Venue Hunt #4 and Many Thanks

Aloha friends!  Whoa whoa today was a productively fun day to say the least!

Yep, as the title states, we went on our fourth hunt for the wedding venue…This place is called The Menifee Lakes Country Club. 

And guess what! So far so good!  We truly loved the place, as well as all that the package has to offer for the low costs.

Let’s just say that after all the estimates are sent to me, it should come out to almost half the price of the last one we visited.

There are actually two alternatives for where the ceremony should take place.

This is the fountain in the middle of the courtyard.  Right behind the fountain there is a staircase on which the bride gets to slowly walk up right before “the big reveal”, in the words of the site coordinator.  Haha! Greg and I thought that that phrase was really cute and dramatic. 

As the bride comes across the aisle, she gets to join the groom at the altar right in front of these double doors.

We liked how the palm trees on the sides and the pointy roof on top encapsulate the altar area as if there were an arch–except, we don’t actually have to pay for an arch and we can save money that way!

It is probably kind of hard to picture the whole scene, but after having looked at some albums, we were convinced that it looks even more beautiful during sunset hours.  Plus, all the decorations really seem to give it that intimate and cozy feeling.

Now, this is the other alternative for the ceremony.  It’s a big open golf field and the ceremony itself would be taking place right next to the trees facing the lakeside.

After having seen the photo albums, we had a better idea of just how beautiful it looks when it’s done up.  Of course, nature makes its own gorgeous adornment and we wouldn’t need too much decorating.

This is the wedding setup team working hard for a ceremony+reception that was about to be held today.

We both felt that this indoor reception area had a sweet atmosphere.  In addition, it would definitely help everyone (especially the older guests) stay warm throughout the night!

Wedding Tip

You may already know this, but the coordinator had the brightest idea about photography on the day of!  Basically, we can take individual photos before the ceremony and the couple’s pictures together right after!  That way, the groom and the bride don’t get to see each other at all before the “big reveal”.  This might be a common tip, but I honestly did not think of that.

Thoughts

It seems like I’m talking a lot about money in regards to the wedding venue, right?  But I’m sure that if you’ve already prepared for your own wedding, or have seen it in action, you would know that every bit of frugality counts!

More than anything, however, I am really trying to keep my priorities straight and keep myself grounded about the whole thing.  All in all, I think it is so essential to have fun in the process as well as keep an eternal perspective of marriage.  Sure, it is really enjoyable to go out and day dream about all the pretty things out there, but what is any of this without a realistic view of marriage, no?

In the end, I know that the Lord will walk us through any hardships (and good times) that may arise in marriage, as well as the joyous times during the prepping.  I am praying that He helps me take it each day at a time.  After all, I would hate to be *ahem* that word that starts with bride and rhymes with gorilla.

That is exactly why I met up with my friends Emily and Susan today!

2 month old photo of Emily

Susan is on my right with the V sign

These two precious ladies are part of my bridal party.  Susan is the MOH and Emily is one of my bridesmaids.  My other friend AJ is the second bridesmaid, but she is currently in Korea.

We basically had some girl-bonding time at Islands restaurant and talked mainly about the wedding.  As usual, conversations about life happened as well.

Emily’s huge BBQ Chicken Salad!  Not bad for creamy salad dressing!

Susan ordered Chopped Chicken Cobb Salad

My dish featured a Turkey Burger slathered with mustard.  Remember my love for mustard?!  Don’t even get me started hehe… (I’m not much of a burger person, but sometimes I can really crave one!  When a girl needs a burger, give it to her.)

Super random! Our server was my old cross country coach from high school! I guess he has multiple jobs.  Oh my goodness what a cool and interesting moment that was.  At least I thought it was. Of course, I think I kind of scared him off with my over the top excitement of seeing him.    I tend to do that to people.  I told you that was random.

So back to the story.  This dinner was for the girls to get better acquainted with one another, in hopes that they build a great friendship.  I mean, I know that they are helping for the wedding, but that doesn’t mean they can’t gain beautiful relationships in the process.  They too should be blessed as I am being showered with blessings!

I am infinitely thankful to have my friends helping with this!  Seriously, excuse me for my mushiness guys.

If you happen to be curious about the previous venues we checked out, here they are:

• Kindred Church
• Franciscan Gardens
• Long Beach Museum of the Arts

I guess I do live under a rock!  Have you heard of Kina Grannis?  I JUST discovered her music.

Her songs have me hooked.

Have a great weekend and take care y’all!

Do you have really random/unexpected encounter stories with people you knew in the past?

Are you more realistic when it comes to huge things like marriage?  Or not so much?

Grace & Peace,

Ellie <33

Tagged as: bridal party, friendships, God's provision, Kina Grannis, relationships, wedding venue hunt