Santiago Estate + Vineyard has been hosting weddings + events for years, but it was time for a revamp – so when owner, Parisa, reached out to us to tour + become reacquainted with the space, it was a no-brainer that we share that we also offer PR consulting + social media management for select venues, and would love to take on the estate as our first 2020 client. With palm trees, sweeping canyon views, and the venue’s signature waterfall feature, this private mansion in the canyons of the City of Orange is truly a hidden gem.
Besides the obvious, here are some of our more obscure favorite things about the estate:
– The venue’s indoor pool inside of the “main house” can be covered + used as a dancefloor!
– Brides + grooms get a complimentary night stay when they book their wedding at the estate
– The estate includes a beautiful, large bridal suite that’s available to the couple + their party all evening
Our first order of business was planning + designing a grand opening cocktail party, to re-introduce the estate to the industry, and share that we are now taking bookings again after the venue had been on a slight hiatus. Several creative partners came together to make this event happen, and after planning the entire thing in just three short weeks, the event was a success!
THE STYLED SHOOT
Santiago Estate oozes a sense of luxe tropical cool, so we knew we wanted to design it with a clean, luxurious, and modern feel in mind, while still staying true to our signature “boho modern” aesthetic. We decided to pair all-white leather furniture, white coffee tables, and black acrylic cocktail tables with more bohemian accents like pampas grass + dried flowers in the arrangements with navy blue velvet lounge furniture pieces to create a unique style that both complements the estate + appeals to a variety of brides, whether you’re going for a more glam luxe look or a bohemian earthy feel – all with our signature #LeilaniWeddingsStyle touch.
Models + real-life couple Dru Blake + Mara Avilla were showstopping as usual – we’ve used them for a shoot before + consider them to one of our “resident” styled shoot models. #leilanitip: Although we adore working with our models who are not real-life couples, we do find that using real models lends itself to a natural on-camera chemistry that is unrivaled! Just see for yourself, below! (insert flame emoji, here)
We outfitted them in La Soie Bridal (with veil by Velvet + Veiled and necklaces by Asha Patel Designs) and Friar Tux (fun fact: this was only the first time this gold velvet coat has been used in a shoot, the first was for the shoot before our ABC-OC Trendsetters Gala last year), and added white smoke bombs for some shots, which created some modern + fun flair.
We worked with Los Angeles Floral Couture, La Pinata Party Rentals, BEL Events + Linens by Celina to make the look come to life, and decided to place the main lounge vignette by the pool to showcase one of the estate’s most special features – the pool + waterfall. Set up by one of our waterfall pools, this reception set up + sweetheart table could one day be in your own wedding photos! We decided to keep the ceremony space clean + minimal, with a boho array of pampas grass (our fave!) on acrylic stands that lined the aisle + held the large pampas grass arrangements (This design was actually a last-minute change, believe it or not! We had originally planned a four-post acrylic arch, but had to move to Plan B due to winds being extra strong that day. JC from LA Floral Couture was nothing short a team player when we communicated this change, and he came up with a new concept within minutes. As planners, working with flexible, adaptable, and creative partners is so important to us, and we are so lucky to have a crew of creatives who are just that.
THE PARTY BEGINS
Guests were greeted by valet service, followed by a red carpet with candles, and finally, a glass of champagne, before walking down the grand staircase of the main house to the event. Guests then meandered to the ceremony site, where Two Towns Entertainment set the mood with some jazzy tunes, and Canyon Catering tray-passed delicious bites (Mini pizza in the cutest mini branded boxes, Poached Lobster Bites, Brioche Toast Open face Crostini Sliders, and Filo Chicken Salads)
No event is complete without some delicious (and creatively named) signature cocktails, and Canyon did not disappoint with the whiskey + gin based cocktails they created for the event. Fun fact: We always name the signature cocktails for our events, which are typically inspired by the venue we’re in + staying consistent with the overall design, aesthetic + theme.
Oasis in the Canyons
Gin
Maraschino liqueur
Creme de Viollete
Fresh lemon juice
Housemade lemon tincture
Twist garnish
Tropical Paradise
House Old-Fashioned Whiskey
Brandy soaked cherries
Housemade cinnamon brown sugar simple syrup
Fresh muddled orange slice
Angostura bitters infused ice sphere
Burnt orange peel garnish
TIME TO INDULGE
Once guests made their way down to the pool area, they indulged in two build-your-own food stations also provided by Canyon Catering, crowd favorites – burrata + ramen. Coupled with a plethora of desserts: Cotton candy from The Jolly Sheep, ice cream by Atomic Creamery, and a dessert bar provided by Colette’s Catering, we think it’s safe to say that everyone’s taste buds were more than satisfied by the end of an evening of a little indulging in paradise. Music provided by Second Song Official, and photobooth by their sister company, Feature Booth kept the party going, and guests enjoyed themselves until 10pm in the evening.
WHAT NEXT?
Santiago Estate is now re-opened + available for weddings, social affairs, corporate events + photoshoots. For more information on pricing, etc. please contact us at bookings@leilaniweddings.com In the meantime, be sure to keep up with us on our Instagram + Facebook pages, and we invite you to follow the incredible creatives who made this event possible – all highly recommended by us here at Leilani Weddings for your wedding or next special event.
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Keep up with us on Facebook
VENUE @santiagoestate
PLANNING + DESIGN @leilaniweddings #LeilaniWeddingsStyle
CATERING + BAR @canyoncatering
PHOTOGRAPHY @michellefloresphotography
VIDEOGRAPHY @caliviewfinders
DJ @secondsong_official
DESSERT BAR @colettescatering
ICE CREAM @atomiccreamery
COTTON CANDY @thejollysheep @younicstyle
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT @twotownsent
DAY-OF STATIONERY @crocker.ink @typejcreative @leilaniweddings
CALLIGRAPHY @borrowingbirch
LINENS + NAPKINS @linensbycelina
PHOTOBOOTH @featurebooth_official
RENTALS @bel_events
TABLETOP RENTALS + CEREMONY CHAIRS @lapinataparty
FLORALS @losangelesfloralcouture
LIVE EVENT PAINTER @johngarcia_urbanar
LIGHTING @waveform_events
DRESSES @lasoiebridal
TUXES @friartux
JEWELRY @ashapateldesigns
VEILS @velvetandveiled
MODELS @mara.avilla + @atlas.blake
BEAUTY @facesbyfrida
VALET @mrvaletparking