Say “I Do” on a Working Avocado Farm in Temecula

If you've been searching for a wedding venue that feels nothing like a wedding venue, Flora Avocado Farm might be exactly what you've been looking for.

Tucked into the rolling hills of Temecula's De Luz community, this 10-acre working avocado farm and private farmhouse-style home are the kind of place where the day truly belongs to you. No rushed timelines, no strict cutoffs, no one ushering you out the door. Couples have unlimited hours on their event day, plus access the day before and after for deliveries and pickup at no extra cost.

The setting is stunning in the most unpretentious way. The event area overlooks the working avocado grove and hundreds of lemon and orange trees, a treehouse and even a chicken coop with a resident Rooster, all of which make for incredible photos and those candid in-between moments that end up being your favorites.

Amenities are generous throughout. There are two indoor guest bathrooms, a full kitchen, a baseball-themed groom's loft, and a primary bedroom and bathroom set aside for the bride and her bridal party. Two fire pit lounge areas with couches and chairs make natural spots for guests to settle in as the night gets going. An outdoor refrigerator handles your cake and beverages, and RV parking means your food truck or caterer has plenty of room to work.

Inside, the details are just right. Vintage side tables, silver plate trays and thoughtful touches throughout give couples a beautiful foundation to style the space as their own, whether that's a moody lounge corner, a gorgeous dessert display or a quiet moment between the two of you.

One of the things I love most about Flora Avocado Farm is that it's privately owned, which means you're working directly with the people who care most about how your day goes, from your very first inquiry all the way through the wedding. They also have a vetted vendor list of florists, photographers and caterers who know the property well and consistently do beautiful work.

And it's not just weddings. Flora Avocado Farm is also available for engagement and bridal shoots, corporate retreats, team-building events, and commercial filming and photography. The De Luz landscape is genuinely versatile and always gorgeous.

To check availability, reach out to Flora Avocado Farm at floraavocadofarm.com/pages/contact

Willbo Opens at Lido Marina Village with a Summer Kick Off

Newport Beach has a new lifestyle destination. Willbo, the coastal brand rooted in laid-back California living, officially opens its doors at Lido Marina Village on Thursday, June 18, with a Summer Kick Off party from 4 to 7 p.m.

The evening is shaping up to be a fun one, with shopping, live music, curated bites from Ahba, and summer-inspired activations. It's also a chance to connect with some of the emerging California lifestyle brands that will be part of the celebration, including Business & Pleasure, Turtlebox, Cowboy Water, Ole, Summer Club, and Wild Strawberry Cafe.

Whether you're a fan of coastal brands, or just looking for a great excuse to spend a summer evening at Lido, this one is worth putting on your calendar.

3420 Via Oporto, Newport Beach

Via Lido Plaza Unveils New Mural by Ellen Gladis

A beautiful new work of public art is taking shape at Via Lido Plaza in Newport Beach. Newport Beach muralist Ellen Gladis is putting the finishing touches on "The Sabot Regatta," an 8-foot-by-17-foot coastal-inspired mural located near the back of Via Lido Drugs at Balboa Boulevard and Finley Avenue.

The artwork is based on Gladis' original mural, "The Sabot Regatta," which she was commissioned to paint for the interior of Pavilions, formerly located at Via Lido Plaza. When the grocery store was remodeled in 1995, property owner Fritz Duda, who also served on the Vons Cos. board of directors, persuaded the chain to move away from its standard color palette and instead commission Gladis to create murals celebrating Newport Beach history and landmarks. She painted 12 canvas murals measuring 8 feet by 15 feet that remained on display until Pavilions closed in 2011.

"Over the years, I've created thousands of prints, custom murals, and commissioned works for both commercial and residential projects," said Gladis, who has lived in Newport Beach for more than 40 years. "My favorite paintings depict the beach, sunsets, life on Newport Harbor, and other picturesque coastal scenes."

To create "The Sabot Regatta" mural at Via Lido Plaza, Gladis used 50 colors of acrylic paint, along with white and three shades of blue exterior paint designed to withstand the coastal environment.

Gladis is also known for the murals inside the historic Lido Theater, where underwater scenes appear to glow in the dark when the house lights dim. Her work can also be seen at zpizza and at Cappy's Cafe.

“We’re excited about this addition to the center and to see locals and visitors already taking photos with the mural as a background,” said Fritz Duda, owner of Via Lido Plaza. “Summer regattas and Newport children sailing sabots are a time-honored tradition in Newport Beach.”

“The Sabot Regatta” can be custom ordered as a giclée print or a gallery wrapped canvas. For more information, contact Gladis through her website, ellenkgladis.com.