My Splendid Sentiments / Photo Credit: Weddings by Jonah

We had the pleasure of working with My Splendid Sentiments on a wedding just over a week ago.  You never know what the end result will be when working with a new florist.  Sometimes they deliver exactly what you expect them to, sometimes they fall short and occasionally they blow you away.  My Splendid Sentiments blew us away!  First, their ability to work with a budget is unbelievable!  The bride had to re-adjust her budget after contracting My Splendid Sentiments, but with some changes and tweaks they were still able to deliver the bride’s vision!
The bouquets were exquisite and perfectly detailed.  I myself am not a fan of a floral bouquet bedazzled within an inch of its life.  But the brides bouquet of merlot calla lilies, black magic roses and monkey tails was exquisite.  On the occasional calla there was a trio of jewels accenting the petal and a few monkey tails sported jewels also.  But they hit just the right note of accenting the flowers and not weighing them down.
The flowers were fresh!  I have on occasion brought home a bouquet from a wedding that was left strewn around when everyone else was gone.  The white rose ones brown and die in a couple of days because the flowers are not as fresh.  The white rose bouquet from My Splendid Sentiments lasted a week.  I was even able to pull out a few roses that were still looking fresh and put them in a small vase…they’re still going strong!
And the professionalism of their staff was completely refreshing!  They worked effectively and efficiently as a team and looked like professionals.  The ladies had matching black aprons and the guys wore black polos…it definitely speaks to how detailed they are.
There was a timing issue that came up and when we told our contact about it she said, “Okay!  We’ll take care of it.”

My Splendid Sentiments is definitely on my list of quality and professional florists in San Diego!

My Splendid Sentiments
1580 S. Melrose Dr.
Vista, CA  92081
760.518.6996

Photo Credit:  Weddings by Jonah

For more images visit the My Splendid Sentiments Blog!

I love home weddings!  Whether the home belongs to the Bride & Groom, the parents, an aunt and uncle or a very close family friend; home weddings strike an emotional chord that a wedding at another location sometimes cannot.  You are really and truly entering the role of host and hostess because you are literally inviting people into your home (or your aunt’s home).

There are challenges to planning a backyard wedding though.  The biggest hurdle is the fact that you have to bring in everything!  But I actually see that as a blessing.  When you bring in everything from the caterer to the linen company, you are really able to customize your wedding to your specifications.  You have the caterer of your choice, the linens of your choice, whatever alcohol you choose and whatever quantity you choose.  It really opens the doors to planning a day that suits not only your taste and style but also your budget.

However, because there are so many details involved with a backyard wedding that is where it can become critical to hire someone to help you at least manage the day, if not the last few months.  If you’re having a small party of 50 people then you may not be blindsided with a heap of last minute details.  But if you’re having a party of 100  or more you better make sure the details are covered…like that you have enough bathrooms and toilet paper!  Simple things like that can often be overlooked because we take for granted that those points are automatically covered at a typical wedding location (I don’t believe I have ever seen a hotel advertise free use of their bathrooms as part of their wedding package even though it is included).

The other big plus for a backyard wedding is that you are not tied to a set amount of hours, but depending on your city you may have to abide by sound restrictions (unless your neighbors are totally understanding or you have no neighbors).  Having worked in Los Angeles, I frequented Malibu homes on several occasions for events, but you have to cut the music off at 10pm because of noise ordinances.  Now that I’m in San Diego I have learned that San Diego County and Temecula have similar restrictions.  So making sure you educate yourself on fine points like that and going out of your way to be respectful of the neighbors can really save you a headache that day…because do you really want the police knocking at the door asking for you to shut down the party?

The other potential drawback of a backyard wedding is the clean up.  The clean up can be the most painful part of the evening if its not properly planned for.  So make sure your vendors (especially the caterer) are true professionals because their hard work and professionalism will save you time and energy at the end of the night.

Happy Planning!

Have a question on planning a backyard wedding?  Leave a comment and I’ll post a response!

If you’re looking for a spot with a real San Diego style beach vibe…Levyland should be at the top of your list!  Its a great new location right on the lagoon in Carlsbad with direct beach access.  You have full run of the house for an entire week!!  Which means there’s no rush to get everything for your event setup and taken down in one day.  Along with full run of the place, you can move the furniture where you see fit (as long as its back the way you found it before you leave).

Photos Courtesy of Levyland.com

Levyland is a true blank canvas that you can really make your own.  You’re free to bring your own caterer, rental company, bar service…whatever you need to complete your day you can do it!

The biggest bonus is the direct beach access not only allows brides and grooms great photo ops, but if you were really hoping to have a beach ceremony you can do it!

They estimate about 125 for ceremony and reception with the property as is.  They have a great space for a tent so if you’re group is larger you can tent and accommodate up to 200.

They haven’t even completed their first year but the place is booking quick!  Check their website for more details on rates and go take a tour!

Levyland, Carlsbad, Ca