We found the oak before we found the date. It stands alone on the ridge at Lone Encina, the hills gone gold around it, and the first evening we saw it we both went quiet. So that's where we'll be: vows in its shade at half past four, supper at one long table in the meadow, and dancing until the stars come out over the back country. Bring a layer and good shoes for the grass.
309
days until we meet under the oak
Our story
It started on a borrowed horse
2018
The trail ride
A friend's birthday, a dozen of us on borrowed horses in the hills above Malibu. Lucy's mare had opinions about the route. Garrett rode the whole way back beside her, pretending he wasn't keeping an eye on it.
2020
A porch of our own
A small house in Escondido with a lemon tree, a screen door that never quite closed and a dog called Juniper. Most evenings ended on the steps, watching the light go.
2026
The question
Up on the ridge at Lone Encina, the evening we first saw the old oak. Garrett had tied the ring to a stem of wild oat and handed it over like it was nothing at all.
2027
Back to the oak
Same tree, same light, and this time the chairs are full of everyone we love.
The weekend
Friday supper to Saturday's last dance
Fri 6:00 pm
Supper by the fire
Under the oaks by the old corral
Santa Maria tri-tip off the live-fire grill, corn, a long table and no speeches. Denim welcome; bring a sweater.
Sat 4:30 pm
The ceremony
Under the lone oak
A short walk up the ridge from the ranch house; follow the fence line. Twenty minutes, the low sun at your back.
5:15 pm
Cocktails on the porch
The ranch house
Something cold, oysters on ice and the best view of the hills turning gold.
6:30 pm
Supper at the long table
In the meadow
One table for everyone, candles down the middle, a few toasts kept short.
8:30 pm
Dancing
The horse barn, swept and lantern-lit
A band from Julian until eleven. Blankets on the porch for anyone who needs a breather.
What to wear
Summer formal, ready for grass
Saturday
Summer formal
Linen, silk and light wool in the colours of the hills: straw, sage, saddle brown, cream. The ceremony is on grass and the paths are gravel, so block heels or good boots will serve you better than stilettos. It cools fast after sunset.
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Friday supper
Denim and linen
Whatever you'd wear to a good dinner on a farm. Jeans are perfect.
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Getting there
Ramona, in the San Diego back country
Lone Encina is about fifty minutes from San Diego airport, the last stretch on a gravel ranch road between the oaks; look for the white ribbon on the gate. A shuttle runs from both hotels from 3:45 pm on Saturday and brings everyone back after the last dance. Parking is in the lower pasture. (Lone Encina Ranch is invented for this demo.)
Friday evening is supper by the fire under the oaks, everyone welcome. In late September the back country is at its best: apple season up in Julian, warm days, cool nights and more stars than you remember. On Sunday morning we'll have coffee, biscuits and the last of the cake on the ranch-house porch from ten.
Good to know
Questions, answered
What shoes should I wear?
The ceremony is on grass and the paths are gravel. Block heels, flats and boots all work; there's a basket of spare flats by the porch if your heels give up.
Will it be cold?
Around 85°F in the afternoon and closer to 55°F after dark. There are wool blankets on the porch and by the dance floor, but bring a layer.
Can I bring a plus-one?
If your invitation names one, yes. The long table is set for exactly who we've invited, so please check yours before you reply.
Are children welcome?
Yes. There's a sitter and a lawn game corner from supper onwards, so parents can dance.
Will there be horses?
Two, in the far paddock. You're welcome to say hello over the fence; please don't feed them.
Can I take photos?
Please keep your phone away during the ceremony. After that, take as many as you like.
Registry
If you'd like to give a gift
Having you on the hill with us is the gift. If you'd still like to give something, here are two ideas.
