Happy Trails Catering and Gardens

Choosing wedding venue and caterer is probably the single most difficult decision in the whole planning process, but I really lucked out --- I wanted a location that is full of natural beauty, and yet close to civilization so that the wedding guests (and us) wouldn't have to drive after the drinking and partying. Sounds like a pretty impossible combination right?

Imagine my surprise when I came across Happy Trails Garden. I saw it on the web and immediately thought: "I think this is it!" The gorgeous camphor tree totally drew me in and it is a block away from old town Pasadena. When I went to see in person, the garden was even more beautiful than I could imagine! And when the sun went down, the tree lights up in the most gorgeous way.

So if your dream is a garden wedding for 20 to 200 people (I had 150), Look no more, this is the place you are looking for.

And now onto the catering. As with perhaps all brides, I barely ate during the wedding. But my guests told me that they really enjoyed the food (poached salmon, grilled tri-tip, paella with shrimp chicken ham ...), and we took home a bunch of leftover and it was delicious!

Last but not least, Kathy Black, the owner, is always warm, helpful, and flexible. Wedding planning is a very stressful project, but every time we talk to Kathy in person we'd literally feel the stress level come down. In retrospect I realized I worried about quite a few more things than I needed to --- If you go with Happy Trails, my advice is, just trust whatever Kathy tells you!

p.s. A note about street noise -- The garden is located right off Fair Oaks, and before the wedding, I was concerned that the street noise might be a problem (before the wedding, one is highly concerned about everything!). But during my wedding, I heard no street noise. I don't know if it's because it was a quiet day, or that the sound insulation was good, or that I was simply too absorbed in more important things, but it simply wasn't an issue.

Another note about Pasadena weather. As with all outdoor wedding, there is a chance of bad weather. With Pasadena, it is possible for the heat to be unbearable during the day, but, by about 5pm it is almost always magically perfect weather. The tree also provides excellent shade that makes the temperature more moderate in both directions.

Last note about parking. Happy trails does not have parking lot for your guests, but can arrange valet service. I chose to ask my guests to park at Westin Pasadena (where we had the post-party) , and had a shuttle bus to transport my guests. The other option for my guests is to park at the Del Mar parking structure (part of the light rail station) which is just a few minutes walk away. This will likely be a much cheaper option than valet parking.

Wonderful Garden Location hidden near Pasadena's Old Town. The location is gorgeous and intimate without being too small. And the food is fantastic!

This is the best kept secret in Pasadena. Hidden away down a long brick-wall lined corridor is a beautiful secret garden that will host your event. With the catering storefront right there and many amenities provided Happy Trails is one of the most practical and wonderful Los Angeles locations. I would photograph a wedding there again any day! Gorgeous!