On Location with True Love

By OCinSite At-Large on January 10, 2011 9:19 AM

On location with true love. | Photo courtesy The Resort at Pelican Hill

By Michelle Garrido | Newport Beach Magazine, March 2010

“The two most intense aspects of wedding planning are selecting the bridal gown and selecting the venue,” says Gail Garceau of GG Weddings (ggweddings.com). “The venue tells everything about the couple; it is a reflection of personality and style. Couples know when they’ve found the right place. It’s a strong feeling they get, and a place will either resonate with them or it will not.”

For the ultimate in wedding pampering, many couples choose The Resort at Pelican Hill to begin their fairytale life together. “Pelican Hill in unsurpassed,” says Gail, who has 20 years of wedding planning experience. “They honor one wedding a day, which is very important to some, and their attention to every detail makes it the ideal venue for couples who want impeccable service.”

The space reserved for weddings, Mar Vista, sits apart from the main resort, offering guests complete privacy. “You feel as if you’re in your own luxurious home, with no one around you but your loved ones and guests,” Gail says. Each wedding is assigned a wedding butler and concierge to make sure things run smoothly. And just for the bride: a sumptuous bridal lounge for your big day, where she can rest, relax and get gorgeous for that walk down the aisle.

Pelican Hill, Mar Vista. | Photo courtesy Pelican Hill

During these leaner economic times, many couples are paying closer attention to their guests’ expenses. If your RSVPs include a number of out-of-towners, consider the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, an affordable resort close to the bay and Balboa Island.

“This is a wonderful destination resort with an excellent price point and lots of things for guests to do,” Gail says. “The grounds are very pretty. There’s a charming brick patio with a lovely tropical garden. It’s perfect for smaller weddings and receptions, and there’s an expansive grass amphitheatre for larger groups.”

The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach has a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings of all sizes, and according to Gail, the staff’s attention to detail belies the venue’s competitive pricing.

“The catering services here are excellent,” Gail says. “It’s a great option for someone looking for an all-inclusive experience with an affordable price.”

Celebrate amidst a dreamy garden. | Photo courtesy Hyatt

Enjoy a charming, intimate ceremony at one of many Newport restaurants that cater to couples’ big days, including Five Crowns Restaurant, a recent recipient of WeddingWire’s Bride’s Choice 2010 award. Five Crowns is a popular spot for those with a more modest budget, or those looking to simplify their wedding plans.
“Fresh flowers are standard in the Crown Room and restaurant entry, making this a reception location where minimal additional flowers are needed,” says Susan Ballou, spokesperson for Five Crowns. “Candles for tables are also part of a typical setting.”

Exchange vows beneath a lovely arbor within the restaurant’s sweet English garden, then enjoy a beautifully relaxed reception in the restaurant.

Petals are strewn about in the Five Crowns’ English garden. | Photo courtesy Five Crowns/Grant Younglove

“The events manager works with couples from start to finish,” Susan explains. “She dedicates her efforts to the event on the wedding day to make sure it comes together smoothly—a task typically handled by a wedding coordinator.”

For a truly retro beachside affair, kick off your shoes and hit the sand at Crystal Cove Cottages. This historic strip of coastal Newport Beach is treasured by locals for its 46 seaside cottages and dreamy sunsets. The vibe here is very low key, down to earth and unapologetically So Cal circa 1950.

“It’s right there on the beach,” Gail says, “and it’s really rustic and charming. This would be a good location for a more relaxed couple who wants a simple, smaller ceremony right there on the sand.”

Several areas are available for weddings—the Cultural Center Cottage offers a large redwood deck, for example, or you can become the new Mr. and Mrs. right on the shore. Couples and their guests can stay the night in one of the classic beach cottages and wake to the sound of crashing waves and ocean breezes.

Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar’s lovely garden oasis, is a peaceful, verdant venue with year-round blooms to accent a perfect indoor or outdoor wedding, along with stunning photographs and an elegant reception. The Tea Garden, the Pepper Tree Patio and the Central Patio Room, with its cathedral ceiling, skylights and large, white-brick fireplace, and catering by Pascal Prestige Catering, all offer upscale, unforgettable garden charm.

