Thursday, September 19, 2013

Beaches, Veggie Burgers & Vineyard Weddings

There are so many things I love about my home state of California, from the sandy beaches and mild weather to the delicious food and, of course, all of the loved ones I get to reconnect with each time I visit.

As those of you who follow me on Facebook and Instagram surely noticed, I took another much-anticipated vacation and blog break last week in order to spend a little time out on the West Coast, where I happily snacked on lobster tacos and veggie burgers, took in the beauty of the state’s Central Coast and attended the gorgeous vineyard wedding of my dear friends Jess and John.

As always, I’ve recapped my adventure below in photos. 


No visit to the Golden State would be complete without stopping by The Habit for a veggie burger with sweet potato fries. Another must-have? A grilled cheese from In-N-Out. 


There's nothing like the beauty of California's Central Coast, as seen here at Avila Beach, where I joined my close friends Bridget and Gianna for good food and music at the city's popular seaside Farmer's Market.


A group wine-tasting excursion hosted by the bride and groom was the ultimate way to kick off the wedding weekend. Here, Gianna and I are taking a quick water break before joining the others for a picnic lunch. 






Rolling hills, wine barrels, a candy bar, hand-drawn chalkboard signs and more set the stage for a fun and memorable wedding reception at Sanford Winery in Lompoc. Isn't the "Ring for a Kiss" bell too cute?




From the artfully designed centerpieces to the twinkling candles, Jess and John's table decor helped create the perfect rustic chic vibe. 



Hanging out with Gianna and Bridget during cocktail hour, then staying warm and getting ready to party with beautiful bride Jessica. 

Thanks for a wonderful trip, everyone! Now, it's back to DC in time to welcome the official start of the fall season, which promises cooler days, colorful leaves and, in just a little over a week, my 30th birthday. Yikes!

26 comments:

  1. ooh in-n-out...now i want one!!!
    what a lovely wedding!! that bell is too cute.

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    1. Thanks, Elle! Yeah, it really was a beautiful wedding. They did such a great job putting everything together!

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  2. Looks like such a great time! I personally miss the beaches myself(florida ones lol)

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    1. Thanks! It really was fun, and I definitely know what you mean about the beaches. There's just something special about being close to the sea in a place you love.

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  3. Oh my gosh, I just found your blog and this was the perfect blog post for me. I just moved from that area and wow, your pictures made me miss it. I'm so glad that you enjoyed it though and that wedding decor is amazing.

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    1. Hi Jess! Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I just checked yours out, too, and love it! I've lived in DC for eight years now and still miss California a lot. It's so hard to leave each time I visit.

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  4. Ooh I love that bell! It looks like a lovely wedding!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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    1. Thanks for the comment! The bell was such a fun and creative idea!

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  5. What a beautiful wedding and looks like you has a great trip. I miss California seeing these photos!

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    1. Thanks, Morgan! California is definitely my happy place!

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  6. Gorgeous!! I love the table settings!! Looks like a beautiful trip. I love the photo of you and the bride, beautiful! xoxo

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    1. Thanks, Diana! Isn't her blush dress gorgeous? She was one of my bridesmaids three years ago, too!

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  7. Gorgeous! I miss Cali but am loving real Fall this year!

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    1. Thanks, Kate! I am actually excited for "real fall" here this year, too. I always love this season until it starts to get too cold and dreary.

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  8. What a gorgeous wedding!! I want to go to California's wine country so badly!!:-)

    Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings

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    1. Hi Jayme! You should definitely take a trip out there sometime. Napa, Sonoma and the Central Coast all offer some amazing wineries!

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  9. the habit is awesome, great place! i love this wedding, the rustic chic look is so awesome i love the table decorations, the centerpieces are just perfection

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    1. Thanks for commenting, Meg! I'm already looking forward to my next visit to The Habit and In-N-Out. LOL!

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  10. a vineyard wedding sounds so romantic and also charming! I love the decor and the flowers!!!

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    1. Thanks, Laura! The flowers definitely added a romantic touch.

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  11. Looks like a gorgeous wedding! I LOVE the cake. Everything looks so picture perfect, what a beautiful venue and bride!

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    1. Thanks, Laura! It was definitely one of the most beautiful venues I've been to, and I'm so glad I was able to go out for the wedding. The bride, Jessica, was one of my bridesmaids three years ago!

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  12. looks like the perfect getaway..you look beautiful lady! and that burger looks so yummy!

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    1. Thanks, lady! :) It was so much fun being out there and spending time with everyone.

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  13. people are becoming more and more creative with their wedding venues!! i love this idea of a reception at a vineyard. love the photos!

    [oomph.]
    Nordstrom Giveaway!
    Sephora Giveaway!

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    1. Thanks so much! Vineyard weddings are always beautiful!

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