It had been well over 10 years since I visited the Newhall Mansion (back then the Piru Mansion), and I was very pleasantly surprised to see what the new owners have done with the place. The Newhall Mansion is now a full weekend getaway destination for private events. I couldn’t think of a more perfect setting for Amanda and Robert’s wedding. The scene was set perfectly for this spectacular day. Tricia Dahlgren and her fantastic team of wedding coordinators made sure every detail was absolutely perfect, from the placement of the tables down to the individual bags of donuts waiting to be devoured by the hungry partygoers. Amanda and her bridesmaids looked down on the wedding garden in eager anticipation as the guests started to arrive. Robert and his groomsmen hung out in the “Tavern” (the newly renovated basement that would make anyone jealous they weren’t part of the team who got to hang out down there.) It was show time!
The wedding took place on the grassy knoll overlooking the pool. The bridal party made their way up the long path to the wedding arch. Finally, Amanda walked up to meet Robert, and they said their “I Do’s” in one of the most touching ceremonies I have seen in quite a while. They even performed a “Love Lock” ceremony, taking a lock with no key and securing it forever on a framed metal tree they will keep in their home. As they went off to take photos, their guests headed to the patio for cocktails and the reception. Amanda, Robert, and their bridal party burst onto the party scene and after a heartfelt thank you speech, Robert asked Amanda to dance to “I Don’t Dance” by Lee Brice. During dinner, PhotoTouchBooth opened up in one of the cabanas poolside for the guests’ amusement. As dinner wrapped up, it was no problem getting all 200 of them out onto the dance floor.
I have seen a lot of unique and fun garter removals in my day, but Robert and Amanda decided to up the ante for everyone. Amanda sauntered out to her chair to “The Next Episode” by Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. Once she was in her seat, Robert motioned for me to cut the music. Then we blasted “I Fought The Law” by The Clash. Robert, who is a LA County Sheriff, had suspicion his wife was carrying more than just a garter under her dress (and probable cause to frisk), handcuffed and searched her. He first pulled out a bag of suspicious white powder from the top of her dress, then a pistol, and finally…the garter. The only surprise that could possibly top that moment was the savory smell of bacon-wrapped hot dogs being cooked up fresh for a little after dinner snack. The party continued in full swing to last possible minute, despite the cool fall air and the slight rain that did nothing to deter these partygoers. In fact, once I was packed up and ready to leave, the guests who were staying the night at the mansion were still out in the backyard talking, completely ignoring the rain cooling them off. It was an absolutely amazing night.
Working all over Southern California, it was so nice to do a wedding close to home. However, the real treat was working with some old friends who are, arguably, some of the best wedding vendors in the business. R&R Photography is always a joy to work with, and I have ran into David, Jodi, and their team many times over the past year. They never cease to amaze me with their creativity and professionalism. Matt Sutherland from Matrimony Pictures is a phenomenal videographer who I haven’t had the pleasure of working with in a few years, but the new technology he is bringing to weddings (like flying drones), makes me want to work with him every weekend. And while I have only worked with Tricia Dahlgren Events a handful of times in the past, she and her team absolutely amazed me with their organization and ability to see the big picture, while attending to the smallest details simultaneously. This day was topped off by working for the first time with Adam from Newhall Mansion, who was on hand the entire night to make sure every vendor was happy and every guest felt welcome. I can’t wait to work with all these wedding pros again.
Dave’s recommended vendors from this wedding included:
- The Newhall Mansion – www.newhallmansion.com
- Tricia Dahlgren Events – www.triciadahlgrenevents.com
- R&R Creative Photography – www.randrphotography.com
- Matrimony Event Cinematography – www.matrimonypictures.com
- PhotoTouchBooth – www.phototouchbooth.com
- Taco Loco #1 (Hot Dog Guy) – 818-786-4199 (Carlos)