A view of the Balboa Bay Club & Resort from the water. | Photo courtesy Balboa Bay Club & Resort

At Balboa Bay Club, couples can exchange vows with the sun, sailboats and the harbor all as witnesses to the happy event. From the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony and from the reception to the honeymoon, Balboa Bay Club deftly weaves it all together, creating a wedding that is definitely an event to remember.

“The two most intense aspects of wedding planning are selecting the bridal gown and selecting the venue,” says Gail Garceau of GG Weddings (ggweddings.com). “The venue tells everything about the couple; it is a reflection of personality and style. Couples know when they’ve found the right place. It’s a strong feeling they get, and a place will either resonate with them or it will not.”

For the ultimate in wedding pampering, many couples choose The Resort at Pelican Hill to begin their fairytale life together. “Pelican Hill in unsurpassed,” says Gail, who has 20 years of wedding planning experience. “They honor one wedding a day, which is very important to some, and their attention to every detail makes it the ideal venue for couples who want impeccable service.”

The space reserved for weddings, Mar Vista, sits apart from the main resort, offering guests complete privacy. “You feel as if you’re in your own luxurious home, with no one around you but your loved ones and guests,” Gail says. Each wedding is assigned a wedding butler and concierge to make sure things run smoothly. And just for the bride: a sumptuous bridal lounge for your big day, where she can rest, relax and get gorgeous for that walk down the aisle.

During these leaner economic times, many couples are paying closer attention to their guests’ expenses. If your RSVPs include a number of out-of-towners, consider the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, an affordable resort close to the bay and Balboa Island.
“This is a wonderful destination resort with an excellent price point and lots of things for guests to do,” Gail says. “The grounds are very pretty. There’s a charming brick patio with a lovely tropical garden. It’s perfect for smaller weddings and receptions, and there’s an expansive grass amphitheatre for larger groups.”

The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach has a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings of all sizes, and according to Gail, the staff’s attention to detail belies the venue’s competitive pricing.

“The catering services here are excellent,” Gail says. “It’s a great option for someone looking for an all-inclusive experience with an affordable price.”

Enjoy a charming, intimate ceremony at one of many Newport restaurants that cater to couples’ big days, including Five Crowns Restaurant, a recent recipient of WeddingWire’s Bride’s Choice 2010 award. Five Crowns is a popular spot for those with a more modest budget, or those looking to simplify their wedding plans.
“Fresh flowers are standard in the Crown Room and restaurant entry, making this a reception location where minimal additional flowers are needed,” says Susan Ballou, spokesperson for Five Crowns. “Candles for tables are also part of a typical setting.”
Exchange vows beneath a lovely arbor within the restaurant’s sweet English garden, then enjoy a beautifully relaxed reception in the restaurant.

“The events manager works with couples from start to finish,” Susan explains. “She dedicates her efforts to the event on the wedding day to make sure it comes together smoothly—a task typically handled by a wedding coordinator.”

For a truly retro beachside affair, kick off your shoes and hit the sand at Crystal Cove Cottages. This historic strip of coastal Newport Beach is treasured by locals for its 46 seaside cottages and dreamy sunsets. The vibe here is very low key, down to earth and unapologetically So Cal circa 1950.

“It’s right there on the beach,” Gail says, “and it’s really rustic and charming. This would be a good location for a more relaxed couple who wants a simple, smaller ceremony right there on the sand.”

Several areas are available for weddings—the Cultural Center Cottage offers a large redwood deck, for example, or you can become the new Mr. and Mrs. right on the shore. Couples and their guests can stay the night in one of the classic beach cottages and wake to the sound of crashing waves and ocean breezes.

Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar’s lovely garden oasis, is a peaceful, verdant venue with year-round blooms to accent a perfect indoor or outdoor wedding, along with stunning photographs and an elegant reception. The Tea Garden, the Pepper Tree Patio and the Central Patio Room, with its cathedral ceiling, skylights and large, white-brick fireplace, and catering by Pascal Prestige Catering, all offer upscale, unforgettable garden charm.

