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Local Voices

Old Canyon Ranch to provide dream Valentine's Day wedding for struggling couple

Old Canyon Ranch, a newly renovated wedding and filming property in rustic Topanga Canyon, will provide a wedding for a couple who struggled through personal challenges and could not afford the sacred marriage ceremony.

“Old Canyon Ranch is hosting a special wedding to make Shawna and Mike Russell’s ‘dream wedding’ a reality,” said Wayne Blasman, principal owner of Old Canyon Ranch. “Shawna and Mike have overcome enormous personal obstacles, including addiction and death, and are building a strong, healthy life together with their baby boy. But they just could not afford a wedding. Old Canyon Ranch is proud to give this very special bride and groom the wedding they dreamed of.”

On Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2014, Old Canyon Ranch, at 301 Old Topanga Canyon Boulevard, will celebrate this union complete with elements such as flowers and photography thanks to the help of local partners. “Old Canyon Ranch looks forward to this happy occasion, and hopes to build lasting relationships with all members of the community,” Blasman said.

"I can't believe how many wonderful things have happened since I made the decision to pull my life together," said the lucky bride, Shawna.

Nestled in Topanga Canyon in Los Angeles County, about midway between Malibu and Woodland Hills, this newly remodeled and revitalized nursery property is no longer just a nursery. The site about 25 miles from Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles features paths and picnic areas lined by lush, healthy plants and many oak trees to create a relaxing, shaded, inspiring oasis.

The ranch, then operating under another name, was cited as “The Best Outdoor Wedding Spot Los Angeles, 2012” by L.A. Weekly. Renovated for even better wedding experiences, the ranch also hosts film productions and, by mid-2014, will stage wine-tasting events.

For weddings, hand-made benches line the aisle down a gentle slope to a natural cathedral of majestic oak trees. Behind the ceremony, a scenic stream with small cascading waterfalls adds ambiance to the landscape. Terraced lawns adjacent to and above the oak cathedral are ideal for receptions and parties; and the wooden stage is perfect for entertainment needs.

Just above the picnic area is the site of the newest addition to Old Canyon Ranch – a Wine Tasting Room slated to open soon. This glass-walled building with a wrap-around porch offers spectacular views for visitors to enjoy while tasting award-winning wines. A natural stone patio and fireplace extending from the porch will be a center for weekend entertainment.

A Grand Opening celebration, open to the public, is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15 and 16, featuring gourmet food trucks, live music, entertainment and refreshments.

About Old Canyon Ranch
This outdoor venue combines Old West charm with a picturesque setting of intimate, rustic beauty. Old Canyon Ranch is a magnificent setting for weddings, where hand-carved benches line the aisle down a gentle slope to a natural cathedral of majestic oak trees. Old Canyon Ranch also is attractive for film productions and special events; and has a landscaping nursery open to the public.

For the Feb. 14 wedding, exceptional vendors interested in teaming with Old Canyon Ranch to make this dream come true, and start the New Year by “Promoting it Forward,” are welcome to participate. For information on participating, contact:
Dianna Hennessy, Manager, Old Canyon Ranch, 301 Old Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Topanga, Calif. 90290, 310-445-0800 or dianna@oldcanyonranch.com.

For more information about Old Canyon Ranch, visit http://oldcanyonranch.com.

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