Everything you need for a California wedding

Jack Miller4 said:For those of you who have used Studio In, I’m curious—how did you feel about the candid shots? You know, the ones where you weren't actually posing, just caught in the moment, laughing or being silly and stuff?

Honestly, I am beyond thrilled with everything the guys at Studio In captured for me... Even though my official portraits aren't ready yet, I got to see all the shots Mario snapped during my party, and let me tell you—they are absolute perfection!
And for the other girls who used Studio In, I think I can definitely vouch for their quality too. 😍

rapidmason10 said:Honestly, I am beyond thrilled with everything the guys at Studio In captured for me... Even though my official portraits aren't ready yet, I got to see all the shots Mario snapped during my party, and let me tell you—they are absolute perfection!
And for the other girls who used Studio In, I think I can definitely vouch for their quality too. 😍

Mazza...is there anything else from your shoot besides what's already on Facebook?😕

Raymond Brooks7 said:Mazza...is there anything else from your shoot besides what's already on Facebook?😕

I've definitely got plenty more pics, just don't have them handy to upload right now...should be up soon! 😁

I have a quick question and was hoping you all could help me out. I’m planning a wedding in San Francisco for next year. We’re keeping it small—around 40 people, just immediate family and close friends—so I’m looking for recommendations for a smaller restaurant. It seems like most of the talk here is about massive wedding halls, which are way too big for our needs.

Unfortunately, I'm not currently in San Francisco, so I can't just drop by places to check them out, and I don't have anyone local to scout locations for me. If anyone has some good suggestions, I’d really appreciate it. It would help me narrow down my search significantly.

Kevin Baker2 said:I have a quick question and was hoping you all could help me out. I’m planning a wedding in San Francisco for next year. We’re keeping it small—around 40 people, just immediate family and close friends—so I’m looking for recommendations for a smaller restaurant. It seems like most of the talk here is about massive wedding halls, which are way too big for our needs.

Unfortunately, I'm not currently in San Francisco, so I can't just drop by places to check them out, and I don't have anyone local to scout locations for me. If anyone has some good suggestions, I’d really appreciate it. It would help me narrow down my search significantly.

To help narrow this down, what kind of budget are you working with? Also, regarding the menu, are you leaning toward seafood or meat? Would you prefer a modern restaurant with contemporary cooking styles, or something else entirely? Finally, are you looking for an indoor venue or something more open-air, like a garden setting?

Jeffrey Fisher73 said:To help narrow this down, what kind of budget are you working with? Also, regarding the menu, are you leaning toward seafood or meat? Would you prefer a modern restaurant with contemporary cooking styles, or something else entirely? Finally, are you looking for an indoor venue or something more open-air, like a garden setting?

Here's my take: I’d love something outdoors (maybe a terrace?), though I am a little worried about how loud the music might be. 🤷

Initially, a modern restaurant sounds perfect... but if you know a charming little place with great traditional food, I'd definitely consider it. 😁

Price isn't our main concern right now.

My parents were actually in San Francisco a few days ago looking at venues, but everyone turned us down because our guest list is too small and they didn't think it was worth their while. 😢 So, if you have any leads, let me know!

Kevin Baker2 said:Here's my take: I’d love something outdoors (maybe a terrace?), though I am a little worried about how loud the music might be. 🤷

Initially, a modern restaurant sounds perfect... but if you know a charming little place with great traditional food, I'd definitely consider it. 😁

Price isn't our main concern right now.

My parents were actually in San Francisco a few days ago looking at venues, but everyone turned us down because our guest list is too small and they didn't think it was worth their while. 😢 So, if you have any leads, let me know!

My recommendation is Adriatic Grašo. It's right by the water, modern, and a beautiful restaurant. I am not sure if your parents visited them, but I don't think the guest count should be an issue since it isn't an oversized venue. We used to organize our corporate Christmas dinners there; they have a terrace where you can set everything up exactly how you want. They offer both seafood and meat menus, though I am not certain about the pricing.🤷
Here is the link to their website so you can call and inquire.http://www.adriatic-graso.com/
If I think of anyone else, I will let you know.

Jeffrey Fisher73 said:My recommendation is Adriatic Grašo. It's right by the water, modern, and a beautiful restaurant. I am not sure if your parents visited them, but I don't think the guest count should be an issue since it isn't an oversized venue. We used to organize our corporate Christmas dinners there; they have a terrace where you can set everything up exactly how you want. They offer both seafood and meat menus, though I am not certain about the pricing.🤷
Here is the link to their website so you can call and inquire.http://www.adriatic-graso.com/
If I think of anyone else, I will let you know.

They mostly went with people's recommendations, but those groups were usually around 150 to 200 people. I don't think they were in the area. Thanks for the tip—it looks great at first glance. Just let me know if you remember anything else.😉

Kevin Baker2 said:They mostly went with people's recommendations, but those groups were usually around 150 to 200 people. I don't think they were in the area. Thanks for the tip—it looks great at first glance. Just let me know if you remember anything else.😉

Maybe the Forest... or San Antonio in Malibu... that Neva hotel owned by Kerum... or maybe George in Malibu...

The breeze on Manhattan Island...

Most of these places are just small-scale eateries that cap weddings at maybe 80 or 90 guests. Honestly, I think that size range would suit you perfectly.

