Celebrating "I Do" - Before, During, and After!Part Two — Marry in Monterey... The three most significant events in a romance—not counting the first kiss, of course—are the proposal, the wedding, and the honeymoon, love's "Triple Crown." These are special times that couples will always remember and cherish. Some people worry that they don't have enough money, or time, to travel to a lush tropical island for a romantic proposal; or to an exotic destination for an incredible wedding; or to a grand European city for a dreamy honeymoon. So what's a couple to do? The California Coastal Triple Crown! California has a myriad of idyllic spots that provide unique excitement and incomparable romance. We picked 3 fabulous coastal areas for the happy couple. Places where they can celebrate their love and enjoy a "world class" proposal, wedding, and honeymoon, as luxurious and exciting as anywhere in the world. Propose in San Francisco... Marry in Monterey... Honeymoon in Morro Bay This is Part Two of a journey that began with a romantic weekend engagement in glorious San Francisco and continues down the California Coast to the city of Monterey for the couple to celebrate their marriage. Marry in Monterey ...or just have an idyllic vacation! Whether it's for a walk down the beach or a walk down the aisle, Monterey, California, is a romantic haven for couples. With its natural beauty, scenic coastlines, restaurants and attractions, this area offers both rustic adventure and quiet escape. Some of the country's most beautiful hotels and charming Bed and Breakfasts are located in Monterey County. WHERE TO STAY? An elegant hotel for an elegant wedding: Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa: Perched directly over the water, the hotel has newly renovated guestrooms with endless panoramas of Monterey Bay and surrounding mountains. The views are magnificent day or night, and the accompanying sounds of sea life right outside your window create a remarkable setting. Whether your guests are city or country folks, they'll smile at hearing the symphony of honking seals and the sounds of nature. What a joy to watch the gulls and pelicans cavorting along the shoreline, hunting for their breakfast, while you get yours from room service! The hotel is located on the upper portion of Cannery Row within easy walking or biking distance to the many shops, restaurants, parks, and beaches that populate this section of town. The world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is three blocks away. Also nearby are Fisherman's Wharf, Old Town Monterey, and the Maritime Museum. Almost everything is close by, and you don't have to leave the Monterey Plaza Hotel to have an amazing, luxurious, and romantic interlude. Everything you and the wedding families could want is right here. The outdoor patio is an absolutely divine place for the ceremony, with the ocean in the background. It has been a beautiful and idyllic setting for many brides and grooms. And what fabulous accommodations for the guests and bridal party! On our recent visit, we stayed in the Grand Bay Suite. At 1,700 square feet, we thought what a terrific spot for the bride to hang out with her bridesmaids the day before the wedding! And, of course, with her hubby the night after! This apartment-sized suite has a living room with a fireplace, a dining room table that seats 12, a state-of-the-art entertainment center, and full bar with pantry. It's a wonderful spot to entertain. Champagne, anyone?
Enjoy your night in the elegant bedroom which includes its own fireplace and wet bar. The master bath has a whirlpool tub - perfect for the bride and groom who want to have their own private party after the wedding party. How romantic is that! When you finally climb out, there are plush robes to swath yourself in. And the bed, ahhh — huge, comfortable and comforting! The sheets, duvet, and pillows scream, "Soft & smooth." In addition to their ten suites, the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa has 280 other luxurious rooms for couples who prefer it cozier than an apartment-sized suite, yet still spacious and wonderful. Whether you're just starting your life together as newlyweds, or simply enjoying a romantic getaway, you'll love the "warm and elegant" feeling at the Monterey Bay Hotel & Spa. The only problem for us .... we didn't want to leave! We would have been happy to live in the Grand Bay Suite. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa WHERE TO EAT? Romantic and unique restaurants:
Executive Chef James Waller was awarded the Five Star Diamond Chef award for five consecutive years. He uses a plentiful selection of fresh ingredients from Monterey's agricultural and aquatic bounty. The menu is distinctively "American grill" and offers fresh seafood and oak-broiled steaks. Signature wood-roasted specialties, such as Steinbeck's Duck (named after author John Steinbeck) and Colorado Lamb Chops are prepared in an Italian wood-burning oven. There's also an array of delicious appetizers, salads, and mouth-watering desserts. A Wine Spectator award-winning wine list complements the menu. On our recent visit we ordered one duck entrée and one filet mignon. (Instead of surf & turf, we call this "quack & moo!") We shared them, and agreed that both were beautifully presented and tasted near perfection. Accompanying our entrees were a delicious heirloom tomato salad and an out-of-this-world-tasting appetizer of exotic wood-roasted wild mushrooms. Schooners Bistro on the Bay: Duck Club Grill Schooner's Bistro on the Bay Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa WHERE TO GO? Other romantic interludes: Sports, anyone? Monterey is a veritable playground for sports lovers. There are sailing, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, and whale watching just outside your door. And of course, it's a great locale for hiking, biking, and going to the beach! There are miles and miles of paved and unpaved trails in Monterey. The in-town and coastal trails run right outside the hotel. We took a leisurely bike ride through Cannery Row and along the bay to a seaside café for drinks and rest before heading back for dinner. It's relaxing and fun, whether you're young or young-at-heart. Some of the wedding guests may want to stay a few extra days to golf. The Monterey Peninsula is a world-renowned golf capital with 25 public and private golf courses. Three courses located in Pebble Beach—Spyglass, Poppy Hills and Pebble Beach itself—are consistently ranked among the top ten courses in the nation. A fun fact: In 1919, green fees at Pebble Beach were $2 for gentlemen and $1.50 for ladies. Rates now range from $350-$400 per 18-hole round! But if you're not into the Pebble Beach experience or expense, there are also 18 public courses of varying terrain, scenery, and skill level.
