maintain their wild energy and keep tantrums to a minimum. And lawn games can be a fun purchase to keep the little ones (and adults!) occupied.

Still unsure?

Ultimately, your decision between an indoor vs. outdoor wedding venue will be control. Scroll back over the two lists. The type A bride who might be reading this will lean towards an indoor venue, because it allows you to hold the reigns on your big day with ease. However, if nature is your second home — an outdoor venue would serve your desires best.

And who knows — after doing a bit of venue searching you may find one you love that has a hybrid (indoor + outdoor spaces for use)!

Hosting a Wedding Weekend

Sometimes one day wedding isn't enough! If you have a lot of out-of-town guests OR just want to make your wedding a really fun memory, consider hosting a wedding weekend.

Now you may be wondering — what IS a wedding weekend & how much is this going to cost me? Everyone’s wedding budget looks a bit different, but for suggestions on all inclusive resorts/venues here in California, check out these package options:

• Twenty Mile House (one of our couples got married HERE!)

• Gardener Ranch

• Kennolyn Stone Creek Village

• Harvey House

• Sacred Mountain Julian

• Silverado Resort in Napa

Inviting Guests to Your Wedding Weekend

On the invitations, if not everyone is involved to a particular event, do not include it on your website or invitations. Offer personal invites to events that certain guests are invited to and make sure they know it’s not an open event. This will cut opportunities for any hurt feelings.

After handling all your invites— what does a wedding weekend timeline look like & what kind of events do you add? If you REALLY want to make your wedding weekend EPIC, pay attention to these tips:

Your Wedding Weekend Timeline

Photo: from BRIDES

1.Host a Welcome Party

This could be elaborate (catered with decor) or small (park and BBQ) but will kick off your weekend and welcome guests. A rule of thumb - the welcome party is typically separate from your rehearsal dinner/lunch, but it can be any time the day-before your wedding. Just don’t cram all these events together.

Another helpful tip: if the Welcome Party is the night before, don’t go TOO late! This ensures your guests are not too tired/hungover for the Wedding Day. 

Photo: by Pigeon Forge

2. Plan an activity or excursion

From hanging by the resort pool to axe throwing to river rafting — we have seen our Couples plan amazing activities that create memories!

Tip: Do this at least 2-3 days before your wedding to ensure everyone has recovered from the day for your wedding day. 

Photo: by Composing Reality Photography

3. Wedding Afterparty!

If you are at a resort or need to end before 10pm on your wedding day, you might consider an after- party. First, take a good look at your guest list to determine if this is something your crowd would be into. Secondly, choose a location that isn’t too far away from your venue (such as a nearby bar, house, etc.)

Photo: from Restaurant Clicks

4. Day-After Brunch

The day after your wedding, if you are wanting to spend extra time with your guests (especially those out of town people you don’t see very often), a day-after brunch is a great way to “thank” your guests for a great weekend. You’re going to want to plan brunch for after around 9:30am (no one wants to jump out of bed the day after a wedding).

Photo: from iStock

Tip: Plan to head off to your honeymoon/night away after your brunch.

Lastly, make sure to do all wedding activities prior to your wedding day and plan for one-on-one moments during & after your wedding day. This will make it feel like a genuine celebration. 

Fun Ways to Include Your Pets in Your Wedding

Ever wondered how you will include your pets into your wedding? Our furry friends are a special part of our lives, so why not include them in our wedding! And while there are countless Pinterest photos out there to give you ideas, we already found all the steps, so you don’t have to.

Now let’s make it a REALITY! + plus, see the real Jamison Events couples who include their pets too.

Ring Bearers

For people willing to put in the work to train your dog (or if it’s your style, haha, maybe your cat) to walk down the aisle this IDEA is for you! We also included a dog training video example just for you —

Step 1: Confirm that your pet is allowed at the wedding venue

Step 2: Train your pet to walk down the aisle (at least 3 months prior)

Step 3: Designate a pet sitter for your big day

Step 4: Practice at the wedding rehearsal (works best if it’s the actual venue)

Step 5: Time for the most important walk of the day!

Video: How to train & prep your dog to be a RING BEARER

First Look with your Pet

Including your pet in your wedding photos is the sweetest! So long as they don’t jump on your wedding attire, haha, but if that isn’t a dealbreaker for you this idea is your pick:

Step 1: Might be a good idea to train your dog not to jump when they see you for the first time if you’re worried they may jump on your dress/suit.

Step 2: Ask the venue if your pet is allowed on the premise or even a designated spot outside the venue.

Step 3: Add the pet first-look into your wedding timeline

Step 4: Designate someone attending the wedding to watch your pet OR hire a wedding pet-sitter like FairyTail Pet Care.

