JAMISON EVENTS BLOG!

From wedding advice to real weddings to create your DREAM WEDDING, we truly have it all. With 20 years of wedding planning under my belt, this is the best wedding advice site for newly engaged, engaged, and couples thinking about engagement.

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

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"Rooted in Love" an American/Sri Lanken Fusion Wedding - Kasuni & Mike

When a couple comes to us, looking to celebrate their multicultural roots — we are always so excited to design & honor them in a way that makes their wedding day feel authentic and custom. When we met Kasuni and Mike, we committed to creating a vision for their wedding that met every Sri Laken & American tradition they desired (which you’ll find out along the story!)

A creative way that we infused the Sri Laken & American cultures was by weaving TWO separate ceremonies into the couple’s timeline. Rather than fuse both together or take away any significance from the 1 type of ceremony — having two ceremonies ended up being so wonderful for not only the couple, but their guests too!

Ceremony 1: Sri Lanken

The couple were first dressed in Sri Laken style attire that has the bride in all gold that flowed down the aisle and the groom in gold with burgundy pants and a sash. For this processional, the Bride and her family were escorted down the aisle by a traditional Sri Lanken drum line. Swipe through the gallery to see these incredible moments, captured by Anokiart Photography (one of Jamison’s favorite photographers).

In order to execute a easygoing flow between the ceremonies, we initiated a break between the two ceremonies and served Lavender Tea to the guests while the couple changed into Western wedding attire.

Ceremony 2: Western-American

The bride changed into a form-fitting satin gown with lace covering the bodice, hips, and train. And the groom changed into a deep blue suit with a pale pink tie. And the processional consisted of bridesmaids in teal blue, and groomsmen in the same dark blue suit as the groom.

The Reception

After both ceremonies ended, the couple took family & bridal party photos while guests enjoyed a brief cocktail hour before gathering in the Spanish Hills ballroom for reception. A grand entrance took place with the bridal party (still wearing the Western attire) including a fun Sri-Laken inspired dance to entertain the guests. Kasuni and Mike then enjoyed a romantic first dance, followed by dinner, and speeches.

As the dance floor opened, the guests enjoyed dancing and an adorable mini donut bar by Lil Sweet Somethings while the bride & groom cut their cake. And the rest of the night was fun and blissfully romantic. Congratulations to Kasuni & Mike!!

Overall, we got to work with amazing vendors including Alona, from Anokiart Photography (one of Jamison’s favorites):

Venue @spanishhillsspecialevents
Planner @jamisonevents
Planning Associate @coordinationbycasnova
Photographer @anokiart_photography
DJ @bouquetsound
Hair and Makeup @luonglastingteam
Florist @primroseandpetals
Thath Jith Dance @thathjith
Videography @sohi.productions
Cake @sugarlabbakeshop
Donuts @lilsweetsomethings
Cappuccino @cappexpress

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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)!

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Monica and Rafael: Romantic Beauty and the Beast Inspired Wedding

A tale as old as time - except in wedding form! Enjoy this gallery of Monica and Rafael’s magical wedding photos by Emma & Josh Photography.

When this bride and groom asked Jamison Events for planning a dream event, they also wanted to incorporate a Beauty and the Beast theme that was subtle and romantic. Their signage, use of rose petals, and aesthetic colors revealed an astonishing masterpiece of a wedding. One of my personal favorite aspects was accomplished by the florist, Primrose & Petals, who took a single red rose and stood it up in the centerpiece with a glass hurricane vase. It looked JUST like the rose from Beauty & the Beast. With stunning photos, a cloud first dance, and sparkler grand exit — Monica & Rafael had the night of their DREAMS!

We hope you enjoyed a snippet of this real couple’s wedding + remember you can pin these photos to your Pinterest board! Follow @jamisonevents on socials for more amazing wedding content.

