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)!

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

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.

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!

Heather & Nick - A Traditional Spanish Hills Wedding with a Touch of Modern

These two were one of my favorite couples; they were patient, sweet and kind humans. Their family was a sure reflection of them the day of their wedding as well.

The location of their wedding was at the beautiful Spanish Hills Country Club (in Camarillo, California). The accommodations are great and the venue style is a nice blend of the garden, outdoor-wedding feel for the ceremony, and an elegant indoor ballroom for the reception.

Heather and Nick had their wedding on a Friday and for some reason that day of the week for weddings always feels a little more chill and easy going. Their style was more traditional with a modern touch. There was sort of a black and white tie feel, but they also chose a wonderful accent color; blue. It was weaved within the bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen ties, invitations, and the bright blue skies that day!

These two lovebirds didn’t see each other before the ceremony (so no first looks!) because they wanted that extra special first moment together as bride, Heather came down the aisle to groom, Nick.

For the ceremony, the couple opted to hire Thor officiant, who did an amazing job. It was super important to them that we had a nice flow of events during the night, so I ensured toasts started as soon as possible and made sure they didn’t feel like there was too much down time.

In fact, all the vendors that day were pretty great at making this happen, with special mention to Anokiart Photography and Floral Designs by Roni. This florist, I’ve worked with for over 20 years, but this was sadly the very last wedding Roni did in California before moving out of state. Jamison Events is wishing her an amazing future in her new hometown!

Vendors:

Venue: @spanishhillsspecialevents

Coordination: @jamisonevents

Photo: @anokiart_photography

Flowers: @floral_designs_by_roni

Beauty: @fairytalehairandmakeup

DJ: @djsotaentertainment

Cinematographer: @brettmunozweddings

Officiant: @wedding_officiant

Associate Coordinator: @coordinationbycasanova

Sub Zero Ice Cream

What is liquid nitrogen ice cream? Rapidly rising back into popularity, SubZero Nitrogen Ice Cream Catering creates the best ice cream made with LN2 (liquid nitrogen).

It’s an easy 4-step process that is fun to watch, but also mess-free ice cream experience at any event. And you can get SubZero to cater YOUR event too. If you want a simple and delicious way for your event to be the star of the show, you can’t go wrong with the Subzero Nitrogen Ice Cream Bar!

When you cater SubZero at your event, here’s what you get:

• Creamy, Fresh, Decadent Ice Cream

• 5 yummy flavors and toppings of ice cream, made fresh on site for any upcoming event

• And a fun ice cream bar show with custom created flavors to choose from!

Check out the Menu!

Email for event inquiries subzeroicecreamcatering@gmail.com

Advice on Your Christmas Themed Wedding

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

How to Plan a Small or Intimate Wedding

Let’s face it, these past couple of years have been crazy, and although intimate and micro weddings have always been popular, they have become increasingly popular during and after the pandemic.

We want to help all couples out there who are planning their big day, no matter how big or small the event because your wedding should be the MOST magical and special day ever! So, if you know someone who needs help planning their micro wedding or intimate event send them this blog for advice.

First

Start with a budget: Even with a smaller wedding, there’s still a budget to consider. List all of your wants and needs on paper to ensure you’re considering each important detail into your budget.

Second

Make a guest list: An intimate wedding typically consists of your immediate/closest friends and family. Don’t talk about your wedding with those who aren't invited. The same goes for those who are invited.

Third

Focus on the venue: The world is literally your oyster when it comes to planning a smaller wedding. From a Tuscan Elopement in Italy, to saying “I do” on top of a cliff in the Grand Canyon, there’s endless venues to host your intimate wedding!

**Side tip about venues: Be open with your dates because most venues have a food and beverage minimum on Saturdays and Sundays. A smaller wedding is more affordable on a weekday!

Don’t rush the planning!

Oftentimes, many couples who are interested in a smaller affair opt for a smaller planning window too, but I would advise against this. We highly recommend allowing yourself several months. Slowing down the wedding planning process will ensure you’re able to focus on the day without feeling like you jumped right into it.

