Monday, February 25, 2008

Huntington Library Gardens

Dano and I had our "Engagement" photo session at the Huntington Library Gardens yesterday. We had booked this date a while ago, and were afraid that it would rain. We were lucky to have had a few hours of amazing weather and lighting... and it didn't rain... until the end of our session! (So stay tuned for some "in-the-rain-ruining-my hair-shots, too!) But I gotta tell you... WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!!!

Dano and I walked the grounds before our photographer met us there, we were amazed at the variety and the uniqueness of the place! We can't wait to see the "professional shots" but here are some fun ones we took ourselves with your camera before out photog got there.

We took pics in the "Japanese Gardens", the "Desert Gardens" (our favorite!) and the "Bamboo Forest" (ok, my second favorite...they're both favorites)

Dano next to his prickly balls.
These pics don't even do the place justice!
I felt like "Tati in Wonderland" strolling thru this walkway!
The Bamboo Forest was amazing...complete with jungle sounds (thru speakers!)
Zen garden. How do they do it without leaving footprints???
Bonzai madness...
The place is amazing. And our photographer IS amazing! Can't wait to see the shots HE TOOK! We are so lucky we found someone so energetic and excited to shoot. He's very creative and willing to do things that are different and totally away from the ordinary. I'm pretty sure we don't have ANY "traditional" engagement shots. We loved working with him and his wife, they make a great team, and they're adorable together and work well together! Very professional and very talented!

Check them out Mark and Candace Becklund of Mark Brooke Photography. http://www.markbrooke.net/ (Their BLOG)
and http://www.markbrooke.com/ (Official Website)

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

WHERE TO STAY in MAMMOTH

There are many many options to stay in Mammoth and many reasons to make a weekend of it.

Both the Mammoth Mountain Inn and The Village will be offering a reduced rate when you call and mention the Oberon/Hallada wedding. For both of these, call 1(800)MAMMOTH or 1(800)626-6684
(But I believe you have to book by April 12th to get the reduced rates)

Accommodations: The "Mammoth Mountain Inn"
http://www.mammothmountain.com/plan/lodging/mmi/index.cfm
(this is where the reception will be)
as well as "The Village"
http://www.mammothmountain.com/plan/lodging/village/index.cfm
(this is where the informal post-reception party will be)


The "Swiss Chalet" is in town, walking distance to the Village, and is offering an even further reduced rate for those that mention our wedding. This is not part of a "package" The Swiss Chalet is where Dan and I practically live, in the summertime. The manager, Cary, knows us and adores us. Their summer rates are usually $75 weekdays/ $85 weekends, but she said she will honor a $65 weekday/ $75 weekend rate for our friends/family that call in and say they’re coming up for our wedding! This place isn’t fancy, but it’s quaint and is the BEST location for the weekend’s events. WALKING distance to the Village, where we’ll be partying…
http://www.mammoth-swisschalet.com/
(800)937-9477

(When booking your room, consider this. The Mammoth Mountain Inn is a short drive up a mountain road to the base of the Gondola. It’s not a far drive by any means, but you do have to drive / or cab it from there to the Village. The reception will most likely end by 4pm or so… then we’ll regroup again after some craziness for a casual dinner around 6-7pm and continue partying at Hennessy’s in the Village. The Mammoth Mountain Inn is a great place to stay especially if you have families, but please consider that if you plan to drink at the Village party you still need someone to drive back up the hill. The Village rooms are also great, just pricier.)

If you need more info on making your trip up, this is the link to my favorite site on all Mammoth info http://www.visitmammoth.com/

For an Awesome Map of Mammoth Lakes Town (clearly shows all 3 locations we'll be) http://www.visitmammoth.com/docs/MammothLodgingMap_sm.pdf Click on "where to stay" then "town map"

This is Mammoth Mountain's official site on everything, including hotels, where you can read descriptions, browse regular rates and see pictures/virtual tours of the rooms, etc.

Summer Season http://www.mammothmountain.com/index.cfm?season=summer

Current winter season http://www.mammothmountain.com/


If you are thinking more of a longer getaway, and would like to rent a condo, there are multiple of off season rentals. I know of this one in particular.
Summer rates tend to be pretty reasonable!

Mountain Shadows Condo, 2289 Sierra Nevada Rd.Mammoth Lakes , Ca. 93546
Owners Michelle and Karl Harer
http://us.f384.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=mkharer@sbcglobal.net
(805)647-4506

Here is a link to many more condo rentals
http://www.visitmammoth.com//listings/index.cfm?action=showSub&catID=2&subcatID=5&startrange=All&endrange=All&substart=M&subend=S&notify=1
We have not stayed at any of these, but here are links and numbers to most every other lodging choices in all of Mammoth aside from camping!
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Mammoth Lakes
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/
(760) 934-3626
Shilo Inns Mammoth Lakes
http://www.shiloinns.com/
(760) 934-4500
Quality Inn
http://www.qualityinn.com/
(760) 934-5114
Mammoth Creek Inn
http://www.mammothcreekinn.com/
(760) 934-6162
Alpenhof Lodge
http://www.alpenhof-lodge.com/
(760) 934-6330
Sierra Lodge: Mammoth Lakes
http://www.sierralodge.com/
(760) 934-8881
Travelodge - Mammoth Lakes
http://www.travelodge.com/
(760) 934-8892

IF you need any more info

Mammoth Lakes Visitor Bureau
437 Old Mammoth Road #Y
(760) 934-2712

Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center
2510 Hwy 203, PO . Box 148
(760) 924-5500