Art Galleries & Exhibits: Guests will want to take time to visit some of the more than 125 galleries and studios located throughout Monterey County. Go to www.culturalmonterey.org for details. Wine Tasting: Although not as well known as Napa or Sonoma, the Monterey County wine region actually produces the most premium grapes in North America, spread over 40,000 acres. Scenic Driving: For incredible views of expensive real estate and the extraordinary California coast, the 17-mile-drive around the Monterey Peninsula is one of the most romantic car trips on the West Coast. Be prepared for a toll, although it's a drive you simply have to take! Sea Otter Classic: This annual sports festival features mountain bike and road bike racing. Nonstop action at this three-day event, usually held in early April at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, attracts over 50,000 racers, riders, and participants. Music and Theater: Monterey is well known for its Monterey Jazz Festival, held for the last 50 years during the third week in September. Several live theaters offer productions year round. History: Guided and self-guided tours of 19 th century buildings and landmarks, three historic missions, and nine museums. Visit www.historicmonterey.com Carmel: Only a short way down the coast from Monterey is Carmel, the home of Clint Eastwood, its former mayor, and many other celebrities. The downtown area is famous for celebrity spotting most times of the year. Carmel is your classic sea coastal town, offering visitors extraordinary scenic vistas and the opportunity to shop 'til you drop and eat 'til you bust! Of course, all the shopping opportunities make it the perfect stop for wedding-planning couples and their families and friends. Literary Monterey: So how about writing the romantic love story of your wedding, honeymoon, or anniversary here, beginning with "Once upon a time" and continuing to "...and they lived Happily Ever After!" * * * For additional information about Monterey County, readers may visit http://www.montereyinfo.org. The trip will continue in the next issue, when we discover romantic places to go "After" the Wedding in Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Written by Marilyn Anderson and Dennis Lanning |
The only luxury resort on Monterey Bay, this stylish and delightful hotel is an ideal place for a wedding. Containing all the facilities necessary to host affairs both large and small, the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa provides the loving couple with options galore. There are private banquet rooms, romantic suites, his and her spa services, a talented and supportive staff, and an ambience of comfort and grace. 
The bride and her bridesmaids can party and relax in the spacious living area, especially since it's right next door to the fabulous rooftop Spa! What fun for all the girls to go to the Spa to get massages, facials, manicures, "Signature" Monterey Bay Salt Glo treatments, and other loving attention—and then head back to the Grand Bay Suite to hang out, relax and get ready. It's luxurious and convenient, too! 
Of course, having the Spa right next door is great if the suite is for the new hubby and wife, too. They can have a "couples" massage at the Spa, a romantic soak in the rooftop hot tub overlooking the Bay, and then return to their sumptuous suite for some "Honeymoon" fun. 
Duck Club Grill: Down the hall from the lobby, and only an elevator ride away from the Grand Bay Suite is the Monterey Plaza Hotel's fine restaurant, the Duck Club Grill. With luscious dark wood and pictures of ducks on the walls, it offers a panoramic view of Monterey Bay. 
The other restaurant in the hotel, Schooners offers seafood, pastas, hot appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, and mouth-watering desserts both indoors and outdoors, al fresco. It was awarded "Best Margarita" and "Best Specialty Drink" in Monterey County, so be sure to make some time to sit, sup, and sip there, too!
Monterey Bay Aquarium: 1.7 million visitors come each year to view the 300,000 marine plants and animals that live in this world-class aquarium. The newly opened long-term exhibit, "Jellies: Living Art," explores the artistic nature of beautiful sea creatures, both living and manmade. The Outer Bay Wing has a million-gallon tank, depicting the open ocean; and a three-story kelp forest and Deep Seas display show creatures never before brought to the surface. The aquarium even has a scuba lesson for children that you can watch from the deck above. 
The area boasts many award-winning wines and is the fastest expanding wine district in California. Wine lovers can sample from more than 20 tasting rooms. 
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the new Carmel Valley Grapevine Express takes visitors through Monterey's wine country. Grab a group and visit these vineyards! 
Built in 1844, California's First Theater in Monterey is California's first (and still operating) theater. Resident musical groups include the Monterey Symphony Orchestra and several chorales, and there is also a Monterey Blues Festival as well as other music events. Visit 
The beauty and scenery of Monterey County has inspired dozens of famous writers over the years. Robert Louis Stevenson met and courted his wife-to-be in Monterey and now has a historic home in his name. Poet Robinson Jeffers has two monuments to his life and work in Carmel: Tor House and Hawk Tower. Henry Miller found freedom in Big Sur; and probably most well known, John Steinbeck featured many local sites in his great American novels.
