this is the code for the render ad
Community› Local Wedding Boards› California-Central
California-Central
New Discussion

Any Monterey Brides?

i_b_winkn_at_ui_b_winkn_at_u
10 Comments
in California-Central
We have a Carmel ceremony site set. We were thinking about having our reception at the Old Whaling Station but the exclusive caterer is somewhat out of our budget. We are having about 80 guests. Any suggestions for a venue/caterers for under $7,000...is that even realistic? We are getting married in November 2011.
Thanks for any input :)
~*~11.11.11, i'm marrying my best friend~*~
Report Reply to Post

Re: Any Monterey Brides?

  • lovingmontereylovingmonterey
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I'm a Monterey bride!!! We are also thinking about the Whaling station... acutally going down there tomorrow... did you talk to the grapes of wrath? from what I've heard she's really flexible....  I'll let you know if I hear about anyone else....

    Congrats!!!!
    Report Reply
  • AGriffin620AGriffin620
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Oh my gosh, I was just about to post something asking if there were any Monterey County brides out there.  How funny! 

    Grapes of Wrath does great catering.  They are quite flexible with their pricing (just tell them your range), and their food is great.  I went to one of their tastings when I was looking for a venue, and the food was pretty good.

    We're getting married at a venue where we need to use their catering, so we ended up not using them.  If we had chosen a place that needed outside catering, though, we definitely would have gone with Grapes of Wrath. 

    I hope this helps, and congratulations!   
    Visit The Nest!
    Report Reply
  • MikesAngieMikesAngie member
    1000 Comments Third Anniversary Name Dropper 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    Monterey County Bride here as well!  We looked at the Old Adobe Whaling Station when we were doing our venue search, couldn't actually see how to easily fit 80 guests seated outdoors and really didn't see an indoor option.  The grounds are beautiful and you could fit 80 guests they just might be spread all over the place.

    We're going with Balesteri's at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch for both the ceremony and the reception.  We've been assured that the catering costs are within our budget.  The site fee was!  We looked at over 25 venues, so if you have questions I may have been to the venue. LOL
    Report Reply
  • rachie17rachie17
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Monterey bride here as well. We are going with Bayonet and Black horse golf course for ceremony and reception. By far the most afforadble place we could find and we love it. Have gone by to check out some past weddings there and it's a great place, we are having 80-100 people and there will be no problem fitting them all.
    BabyFruit Ticker
    BabyName Ticker
    Report Reply
  • imatarbimatarb
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Monterey COUNTY bride here. Will be wed on 11/11/11 at Hahn Estates Winery. Just starting all the planning, so I'll be paying close attention to all the caterers, etc, that people use before us!

    Looking at something small (50 ppl or less) casual, fun, and not too over-the-top. Always looking for feedback, too. :)

    Lisa
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
    Report Reply
  • away2laaway2la
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We're getting married at the Hahn Estates Winery too! )Our date is 10/22/11, its so beautiful there! We're having about 180 people, outdoors with a tent. We're having a family friend do our catering, so I'm no help there, but I am looking for a good cake!
    Planning Bio Wedding Countdown Ticker
    Report Reply
  • MikesAngieMikesAngie member
    1000 Comments Third Anniversary Name Dropper 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    imatarb, Comtemporary Catering does a great job and is one of the approved vendors for Hahn Estates.  They also cater for my FI's work.

    A Moveable Feast does local seasonal food stuffs, and the chef is great!!

    Then there are Grapes of Wrath and Classic Catering we have friends that have used both and they were given good reviews.
    Report Reply
  • lovingmontereylovingmonterey
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Hahn winery has some GREAT wines, definitely one of my favs in the area.

    We decided to book the Old Whaling Station, just loved the Historical feel of it! We're getting married 10/8/11, so hopefully we'll have that late Fall warm weather!

    I'm so excited and happy I have found some local brides!
    Report Reply
  • AGriffin620AGriffin620
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_california-central_monterey-brides?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:61Discussion:5d05bfd0-4b43-4ff5-8b29-af59d3121bf4Post:84a9cb5b-21dd-4111-81be-ec4a1df30b94">Re: Any Monterey Brides?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Hahn winery has some GREAT wines, definitely one of my favs in the area. We decided to book the Old Whaling Station, just loved the Historical feel of it! We're getting married 10/8/11, so hopefully we'll have that late Fall warm weather! I'm so excited and happy I have found some local brides!
    Posted by lovingmonterey[/QUOTE]

    Me, too!  I was starting to wonder if anyone else was out there...
    Visit The Nest!
    Report Reply
  • away2laaway2la
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm hoping for that last bit of warm before the cold sets in, but we've got heaters just in case!