Venue @spanishhillsspecialevents

Coordination @jamisonevents

Associate Planner @coordinationbycasanova

Photographer @emma.and.josh

Florals @primroseandpetals

DJ @gtzentertainment

Hair + Makeup @fairytalehairandmakeup

Cake & Desserts @sweetartbakeshop

Cappuccino @cappexpress

Marquee Lights @charming_lights

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Rosie + Gonzalo: Wedding Sunsets and Happily Ever After at Spanish Hills CC

At Spanish Hills Country Club, this sunset made Rosie & Gonzalo’s wedding a night to remember! This wedding was styled with a romantic, whimsical vibe to emulate the Spanish styled venue they got married at. While the ceremony was held at another location, the cocktail hour and reception was held at Spanish Hills, where the couple arrived in their vintage car by Distinctive Carriage & began taking photos.

The bride had such beautiful style and enjoyed every bit of her wedding day! She wore a whimsical wedding ballgown paired with a stunning chapel veil and sparkly headband (which is very on trend in 2022). The couple danced the night away and enjoyed a romantic evening.

Thank you to all of the wonderful vendors who made this day possible:

Venue @spanishhillsspecialevents
Planner @jamisonevents
Planning Associate @coordinationbycasanova
Photography & Videography @stephaniefloresphotography @vivianareyesphotography
Florals @yamaguchisn
DJ/Entertainment @provision_entertainment
Cake @mjbcakes
Rental Car @distinctivecarriage

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Tony + Mayra: A Hint of Fantasy at the Spanish Hills Club

If you love big laughs, beautiful florals, and the best Harry Potter decor ever — then you’ll love Tony & Mayra’s wedding. After a magical morning of getting ready, the couple got ready to do their first look, where they in fact surprised the groom by dressing the Best Man in a gown and veil. The groom laughed so hard he was falling over (see our Instagram highlight “BTS 5” to hear his amazing, big laugh!

Then we got the wedding started with a beautiful ceremony on the Spanish Hills Club stairs outside. Casa Blanca Flowers put up the most gorgeous sunset colored flowers all over the arch and down the aisle; truly incredible creations! As we moved on to the cocktail hour and reception, guests were greeted by the cutest, lego Hedwig (the bride built it herself!), where guests signed a guestbook with a feather pen. The wedding reception was so fun, and when dessert time came around there were Mickey Mouse shaped cookies, Snitch cake pops, cupcakes, the couple’s cake by Denise (@cakesby_denise) + when treats ran out, churros were served by the staff at Spanish Hills Club. A night they will never forget!!

Venue @spanishhillsspecialevents
Planning @jamisonevents
Planning Associate @coordinationbycasanova

Flowers @casablancaflowers
Photography @stunning_photography805
DJ @dj__irock
Cake @cakesby_denise

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Taking a Tour of Hummingbird Nest Ranch!

With FOUR incredible main venues on the Hummingbird Nest Ranch property, the Jamison Events team couldn’t pass up the chance to tour this wedding venue site! With Ariel, from Magnolia West Photography, able to capture the incredible tour moments — here’s what we discovered, so you don’t have to.

Hummingbird Nest Ranch is one of Simi Valley’s best kept secrets AND a spectacular site for special events including weddings, private parties, movie/tv and photo shoots…

This extraordinary property has “an exquisite main villa with regal Spanish architecture and décor, a gorgeous array of outdoor spaces perfect for ceremonies, receptions and private events, giving guests a feeling of unsurpassed warmth and luxury.”

We had a full touring day ahead of us, so we took a golf cart around the venue with the welcoming representatives from Hummingbird Nest Ranch. As we visited each of the 4 wedding venue locations, the sales rep was able to show us incredible inspiration photos of how to use each space. Scroll down below to see each of the four sites!

  1. The Villas

This venue site is located in front of the main house, with a gorgeous courtyard and rippling fountain in the center. Lush plants fill the empty space and bring life to this location. If you love this location, you can find inspiration photos HERE. This wedding spot is also right by where the couple and guests can book villas for the entire weekend!

2. The Sitting Bull

From the Villas, we took a golf cart to this beautiful Italian courtyard space with olive trees and brick walls. This space reminded me of an Italian piazza, which can perfectly fit a luxurious cocktail hour. You will find lush green bushes and trees as well, with a lovely blue pool for admiring OR a post-wedding dip! Find wedding inspiration photos for the Sitting Bull HERE.

