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 by Tina Swithin
There is always something new to discover in Paso Robles, which is one of the many things that I love about this area. A few weeks ago, I received a call from Morgan at Midnight Cellars who was eager to share news about the newest business to "trot" onto the Paso Robles wine scene. If you are questioning my choice of words, let me explain that this business did in fact "trot" into Paso Robles.
If you are planning to indulge in the Paso Robles wine tasting experience, there are a variety of ways to visit tasting rooms: limos, wine tours, trolleys and now carriage rides! Yes, I did say ‘carriage rides’.  White Horse Carriage Co. is a welcomed addition to Paso Robles, providing wine tasting excursions by horse-drawn carriage. You can sit back and enjoy the rolling hills, vines and fresh air from the comfort of a lovingly restored Victorian-era carriage. Their tours include two to four boutique tasting rooms and a light picnic lunch in the midst of a local vineyard or can be catered to your individual needs.
I couldn’t help but smile as we rode through beautiful Paso Robles while listening to the therapeutic "clippity-clop" of hooves with Angel, a 12-year old Spanish Norman Carriage Horse at the helm. Angel isn't just any horse; she is a stunning white horse who has a gentle soul and a strong passion for pulling her carriage. Her enthusiasm shows with every step that she takes. Madaline explained, "You can tell Angel is happy when her ears are perked forward and there is a zealous spring in her step." I would be happy also if I got to experience the beautiful wine country every day with a backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards.
On my adventure with Kari, Madaline and Angel, I also discovered that the age old saying, "Love and  marriage goes together like a horse and carriage" is actually alive and well in Paso Robles. Madaline and Kari are eager to make your fairytale wedding a reality. What bride doesn't dream of being taken to the alter by a beautiful white horse-drawn carriage? For those planning to “pop the question”, they can assist you with the first step in that process-asking for her hand in marriage. As their website states, "She will tell the story to friends and family for the rest of her life... create a fairytale that she will never forget".
Whether you are planning a day of wine tasting, a romantic proposal or a grand entrance to your wedding day festivities; White Horse Carriage Co. is an experience that I highly recommend. Want to see more? I leave you with their official video in which you can pretend to be trotting through the vineyards in style.
White Horse Carriage Co.
805-296-2289
WhiteHorse@email.com
Tina Swithin is the Marketing Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes blog-a-licious articles about Paso Robles. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.
 By Tina Swithin
A recent article in the Sacramento Bee titled, "Come for the Fresh Air in Paso Robles, Stay for the Wine" touched on a rising trend in our gorgeous wine country: weddings! In the article, Lauran Galena, owner of Two Little Birds Bakery, was quoted as saying, "Couples are coming from everywhere to get married in the wineries, on ranches and on the beaches," she said. "We do seven to 13 weddings a weekend, and it looks like my wedding business will double this year."
As part of a new series highlighting wedding venues in the Paso Robles area, we will clink a glass and make a toast to Santa Margarita Ranch.
Are you dreaming of a wedding that combines the rustic, ranch atmosphere with class, elegance and sophistication? Sounds amazing, doesn’t it. There is an incredible wedding venue in the Paso Robles area that provides all that and more. Santa Margarita Ranch spans over 13,900 acres and is overflowing with a rich, local history. On the property, you will find an original adobe house with a beautiful landscaped garden and a historic barn which encloses the Asistencia which was built in the 1770’s. When booking the Santa Margarita Ranch for a wedding or reception, you have access to the garden and elegant barn for the day along with the Bridal Cottage for the wedding party to use.
 There are a couple of options when booking your wedding at the Santa Margarita Ranch. The barn can accommodate up to 300 people and the garden can hold up to 1,000 people. Looking for a fun way to greet those guests? The retired marquee from the Granada Theatre has made its home on the ranch and can be customized to include a wedding day message. If you want to really toot your horn, do it in style by utilizing the narrow gauge train (originally from Disneyland!) which is a unique addition to the property. Allow your guests to loop the property on the 20-minute loop with real train conductors!