At Balboa Bay Club, couples can exchange vows with the sun, sailboats and the harbor all as witnesses to the happy event. From the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony and from the reception to the honeymoon, Balboa Bay Club deftly weaves it all together, creating a wedding that is definitely an event to remember.
“The two most intense aspects of wedding planning are selecting the bridal gown and selecting the venue,” says Gail Garceau of GG Weddings (ggweddings.com). “The venue tells everything about the couple; it is a reflection of personality and style. Couples know when they’ve found the right place. It’s a strong feeling they get, and a place will either resonate with them or it will not.”

For the ultimate in wedding pampering, many couples choose The Resort at Pelican Hill to begin their fairytale life together. “Pelican Hill in unsurpassed,” says Gail, who has 20 years of wedding planning experience. “They honor one wedding a day, which is very important to some, and their attention to every detail makes it the ideal venue for couples who want impeccable service.”

The space reserved for weddings, Mar Vista, sits apart from the main resort, offering guests complete privacy. “You feel as if you’re in your own luxurious home, with no one around you but your loved ones and guests,” Gail says. Each wedding is assigned a wedding butler and concierge to make sure things run smoothly. And just for the bride: a sumptuous bridal lounge for your big day, where she can rest, relax and get gorgeous for that walk down the aisle.

During these leaner economic times, many couples are paying closer attention to their guests’ expenses. If your RSVPs include a number of out-of-towners, consider the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, an affordable resort close to the bay and Balboa Island.
“This is a wonderful destination resort with an excellent price point and lots of things for guests to do,” Gail says. “The grounds are very pretty. There’s a charming brick patio with a lovely tropical garden. It’s perfect for smaller weddings and receptions, and there’s an expansive grass amphitheatre for larger groups.”

The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach has a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings of all sizes, and according to Gail, the staff’s attention to detail belies the venue’s competitive pricing.

“The catering services here are excellent,” Gail says. “It’s a great option for someone looking for an all-inclusive experience with an affordable price.”

Enjoy a charming, intimate ceremony at one of many Newport restaurants that cater to couples’ big days, including Five Crowns Restaurant, a recent recipient of WeddingWire’s Bride’s Choice 2010 award. Five Crowns is a popular spot for those with a more modest budget, or those looking to simplify their wedding plans.
“Fresh flowers are standard in the Crown Room and restaurant entry, making this a reception location where minimal additional flowers are needed,” says Susan Ballou, spokesperson for Five Crowns. “Candles for tables are also part of a typical setting.”
Exchange vows beneath a lovely arbor within the restaurant’s sweet English garden, then enjoy a beautifully relaxed reception in the restaurant.

“The events manager works with couples from start to finish,” Susan explains. “She dedicates her efforts to the event on the wedding day to make sure it comes together smoothly—a task typically handled by a wedding coordinator.”

For a truly retro beachside affair, kick off your shoes and hit the sand at Crystal Cove Cottages. This historic strip of coastal Newport Beach is treasured by locals for its 46 seaside cottages and dreamy sunsets. The vibe here is very low key, down to earth and unapologetically So Cal circa 1950.

“It’s right there on the beach,” Gail says, “and it’s really rustic and charming. This would be a good location for a more relaxed couple who wants a simple, smaller ceremony right there on the sand.”

Several areas are available for weddings—the Cultural Center Cottage offers a large redwood deck, for example, or you can become the new Mr. and Mrs. right on the shore. Couples and their guests can stay the night in one of the classic beach cottages and wake to the sound of crashing waves and ocean breezes.

Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar’s lovely garden oasis, is a peaceful, verdant venue with year-round blooms to accent a perfect indoor or outdoor wedding, along with stunning photographs and an elegant reception. The Tea Garden, the Pepper Tree Patio and the Central Patio Room, with its cathedral ceiling, skylights and large, white-brick fireplace, and catering by Pascal Prestige Catering, all offer upscale, unforgettable garden charm.

At Balboa Bay Club, couples can exchange vows with the sun, sailboats and the harbor all as witnesses to the happy event. From the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony and from the reception to the honeymoon, Balboa Bay Club deftly weaves it all together, creating a wedding that is definitely an event to remember.