Local, sustainable and Greene in Cabo. 
 
Flora Farms is is a ten-acre organic farm set in the bucolic foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. The Farm grows 100% of its produce for local consumption through Flora's Field Kitchen, Flora Grocery, the Farm Bar and its special Culinary Cottages. For a unique culinary experience unlike any other in Cabo, for a family dinner, a special occasion, rehearsal, wedding or just to enjoy good (amazingly good!) food and live music, you must visit the fabulous Flora Farms! 
 
Where are you from originally? How long have you been in Cabo? 
Gloria is originally from Sonoma, California and has been living in San Jose del Cabo with her husband, Patrick, and two children for the past 22 years. 

Flora's Field Kitchen concept is based on " Making, growing, or Raising" everything they serve for, breakfast, lunch, dinner and Brunch! The Grocery is stocked daily with fresh produce picked on the farm daily, breads, pies, rolls and muffins baked in their wood fired ovens . The Farm Bar specializes in farm to bar cocktails such as the farmarita and has live entertainment nightly .  
How was Flora Farm originally conceived and how has the concept and your business evolved and the farm grown? We wanted to create more than a restaurant and event venue, we wanted to create an experience. Too often people are separated from the real source of their food. We felt that to be surrounded by green fields, fresh herbs, mango orchards, and row crops, the guests of Flora Farms would be brought back to the source of their food through this unique and authentic field-to-table experience. We believe Family- Style dining surrounded by the fields from which the ingredients grow will awaken the palette and connect you with nature. The field-to-table events are not just about food - they're about simple elegance through food and design as we see the farm following the rhythms of each season. 
 
 
For over 13 years we have been farming without the use of pesticides or genetically modified seeds. We have an ideal winter growing season that corresponds with the local high season and the need for exported produce. After founding the local farmers market on the farm some 10 years ago, we have dedicated 100% of our production to local consumption. Now Flora Farm grows for Floras Field Kitchen, Floras Grocery and the Culinary Cottage owners.  

What kinds of produce and livestock can you expect to find on the farm? What kind of farming techniques and standards do you adhere to? Farming without the use of pesticides or genetically modified seeds. We have dedicated ourselves to raising free range and cruelty free animals (pigs and chickens), as well as growing the food we feed our animals. Flora Farms also grow for Floras Field Kitchen, Floras Grocery and the Culinary Cottage owners.  
 
 
Why is local organic production and consumption so important? Beyond the basic operations of the farm and restaurant how else do you support your community? Tell us about the Mercado Organico, the Field Gallery and the Dog Day Afternoon humane society events as well as any other hobbies or endeavors you participate in in the Los Cabos area? My son and I started the San Jose del Cabo humane society with a group of friends many years ago, because I believe it's important to help children see they can make a difference. We would drive by hurt and dead animals and that started to become normal, and I felt that was not right and we wanted to take action and do something to better the life of local area animals. 
 
We started the farmers market because there was a need to promote and support small local farmers and bring the concept to our area.  
 
Tell us about the experience in the farm's Culinary Cottages. This is a first of it's kind concept: to connect people with the food they grow, the seasons, their family, and a quality of life most people have never known. There will be ten cottages; each with owners privileges of growing from our seed bank, Canning and preserves from the farm Larder, private family dining in the field shed, cooking school privileges, Yoga, private pool etc.... Lots of family time, entertaining, and a real farm experience.

How did you and Patrick meet? Tell us about your wedding! We met in college, we were best friends for many years, each of us had another relationship. At one point in time, we realized we had always really loved each other and wanted to be together. That was 24 years ago. We had our wedding in Santiago, about an hour from San Jose and the whole town came. We ended up blowing out the windows of the local police cars with the fireworks in the town square that went haywire. They still remember us up there! 
 
Why is Flora Farm such a uniquely special place for a wedding? What other types of events or celebrations do you host at the farm? Flora's has several beautiful outdoor areas all with their own charm. There is an herb garden amphitheater, where the scent of mint and basil fill the air. This is perfect for 100 people seated or a standing reception. Our lakeside lawn is a tranquil and open space and our secluded hilltop altar provides the perfect intimate setting for a ceremony.  
 
The natural beauty of the farm and all of the trees, vegetation and large variety of bright colorful flowers provide the perfect back drop to any of life's special celebrations.  
 
We have been proud hosts to many different celebrations and occasions such as weddings, rehearsals, anniversaries, birthdays, family reunions, corporate dinners, concerts and fundraisers. 
 
If you have to pick, which is your favorite item on the menu? Everything is so delicious and different, we all have a new favorite every week. We try to change and try a variety of different dishes. If I have to choose, however, I would say my all time favorite is our pork chop. It's the best I have ever had.

Planning a wedding is a serious commitment, but traveling to a destination for a wedding also requires serious commitment from your guests! If you are asking your guests to make that commitment to you on your big day, commit to providing them with all the necessary information and tools to ensure their travel planning is a simple and smooth process! Here are our simple rules to help your guests arrive to your destination without a hitch, to see you get hitched!! 
 