    I'm checking out DJ's online today, and I'm really leaning towards Rock Bottom DJ, anyone have any reviews of him? or any other DJ's in the area?
    Planning Bio Wedding Countdown Ticker
    Report Reply
  • rachie17rachie17
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    For DJ we went with Rock Bottom, I think I posted it on another thread. Will let you know in a month how it is. I'm an 11/6/10 bride. For cake we went with Freedom Bakery, it's in the Santa Cruz area and they are AMAZING! We did a tasting at Layers in Monterey after many recs from friends but we were not impressed at all. I didn't think there were any Monterey brides on here but I happened to check here the other day and saw a few posts so I will have to check back often. If you have any specific questions feel free to send me a message and I will try to remember to check it. I will also be sure to post my vendor reviews after the wedding.
    BabyFruit Ticker
    BabyName Ticker
    Report Reply
  • lovingmontereylovingmonterey
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Who did you guys choose for photographers??? We're going to try to do engagment photos before the end of the year.

    I've heard about layers bakery, and from what I've heard people don't like them. I think we might go look in santa cruz or capitola.
    Report Reply
  • MikesAngieMikesAngie member
    1000 Comments Third Anniversary Name Dropper 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011

    Here is a list of our vendors so far, perhaps this will help others!

    Venue and Caterer: Balesteri's at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch (Wedding and Reception)
    DJ: Rock Bottom DJ - We really like Steve.
    Florist:  DIY Silk - the bride-to-be
    Stationary:  DIY - Once again that will be us... LOL
    Officiant:  Looking again our wonderful officiant that we did have is due on on wedding date.... Update when with a Lyssabeth's  Officiant...
    Bakery:  None.  Using Cowgirl Chocolates for truffles and my FMIL is baking Mexican Wedding Cookies (We don't like cake...everyone gasp now)
    Photographer Team: McCullough Photography - We really enjoy working with Cindy and George
    Hair and Make -up:  Could be DIY or not - Undecided
    Seamstress: Still looking

    Edited for spelling and to add officiant

    Report Reply
  • MikesAngieMikesAngie member
    1000 Comments Third Anniversary Name Dropper 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    A word of caution about Hahn Estates. When we were looking at them as a possible venue, we noticed that Port-a-Potties ae needed for parties over 75.  So keep this in mind Hahn doesn't supply them and the truck will not have an easy time getting them up the dirt road.  We actually watched from the turn off as a truck was struggling to get up the switch backs to the site.  The reason I mention this isn't to turn anyone away just to make you aware that it can affect your budget.

    It's a beautiful site I will give you that and if you have a large budget or small guest list then it's not an issue we however have a modest budget and a guest list that is currently at 110.
    Report Reply
  • AGriffin620AGriffin620
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    For our DJ we're going with DNA Entertainment.  They are very energetic, and when I met the owner, Anthony, at the Monterey bridal expo, he walked me through the entire wedding day.  I was very excited after talking with him.

    Our photographer will be Mike Steelman.  His work is amazing.  However, we won a casual sitting at Carmel Beach with McCullough Photography, so we'll probably be doing our engagement photos with them (which reminds me, I need to call them back to set up our appointment!).

    Layers is good for "regular" cakes, but I'm not sure about their wedding cakes.  We stopped by their bakery to see if they had any gluten free options (I'm gluten intolerant), and they only had one type of cake that they couldn't do in wedding cake form, so we aren't going with them.  We found an amazingly talented company that makes cupcakes in the area, so we'll be doing cupcakes (gluten free, of course), which I am SUPER excited about.  If we were going to do a cake, though, it would be through Freedom Bakery in Santa Cruz.  I've heard wonderful things about them and got to see one of their cakes when we stopped by our venue a couple of weeks ago.  It was beautiful.

    Good luck!
    Visit The Nest!
    Report Reply
  • away2laaway2la
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Our Photographer is Sarah Noce (http://www.sarahnoce.com/latest.html). She is awesome!

    We're doing our engagement photos in about 2 weeks, I'm so excited!
    Planning Bio Wedding Countdown Ticker
    Report Reply
  • rachie17rachie17
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Our photographer is Linda at Wink Photography, also out of Santa Cruz. Her husband worked with FI on a farm in aromas so that is how we found her. She gave us a really good friend deal otherwise we would not have been able to fit her in our budget. Our engagement photos came out really great.
    For flowers we went with Laura at LJ Floral Design. She is based out of Campbell which has made meetings a bit difficult but e-mail has been just fine. Her prices are super reasonable and she is really nice. She was also going to do some decorating for us as well since we could not find anybody but we decided to skip on what we were originally thinking. But if you need somebody to help you do some decorating she may be able to help you with that and flowers.
    BabyFruit Ticker
    BabyName Ticker
    Report Reply
  • i_b_winkn_at_ui_b_winkn_at_u
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_california-central_monterey-brides?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:61Discussion:5d05bfd0-4b43-4ff5-8b29-af59d3121bf4Post:84a9cb5b-21dd-4111-81be-ec4a1df30b94">Re: Any Monterey Brides?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Hahn winery has some GREAT wines, definitely one of my favs in the area. We decided to book the Old Whaling Station, just loved the Historical feel of it! We're getting married 10/8/11, so hopefully we'll have that late Fall warm weather! I'm so excited and happy I have found some local brides!
    Posted by lovingmonterey[/QUOTE]