I was recently talking to Mark Winkler, a local photographer about his experience at Santa Margarita Ranch. Mark said, “I love working at the Santa Margarita Ranch. It affords so many unique photographic opportunities. From a lush garden accentuated by majestic oak trees to the iconic barn enclosed mission-era stone walls, it is sure to impress. It is truly a favorite wedding venue of mine”. I don’t think that I could have described it any better. This Central Coast wedding venue is a photographer’s dream come true from start to finish.
There are other fabulous adventures on or near the ranch that are sure to delight your wedding guests and keep them talking about this event for years. The beautiful vineyards on the property have a purpose above and beyond their aesthetic properties. Ancient Peaks Winery is located just down the street in the historic town of Santa Margarita and offers vineyard tours on Saturdays. Are there adventure seekers in your group or wedding party? Margarita Adventures offers a uniquely thrilling perspective of the ranch where you can embark on four distinct ziplines spanning more than 3,000 total feet.
In the Paso Robles area, we are incredibly fortunate to have wedding venues like the Santa Margarita Ranch. Where else can you find such an elegant, historical property with so much to offer? If there are wedding bells ringing in your future, give your guests the experience of a lifetime. Santa Margarita Ranch has it all: trains, historical barns, gorgeous gardens, wine tasting and breathtaking views by zipline.
Photo credit: Mark Winkler Photography
Tina Swithin is the Marketing Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes Pairings in Paso and other blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.
 by Valerie Gilliss
Whew! We just had an awesome bridal fair at the Paso Robles Inn this month, and had so much fun meeting all the newly engaged couples (we hope you were one of them!). During our conversations we noticed a few interesting trends.
One was the HUGE range of colors that you ladies are considering for your weddings. This follows the trend towards personalizing your wedding, and while it's harder for us to design a bridal fair booth with general appeal, it also makes our job as your wedding designers a lot more fun! We love customizing and designing to your unique taste, and are excited at the prospect of working with everything from a peacock theme, to a rustic barn with full fall foliage. THE trend of 2012 is YOU.
The other interesting trend we noticed was a return to the church. Over the past 3 years we've had very few church weddings, with our couples choosing to exchange vows at their reception venue instead. However, this wedding expo gave us a great sampling of many different wedding visions and a large number included a traditional ceremony at church. Our guess is that current fixation with all things beautiful, antique, and vintage is well suited to the setting of church ceremonies.
If you too are considering "Going to the Chapel", check out our tips below.
Space
 How much room does your church have for your guests? Too little, and you have to cut your guest list, or only invite a portion of your guests to the ceremony and the entire group to the reception. Too big, and your ceremony and décor will be dwarfed by the space. Look for a balance – large enough for your guest count, plus a little extra room for your photographer and coordinators to navigate without disturbing the ceremony.
Marriage Prep Requirements
Many churches require pre-marriage counseling, classes and/or retreats. We are HUGE advocates for this (even if you're not getting married in a church!) but this can be time consuming, and may entail extra expenses. In addition, if you and your fiancé are not of the same religion or have been previously married, your church may place additional requirements or restrictions on you. If you are hoping to get married in a church, make sure you ask about the pre-marriage requirements and start working on them sooner rather than later – you don't want to be working on homework the week before your wedding!
Dress Code
While most churches have adjusted to our casual society (and the resulting attire), some maintain strict dress codes that will vary both between religions, and individual churches. In my opinion, the dress code shouldn't deter you from celebrating your marriage in a place of worship, but it is something you need to respectfully consider during the planning process.
Scheduling
Churches provide many services to many groups, and your wedding might be squeezed in-between  a morning rummage sale and evening service, or even backed up to another wedding! Make sure that you have plenty of time for the setup, ceremony, photos, and cleanup! There can also be annual scheduling conflicts that could be easily avoided if you are flexible on your date. Most religions have seasonal celebrations and times of fasting, so make sure you check for conflicts before booking your date.
Dealing with the logistics of church weddings, really isn't very difficult, especially if you start the process with open eyes and a well thought out plan (or a wedding planner!).
Photo credit to: Melissa Fitzpatrick of Fitzpatrick Studios (1st and 3rd photo).
