Everything you need for a California wedding

For all the girls looking for table decor, wedding dresses, or those little extra details for a wedding out in the hills near Los Angeles—just take that first right after you leave the city area near that local cafe and winery—there’s this shop called elife. Up until recently, they just sold individual items, but lately they've started offering full wedding planning services too! So if anyone is heading up that way, definitely swing by... they're open every day until 8 PM.

silentpuma28 said:For all the girls looking for table decor, wedding dresses, or those little extra details for a wedding out in the hills near Los Angeles—just take that first right after you leave the city area near that local cafe and winery—there’s this shop called elife. Up until recently, they just sold individual items, but lately they've started offering full wedding planning services too! So if anyone is heading up that way, definitely swing by... they're open every day until 8 PM.

So, what exactly does this "wedding program" entail?

And are they even open tomorrow??🙂

Peter Baker57 said:So, what exactly does this "wedding program" entail?

And are they even open tomorrow??🙂

Yeah, they're open tomorrow. They have all these different colored vases for decor, plus ribbons and stuff—but honestly, those vases are great. They come in tons of shapes and they look really sharp.

Hey everyone, just wanted to share a few shots from my visit to the Castle. Just a heads-up though—they’ve changed things up, and the "surprise omelet" isn't part of the standard menu anymore. It'll run you about $35. If you're really craving that omelet, you can still get it, but it'll cost you an extra couple bucks, bringing the total to around $37. Also, fun little family connection for you: the owner's son and the daughter from Bellevue, Washington are actually married, so if you notice the table decor looks pretty similar between the two spots, now you know why!

Dropped by the Castle today to check things out. They’ve set the price for next year at about $38 per person, so we finally made a call on a new venue! Our date for the first dance is July 26th of this year. The Caper is pretty low, just around $667 or maybe $320... honestly, the lady running the place is super sweet. Out of all the spots we've toured so far, she was actually the only one who offered us juice and cookies while we were there, which was such a nice little surprise. You can also work out some custom details with them, like bringing your own prosciutto, wine, or even a lamb for the feast...

brisktiger20 said:Dropped by the Castle today to check things out. They’ve set the price for next year at about $38 per person, so we finally made a call on a new venue! Our date for the first dance is July 26th of this year. The Caper is pretty low, just around $667 or maybe $320... honestly, the lady running the place is super sweet. Out of all the spots we've toured so far, she was actually the only one who offered us juice and cookies while we were there, which was such a nice little surprise. You can also work out some custom details with them, like bringing your own prosciutto, wine, or even a lamb for the feast...

So, how many guests are you guys planning for your big day?
Oh, I totally forgot to mention that part about bringing the prosciutto and the lamb...

Around 200 or so, what about you? Did you end up finding that hall yet?

brisktiger20 said:Around 200 or so, what about you? Did you end up finding that hall yet?

Not yet, I’m actually out scouting venues right now while I have the chance. I swung by the Castle today and the lady there told me the upstairs ballroom holds about 210 people, but the lower level can fit even more. Based on our latest headcount, we should be somewhere between 140 and 180.

Check out another shot of the Bellevue hall (more coming soon!) 😁



Menu for Bellevue, Washington

- Kick things off with some appetizers, fried bites, and BBQ skewers
- Starter course featuring cured ham and cheese
- Main course with gnocchi and traditional local beef stew
- A surprise omelet station
- Lamb or pork options
- Unlimited drinks all night (beer, wine, soda, water, etc.)
- If you want, you can bring your own booze (like brandy, Hunter, or Vodka) and we won't charge extra for it
- Coffee is available all night long whenever anyone wants a cup
- We’ll have a buffet set up at the start so guests can help themselves later on too
- You can bring your own desserts

The Caper is roughly $400-$500

Peter Baker57 said:So, what exactly does this "wedding program" entail?