    Our reception will be there on 11/11/11. Is it a night event? Did you go with a lighting package? Or are you going to do the lightening on your own?
    ~*~11.11.11, i'm marrying my best friend~*~
    Report Reply
  • lovingmontereylovingmonterey
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    We are having an afternoon/evening event. I didn't even know there was a lighting package. Did you set it up with the GOW or with the OWS? I need to meet with GOW but they are apparently busy until Nov. and can't meet with us until then. hmmm
    Report Reply
  • i_b_winkn_at_ui_b_winkn_at_u
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_california-central_monterey-brides?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:61Discussion:5d05bfd0-4b43-4ff5-8b29-af59d3121bf4Post:27599ae7-f36a-47fc-a1b9-1aea00537d99">Re: Any Monterey Brides?</a>:
    [QUOTE]We are having an afternoon/evening event. I didn't even know there was a lighting package. Did you set it up with the GOW or with the OWS? I need to meet with GOW but they are apparently busy until Nov. and can't meet with us until then. hmmm
    Posted by lovingmonterey[/QUOTE]

    We met with GOW already. They suggested a lighting package with  some company, ( I can't remember the name). We are having a afternoon/evening event too. Our reception should start around 5pm. The only lights at the OWS is on the house. OWS does have outside outlets.
    ~*~11.11.11, i'm marrying my best friend~*~
    Report Reply
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Hi Everyone!!  New to the site.  Just figured out my venues.  Carmel Mission for ceremony, Memory Garden for Dinner and Portola Hotel for dance.  Memory Garden is only available May of 2011 which I fear is too early for decent weather since it's outdoors.  If I don't go for May then I would wait until late Sept or early Oct 2012 for the nice weather.  The other issue is if we do May I only have 7 months to plan where if we wait I have 2 full years, but then it's such a long wait!  What do you all think?
    Report Reply
  • MikesAngieMikesAngie member
    1000 Comments Third Anniversary Name Dropper 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    Monimolina - Have you been to the Memory Garden?   The ground there is decomposed granite, your gown, groom's tux and guests clothing will get dusty.  Not at all telling you that it's a bad choice just making you aware of the dust factor.  It's a lovely venue with the huge magnolia trees and the raised flower beds and fountain and it wouldn't need much if any decor. We considered it but decided it wasn't for us due to several factors, the dust, allergies and our date.

    In May the weather is nice but can be cooler than September or October, which it sounds like you already know.  It also sounds like you are planning an evening event which in May might require a light coat for dinning outdoors.

    It also sounds like you and your guests will be traveling between several places; you can walk between the Memory Garden and the Portola Hotel so that's not so bad.  Parking in that area can be a nightmare though unless you plan on hiring a limo or shuttle service from the Mission to the Memory Garden.

    I think a moving party can be a lot of fun, but it also depends on the size of your wedding and the formality of it.

    HTH

    Happy planning!
    Report Reply
  • lovingmontereylovingmonterey
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I have found May to be completely unpredictable. Some years it's hot as heck and others it completely foggy and freezing. Kind of like any Monterey summer day. I think if you really want a May date.. do it! If you would rather wait until 2012 thats you're call, but just remember that September and October can be just as unpredictable (ie the early rain we had this month)
    Report Reply
  • imatarbimatarb
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Hi, all!!

    I've done ZERO planning since the last time I posted here. LOL...I'm sure that will come back to haunt me.

    We are going VERY CASUAL, so we're not going the real traditional route. Just want a place for everyone to gather, watch our quick vows, then PARTY! We'll be at Hahn Estates, and our guests will number 100. Haven't decided on catering, DJ, etc. We will probably just do our own tunes...

    Thanks for posting the photographer info. I'm having a hard time choosing!

    Lisa :)
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
    Report Reply
  • collezionefortunacollezionefortuna member
    Seventh Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Hi There, If you haven't bought your dress yet, call us...and tell your friends too...we  have a small Bridal and Social Occasion Boutique in Carmel, Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique, located at Su Vecino Courtyard, Lincoln bet. 5th. & 6th., Carmel by the Sea, CA.  Call us if you need an appointment for your group,(831)626-1287 or email us at collezionefortuna.com.   Our website is www.collezionefortuna.com.

    We now have 50% OFF select Bridal Gowns, and Social Special Occasion, and dresses for Mothers of the Occasion.

    Our new inventory includes Mikaella Bridals, White One by Pronovias, Allure Couture, and Allure Faraway, and Bridal accessories.....our Prices are the best in the area too!
    We will make your 2011 a dream come true!  Just call us!
    Report Reply
  • eventsbyclassiceventsbyclassic member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Try Gatherings in Pacific Grove. They have very reasonable all inclusive packages and the location is full of charm and they have 5 Star Ratings.  Another fabulous locaiton with awesome views of the Monterey Bay is The Perry House. They are currently under renovations but completion is due March 2011!  You can call Events by Classic 831-647-0114 to get information on either one of these, or go to their webiste: www.eventsbyclassic.com.

    Happy Planning!
    Report Reply
  • nenaparsleynenaparsley
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Just letting you all know in case you still don't have a cake lady.

    Mama Nena's cakes in Monterey is having a special and a contest for a free wedding cake.

    www.mamanenascake.com
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards