Wedding Notes: The Venue with an Old World Charm...

{Location: Bernardo Winery, San Diego CA}
My sister Charlene & my future brother-in-law Enrique have finally decided on their wedding venue! I searched long and hard for a place that truly reflected their personalities and lifestyle (low key, rustic, vintage, quaint, that worn-in yet comfy & cozy vibe) ...finding Bernardo Winery wasn't easy...but I feel so relieved that they both LOVE the place!

{Tidbit Fact}
Bernardo Winery was founded in 1889, making it the oldest, fully functioning winery and vineyard in Southern California. We were told that Father Junipero Serra himself came here for his wines...pretty cool, huh? Talk about finding a historical gem! :)

{Love}
As we were strolling through the winery/village...I could hear Charlene gasping and blissfully sighing behind me. Whenever I'd turn around to look at Enrique, his eyes were glazed over with awe. Yup....they were pretty much falling in love with the place at each turn of the corner.

BIG moment today for Charlene & Enrique....giving the deposit to secure the wedding date! We also brought our parents (Charlene's and my parents) to see the venue. We have yet to bring Enrique's parents up here (but it'll happen soon enough)!

Now mind you, our parents are more accustomed to the traditional wedding reception at hotels/church ceremonies. So this was really a chance for them to take in Charlene & Enrique's vision. I'm happy to say that they too agreed Bernardo Winery was the perfect place for the couple.

We stopped for a quick coffee break at Sweet Pea Coffee Cottage before heading to the office to meet up with the wedding events manager.

{Side Note}
Dad was totally sold on this place. He loved the nostalgic feel it encompassed. Mom on the other hand...we feel that she likes the place, but that she's still really trying to soak it all in and get past the fact it's not a typical hotel reception setting....but we know she'll come around. Once she sees the decor we're personally creating, the set-up on the day of, Charlene in her wedding gown and Enrique waiting down the aisle...all that is what's going to matter to her in the end :)

{Location: South Bay Fish & Grill in Chula Vista Marina}
After visiting Bernardo Winery, we all went out for a celebratory dinner (mom and dad's treat)!

The first step in the wedding process is done and now...the PLANNING really begins :)
Maid of Honor signing out :)