3. The Main Barn

The main barn is a breathtaking, high ceiling space that is perfect for a romantic or country style. We were so impressed by how large the indoor space was; 300 horses could have fit! You can fill this space with a laid-back vibe or elevate the space with drapery and and pops of greenery. While the indoor space is lovely, you can also host a wedding on the outdoor space on the lake & lawn area. Find wedding inspiration photos HERE.

4. Q Vineyards by Hummingbird


Q Vineyards is the all inclusive venue, in conjunction with Command Performance catering. This location has a helicopter pad, and a barn with twinkle lights inside. Keep an eye out in August for a styled shoot COMING SOON, with all wedding inspiration on how to use this event space!

After touring each STUNNING location, here are few things to know if you book the Hummingbird Nest Ranch for your wedding:

Wedding Planning Tips & Things to Know

  1. There are some wonderful accommodations such as: 24-hour rental of the event space, bridal party dressing suite, dumpsters on site for vendor trash disposal, restrooms & restroom attendants.

  2. You will find the most beautiful onsite villas to rent for guests and/or the bride & groom! You can rent them for the entire weekend, plus, they are affordable! (Q Vineyard does not include overnight stay)

  3. Hummingbird Nest offers a list of exclusive catering companies from which events are required to select their catering vendor. They offer many diverse caterers, with many ethnic and Kosher options.

  4. If you need wedding transportation, their vendor Performance Limo LA by Scott Rouge (transportation is required at Q Vineyards).

  5. This venue requires security and valet (which is always a great addition to your wedding), through exclusive companies, to be contracted separately at an additional cost.

  6. Lastly, the cost of this venue is determined specific to each wedding. Everyone has different budgets, but expect to spend a minimum of $70,000 for most Villa or Sitting Bull weddings. For Q Vineyard weddings, expect to spend a minimum of $40,000.

Check out the Hummingbird Nest Ranch website for more info! And follow on insta: @hummingbirdnestevents

Ariel Nuñez

AND This entire blog wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Ariel, at Magnolia West Photography’s stunning photos of the Hummingbird Nest Ranch! She will be joining Jamison Events on quite a few more venue tours adventures this year so look out for that too! You can find her socials, website, and more HERE to learn more about her.

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Dana & Scott - A Romantic Boho Wedding at Spanish Hills Club

Dana and Scott’s romantic boho wedding at the Spanish Hills Club was nothing short of an absolute DREAM ! Jamison Events had the honor of working with this couple for full wedding planning, which means they got a custom moodboard and other useful resources to build their wedding from top to bottom.

Their vibe was overall a gorgeous romantic, fall aesthetic with pampas grass and greenery. Dana and Scott had such a unique color palette as well with terracotta, rust, grey, white and greens! I absolutely loved it; check out pictures from ceremony and reception below.

As you can tell from these BEAUTIFUL photos, Dana and Scott hired one of my favorite photographers; Nicole Henshaw, who always nails the romantic boho vibe in her editing style & coloring.

The wedding day was overall such a fun production, especially since the couple were both genuinely kind human beings, mellow, and a joy to work with!

See a wedding vendor you might want to inquire for your wedding? Here’s a list of all the awesome vendors that put together D + S’s big day!

Venue @spanishhillsspecialevents
Planner @jamisonevents
Associate Planner @coordinationbycasanova
Photographer @nicolehenshawphoto
Video @mr.lokiproductions
DJ @bouquetsound
Hair and Makeup @fairytalehairandmakeup
Florist @b_besame
Cake @sweetartbakeshop

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Advice on Your Christmas Themed Wedding

Hey Christmas lovers and fanatics ! If you met your significant other during the holidays, have special traditions, or have family members who love Christmas, then there may be a Christmas themed wedding in your future!

Cred: KeLi Photography

Hey Christmas lovers and fanatics ! If you met your significant other during the holidays, have special traditions, or have family members who love Christmas, then there may be a Christmas themed wedding in your future!

A holiday wedding date is a big deal!

Lucky for you, if you choose this wedding theme, your wedding will be in the off season! That’s normally December-February for wedding vendors. Hot tip: Most venues and vendors can get booked up during the holiday season due to holiday parties. Make sure to book early to ensure their availability. 

Speaking of availability…

Ask your family. Anytime you plan a wedding around a holiday, make sure to check with family and closest friends to you about the dates to ensure they are available and/or in town.