Customize your day!

With a smaller wedding, you most likely can spurge a little more on the custom aspects of your day. From elaborate plated dinners to featuring farm table dishes, a band who plays your favorite music or  custom created desserts, think about how you can make this special day focused on the two of you.

Have a very personal Ceremony

All wedding ceremonies are meaningful, but I mean REALLY make it deep and personal. From personal vows to getting those who have attended involved, an intimate wedding really puts the Couple in the center of the spotlight. Make it a personal Ceremony that everyone will truly remember and cherish.

Plan more than one day events!

It doesnt have to be one day… plan fun, extra outings. For example, if you’re having a wedding in the Grand Tetons, why not plan a mountain horseback ride the day prior for your attending guests. Or float down a lazy river in Tahoe. Get the most from the memories made on during your stay.

From the bottom of our hearts, we hope you have the BEST wedding day ever! And if you haven’t fallen in love with us yet, check out our Instagram + Pinterest @jamisonevents.

Hannah and Sam’s Modern Chic Spanish Hills Club Wedding

The NEW re-model of the Spanish Hills Club + Hannah & Sam’s modern chic wedding aesthetic will make your jaw drop! This gorgeous design is a blank canvas of white with long wooden floorboards, and a modern spanish twist. Hannah and Sam are the first wedding I’ve done with the Spanish Hills Club since their inside remodel, and HOLY SMOKES! Prepare to be blown away…

Ivan and Irene

On a scale of calm to bride-zilla, Hannah is probably one of the most organized and relaxed brides’ I’ve ever worked with! Considering her groom, Sam, is from the UK and had family traveling internationally, I was incredibly impressed by her composure. They were both two of the kindest people ever & with my team at Jamison Events, we helped create an incredible day for them!

Since the new re-model of Spanish Hills Club is pretty much a blank canvas, we had a lot of freedom for design, but this also meant a lot of space to fill! We used a mix of long & round tables with lots of candles, which turned out super elegant & romantic. Their welcome table turned into a sort of welcome room with white roses, mini candles, a “we’re so glad you’re here” sign, a guest book canvas to sign with a custom outline drawing of the bride and groom, a gifts table with a clear card box & tissues for guests. Check out our instagram reel at the end of this blog to see this decor in action! 

Ivan and Irene

The bride and groom chose a unique Ceremony twist by facing the fireplace inside, which became the altar & backdrop for the wedding ceremony, which was absolutely beautiful with the black chiavari modern chairs, hanging modern chandeliers, and dj in the back left corner.

Jamison Events

During cocktail hour and photos, we flipped this same space for the Reception and filled the room with round tables and white linens, also re-using the flowers from the ceremony. The sweetheart table was a stunning half-moon table with lots of candles,white linen draped with elegance, and simple table settings. My favorite part was when we had a few free minutes to show Hannah and Sam their Reception space setup and ready. Hannah joyfully said, “This is exactly my vision, I love it so much.” That meant so much to my Wedding Planner heart. Making my Bride happy, is everything I work for! 

Ivan & Irene

The whole reception was also super fun with some funny speeches, and lots of dancing. With the new floorboards, the sound really bounced off and filled the room, so I would recommend testing the sound level during preparations to make sure you don’t wake up the next morning with limited hearing! 

Overall, the wedding went incredible & the vendors were great. Most of all, Hannah and Sam were like models in front of the camera. I can't wait to see more of their photos!

Venue @spanishhillsspecialevents
Photography @salgado.photo
Planning @jamisonevents
Flowers @wildfireflorist
Videographer @daxblinn
Cake @pastrygirl123
Hair and Makeup @bobbypinsblushandblowouts

Make sure to follow us on Pinterest @Jamisonevents to see this wedding in action.

& check out Hannah & Sam’s Behind the Scenes Reel below!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wedding Planner & Design (@jamisonevents)

Have a Wonderful Day,

Jamison Events