Valerie Gilliss is a wedding coordinator and co-owner of Lavender Blue Events. Her company specializes in designing and coordinating custom weddings in Paso Robles and across the Central Coast. Follow her blog for the latest wedding trends, planning tips, and etiquette advice.
by Erica Renkert
 Planning a wedding or special event? Know somebody who is considering it? Then you should come and experience all the fun and excitement of the 12th Annual Wedding & Special Events Expo in Paso Robles.
The Paso Robles Main Street Association will be holding their 12th Annual Wedding & Special Events Expo, on March 4th at 11:00 am at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom, and it is free to attend. There will be over thirty vendors featured, all there to help you bring your dreams to life and ensure every detail is not forgotten on your big day. You will be able to browse through vendor booths, speak one-on-one with consultants, hear potential bands and even sample food and wine.
Looking to share something special with your loved one? Complementary vow renewals by Ceremonies Your Way, will be taking place in the colorful gardens at the Paso Robles Inn. Photo Booths, DJ's, Formal Wear, Venues, Decor, Lighting Experts, Photographers, Flowers, Hair, even Insurance consultants will be on hand to answer all your questions and give you a multitude of ideas for any event you're planning.
 Each of our vendors has generously donated a raffle item; every 15 minutes we will have a winner. That's over 30 prizes to be won just for coming to the 12th Annual Wedding & Special Events Expo. Every person who attends and registers will be given a raffle ticket along with their own bag filled with information and coupons from the vendors.
The Paso Robles Main Street Association would like to thank the following business for helping to make the 12th Annual Wedding & Special Events Expo possible. Paso Robles Inn, N2 Events, Paso Robles Press, Flowers by Kim, Howard Signery, Central Coast Bride, KPRL 1230AM and Jerry Craig DJ/Karaoke & Décor Lighting.
 I hope to see many of you there on March 4th at 11:00 am; remember it's free to the public so bring yourself and all your friends!
Come, enjoy and remember - you can schedule appointments and even book your dream day or event with one of our expert vendors that day!
(Photo at left is the Paso Robles Inn ballroom)
Erica Renkert is the chairperson of the 2012 Wedding and Special Event Expo and the General Manager of the Paso Robles Inn.
by Patrice, Arranged by Patrice
 Paso Robles Wine Country! Who wouldn’t want to get married here? The scenery and the incredible venues draw you in immediately. Picture perfect weddings every time. The wine is just as varied as the venues themselves, first class all the way.
As beautiful as Paso Robles Wine Country is, there is plenty of space to create a wedding that says YOU! Your wedding is about claiming the day for yourself and making it your own with your own unique touches.
One recent bride's personal twist included fountain art, different colored bouquets for the bridesmaids (and shoes too!), all helping to make her weddings "one of a kind". This particular bride chose a neutral palette for the reception but chose to express herself during the ceremony with colors that popped against the girls black dresses (they each picked out their own dress thus contributing to her friends “little black dress” collection and making her a star in their eyes). When it comes to your special day, being different, and yourself, makes the memories that much sweeter.
A Tip from Patrice:
 How to be different? Listen to all the advice from friends and family; search the internet for ideas; but in the end be true to yourself. Always work with your surroundings, as in, use the décor that's naturally in place to enhance and not try to recreate a vision that doesn’t work with the setting. Always remember that you and your intended are the focal point. It's easy to lose sight of that.
In many of our local settings, no flowers are needed, except for the bridesmaids bouquets and groomsmen’s boutonnières. We are fortunate enough to live in an area where the natural beauty lends a hand and allows "less to be more".
Keep in mind that the planning can last for six months to a year, but the wedding day is only 24 hours, so enjoy your journey! Ta-ra. . .patrice
Patrice is a local wedding planner at Arranged by Patrice who has designed a product line WeddingIdeasNow.com based on the wedding planning experience. Her number one goal is to create a relaxed atmosphere surrounding wedding planning so her couples can enjoy the magical time between their engagement and the wedding day.
by Guest Blogger and Wedding Planner, Sarah Angelique
Hello Wed Heads!
You would think I would have run out of things to say about weddings, well you would be wrong. I never tire of wedding talk and have lots of tips, thoughts and advice on planning your perfect day.
Recently, this year, I have planned and coordinated quite a few weddings and events with tents as the main venue location. Some planned with purpose and some were forced under cover due to rain. No matter the reason, tents are an awesome option for your wedding day if done properly.
