Vanessa & Carter had their wedding at my favorite venue in Ojai – the Ojai Valley Inn. Nestled in a valley between the mountains and ocean, just an hour and a half outside of LA, this is the perfect destination wedding location without it feeling too far. It’s also a venue that can hold a lot of people, so if you need a big wedding venue in Southern California, this is one of them!

This fun loving couple knew exactly how they wanted to celebrate. Everything was clean, simple, and timeless. They chose a white and gold color palette. But the most important thing? Fun. They wanted it to be fun.

The pups name is Winston. 🙂

Winston really liked the dress. We had to explain to him that we don’t do that to Vera.

The guys – have a shot and throw on tuxes in 5 minutes.

With dad, getting ready to walk down the aisle.

If you’d like to read about why you should have 2 photographers at your wedding, click here.

Ceremony under the oak tree.

The architecture style of the Ojai Valley Inn is Spanish Colonial, so some parts remind me of being in Europe.

A classic white and gold color palette.

They have a solid friendship. Can you tell? 🙂

Congratulations Vanessa & Carter! Thank you for letting me a part of this day.

Venue:  Ojai Valley Inn & Spa // Wedding Planner:  All You Need Is Love Events // Florist:  Stella Bloom Designs // Dress:  Vera Wang // Make up + Hair:  Team Make Up & Hair // Rentals + Lighting:  Classic Rentals // Band:  West Coast Music

The History of the Ojai Valley Inn

In 1923, Edward Drummond Libbey, a wealthy Ohio glass manufacturer and philanthropist, commissioned California architect Wallace Neff to build the Ojai Country Club in the Spanish Colonial architectural style. From its earliest days, guests felt the Inn was an escape, a sequestered yet sophisticated getaway that gave them the sense of being on their own private country estate. And ever since 1937, when Frank Capra used the sweeping mountain vistas of the valley as Shangri-La in his film Lost Horizon, the valley has become synonymous with mystical beauty and hidden enchantment. A different kind of notoriety distinguished the inn in 1942 when it was transformed into Camp Oak for a military training center for the Army, and later for the U.S. Navy, which used the grounds for a rest and recuperation facility.

Ever since returning to private ownership in 1947, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa has played host to countless celebrities from nearby Hollywood and an impressive roster of golf pros who return year after year to play the historic course. In 1999, the acclaimed golf course was restored, which included the return of two “lost” signature holes. In 2004, an extensive renovation was completed which upgraded every corner of the resort while maintaining the historical integrity of the property.

The Ojai Valley Inn Today

Throughout the years, hosting many celebrities, musicians, dignitaries and politicians, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa retains its sense of place staying true to the people who first built it. Amid an unsurpassed natural landscape with diverse appeal to families, couples, golf getaways, girlfriend getaways and multi-generational guests, the Inn remains one of the finest resorts in North America.

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