Kelly and Alicen’s Love Story Celebrated with “I Do” at Private Ojai Ranch

We absolutely love weddings and all our couples.  And there are always those extra special ones where you just know two people are meant for each other.  We are delighted to feature Kelly & Alicen’s wedding story interview here on our BLOG, along with their incredible menu and beautiful photos, showcasing their magical day.

What’s special about this location that you loved in particular that drew you to the venue?  The views of the Topa Topa Mountains at sunset were particularly spectacular.  In addition, we loved the walnut grove and rustic appeal of the property.  

How did you two meet?  Abbreviated version: Started from Tinder, now we’re here.

What was the defining moment you knew this was the person you wanted to spend the rest of your life with?

For Alicen: We had not been dating that long before I left for a Christmas trip to Denver.  I remember realizing while we were apart that I was constantly thinking about what she was doing and could not wait until our reunion….I actually drove through a blizzard so that I could get back in time for New Year’s Eve dinner with Kelly.

For Kelly: The first time I would have called it love to myself was when I spent the weekend in Portland by myself.  I missed her so much, I almost flew home!  Then I missed her so much, I almost bought her a plane ticket (we talked about it later, and she almost bought herself a plane ticket)!  Then I knew I was going to have ALL the time with her moving forward, sent some cute texts, and everybody stayed put.

What were some special touches you added to your wedding/event to make it unique?  

We didn’t see each other until right before the ceremony, so it was really nice to have a sweetheart table so we could talk and exchange stories about the day over dinner (and actually eat!). Also, we had a waiter assigned to us the whole night, so we felt really pampered.

Having a live band was really important to us, but it was nice that the band let us pick our own songs between sets. #hotlinebling

We wanted our friends and family with young children to feel welcome at the ceremony and reception; Main Course did a great kids buffet and we hired a nanny so the parents could also cut loose when their kids got tired.

What was your favorite moment of the day?

The day was amazing, filled with so many wonderful moments and memories.  One that stands out was when, right after the family dance song ended, what seemed like the entire tent rushed the dance floor.  We felt totally surrounded by love and celebration.

What was your menu that evening?

BUFFET DINNER

Chefs Selection of Artisan Breads with Whipped Sweet Cream Butter

Italian Kale & Cranberry Salad with Mixed Greens & Kale, Curly Carrots, Dried Cranberries, Shaved Local Radishes & Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

tossed in a Cranberry Citrus Vinaigrette

Roasted Seasonal Local Vegetables with Balsamic Reduction & Fresh Herbs

Roasted Red Skinned Potatoes with Garlic, Rosemary & Preserved Lemon

Whole Roasted Chicken, with Olives, Orange & Chili Flakes

Coffee & Brown Sugar Spice Rubbed Tri Tip with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

For the Vegetarians: Smoked Chard & Kale Arancini

CHILDREN’S BUFFET

Creamy Macaroni & Cheese

Carrot & Celery Sticks with Ranch Dressing

Chicken Fingers with Ketchup

Any other comments you would like to share with us on your day?

My sister-in-law came up to me during our wedding dinner and said “I’m going back for seconds of the VEGETABLES! I mean really, who goes back for seconds of vegetables at a wedding?” Truly, Judy and her Main Course California (MCC) staff made incredible food that was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. Judy coordinated an amazing cocktail hour and dinner for our wedding. She and her team traveled from Ventura to our venue in Ojai, supplied ample wait staff, and most importantly, she was personally there to work out the inevitable wedding day kinks. Additionally, she was there for us, providing insight and input during the entire planning process – she acted as our own wedding planner/coordinator. We live in Los Angeles so it was extremely useful to have Judy’s local insight and recommendations on reliable vendors to keep us from spending too much time or money vetting potential candidates. Judy was meticulously organized at all times, dedicating long hours and quality time helping us organize all the details of the wedding. There are so many little details we hadn’t even thought of that she walked us through and helped us sort. I would absolutely recommend Main Course California for your next event! We have no need to look anywhere else. Prices were better than most, food was delightful (dozens of guests volunteered this), and the best thing I can say is that when we look back at our wedding, it was worth every penny and then some to have them cater it.

Thank You to Our Event Partners:

Venue:  Private ranch in Ojai, CA | Caterer:  Main Course CA Catering | Rentals: Ventura Rental Party Center |  Florist: Flowers were purchased at the Los Angeles Flower Market and assembled by friends and family |  Ceremony Music:  Performed live by Alicen’s Cousin Brett and Uncle Charlie | Reception Music:  Blue Latitude Band | Officiant:    Diana Solis | Coordinator:  Melissa Buffaloe – Blue Moon Event Planning | Photographer:  HannahBeth Photography – Hannah Siegrist | Lighting: Brite Star Lighting | Wedding Cake/Dessert:  Jana Richardson – Delicious Artistry | Hair/Makeup:    Hair – Ava Brown; Make up – Casey Robinson | Transportation: Dutch – Dutch Personal Service | Guest Accommodations: The Capri Hotel and The Hummingbird Inn of Ojai