Paso Robles has beautiful rolling hills, 100 year oak trees and golden fields. Any wide, open space lends itself perfectly for a tent wedding. Many properties in Paso Robles are large lots with acreage. If you don’t personally have a large property then I’m sure you know someone who does. If you don’t- I have plenty of suggestions for you!
This amazing tent ( John Patrick Images ) was set up for a wedding at ‘Under the Creston Stars’ for a wedding of 300 guests. Unlimited Events in Paso Robles spent two days creating this incredible tent. Tents have many options and sizes. You start with the canopy to create a room like effect. You can then build your tent to suit your needs. Walls, windows, lighting, heating, draping and even actual doors can be added.
Tents can also provide much needed shelter. This June was a great example- it randomly rained in Paso Robles. On this particular rainy day, I had two events planned and was desperately seeking tents at the last minute to shield almost 300 guests. This is when having a wedding planner really pays off. I called my contacts and literally rented the last three tents they had. One was a simple canopy for a private event. The other was for a wedding. After calming down the understandably upset bride - I sprung into action mode. Up went a gorgeous tent complete with walls and full draping inside. It was stunning and the bride was thrilled!
There is a lot to know when renting and putting up a tent. There are laws that need to be followed and permits that need to be secured. Knowing what size tent you need for your event is key—you wouldn’t want to turn guests away due to improper planning! Always make sure you are working with qualified wedding professionals in any situation.
Call me and let’s start planning your stunning tent reception!
by Guest Blogger and Wedding Planner, Sarah Angelique
Hello Wed Heads!!
We are officially in the midst of wedding season! Have you dusted off your party clothes for a summer event? You know I have. It’s been a great season so far and I’m sure I’ve seen some of you at one of my events.
Those of you who have been following this blog know that I’ve been writing all about the beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception sites that Paso Robles has to offer. But what about the brides who don’t want the outdoors, or choose to get married in the winter?
 Or there are the brides who want the elegance and sophistication that only a ballroom can bring. Not to worry! Paso Robles has beautiful ballrooms and inside event spaces. From the hottest days in August to the coldest nights in December, Paso Robles can easily accommodate any wedding-- any time of year.
Paso Robles Inn , The Park Ballroom , Robert Hall Winery, Vina Robles Winery, Eagle Castle Winery and Pear Valley are just a few of the elegant and stunning ballrooms you can reserve for your Paso Robles wedding. Ballroom weddings take the worry of weather-related issues out of the equation; flowers and décor can usually be set up the day before making for a very relaxed wedding day. Brides love going to bed Friday night knowing that their wedding day is secure. So do wedding planners. ;-)
Bring your guests to Paso Robles during the winter months for a ballroom wedding that will create memories for everyone in attendance. Paso Robles as a destination wedding provides a unique travel experience your guests have not likely experienced. Would you like to plan your own Paso Robles ballroom wedding? Email me, or connect with me on facebook, let’s start planning!
Email me or find me on Facebook
By Nancy Hoover
Planning a girls trip to Paso Robles this summer? Whether it be a mother-daughter, bridal party or girlfriend getaway trip, Twist Studio Spa is the ideal place to host mid-size groups for a day of pampering in charming downtown Paso Robles.
Continue reading "Twist Studio Spa All-in-one for Girlfriend Getaways, Bridal Parties and More!" »
By Guest Blogger, Sarah Angelique
Hello Wed Heads!! May is here! Spring has sprung! It’s wedding season in Paso Robles! The other night I sat on my front porch until around 7:30 pm. The weather was perfect – a wonderful 80 degrees with a slight breeze. This is why I love Paso Robles. I could almost hear the music and see the smiling faces of wedding guests dancing in the moonlight.
Continue reading "Celebrate in Paso: Vineyard Weddings are a Dream Come True in Paso!" »
By Sarah Angelique
Hello Wed Heads! The weather is changing in Paso Robles and I can see wedding season just around the corner. As I mentioned last month, Paso Robles offers a wide variety of wedding venues for brides and grooms to choose from. This month I decided to talk about barns and farmhouses.
Continue reading "Celebrate in Paso: Rustic Wedding Venues and more!" »
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