When I was planning my Wedding I checked out many venues. I had a list of things that I wanted, I had to have and well what I wanted…….
I have never been married before so this was all very new to me. My fairytale started backwards and has been very colorful to say the least. I wouldn’t change it for the world!
When I was searching I found images online that enticed my desire for a Happily Ever After Event!!! It took many searches but I found it. It was something I desired when I made my lists of wants, One thing I really wanted, to have my wedding reception under a tent. NOT just any tent but one that had drapes and hanging lanterns or chandeliers.
When I inquired about the venue and the tent at The Pala Mesa Resort. I was surprised to find out the tent comes standard for all weddings, this is not an upgrade. Oh my wallet and heart were so enticed. I quickly made an appointment to see this for myself. Due to the distance I booked a night at their resort to get a total feel for this place.
When driving up it was dark however the ambiance took my breath away. Driving up I got chills and I loved how it looked. The lighting, when we got out of the car the cool breeze that touched our faces just added to my delight. My camera was acting up so you truly can not get a feel for how it really looked.
When walking in the lobby the first thing my boyznberries gravitated to was the phone, can you blame them? This looks so retro yet classy.
When I walked in I felt very comfortable and cozy
The boys started to explore and found themselves in front of fire. This totally melted my heart, see they really do get along!
This is how the room looked with tables, they added them after my boys were done warming up from the cool winter breeze. The staff was actually in the process of placing the chairs and tables back. They were just cleaning up from an event prior.
Upon checking into our room we were greeted with such a warm welcome. What better way to a Woman’s heart than Wine , Chocolate dipped strawberries and a HAND written note thanking us for taking the time to check out Pala Mesa Resort?!?!?!
Immediately the boys jumped into their beds and were totally ecstatic.
I was more enthused to find this; after the wine obviously.
I had to investigate the room, with the help of my boys. The room was spaciously equipped with two closets, a fridge, TV, Wifi, a vanity area separate from the bathroom, a deck with patio furniture, a bar area with a ample storage and so much more.
Our original room they booked was different – we had the choice of one King. Due to bringing the boys we got the Deluxe room with the extra bed.
The Bellman was so helpful bringing in the items for our ONE night stay! HA My crew can never travel lightly that is not in our vocabulary.
The rooms were well loved! I was told that Pala Mesa Resort is expecting to do a huge remodel taking place this year of all the rooms. I personally liked the rooms the way they were. It added to a very intimate and rustic feel out in Fallbrook. It gave it more appeal to a simple yet chic getaway. Then again Its not my Resort so I don’t get to have a say for the renovation planning.
Now on to even greater things!!! It was time for DIN DIN!! WOO HOO this Foodie Queen loves to eat! I was so happy to eat at their restaurant on their premises, none the less.
The Aqua Terra restaurant and oyster bar!
The restaurant was so inviting and relaxing!!! Oh and the entertainment set the mood too!
This boy was relaxing and taking it all in.
Even Captain America was impressed and well behaved and so was his owner! The future PHOTOG, blogger had to capture the moments as well. As you can see Captain America was “floored” with the lovely atmosphere. All is good with the World!
Next line of business was getting Mommy a drink! I decided to try a mojito. Those are my favorite and I knew I had wine back in our room. So I wanted to give my taste buds a twirl. After all we had a the designated Daddy on hand, it was time for mommy to relax and relish in the fact that her kids were well behaved!
Our you ready to get your taste buds in a tizzy? Well lets get started….
Now when I saw the menu I was a bit skeptical. I mean they had almost every type of food you could imagine. I was hesitant that they had a sushi bar ….
and served burgers.
I had to try!
WARNING, MY CAMERA DOES NOT DO THIS JUSTICE! The food was not only beautifully displayed it was exquisite to the pallet.
Oh Lord help me!!! The bread was just amazing. The warm bread with butter, what wedding dress?
OHH lets get your taste buds ramped up and on fire!!
The verdict, their sushi was so fresh and tasted divine!
Side shot!!
Next we had to try their calamari. The crunchy bite to the spice of the seaweed salad sent my taste buds in martial bliss!
My 4yo is no fun and so generic, not a foodie like his mom. He had the plain burger. The instructions were simple. Burger on bun please! Please note the burgers were bigger than my kids arm! I couldn’t believe how big and juicy they were. Plain to the sight but scrumptiously devoured. Nothing was left.