Forest doesn't take bookings for groups under 100, and Grasso won't touch anything less than 50. Plus, if you want the terrace, you're looking at an extra $15,000 on top of everything else. If you're planning a smaller gathering, look into Bekan, Kalafatic, or the Amigos spot in Malibu. As for Diocletian, they only host small groups in their upstairs hall. Honestly? You're better off just hiring a professional agency to handle the whole thing for you. It won't cost you much more in the long run, and at least then you can actually sleep at night knowing everything is being handled correctly.

Sorry about any typos, I'm rushing off to work.

George Flores16 said:Forest doesn't take bookings for groups under 100, and Grasso won't touch anything less than 50. Plus, if you want the terrace, you're looking at an extra $15,000 on top of everything else. If you're planning a smaller gathering, look into Bekan, Kalafatic, or the Amigos spot in Malibu. As for Diocletian, they only host small groups in their upstairs hall. Honestly? You're better off just hiring a professional agency to handle the whole thing for you. It won't cost you much more in the long run, and at least then you can actually sleep at night knowing everything is being handled correctly.

🙂 😠First off, I never actually thought they’d turn us away. It turns out organizing a party for 300 people is somehow easier than managing one for 40.

And regarding the second point: it's starting to look like I'll need an agency after all. I was actually looking forward to planning the wedding myself, but life had other plans.

Kevin Baker2 said:🙂 😠First off, I never actually thought they’d turn us away. It turns out organizing a party for 300 people is somehow easier than managing one for 40.

And regarding the second point: it's starting to look like I'll need an agency after all. I was actually looking forward to planning the wedding myself, but life had other plans.

Hmm, maybe they would accept you in Omaha at the Hotel Villa Dvor!www.hotel-villadvor.hr
They have this incredibly beautiful terrace overlooking the ocean, and I know for a fact they host smaller receptions. Personally, I think I'd lean towards going to Grasso's; a relative of mine had their celebration there with about 30 guests... it might be worth a shot!

There is also this one restaurant in Breckenridge; it's right near the main highway, featuring a lovely natural setting and a view of the water. The food is classic American fare, but it's very high quality and delicious. The service is excellent too!! You could definitely create something special there that still feels stylish and organic.
I don't recall the exact address, but let me try to describe it: It's roughly 250 meters before you reach the main entrance to Breckenridge, where you can head down toward the coast along the main road leading to the beach; you can take a right turn on the seaside side. There are two restaurants that share a courtyard. The "tavern" style place is the one closer to Omaha—you'll see it, it has a terrace with an ocean view on the second floor. (If you miss it, just turn around once you hit the entrance to Breckenridge and look back; then it should be on your left ;-)))

I really hope you find something; if it were me, I'd probably go there. :-)

Hey, can anyone give me some advice on where I could reasonably host about 50 guests near San Diego? Ideally, I'd love to find somewhere close to a decent wedding venue...

Olivia Reyes6 said:Hey, can anyone give me some advice on where I could reasonably host about 50 guests near San Diego? Ideally, I'd love to find somewhere close to a decent wedding venue...

Anna’s place over in Bokanjc has apartments, and the Porto Hotel is right by the Margarita venue. You've also got the Aurora hall, plus there are plenty of other options in the St. Peter area and along the coast nearby...

just tell me which venue you're eyeing and we'll figure something out. 😉

Kevin Baker2 said:They mostly went with people's recommendations, but those groups were usually around 150 to 200 people. I don't think they were in the area. Thanks for the tip—it looks great at first glance. Just let me know if you remember anything else.😉

You might want to look into The Park Hotel near Miami Beach as well. They have a lovely garden area, and there's indoor space if the weather doesn't cooperate...

Jeffrey Fisher73 said:You might want to look into The Park Hotel near Miami Beach as well. They have a lovely garden area, and there's indoor space if the weather doesn't cooperate...

Honestly, I was just about to suggest GRASU and The Park Hotel myself...
It’s true that running small catering orders isn't always a goldmine for restaurant owners, but when you're talking about a group of 30 to 40 people, isn't that basically just a large dinner party? I don't see why that would be an issue at all, right? 🤷

Olivia Adams71 said:Anna’s place over in Bokanjc has apartments, and the Porto Hotel is right by the Margarita venue. You've also got the Aurora hall, plus there are plenty of other options in the St. Peter area and along the coast nearby...

just tell me which venue you're eyeing and we'll figure something out. 😉

Look, I’m still in the very early stages of planning—basically just scouting locations and seeing what’s even possible—so I haven't actually picked a venue yet. My choice is going to depend entirely on whether I can actually fit everyone in one place... And obviously, budget is a massive factor here, especially since the economy is such a mess right now 😢

Olivia Reyes6 said:Look, I’m still in the very early stages of planning—basically just scouting locations and seeing what’s even possible—so I haven't actually picked a venue yet. My choice is going to depend entirely on whether I can actually fit everyone in one place... And obviously, budget is a massive factor here, especially since the economy is such a mess right now 😢

Honestly, the pricing is pretty much identical across most venues; your real headache is going to be the headcount and finding a spot that doesn't feel like a sardine can. There was an old thread floating around about venues in San Diego, so let me dig that up for you. 😉
EDIT:
Found it. I actually helped put some of that together back in the day with a little help from the regulars. 😍