A Rancho del Cielo wedding, set high in the hills above Malibu is the perfect choice for those looking for casual elegance, amazing views, and exclusive access. Salina and Travis are the kind of people that, if they like you, you are immediately treated like family. I have to assume they liked us because, from the moment we arrived, we felt like long lost cousins re-connecting at a great family reunion. The property itself greatly lends itself to this feeling of community through its design. It is located on the hills above Paradise Cove, with a spectacular ocean view, an acre of gardens, olive groves, oak trees, rustic trails and an old California cottage. Bridal preparations happened in the cottage with the ceremony taking place immediately adjacent in the shaded southern garden area. Salina and her father have the kind of relationship you hope to find every time you arrive at a wedding and there were countless moments throughout the day where one or the other was caught with tears in their eyes. Travis is the kind of guy you want to be your friend because you see the relationships he and his guys have and you know their friendships are deep. The warm afternoon faded into a balmy Southern California evening with family style plates served and all sorts of delicious and colorful meats and veggies passed around. The dance floor came alive at dusk under the warm glow of Rancho del Cielo’s perfectly arranged market lighting and we were shocked when the music stopped and we realized the evening was over. Sign of a great day and foreshadowing of a friendship in the making…