Padre Serra Parish is an exclusive Catholic wedding venue in Camarillo.  I have done 2-3 weddings at Padre Serra Parish in the past.  Catholic couples cannot resist its high class construction and decorations.  They have somewhat strict guideline on using this holy Parish.  The church is exclusive and high class sitting high on the Mission Oaks hill of Camarillo.

I believe this was the first time they allowed outdoor reception at Padre Serra Parish

The groom is a studio musician.  He plays a bass guitar in a Funk/Jazz band.  He also sings.  So, naturally, most of his friends and family were hip musicians.  Their music style was somewhat similar to Tonight Show band (Kevin Eubanks) with more funk to it. 

Power outage:
The reception started and everyone was having good time.  The DJ was playing music, some of the friends and family members took turn playing live music.  When they started the Dollar dance the DJ lost electricity.  They were having a tough time getting the power back.  They were keep blowing one fuse after another.

That’s when the “Magic Moment” happened.

A gentleman walked up to the band stand and started to play drums (slowly).  Then another gentleman came up and started to play acoustic guitar.   He started to sing Eagles medley.  His wife (I assumed) came and sang harmony with him.  To me, that was the highlight of the reception.  It was unforgettable.

Finally the juice was back on.  And the band proceeded to funk.  My favorite song was their funky version of Mustang Sally.

Groom on the bass while sax was on solo

Padre Serra Parish – Camarillo
www.padreserra.org
5205 Upland Rd
Camarillo, CA 93012
(805) 482-6417

I was here once before.  I had a business lunch here, but it was at the other side of Spanish Hills Country Club.  It was my first time coming to this area for a wedding photography.  Spanish Hills Country club is custom designed for weddings and high end meetings.

They have sites for both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies.  It’s a great place for reception and dance.  They can lay down dance floor by the huge bay window. 

The view from Spanish Hills Country Club was amazing, you can look down at Camarillo, Oxnard, 101 freeway, houses, and farmlands over Ventura County.

Below picture shows a section of Spanish Hills Country Club.  I marked spots to show where I was and what took place.

Spanish Hills Country Club - Wedding Photography Plan

After wedding ceremony, we tailgated to the relative’s house, still in Camarillo.  This big house was a perfect setting for 60 wedding guests. 

Lunch was provided by DJ’s California catering, so you know the food was the best.  DJ’s Catering is local in Camarillo, but you see them all over the Southern California.  DJ’s California Catering is a big company with 30-40 employees.  They provide catering for high end events.  I have met them many times and ate their food many times.  The bride and groom were quite happy with the food.

At the reception, two people asked me for my business cards.  One particular couple was going to get married next year in Ventura area (perhaps on the beach).  I don’t usually expect people to keep in touch with me (because people are naturally flaky), but I am crossing my fingers for that couple to keep in touch.  I have a good feeling. 

Spanish Hills Country Club
www.spanishhillscc.com
999 Crestview Ave Camarillo, CA 93010 (805) 388-5000

DJ’s California Catering
www.djscatering.com
1221 Avenida Acaso, Suite C  Camarillo, CA 93012