Say I Do, and Have a S’more or Two

Warning: This beach wedding idea is not for the faint of heart, but it’ll knock the socks off your guests. I’m talking about throwing a camp wedding at Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu. If you and your fiancé love camping and connecting with nature, then this one’s for you!

I didn’t start camping until I was 25 years old, and my first time was at Leo Carrillo. I never understood the appeal of foregoing a comfortable bed and private bathroom, but Leo Carrillo turned this city girl onto camping. The campsite is well-kept, the restrooms have flushing toilets, there are clean showers, the beach is just across the highway and the stars up above are unlike any night sky in L.A. So if there’s ever a place for a beach wedding at camp, Leo Carrillo is it.

Camp weddings work best for a guestlist of 50 or fewer people. Otherwise, additional permits and fees may be required. If you’re planning a wedding for 50 or fewer guests, here are the best steps to take:

A. Reserve a group campsite via Reserve America for Leo Carrillo State Park.

For reservations in the next year, campsites cannot be reserved until November of the current year. But be sure to reserve that spot quickly, this site is a popular one for camping enthusiasts! A group camp site allows up to 50 guests overnight and parking for up to 16 cars. Check-in time is 2pm and check-out time is 12pm. Reservations go for $165 per night.

B. The ceremony can be held at the campsite among the trees or on the beach.

If you choose to hold the ceremony on the sand, it will be subject to the L.A. County Public Beach ordinances. A permit is not required for beach weddings with less than 50 people and if no set-up is required. Amplified music is prohibited. Instead, just imagine your guests decked out on beach towels and blankets for a true California casual look.

C. Hold the reception at the group campsite.

By having the reception at the group campsite, you can bring in your own caterer, cook your own food (group sites come with fire rings, BBQ grills and picnic tables) or hire a gourmet food truck like Kogi BBQ. Amplified music (before 10pm) and alcohol consumption are allowed if you apply for a permit. Permits can be requested beginning in January of the reservation year and cost $175 for 0-50 people.

D. Obtain liability insurance and comply with other CA State Park regulations.

For more information about camp weddings at Leo Carrillo State Park, contact the special events division at mzuhair@parks.ca.gov.

Camping and public beach nuptials don’t fit in with your style or wedding size? There’s more, but you’ll have to wait ‘til next week!

Image via Once Wed

BusyButtons Update

Hello, hello! I finally finished that class where I learn the most basic basics on computers and applications, because I'm sort of dumb in that area. I swear I'm smart in some other areas, but before this, I had no idea what RAM is for. Now I know! Sort of.
In the meantime, I present to you a few guys I've been working on. Yes, that's a new design down there! Still haven't come up with a name for her yet, but I just love how modern she looks.

Go! Go! Go Weddingbee!

BusyButtons is back on Weddingbee again. Check out the post right here for the Custom Floral Ring Pillow in grey and yellow!

A Little Nod

Thank you to Wedding Belles Online for giving my Peacock Ring Pillow a little nod!

"I Wish They All Could Be California Girls"

L.A. is synonymous with Hollywood glamour, celebrities, sunny skies and the beach life. My first series of posts is going to focus on how to have a beach wedding. With near-perfect weather all year long, it’s no wonder so many people choose to get married outdoors in southern California. You and your guests can enjoy the warm sand between your toes, the palm trees swaying to the breeze and hear the waves rolling along the coast as you say your vows.

Today I’ll discuss how to have a gorgeous beach wedding, without breaking the bank. In fact, the venue could even be free or close to it, because it’s on government property. Every beach’s rules vary depending on the governing ordinance (the city or state of California). For instance, the city of Santa Monica allows weddings on its city parks for free, permits are not required and amplified music is allowed between 8am – 10pm. Some California State Parks require a fee and permit to reserve a space, especially for those that offer added facilities such as a pavilion or picnic grounds. If there is a specific beach you are interested in, a little research will yield a state or city department to contact for more details.

When considering a public beach wedding, here are a few things to discuss with both your fiancé and the city/state representative:
Can a space be reserved or is it first-come, first served?
Are permits required and how much?
What time is the park open until?
What is the maximum number of guests allowed?
What types of decorations (e.g. aisle runners, petal tosses, etc) are not allowed?
Is amplified music permitted?
Can tables and tents be set-up in the park?
Is alcohol allowed?



A client of mine married in Palisades Park, Santa Monica, which brought about a few challenges. Having a DOC or a patient friend/family member guard the ceremony site will be necessary on a public beach. Privacy can also be an issue; it is a public space after all. The bride I worked with had to wait in her parked car in the lot until her cue for the processional. Santa Monica sets the maximum attendance rate at 150 guests, which was not an issue for my client’s guestlist of forty. Although there are definite down sides to holding a wedding ceremony and/or reception on public grounds, the payoff is a beautiful backdrop and more money in your pocket.

If a public beach wedding doesn’t work for you, but you still want a shoreline nuptial, stay tuned next week for the second installment!

LA Bride Guide

Things have been busy here (when is it not), and with good reason! The Bride Concierge is now a contributor to the newly launched LA Bride Guide. Struggling to find a good place to get hitched in LA? Check out my weekly column, "Wedding Whereabouts!"

OK Blogger, Let's Play Nice

I got myself a Photobucket account a couple months ago and yet I've continued to hoard all my photos. Bad Tracy! So let's give this a shot, shall we?

Back in December of last year (wow has it really been that long?), the bf and I went to the Chivas Holiday Boutique. For those not familiar with the incredible line of beauty products, it's just something you have to try at least once. Our friend Lauren is one of the founders of what began as a line of soaps made from goats' milk and has grown into a full spectrum of skin products. Lauren and her mom raise the goats on their small farm and produce the products in the garage. Nothing makes me happier than supporting a fellow mother-daughter team!

So when the family opened up their little farm for the annual Holiday Boutique, you betcha we jumped on that opportunity for a behind the scenes tour. Goats and goats' milk-themed h'or d'oeuvres don't hurt either.

Now that I've gabbed my way into a corner, here are photos via Photobucket:


Isn't that the cutest? I'm shocked the bf didn't try to sneak one of these guys home...you think I'm kidding, but I'm not.



I highly recommend their lip balm, by the way. It is made with all natural products and leave your lips so moisturized.