Decide the type of reunion you want All families are different. Some require nothing more than tents, a grill and a park to have a good time. Others prefer a banquet hall with a band or DJ. Start talking with … Continue reading
Make sure there’s interest Before you get started planning a family reunion, you must first determine if there is an interest. You’d hate to spend time and energy putting a family reunion together only to have nobody attend. Call a … Continue reading
Reception Planner The location, food, drinks, decor and entertainment all play important roles in creating the perfect ambiance and will have to be arranged carefully. Choosing a location will determine many things about your wedding day, such as what the … Continue reading
Welcome, Central Valley Brides! Premier Bride Showplace is the bridal show that you, a Central Valley bride, will want to attend. Here you will find valuable information to help with all of your wedding planning. You’ll have the opportunity to … Continue reading
Premier Bride Showplace is less than a month away and Paradise Springs is giving away another Wedding Day package(Value $1925) during the fashion show portion of the show. Must be present to win. Package consists of Bella Pavilion, Gazebo area, & Enchanted Cottage … Continue reading
McNally Wedding (Amanda & Kevin) 8/11/12 – Rebecca Stark Photography This wedding has a very organic, ethereal quality to it. Gorgeous couple and amazing backdrop to a very special day. Congratulations!
Wineries Besides Yosemite National Park, one of the biggest perks of visiting Paradise Springs is the abundance of local wineries and agriculture. We recommend visiting some of these wonderful wineries, they’re right outside our backdoor located on the Madera Wine … Continue reading
Yosemite Valley
An unlimited array of possibilities await you in Yosemite Valley. Most involve sightseeing and learning about the scenery.
Ranger Programs
Rangers give walks and talks every day about Yosemite’s natural and cultural history.
Walking and Hiking
From easy walks to Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook’s Meadow, and Mirror Lake to strenuous hikes to the top of Yosemite Falls or Nevada Fall, Yosemite Valley has a wide range of walking and hiking possibilities.
Bicycling
Several miles of bicycle paths wind through Yosemite Valley. You can use your own bicycle or rent one from Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village. Bikes are only allowed on paved bicycle paths.
Tours
The Valley Floor Tour is a 26-mile, two-hour open-air tram tour narrated by a park ranger (weather permitting). The tour departs Yosemite Lodge several times daily. The Glacier Point Tour leaves Yosemite Lodge at 8:30 am, 10 am, and 1:30 pm daily when the Glacier Point Road is open. One-way tickets are available for those who want to hike down from Glacier Point. The Grand Tour includes the Valley, Glacier Point, and the Mariposa Grove. An experienced guide narrates each tour. The tour departs Yosemite Lodge at 8:45 am daily. Call 209/372-1240 for reservations or inquire at the tour desks at Yosemite Lodge, Yosemite Village, Curry Village, and The Ahwahnee.
Mule & Horseback Rides
Horse or mule rides begin at the stable near North Pines Campground. Stable hours are 7:30 am to 5 pm daily. Information: 209/372-8348 (reservations strongly recommended).
Sightseeing
Some of the famous landmarks in Yosemite Valley include:
Yosemite Falls gives the Valley an extra touch of life when it’s flowing with spring runoff. You can walk to its base or take the strenuous trail to its top (see page 17).
For more information about booking a vacation, retreat, reunion or special event at Paradise Springs visit www.paradisespringsmountain.com.
Yosemite Art Center Workshops (YAC) The Yosemite Art Center is open daily 9am-4:30pm (closed for lunch from 12-1PM). Workshops are offered from 10am to 2pm Tuesday through Saturday. Register for classes in advance: 209/372- 1442. Suggested Donation of $10, supplies … Continue reading
Wrap them in luxury.
A really plush gift idea for your bridal party – have monogrammed robes made.
Quote your parents.
Your parents will most likely invest some of their life-savings in your big day. Acknowledge their generosity with a personalized gift in return. Find an eloquent quote about parenting or the relationships between fathers/mothers, sons/daughters,and have it engraved on a special plague.
Rock on!
Polished stones carry special meaning. Find a local boutique that sells “love rocks,” and give one to each of your guests.
Photo opportunity.
Consider making photo books with old photos of you and your friends. Spend some time thinking of all the things you’ve been through and give these cherished, personalized gifts to your maid of honor and best man.
Picture your friends.
When making a video that will be shown at the wedding, include photos of family and friends – not just of the bride and groom. Your guests will be pleased that you thought of them.
The write stuff.
The thank-you cards are more meaningful than your invitation! Yes – by acknowledging guests with hand-written, personalized notes, you are saying that it mattered that they came to your wedding and/or sent a gift. Spend more time on this end of things and the time invested will return with gracious measure.
Refresh your guests.
If you have out-of-town guests who are staying at nearby hotels, acknowledge them by arranging to have a refreshment package, along with a personalized note from you, in their room!
Welcome wagon.
Wedding sheets are an extravagant keepsake. When approached by family or a close friend, ask them to consider this as a meaningful gift, and ask them to have a set of luxurious sheets monogrammed or embroidered with your initials.
Dance the night away.
If your mother, father, aunt, uncle, grandma, grandfather, friend, et al, said something insightful, write it down. As an extra special and meaningful touch, pull together a small book of personalized quotes and give this to them on your big day.
Bubble heads.
Use the buddy system for out-of-town guests. Try to assign a friendly, outgoing family member or close friend to any out-of-town guests, to act as their ‘ambassador’ for the wedding weekend. The ambassadors can greet guests at the airport, take them to the hotel, and suggest things to do. This makes out-of-towners feel welcome.
Paradise Springs 