The FH had the Scallops with risotto. Hello lover, and I am talking about the scallops!
Now please let me explain…. My grandmother is the best cook in the world. I love her cooking and I miss it so much. Nan you make the best pasta dishes in the world. If I was blindfolded and given a fork with this Seafood pasta in front of me I would have sworn I was in my Nan’s kitchen. I literally cried when I took a bite. The flavors and spices brought back so many happy memories for me in my Nan’s kitchen. The pasta dish was just like my Nan’s and that is saying a lot. Because NO one can cook like her, well Pala Mesa was able to cook just like Nan.
This was nothing short of fabulous.
After we feasted like royalty it was time for dessert….
We had the most amazing service and food was nothing what I expected. The FH and I both agreed that we would not have to do a food tasting upon booking the venue. The food was packed with such flavor and quality. Our guests would be feasting on phenomenal cuisine. Not only was the food fantastic so was our service.
It was now time to head back to our room with our satisfied bellies!!! After all we had a big day ahead of us. We were going to walk the premises in the morning!!!
It might have been bedtime however I couldn’t keep calm!!!! As the blurry picture states on my shirt; I can’t keep calm I’m getting married!!!! YEAH. I was like a child on Christmas Eve, it was so hard to sleep. I couldn’t wait to check out the grounds. Morning couldn’t come fast enough, this was really happening.
The morning arrived and it was time to go exploring!!!! WOW we first took a tour of the bridal suite, I wish I took a picture but I was so enamored I forgot. You will just have to trust me that it was breathtaking. My Bridesmaids would have been very pleased. The bridal suite is directly across from the ceremony site. So naturally we did an impromptu rehearsal of what it would have been like on the BIG day of our, Happily Ever After!
What a view, my camera couldn’t capture it all. The emotion, atmosphere, the breeze… all you brides to be you have to check it out! I can’t even begin to explain, there are no words to capture the emotion. Don’t believe me, check out these pictures from other couples who had their dream wedding.
Side view
This was so magical, they even had a waterfall!
So naturally my boys had to explore, ALL of them!!!!
Then we walked down to the reception area; it was a short walk.
Seeing this in person exceeded any expectations I thought I would have. I was sold, the Resort, Staff, Food, Ceremony site and now this…this is was more than I dreamed of. This was it, this was the place where I wanted to start our; Happily Ever After
Hanging lanterns, Chiavari chairs, water falls and lush gardens and a beautiful tent, you are really in a fairytale.
Another view
After taking the tour my boys had a ravenous appetite. We decided to try their Sunday brunch which they also offer as a farewell brunch following your ceremony the next day. It was hit and it was something that we all decided that we wanted to do for our guests for the next day. They have banquet rooms you can host for the brunch and or Rehearsal dinner.
The spread was perfect for all.
Complete with an omelet station
Everyone was pleased and satisfied.
We were extremely pleased with everything and this was the place that we were going to have our wedding. The wedding coordinator couldn’t have been more accommodating and friendly. Due to the location of the Pala Mesa Resort being out of town for us; we were given a reasonable rate if our guests booked a hotel stay. It was so reasonable that I decided to go with my own vendors, they do offer a complete list of local vendors they have worked with and trust as well.
My list of vendors whom I have known for years and I trust I wanted to use. My entourage would only consist of the Creme Del A Creme, I might be a little biased. Don’t believe me check out their bios;
Photographer: Casian Photography
Candy Station: Hollywood Candy Girls
Makeup Artist: Angelica Itomura
DJ and Photo Booth: Dave Allison
I did check out the other vendors on their preferred vendor list. I had the pleasure of speaking with some wonderful vendors for the Flowers, Cake, Cigar booth, and ice sculptures that Pala Mesa refereed us to.
If you are a bride to be and want a fairytale wedding without breaking the bank this is the place to have it. Everything was perfect, this is what dreams are made of.
This is the beginning of your, Happily Ever After and it should be regarded as such. For this is where dreams come true and the fairytale begins.
Thank you Pala Mesa Resort for such a wonderful tour!
Due to unforeseen events we had to place wedding plans on hold.
Due to unforeseen events we had to place wedding plans on hold.
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