Step 5: Have the first look & enjoy the sweetest pet photos! (see examples below)

On Your Cake + Edible Photos

When your venue doesn’t allow pets, but they are as sweet as can be— add them to your wedding dessert. This can be as a cake topper, edible photos, or a doggie treat bag, see here:

~ Photo Cred: Cakes (Anokiart Photography), doggie bag (Bethany Joy Photo)

Suggestion 1: Order custom cake toppers (we love Etsy!) or custom doggie treat bags, etc. After receiving the order, pack in your wedding reception decor box for easy set-up.

Suggestion 2: Find (in advance) a cake company that does edible photos, decide to use them on cake or cute cupcakes, then plan for delivery at the venue on wedding day.

Suggestion 3: If you’re a pro at DIY, we found a video of someone who DIY’s her edible cake photos:

Pet Decor & Attire

This idea will honor your pet in a meaningful way (most likely if your venue doesn’t allow pets or if your pet too rowdy with crowds). See inspiration photos below:

~all photos from Pinterest, except beer koozie by Christianne Taylor Photo & suit cufflinks by The OA Photo:

Step 1: Order your custom decor products from small businesses (we suggest browsing on Instagram or Etsy)

Step 2: Receive your pet decor & pack in a box with label, for easy wedding set-up.

Step 3: Give to your wedding planner or set-up person the day before your wedding!

Step 4: Enjoy your cute pet elements at your wedding.

Best Man/Flower Girl

When your pet is your best friend, it just makes sense to include them in your bridal party! See cute photos & instructions below:

~all photos used from Pinterest

Step 1: Train your pet (at least 6 mos. prior)

Step 2: Order your pet a cute vest, flower crown, lei, etc.

Step 3: Practice walking down the aisle and sitting at the altar at your rehearsal dinner practice (preferably at venue).

Step 4: Designate a pet sitter for the day of your wedding OR hire a wedding pet-sitter like FairyTail Pet Care.

Step 5: Enjoy your pet’s presence at your wedding.

Cardboard Cutouts

A goofy, unique idea so your pet can be there, without really BEING there. See below:

Step 1: Find a business that creates custom cardboard cutouts (the more life-size, the better)— Example

Step 2: Place your order so that it arrives before your big day.

Step 3: Receive order & pack for your wedding planner/set-up team.

Step 4: Take cute & silly photos with your pet cardboard cutout!

Signature Cocktails

Last, but not least, a cute signature cocktail that fits your pet’s personality is the cutest detail & so fun for all of your guests! See steps & photos below:

~ all photos used from Pinterest

Step 1: Your significant other & you pick out a cocktail mixture that fits your pet(s) personality!

Step 2: Check with your bartending team that they can make this drink.

Step 3: Order a sign, like this.

Step 4: Receive the order & pack in your wedding items.

Step 5: Give to your wedding planner to set-up & enjoy a pet-inspired cocktail.

4th of July, America Themed Wedding

While I hope you all enjoyed your Fourth of July celebrations yesterday, this holiday inspired us to create a wedding theme out of it! We were thinking of all of the patriotic, USA loving folk who want a wedding so UNIQUE, without being too “trendy” or “cheesy.”

And you don’t just have to have your wedding on 4th of July to use this idea, we feel this Independence Day theme could compliment ANY wedding in July, so we hope you get a kick out of this:

Follow our Instagram @jamisonevents to see weekly wedding inspiration from our REAL weddings + fun reels + moodboard themes! And sign up for our newsletter to get notified of our NEW blogs.

Inspiration for a Love Themed Wedding for February/Valentine's Day

Are you feeling the love in the air? Plan a LOVE themed wedding? I promise you, these ideas are not that tacky and I think you’ll adore them. And if you love the photos we share, go ahead and pin them right to your wedding board!

Now the difficult part, how does one design a love themed wedding? Here are our suggestions!

Romantic Water Features

Taken at Los Robles Greens Venue

Read a Love Poem before or during the Ceremony

This can be any love poem! Or a song lyric!

Heart Shaped Wedding Arch

Photo by Bryson G Visuals

Love Themed Menus

It can be hearts, roses, or the colors of love!

“Lover” by Taylor Swift as your Processional Song

“Can I go, where you go? Can we always, be this close? Forever, and ever…”

Ethereal Sculptures or Statues

Made of stone or even an ice sculpture!

Tiny/Mini Heart Decor

Aren’t they so dang cute?!

Go Pink for your Wedding Dress!

This one is from DELANA Formals called “The Arista”

Heart Shaped Wedding Cake or Cake Topper

Heart shaped cake not pictured, but there’s some more lovely photos on Pinterest!

Romantic Date Night Jar/Cards

At the welcome table, have your guests offer date night suggestions!

Valentine’s Day Photobooth

Have your guests get silly!

Exchange Valentine’s Day Cards

Do this with your soon to be Husband or Wife before the Ceremony!

Signature Drinks of the Theme!

Ex. Love Potion #9 or Cupid’s Sangria, etc.

Go with Roses and Pink or Dyed Babies Breath

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Give a Rose as your Guest Favor

And the final rose goes to…(bachelor reference anyone?)

