Everything you need for a California wedding

You’d probably have better luck scrolling through Craigslist for a stripper 😁

I originally posted this question over on the Elopements board, but I figured asking here might actually net me some more helpful responses...

Ladies (and guys, if any of you are lurking), I could really use some advice..
I'm looking for the perfect spot for an elopement, maybe around 40 to 50 guests, somewhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. For the ceremony, we’d love to do something religious—perhaps at a Stafilics chapel (maybe near Our Lady of Loreto, the biblical garden, or a local parish church), or even something in Savannah near the waterfront cathedral. We need a beautiful location, either right by the water or with a stunning view, that has enough space for a live band and a dance floor (doesn't matter if it's indoors or outdoors). I'm not really looking for a traditional banquet hall; I'd much prefer a charming little restaurant or a cozy bistro. It's going to be a biker-themed wedding.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
We are still debating whether to go with this smaller group or scale up to a larger wedding (around 150 people max). Either way, we are aiming for late May or early June 2012...

Olivia Lee5 said:I originally posted this question over on the Elopements board, but I figured asking here might actually net me some more helpful responses...

Ladies (and guys, if any of you are lurking), I could really use some advice..
I'm looking for the perfect spot for an elopement, maybe around 40 to 50 guests, somewhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. For the ceremony, we’d love to do something religious—perhaps at a Stafilics chapel (maybe near Our Lady of Loreto, the biblical garden, or a local parish church), or even something in Savannah near the waterfront cathedral. We need a beautiful location, either right by the water or with a stunning view, that has enough space for a live band and a dance floor (doesn't matter if it's indoors or outdoors). I'm not really looking for a traditional banquet hall; I'd much prefer a charming little restaurant or a cozy bistro. It's going to be a biker-themed wedding.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
We are still debating whether to go with this smaller group or scale up to a larger wedding (around 150 people max). Either way, we are aiming for late May or early June 2012...

The Old Palace tavern during the procession

Thanks for the suggestion, but I don't think that's going to work for us. Honestly, the food there has been absolutely incredible for quite some time now... 😉

Olivia Lee5 said:Thanks for the suggestion, but I don't think that's going to work for us. Honestly, the food there has been absolutely incredible for quite some time now... 😉

So, look... I was there last year and they were fine by me, nothing to write home about, but nothing bad either.
Does the location have to be right by the coast in the San Francisco Bay Area for it to count?

David King72 said:The Old Palace tavern during the procession

The procession happens in Newport Beach, same as Our Lady of Loreto—but the Lady of the Wall is over on Manhattan Island. I'm not entirely sure if that even counts under the Savannah umbrella, just trying to be precise about the locations here.😉

If you end up on Manhattan Island, maybe look for Holy Cross. As for the Coastal Cities, there’s a new spot called Castello just past the park in the Old Palace right by the water, or maybe Baltena—depends on what kind of vibe you're actually after.

I actually need a recommendation for a cake. I was thinking about hitting up the Mississippi Delta, but they really let me down with their service. 🤷

David King72 said:So, look... I was there last year and they were fine by me, nothing to write home about, but nothing bad either.
Does the location have to be right by the coast in the San Francisco Bay Area for it to count?

I suppose it just matters that the location is somewhere nice... though ideally, it would be in the San Francisco Bay Area. I'd rather not drive all the way out to Santa Barbara for no reason, especially since you have to drive back after having a few drinks. Motoron. 😉

crimsonsailor2 said:The procession happens in Newport Beach, same as Our Lady of Loreto—but the Lady of the Wall is over on Manhattan Island. I'm not entirely sure if that even counts under the Savannah umbrella, just trying to be precise about the locations here.😉

If you end up on Manhattan Island, maybe look for Holy Cross. As for the Coastal Cities, there’s a new spot called Castello just past the park in the Old Palace right by the water, or maybe Baltena—depends on what kind of vibe you're actually after.