1.- Create a Wedding Website that clearly outlines the precise timeline of events, specific locations and transportation options. 
2.- Send periodic emails and status updates regarding flight schedules and prices to help guests find the most ideal flight at the best rate. Suggest dates for arrival and departure based on the itinerary of events and be specific about which airports offer flights to your destination. 
3.- Embed a flight search box within your wedding website to encourage guests to purchase their tickets well in advance!  
4.- If most guests are traveling to your destination from the same locale, contact a travel agent who can potentially arrange for a bulk rate through the airlines.  
5.- Try out this new mobile app, It functions as a couple's official wedding app and acts as a mobile aid for your guests, and a pocket guide to everything related to your wedding!  
6.- Offer approximate transportation costs for leisure travel in or around your destination. And specify what transportation you will be providing, if any, to wedding-related events. 
7.- Give approximate travel times, ie. from the airport to the hotel, from the hotel to the wedding ceremony location.  
8.- Suggest areas to visit in or around your wedding destination, local culture and activities to partake in. 
9.- Offer different hotel options at multiple price points and if possible, arrange a group rate at one or two nearby options. 
10.- Consider your guests, where they are coming from, what language they speak, their ages and special needs, if any, and be sure to address all these specifics on your website, in an email, on a mobile app or in a hand written note, if it is warranted, so all guests are fully informed about the destination to which they are traveling and the celebrations in which they will be partaking!  
 
Images courtesy of destination wedding photographers Gary & Courtney.

Erika and Greg, who were married in a beautiful ceremony at Cabo del Sol last weekend, provided information to their guests on their wedding website regarding Cabo travel. If your wedding is also here in Cabo, take a cue directly from the newlyweds and include this detailed information on your wedding website, on invitations or mobile apps: 
 
IF YOU ARE TRAVELING FROM U.S. 
 
GETTING TO CABO FROM CALIFORNIA 
 
There are direct fligths from SFO, OAK, LAX & ONT and if you look ahead of time you can find great deals specially if you are flying VOLARIS, UNITED or VIRGIN AMERICA. 
The duration of the flight is approximately 3 hours from Northern California 
 
GETTING TO CABO FROM THE EAST COAST 
 
If you are flying from the the East Coast (BOS, TPA) Airlines like AEROMEXICO, UNITED/ CONTINENTAL & DELTA have one stop flights (non-stop flights are available on a limited basis during high season) but we'll assure you that the trip is well worth it! 
 
GETTING TO CABO FROM OTHER POINTS IN THE U.S.:  
There are also direct flights to Cabo from these major international airports: ATL (Atlanta, GA), CHI (Chicago, IL), CTL (Charlotte, NC), DEN (Denver, CO) IAH (Houston, TX), and PHX (Phoenix, AZ). In addition to the airlines mentioned above, the airlines serving these locations on direct flights to Cabo include ALASKA, AMERICAN, and US AIRWAYS.  
 
IMPORTANT: When booking your flight please be sure that your arrival destination will be the Los Cabos International Airport (airport code is SJD) 
 
ONCE YOU ARRIVE TO SJD 
 
The San Jose del Cabo Airport is located about 30-45 minutes from Cabo San Lucas and only 15 munites from San Jose del Cabo. 
Some options for Cabo San Lucas transportation are shuttle, taxi, limo, van service and car rental.  
-Van Service offers transportation for $65 to $140 per trip, based on the number of people and how far you are going.  
-A taxi ride from the airport to Cabo San Lucas is about $65 dollars.  
-You can always rent a car to explore Cabo. Driving there is easy & safe.

Images courtesy of destination wedding photographers Gary & Courtney.

These photos from Mica and Greg's wedding at Capella last summer are still some of our favorites! The talented Tony Morey was on hand in June to capture all of the special moments and beautiful details from the celebrations we had planned for Mica and Greg's memorable weekend.  
 
Six weeks before the big day, Mica contacted us to help pull her entire vision together! That included determining the theme, design and decor elements for the wedding ceremony and surrounding events, organizing their 90+ guests, navigating all the logistics and arranging three private dinners as well as some seriously fun excursions!

The day prior to the ceremony, the wedding party declined the typical pre-wedding rituals of indulgence and relaxation and, instead, opted to make the trek from Capella's beach to the famous lover's beach at Land's End. We arranged a boat for their return trip which completed their journey! We seriously love Mica and Greg's adventurous spirit! And admire their athleticism, too!!

The traditional Jewish ceremony took place on Capella's pool deck terrace underneath a beautiful chuppa simply adorned with greenery.

The formal reception dinner at Don Manuel's incorporated romantic lace, mercury vintage vases and blush-hued peonies for an elegant, shabby-chic-by-the-beach feeling. A booming firework display was the perfect punctuation to a remarkable weekend!

Fresh beautiful blooms by the talented Pina Hernandez!

We hope your first year of marriage was all that you hoped it would be, Mica and Greg!! And we hope to see you back in Cabo to celebrate your first anniversary milestone!

