Driving through the cozy urban village of Del Mar, just north of San Diego, we take a turn towards the Pacific and enter L’Auberge Del Mar Resort. We’re greeted by a smiling valet who says, “Welcome, I’ll take care of everything,” and a feeling of relaxation washes over us like a soft ocean breeze.

As a destination wedding venue, L’Auberge Del Mar has a wealth of options. They do require you to use their vendors as they’ve spent years fine-tuning and designing a one-stop-shop for their couples on their big day. With two ballrooms, several terraces, a park overlooking the Pacific and Del Mar’s beautiful beach, in-door and out-door dining and your own personal wedding coordinator, you can mix and match depending on your wishes. The most popular location for a sunset wedding is the spacious Pacific Terrace with 360-degree views overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

For destination brides, it is impossible to know everything about the local community you are visiting. That’s why L’Auberge Del Mar has Alison Sansom, a personal wedding coordinator and a bridge between the bride and the local community. She’s not offended if you call her a glorified, well-trained, personal assistant or even a Director of Romance.

Alison says one of her talents is how she absorbs your stress on the big day. “My role is pretty unique and my job is to let you relax, enjoy and focus on what the day is about and not get too caught up in details,” Alison says. And she promises that she and her team will help you build a relaxing experience. “At L’Auberge, we really take care of our guests.”

The resort offers two unique dining areas. The Waterfall Terrace offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a wonderful view and fresh ocean air. It’s the place where the eggs-benedict are prepared to perfection, the organic burger for lunch is delicious and on Thanksgiving evening the free range turkey is better than what my grandmother used to make.

If you are feeling adventurous you have to try the resort’s signature restaurant, 1540. Here you can choose between their famous à la carte menu or you can go for their extraordinary White Flag Service. The White Flag is a culinary experience in which you tell your server your food likes and dislikes. The server then brings your preferences to the chef and his team. They will spend the next three hours creating unique dishes which will blow your mind and taste buds.

If you are into long walks on the beach, surfing, swimming, running or even bicycling, the beautiful Del Mar beach is just across the street. And if you prefer to spend some hours relaxing – the stylish Spa L’Auberge, offers everything from high-end massages (a popular one is the resort’s own Chardonnay Exfoliating Massage) to facials and manicures.

L’Auberge is the perfect place to enjoy the simultaneously active and relaxed California lifestyle. “Cheerful by day, spirited by night.”