I actually need a recommendation for a cake. I was thinking about hitting up the Mississippi Delta, but they really let me down with their service. 🤷

Well, let me try to correct you there. The restaurant is actually called the Old Palace... and honestly, the food there is pretty great. 😉😉

Holy Cross does play, though I suppose it's hard to say if they'd be up for performing for such a small group in a venue like that... it might not really be worth it for them.
As for Baltena, I'm not so sure; being outdoors by the ocean is lovely, but I wonder if they'd even allow music after midnight or if they'd be open to that kind of arrangement at all.🤷

crimsonsailor2 said:The procession happens in Newport Beach, same as Our Lady of Loreto—but the Lady of the Wall is over on Manhattan Island. I'm not entirely sure if that even counts under the Savannah umbrella, just trying to be precise about the locations here.😉

If you end up on Manhattan Island, maybe look for Holy Cross. As for the Coastal Cities, there’s a new spot called Castello just past the park in the Old Palace right by the water, or maybe Baltena—depends on what kind of vibe you're actually after.

I actually need a recommendation for a cake. I was thinking about hitting up the Mississippi Delta, but they really let me down with their service. 🤷

cake-viadel....mediterranean.....

Olivia Lee5 said:Well, let me try to correct you there. The restaurant is actually called the Old Palace... and honestly, the food there is pretty great. 😉😉

Holy Cross does play, though I suppose it's hard to say if they'd be up for performing for such a small group in a venue like that... it might not really be worth it for them.
As for Baltena, I'm not so sure; being outdoors by the ocean is lovely, but I wonder if they'd even allow music after midnight or if they'd be open to that kind of arrangement at all.🤷

From what I understand, Holy Cross is undergoing some renovations or additions, so they moved all the receptions upstairs to the level where the smaller room used to be for greeting guests, so that could actually work for you. Plus, there’s a little church nearby, which I think is wonderful; I witnessed a wedding like that once where people had a nice little walk from the church to the hall, and there were about 80 people. Either way, just give them a call and see...
Regarding the ballet venue, I saw a reception like that once, but I was already at the evening event and the reception was right next to us. I believe they let the music play until about midnight or so, at least that’s how it was then.
Personally, if I had to choose between the ballet venue and Holy Cross, I’d definitely go with Holy Cross...😉

Thanks so much, Grandma 🙂. If anyone else has some suggestions, please, please keep them coming! 😍

David King72 said:The Old Palace tavern during the procession

If you head out toward the coast near Monterey... the restaurant isn't bad—it’s got a bit of a modern vibe—and the food is decent enough.😉 It’s got an incredible view of the ocean right off the bat...
Plus, there's a church nearby...😁

Justin Bennett61 said:If you head out toward the coast near Monterey... the restaurant isn't bad—it’s got a bit of a modern vibe—and the food is decent enough.😉 It’s got an incredible view of the ocean right off the bat...
Plus, there's a church nearby...😁

The restaurant is called Kata

and maybe an old sailor in the middle of nowhere

Hey, does anyone have a contact for a local choir in San Francisco? I just need them for an hour or two, specifically for some music outside and inside a church. Thanks. 🙂

David King72 and Justin Bennett61, I really wanted to say thanks to you both... 😉

copperhound16 said:Hey, does anyone have a contact for a local choir in San Francisco? I just need them for an hour or two, specifically for some music outside and inside a church. Thanks. 🙂

Sent the number for that Suburban town vocal group via DM—they're top-tier. 🙂

Hey guys, has anyone actually eaten at Red Lobster lately? I’m trying to get a feel for what the damage looks like on the bill and how the service holds up. Any takers?

Austin Thompson96 - thanks 😉

I’m honestly baffled why nobody is talking about Forest Restaurant!? 🤷
The spot is killer—you've got plenty of room inside, a nice outdoor area, and there's even a little wooded patch nearby if you feel like taking a stroll. Plus, if anyone needs to sober up, there's a sandy beach right down below 🙂
They were doing some renovations on the place recently, though I guess I'm not entirely sure if they're actually finished yet 😢