As you think of your guests, accommodate all. Remember some guests may or may not celebrate the holidays, so by incorporating a menorah or sticking to the theme of winter, will help ensure no one is left out.

Cred: Pawel Bebenca Photography

When Looking for Venues…

Pick an indoor or tented (with heaters) space. Whether you're getting married in SoCal or in New York, it can often get cold during Christmas. Make sure you pick a venue that will be comfortable for everyone.

Ask your venue if they decorate. Some venues already have decor that they put up, such as garland and xmas trees. This will save you money!

When Planning your Timeline...

Remember sunset is early in December. So, account for the earlier sundown time with an earlier ceremony start time. The goal is always that cocktail hour is ending when sunset is happening to ensure that perfect golden hour time for your photos. 

Cred: Megan Morales Photography

When Finding Your Vendors…

With winter being an off-season for weddings, there aren’t as many, but remember that vendors tend to be difficult to get a hold of during the holiday season. Most vendors take time off, during the holidays so plan and prepare early to ensure you don’t have last minute issues or questions. 

When Designing Your Wedding…

Pick one main color. Christmas tends to get really loud on the color schemes; ensure your aesthetic speaks of a wedding and not a Christmas party. Make sure to choose one color and build on that color subtly opposed to making it look like Christmas threw up. 

When guests arrive there’s a good chance they have on big jackets. Having a coat check with an attendant is a nice touch! And greet guests with a warm cup of spiked cider or champagne with cranberries for cocktail hour and add a coat check at the door.

We recommend that you really play into the cozy theme with a hot cocoa bar, eggnog, and fluffy blankets around a fire. Add upbeat or classical Christmas music to be played during cocktail hour and dinner. For a unique touch, have your florist use fragrant cinnamon or pine in your centerpieces to fill the room up with yummy Christmas smells. 

One fun entertainment idea I love for any winter wedding is adding an igloo photo booth. It’s not really an igloo but looks like it!

Cred: Madalynn Young Photography

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Sarah and Kevin's Cozy Wedding in Simi Valley

What does a rustic, private estate wedding look like you might ask? Sarah and Kevin’s wedding was full of desserts, cute wooden barrels, and lots of florals! If you’re thinking of having a wedding in your backyard or a family member’s home, we hope you are inspired by this wedding because no matter what, you can always have a dream wedding.

I love getting to tell how I meet each of my couples. but it’s so much more special when you’re planning a wedding for people who feel like family. Sarah is the SIL of a friend and actually an event planner herself, so this bride was organized and on top of the planning through the entire process.

Their venue was at a family member’s private estate in Simi Valley, an area super native to where my company is based so we worked with many vendors from our area.

It just so happened that my personal friend and Photographer, Jessica Woodard was the photographer on their day and I was so excited. While we had done a styled shoot together, it was the first Wedding we were able to work together on and I loved every minute working with her!

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The day-of team from Gold Star staffing was also amazing to work with and made the entire day easy. The decor was classic with a rustic vibe which was a mix of pinks, burgundy and white. And for the reception, there were string lights wrapped all the way up the trees behind the sweetheart table. The overall wedding was classic with a comfortable, cosy home feel.

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Sarah and Kevin hit all of the amazing things on their timeline such as; bride and groom pictures during golden hour, a fun grand entrance, speeches, first dances, bouquet toss, garter toss, cake cutting with the YUMMIEST dessert, and last but not least a magical sparkler grand exit. 

And when you’re a wedding planner, some of the fun benefits (at least for me) include being able to snag a piece of cake from one of my favorite bakers: Skiffs, based out of Simi Valley.

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Overall, Sarah was a dream to work with and I loved getting to know her family too. I always love a beautiful Wedding that’s local to me and feel blessed to be able to plan incredible events!!

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Vendors:

Photography @jessicawoodardphoto

Coordination @jamisonevents

Entertainment @bouquetsound

Staffing @goldstarstaffing

Dress @pebblesbridal

Cake @skiffscakes

Catering @muddys_bbq

Videographer @lightupvideos

Rentals @partypleasers

Florals @uniquefloraldesigns

Suit @menswearhouse

Limo @limo805

Have a Wonderful Day,

Jamison

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