Casa Dorada is located in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, with the iconic Cabo arches as it's dramatic, romantic backdrop. For Melanie and Steven, this place, Lands End, was the idyllic location for their destination wedding in Cabo. The couple said their vows on the 12 Tribes Terrace at Casa Dorada, in front of those very arches, and an intimate group of 65 of their closest friends and family members, including Steven's two beautiful children.  
 
 
 
 
Images courtesy CHRIS+LYNN | Cabo Wedding Photographers

Clearly Melanie is a beauty, but hers radiates from the inside out, and we wanted their wedding to reflect that pure spirit! The white and champagne decor elements and magnificent florals by Elena Damy were simple and stunning and really embodied that quiet, casual elegance. That same mood was echoed in the reception space at the 12 Tribes Restaurant, with its equally awe-inspiring view of El Arco. Reserved for the wedding party's private use, our goal was to work with the restaurant's existing decor, the rich wood and white drapings, to create a feeling of intimacy and romance with small elegant touches and delicate candlelight. The amazing Chef Carlos Bonilla also worked with the bride and groom's unique tastes to craft a special menu for the occasion. Every element completely reflected the couple's style and personality. Even the patron was imported especially for the occasion for Steven. Believe it or not, in the land of many tequilas, Patron, in particular, is a blend made exclusively for the U.S.A!

Casa Dorada is a great wedding venue and resort for many budgets. All of Melanie's guests stayed at and enjoyed the hotel's many offerings. Medanos beach, one of the few swimmable beaches in Cabo which draws many visitors for its dramatic setting and proximity to Lands End, was perfect for sunbathing or water activities. Meanwhile, the Marina and downtown Cabo San Lucas Nightlife were all just within walking distance.  
 
Images courtesy CHRIS+LYNN | Cabo Wedding Photographers

Congratulations Melanie and Steven! Thank you for allowing us to share in your wedding weekend! We couldn't think of a more perfect place for a more special couple!  
 
Images courtesy CHRIS+LYNN | Cabo Wedding Photographers

The beautiful tablecloth collection was created with Linens, things & more, thank you as always for your team synergy! 
Images courtesy CHRIS+LYNN | Cabo Wedding Photographers

Enter through a torch-lit cave to this dramatic luxury resort carved into the cliffs of Pedregal and immediately you are transported by the incredible ocean-view vistas, where the Sea of Cortez merges with the Pacific! It is a perfect, romantic setting for a wedding, where nature, the ocean, mimics the spiritual union of two souls! And Capella Pedregal offers something unique for each couple. The expansive, yet intimate property offers dramatic settings that will help shape your vision. You can dig your feet in the sand to say your vows, enjoy the crashing waves and fresh local offerings at cliffside, aptly named, El Farallon, treat your guests to authentic gourmet Mexican at Don Manuel's restaurant, or dance the night away on the Beach Club terrace. The rooms and suites are among the most luxurious in Cabo, with an authentic Mexican chic vibe. The one bedroom beach front suite offers the perfect intimate ambience and makes for an amazing honeymoon suite complete with private pool, jacuzzi, fire pit, and your own little piece of heaven, a private beach area! And the world class Auriga spa, is the perfect way to relax after revelries and truly pamper yourself!

The inspiration for Lisa and Robert's wedding at Capella was an intimate desert romance, invoked with the spirit of the Baja, which means authentic Mexican elements, delectable seafood and of course, Tequila! To achieve their vision we worked with Lisa's color palette in warm rich apricot tones, oranges, corals and yellows and created an intimate ceremony setting, in what is essentially the Capella lobby area. The challenge was to preserve the intimacy and sanctity of the wedding ceremony in this location and, at the same time, pay reverence to the natural setting and surroundings. To achieve this, we used simple wooden benches for seating, which corresponded nicely with the existing pergola structure, and introduced simple florals. The infinite, awe-inspiring ocean-view panoramas created an incredibly dramatic backdrop and we didn't want to interfere with or take away from the view by adding fussy florals or a canopy. The water walkway elements were brimming over with persimmon-colored roses, a dynamic floating tapestry, which created a pop of bright and a beautiful frame to the processional aisle.

Images courtesy of Cabo wedding photographer Bradley Fraser

Images courtesy of Cabo wedding photographer Bradley Fraser  
 
Beautiful flowers by Pina Hernandez!

For the reception, El Farallon restaurant was transformed into a private cliff-side soiree. Amber accent lighting washed over the rocks and terraces and hundreds of candles created, at the same time, a feeling of both intimacy and drama. The florals and place settings, hanging lanterns and natural yute and manta drapings added to the authentic Mexican theme, with a slightly organic bohemian vibe. To maintain an intimate atmosphere, custom wooden tables were made-to-fit the space and ensure guests felt close to the bride and groom, the other guests, and involved in all aspects of the event! Mariachi ushered in the guests and a Mexican quartet finished off the evening! And, as a takeaway, each guest received, with their place cards, a small bottle of premium tequila. A Mexican wedding wouldn't be complete without it, right Bob?!

Images courtesy of Cabo wedding photographer Bradley Fraser