Page 21 - Mega Bridal Issue

The Grand Tradition does a little over 200 weddings a
year. In addition to the beautiful Arbor Terrace and its
outdoor beauty, the Beverly mansion overlooks a heart
shaped lake and Glimmering white Gazebo where cou-
ples can take their vows before heading to their reception
inside the mansion. An added addition is a horse drawn
carriage which makes for a dramatic entrance delivering
the bride to the Gazebo and her future husband.
With all The Grand Tradition has going for it, the McDou-
gals have decided that the beauty of their venue should
be shared with the public and not just those lucky enough
to be celebrating their wedding. Don adds, “Starting
in the beginning of the year we are going to open the
gardens to the public. A lot of people have been here for
weddings and have asked if they can just come back to
enjoy the beauty. We will be expanding the gardens so
they can come to the gardens and enjoy lunch 7 days a
week on the terrace overlooking the heart shaped lake.
We also have plans to add a winery out on the Northwest
corner. These things will compliment each other and will
also allow us to do rehearsal dinners on site.” Truly a
family affair Don’s wife Pat is responsible for much of the
landscaping and also oversees the grounds.
Having accomplished so much from that first brainstorm
sitting on the couch of their home, Beverly has to admit
that the reality of what this has become far exceeds her
original dream. Beverly adds, “Really I am so blessed
because we have had such a success with this and it
has been such a joy to the family. It gave me the op-
portunity to keep my family close by and have wonderful
close loving relationships with all of them. Everyone has
blossomed in their jobs here. They have done so well
in the business and they all have such great ideas. But
most importantly they do it because they love the job and
take such interest and pride in it. It is so fulfilling to help
couples start memories that will last a lifetime. When I San Diego
go down to a wedding at the gazebo and look over the Woman
grounds I just can’t believe where we have come from.”
The Grand Tradition is such a beautiful wedding facility
that truly everyone who visits it falls in love again. On a
personal note, I am one of those who experienced this 21
first hand. After visiting a number of venues my daughter

Danielle and her fiancé Andrew will be celebrating their
wedding next October in Grand Style at the Grand Tradi-
tion. Thank you Beverly, Don and family for giving my
daughter a memory that will last a lifetime.