Lucy & Trent’s Romantic Summer Wedding at Saddlerock Ranch
Between the gorgeous hilltop views, floral arrangements, and rustic details, Lucy and Trent's romantic summer wedding was an event to remember. Tucked away in the serene foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Hilltop at Saddlerock Ranch made the perfect backdrop for them to say "I Do." With a vivid pink and peach palette mixed with beautiful copper bridesmaid dresses, the vibrance of summer was emulated in every detail.
The Custom Planning Process
Lucy and Trent knew right away that our Full Planning package was right for them. Because they were living out of state, the obstacle of proximity presented a unique challenge. In order to bring their vision to life, it was going to require much more than month-of service and someone to assist them every step of the way. This not only took the stress out of the equation for the couple but ensured that every last detail was accounted for.
The vision was simple: a beautiful atmosphere surrounded by good company from both near and far, delicious food, an elegant design, and a great party. With those priorities in mind, we quickly got to work researching venues, and booking vendors based on their unique criteria, designing custom color palettes, layouts, and everything in between. After nearly a year of planning, and LOTS of virtual communication we couldn't wait for their big day to arrive.
Find out more about our wedding planning and design services here!
Venue Details: The Hilltop at Saddlerock Ranch
Lucy and Trent originally booked a different venue to host their wedding ceremony and celebration, but due to an unforeseen circumstance, we had to come up with a backup plan just seven months before the big day. Although not their first choice, the Hilltop at Saddlerock Ranch exceeded all expectations and was truly meant to be despite the setback.
This particular venue is one of my favorite locations for many reasons. Not only does the Hilltop provide complete privacy from other events at the site, but features 360-degree panoramic views and rustic charm that's hard to beat. You even get a slight ocean view on a clear day from the hilltop location!
Pro Tip: When budgeting for a wedding at Saddlerock Ranch, make sure to consider things like guest transportation, additional lighting, restroom amenities and other guest experience enhancements.
Morning Details & Getting Ready
Lucy and her bride tribe got ready at the Hyatt Regency Westlake, just a quick drive down the canyon from Saddlerock Ranch. Once hair and makeup were complete, they packed up and headed to the venue's bridal suite where Lucy slipped into her gown and added the final touches to her bridal look. The private setting and natural light of the suite are perfect for those gorgeous getting-ready photos and bridal detail shots. Meanwhile, Lucy's eight lovely bridesmaids anxiously awaited the big reveal, and their reactions did not disappoint!
The Ceremony
The ceremony was as picturesque as they come. Guests were greeted by a live string trio and wooden cross-back chairs with personal fans to combat the midday summer heat. Instead of a traditional arch backdrop, we opted for beautiful bright florals on white pedestals which elegantly framed the altar alongside the mature oak trees. Lucy and Trent exchanged their heartfelt vows and were officially pronounced husband and wife by Father Geoff of Great Officiants.
Pro Tip: Saddlerock Ranch requires their venue shuttles to transport guests from the parking lot to the wedding site. Make sure to allow 45 minutes (instead of the standard 30) for guest arrival prior to the ceremony start time.
Kind Words From the Couple
"I've told Samantha many dramatic things; such as, "I would cry so much without you," and "I don't think I would get married if I didn't have you!" But in the case of Samantha, these dramatic statements are all fact- especially because Samantha helped us plan everything with us living on the opposite side of the country in DC.
Samantha was so helpful in pushing us to make progress, and not only fixed issues, but also pre-empted problems before they could even occur. For example: when our wedding venue got shut down 7 months before the wedding, I was so stressed because [of] all the COVID weddings, I knew we had to book a venue at least a year in advance if we wanted anything good. Samantha not only sent us a handful of beautiful alternatives that still had availabilities for 2022 within 3 days of the news, but also helped us secure a venue even better than the original for the same date, within the week.
The night before the wedding, I was anxious and woke up at 2am [unable to] sleep, I texted Samantha that I lost my voice the night before at the rehearsal dinner expecting her to respond in the morning. She texted me back in the middle of the night making me feel better, and showed up at my hotel room at 8am with multiple flavors of cough drops and warm lemon honey water waiting for me at the venue.
Samantha also has incredible attention to detail. On the day of the wedding, many of my guests and wedding party gave compliments such as, ‘This DJ is incredible, where did you find him?’ or ‘These blankets were such a good idea - who would have thought you'd need them in the summer in LA?’ and my answer to almost everything was, ‘Thanks, it was Samantha!’
Samantha helped us plan and orchestrate such a beautiful event. Guests told us we ruined all future weddings for them, and my new sister-in-law even declared [that] she HAS to have Samantha for her wedding too. Samantha is truly the hero we don't deserve."
Pro Tip: This venue includes multiple gorgeous backdrops for sunset photos! Make sure to include intentional buffers in your timeline to account for traveling to all of the different sites around the ranch.
The Reception
After the ceremony, guests were treated with passed hor d'oeuvres, signature drinks (Palomas and Mojitos), and an open bar while Lucy and Trent took their wedding day portraits. After returning, everyone made their way to their seats for a delicious plated meal by Tres LA Catering which included salad, bread, and three different entree options.
The rest of the night was filled with beautiful speeches from loved ones, parent dances, a ceremonial cake cutting (a classic 3-tier buttercream creation by the lovely Sweetness Cake Bakery), and finally a dance party. The DJ was a huge hit and had everyone up out of their seats celebrating with the newlywed couple.
Our Vendor Team
Planning & Design by To Be Loved Events || Venue at Saddlerock Ranch || Catering by Tres LA Catering || Photography by Taylor Kinzie Photography || Floral Design by Primrose & Petals || Cake by Sweetness Cake Bakery || Hair by Emily Lynn & Co. || DJ by Second Song || Rentals by A Rental Connection || Videography by Two Fourteen Wedding Films || Live Ceremony Music by Jason Sulkin Music || Officiant Father Geoff of Great Officiants || Parking by SoCal Valet || Security by Sandman Security