And are they even open tomorrow??🙂

They're open Saturday too—just like Alex Carter3 mentioned—they've got all those little details for the party...
I picked up some self-adhesive ribbons, decorative streamers, and those tiny confetti bits to toss at the newlyweds... plus, they have a huge selection of colorful gel-filled vases and all sorts of decor...

Does anyone know how far in advance I should book? Is there usually a big rush? Also, do they require a deposit, and if so, what’s the standard percentage?

Hey everyone, here’s another one just waiting for that big day. If anyone knows anything about the BARBARIANS group, please hit me up with a few quick thoughts on them...

Noah Rivera21 said:Hey everyone, here’s another one just waiting for that big day. If anyone knows anything about the BARBARIANS group, please hit me up with a few quick thoughts on them...

From what I've heard, they're pretty decent. I haven't actually caught any of their live shows yet, but the word on the street is they're alright. 👍

It’s honestly pathetic how every band actually worth listening to gets booked up a year in advance... it's like nobody wants to actually live their lives anymore. At this rate, music is becoming the biggest letdown of all.

Noah Rivera21 said:It’s honestly pathetic how every band actually worth listening to gets booked up a year in advance... it's like nobody wants to actually live their lives anymore. At this rate, music is becoming the biggest letdown of all.

So, when's the big wedding day?

Nov 8th - Holy Cross

Noah Rivera21 said:Nov 8th - Holy Cross

Have you checked out Bravo Band yet, rapidmason10?

I’m flying blind here—what kind of vibe are you actually looking for in a band? Give me a genre so I can actually be helpful!
Also, did you get a photographer sorted and handle all those other little details?

I used the photographer from California because I couldn't get a hold of Smith—and honestly, I don't trust anyone else's work. As for the Bravo band, I’ve been to two of their gigs and I’m still traumatized by how they sound. 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂 The first time, the sound system was such a disaster that nothing else even mattered. The second time, the lead singer (I think his name is Peter) was so hoarse he sounded like he was literally screaming at us. At one point in the night, his voice just gave out completely, so they just kind of noodled around for the rest of the set. Regarding General Mills, I’ve heard mixed reviews depending on who you ask about their shows.
I am extremely picky when it comes to music. I want a group with a female vocalist who actually KNOWS how to sing, doesn't step on people's toes, and doesn't ruin the dance floor like Victor and Wilma did (they shoved me into the middle of the floor once when I was a bridesmaid). I want pop-rock-latin stuff. Absolutely NO country twang or cheesy folk melodies allowed. Just danceable music, maybe some foreign hits too... I know I'm high maintenance, but whatever.

Noah Rivera21 said:I used the photographer from California because I couldn't get a hold of Smith—and honestly, I don't trust anyone else's work. As for the Bravo band, I’ve been to two of their gigs and I’m still traumatized by how they sound. 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂 The first time, the sound system was such a disaster that nothing else even mattered. The second time, the lead singer (I think his name is Peter) was so hoarse he sounded like he was literally screaming at us. At one point in the night, his voice just gave out completely, so they just kind of noodled around for the rest of the set. Regarding General Mills, I’ve heard mixed reviews depending on who you ask about their shows.
I am extremely picky when it comes to music. I want a group with a female vocalist who actually KNOWS how to sing, doesn't step on people's toes, and doesn't ruin the dance floor like Victor and Wilma did (they shoved me into the middle of the floor once when I was a bridesmaid). I want pop-rock-latin stuff. Absolutely NO country twang or cheesy folk melodies allowed. Just danceable music, maybe some foreign hits too... I know I'm high maintenance, but whatever.

I'm totally against any country music too! And regarding General Mills, they're awesome in my book, based on what I've heard and what others say.👍
I really want a band with killer drums... man, I've heard nothing but praise for Baker from San Francisco—apparently, they're insane and throw the best parties ever!

Look, I’m telling you, those guys aren't what they're cracked up to be. They've got a massive reputation, sure, but honestly? They aren't nearly as great as everyone makes them out to be.👎👎