The Report

Photos by Perpixel Photography

If one were to envision the great works of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway brought to life, then Muckenthaler Mansion would, without a doubt, satisfy that thought. Set in the heart of North Orange County, a city replete with perfect climate,grassy parks, and sandy beaches, rests this praiseworthy property that seems to have been torn out of novel. Stretched across nine acres of parkland, the lush garden grounds, towering palms, and European-styled architecture has been presented with several awards and accolades, which to us, only further proves how breathtaking this venue truly is.

Atop a hill in a quiet town stands the eighteen-room Spanish colonial mansion, known today as Muckenthaler Mansion. Built in 1924, husband and wife, Walter and Adella Muckenthaler took up residency with their family at what they considered to be their dream home, and boy is it a dream! With a life having fully developed at this fantasy of a spot, son, Harold spent his days at the mansion even beyond the passing of his parents, Walter and Adella. In 1965 Harold made the decision to donate the property due to his longtime desire of seeing his childhood home used as a cultural center for the public to enjoy (thanks, Harold!). Despite being a public space today, the historic mansion presently still exhibits original and vintage features of the home, which can be found in theItalian-imported iron spiral staircase and the stone house gazebo.

The atmosphere at the mansion sets the perfect tone for a variety of events and celebrations, making for a successful fête filled with good times and happy guests! Presenting a host of views, including, but not limited to the cityscape, lush gardens, and picturesque courtyard, we can guarantee that at every site you will have hearts in your eyes. This spot is beyond fitting for something as special as a wedding, anniversary party, birthday party, holiday party, charity event, social event…you name the occasion, this spot was made for it.  When we heard about the gorgeous rustic wedding that was planned, photographed, and filmed at the mansion, we knew that we HAD to provide you with some details so you could see for yourself how a celebration at the property pans out! Colette, of Colette Events and her team of planners and caterers, Perpixel Photography, and Joseph De Leon Film all came together to make beautiful couple Esther and David’s dream come true! We chatted with Perpixel Photography who gave us the ‘OK’ to share some imagery of the spectacular day, which left us completely breathless, so check out the gorgeous pics that will leave you oohing and ahhing for days!

The Scoop

With four major gathering spots on the property, having to pick just one seems nearly impossible, but don’t worry, they’re all absolutely stunning. Let’s jump right in. First, we have the Adella Lawn, which rests adjacent to the mansion, holds up to four hundred people, and presents views of the property and the setting sun behind gorgeous oak trees. Next, the elegant Italian Garden can fit two hundred people and is semi-enclosed by hedges and palms, making it ideal for a private ceremony or intimate dinner party. The Northwest Lawn is the largest space that can accommodate nearly two thousand guests and allows you to enjoy the large oak trees that border the property with sites of the mansion and great outdoors. Finally, there is the Gallery, which once operated as the inside of the historic home. This space, while renovated to accommodate its current use as an indoor gallery, fits one hundred and thirty people, and still treasures the original Spanish tiles and art deco details.

To make your day as special as you anticipate it to be, Colette’s Catering and Eventswill work with you on finding the perfect package to suit all of your party needs. These packages include a variety of tastes, drinks, rentals, and embellishments. If you’re looking to go a little fancier, we recommend the assortment of French Macarons, you know, to bring a touch of France into the already-existing Spanish and Italian feel of the mansion!

We know you’re probably thinking that this spot has it all, but we’re not done yet! Before walking down the aisle or making your birthday party debut, you can get gussied up in the fabulous dressing room that comes with its own private entrance and bathroom. Then, head inside the venue where you’ll find your guests dancing the night away to tunes played on a Grand Baby piano. If you choose the outdoor space, well, take your pick, party in a fancy tent? Or let the night sky be your backdrop? We told you…endless opportunity!

Rates + Options *subject to change: Okay, so lets get down to the nitty gritty of the cost of an event at the fabulous Muckenthaler Mansion. For a wedding or event of any kind, site rental’s range, depending on the day and number of people, from $2,500-$4,500. Catering packages range from $73-$120 a person, and let us remind you, a wedding cake or your choice of dessert is included in the package!

Photos in Rows 1 - 6  by Perpixel Photography 

Photos in Row 7 by Honey Honey Photography

Bonus

Teaming up with Colette’s Catering & Events is a sure way to throw a party to be remembered by all. Having originally started as a one-woman show, Colette’s passion for catering and delivering the finest products in the industry has allowed her to grow in ways only one can dream of. Due to high demand and such popularity, founder Colette and co-owner Duane, have expanded the business to employ a team full of talented planners, coordinators, chefs and more who work meticulously and creatively on every event that is thrown. The company stands by their motto, which reads, “superb settings, award-winning cuisine, beautifully prepared and meticulous, personalized support…making every moment unforgettable.”

We can brag as much as we want about how amazing this hardworking team of planners is, but we imagine that you need to see it for yourself to believe it. The proof is in the pics, so check out some of the fab photos we snagged from a dreamy rustic summer wedding thrown at Muckenthaler Mansion and catered by Colette and her team!  Our mouths are watering over that cake!

STYLE FOR YOUR SETTING

Inside Scoop

Here’s the scoop on some info that we have been waiting until this very moment to let you in on!  While we’ve made it abundantly clear that Muckenthaler is a gorgeous property perfect for any celebration, what we haven’t mentioned yet is that this spot also has a soft spot for the arts. When parties aren’t being thrown, the gallery at Muckenthaler hosts a variety of classes that include modern and Native American ceramics, drawing and painting labs, quilting, and drama. The Muck has even produced as many as sixty performances, gallery exhibits, and art festivals and has received awards for Arts Program of the Year from Arts Orange County in 2010 and OC Register’s Best Art Gallery in 2014!

Highlight Reel

Around Town

Tea Time at the Tranquil Tea Lounge::

This modern andurban tea lounge, restaurant, and shop can be found nestled in the heart of Downtown Fullerton.  Perfect for unwinding after a long day, or just sipping cups of tea for the sake of tryingnew flavors, this gem of a spot offers over ninety-five specialty and organic loose-leaf teas from all around the world!

Visit Here!

Mexican at the Matador Cantina:

Head on over to Fullerton’s oldest standing building, at nearly 110 years old, for some of thefinest Mexican food in the city! With original design elements and featuresstills present, you’ll notice pieces of exposed brick wall, weathered woodenfloors, dark wooden fixtures, and chandelier and candle lighting, giving thisatmosphere a rustic feel. What is even better than the décor, are the tastycuisines and signature cocktails made with fresh, high quality ingredients!

Visit Here!

Around the Arboretum We Go!:

Book yourself a tour at the Fullerton Arboretum where you’ll be led by one of the fabulous Victorian-dressed docents who can tell you every detail about every botanical in the gorgeous gardens. Resting on twenty-six acres of green, lushland, this botanical garden features hiking trails, a spectacular museum, and over 4,000 different types of plants! Best part, admission is FREE (donations, of course, are always appreciated)! 

Visit Here!