20 First Dance Songs You'll LOVE (from a Wedding Planner)

Continuing in theme of our LOVE blogs in February, today I’d like to share 20 of my favorite ‘first song’ picks that I’ve heard (and adore!) as a long time wedding planner…

Play each song below!

*give them a little time to load*

What are you waiting for? Save these 20 first DANCE songs to your Pinterest BOARD !

Top 10 Things I Love About Being a Wedding Planner

Are YOU the same as me? If you love wedding planning, or felt a desire/call to this industry, let me tell you a quick few things I LOVE💓 about it!

1. I get to know amazing Couples and their love story. We start out as strangers and become forever friends! 

2. I get to be creative on a daily basis. Working to not only bring my Couples vision to life but continue to create new styles and innovate for my business too.

3. I get to see my actual ideas come together. 

4. I love that I get to make my own hours (although I probably work way more than I’d like to admit).

5. I get to work from home during the week! (including making fun reels with myself & my social media team)

Check out these fun wedding advice reels I make from home!

6. I work in an upbeat and celebration industry. 

7. I get to work with amazing vendors and venues. People who inspire, support and encourage me. 

8. I get work with an amazing team.

9. I love to organize ideas and plans. I spend hours on a timeline and watching it come together the day of is really fulfilling.

10. Lastly, I genuinely love weddings. All different types of weddings and I love attending, being apart of and have fun at every one!

Check out these Behind-the-Scenes vs. How it Actually Ended Up!

MORE RESOURCES:

If you’re more interested in my wedding planning story, here’s my about page!

Or if you’re looking for1v1 advice, send me an email or social media DM.

Private Moments to Add in Your Wedding Timeline

You’re going to wish you learned these sooner when you find out how awesome these PRIVATE moments are and you’ll want to add in your wedding timeline right away!

In conversations with some of my couples, they ask me how to enjoy one another on the actual day of the wedding, and my secret is incorporating private moments into your timeline. And I’m not just talking about first looks, but there’s even more specific events you can add!

1. A Private Dinner

What is a private dinner? Not many couples do this, but I have seen this private moment included in celebrity/influencer couple weddings like Bailey and Asa Howard (from influencers, Brooklyn & Bailey). Essentially, you just eat in another room alone together at the beginning of the reception so guests aren’t bugging you!

Photo Cred: @brooklynandbailey

2. A First Touch/Prayer/Look

You already know about first looks, but have you thought of maybe doing a first touch or prayer? If you want to save that special moment for walking down the aisle, maybe a first touch/prayer is for you! This moment will help steal you away from the wedding party who are not allowed in the area for this moment.

Photo Cred: Judy and Gavin Photography

3. Five Minute Alone Time (typically right before the Grand Entrance or right after the Ceremony)

If your wedding planner is Jamison Events, we always schedule a private 5 minute time for the Couple with absolutely no one there! It’s usually a make out session, but is super important to ensure the day doesn't go by so fast (slows the day down) and that they remember the day is about them. Read your personal vows to each other prior to the Ceremony, after the first look

Photo Cred: Melbourne Wedding Photographer

4. Sneak off for sunset photos

Imagine just the two of you wrapped up in the colors of that last bit of sun on your wedding day. That’s just a moment you can’t miss. ONLY take your photographer (and videographer if you have one), with you so that you can take romantic photos and have some time to process the excitement of being married!!!

Photo Cred: Max Tepper Photography

5. Give each other gifts

This gift doesn’t have to be expensive, per say, just a little something. Even if it’s just a card or sweet message to your significant other, they will appreciate it. Plan it out too so that not just one person awkwardly gets something and put this on your wedding timeline prior to the Ceremony. And if you add a personal note, it’s more intimate that you don’t read out loud.

Photo Cred: Wedding Nature Photography

6. Take a few photos of your new spouse during the Reception

Although brides and grooms often forget about their phones on their wedding day, it’s totally acceptable (and fun!) to pull them out during the reception or on your way to the reception. Snap a quick photo of your spouse, a selfie together, and a picture of your rings for the first time. Then, text them to your spouse at that time. POV of your new spouse! - include a personal text to make them smile (or blush)!

Photo Cred: The KNOT

Don’t forget to share this blog with your engaged friends or soon-to-be engaged friends so that they can steal these tips too!

+ follow us on instagram @jamisonevents for continued wedding fun & advice there!

Wedding Trends for 2022

What should you expect for 2022 weddings? If you’re someone who loves all the latest trends OR wants to be completely unique from anything mainstream, this blog is for you to check out!

+ pin all of these photos from our 2022 Wedding Trends Board!

Baby’s breath literally everywhere

2 piece bridesmaid dresses and wedding dresses

Simple, modern gowns

 Smaller, extravagant parties

Flash photography & 35mm film photos

Bright + bold colors

Champagne towers

More destinations

Pearls, Pearls, Pearls

Whimsical vibes

Sunset Ceremonies (with pictures taken prior to Ceremony