Newly engaged couple Mina Hong and Dominic Cheli, are two amazing musicians with a love of the outdoors and for their adorable puppy Peanut. This active couple discovered that a visit to Visalia hits all the right notes. Their search for the perfect wedding venue started in the nearby national parks. Mina was invited to serve as concertmaster for the Sequoia Symphony Orchestra, we captured Mina’s solo violin performance on a suspension bridge that stretches over the mighty Kaweah River in Sequoia National Park, miles of biking trails satisfied Dom’s love of cycling, and local citrus shines as the perfect base for a cocktail to toast the happy couple. Follow their itinerary as they enjoy a romantic weekend getaway.
Concert violinist Mina served as concert master for the Sequoia Symphony Orchestra. Soon she will be marrying a concert pianist, Dom. This musical couple found that Visalia hit all the right notes in their recent visit to Visalia to explore wedding venues in Sequoia National Park.
Dom met Scot for an early morning ride. There are miles of paths and road routes for avid cyclists as well as family-friendly options such as along the St. John's River Parkway.
These botanical gardens highlight our region as an agricultural powerhouse. Visitors will see a broad range of plants and are encouraged to taste the citrus as well as other fruits and vegetables that grow there. Olga and Manual are the green-thumbs behind this spectacular garden.
The gallery at Arts Visalia showcases local, regional and national artists in revolving exhibits. Mina supported these artists by shopping in the marketplace for unique souvenirs of their trip. Each First Friday of the month is the Arts Visalia Artwalk, a free event that encourages exploration of local arts.
Mina and Dom took a hike to the Potwisha Suspension Bridge. This hidden gem in Sequoia was the perfect spot to hear Mina play her violin accompanied by the sounds of the rushing river below.
The chief mixologist at The Darling Hotel's Elderwood Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge created a special cocktail that's perfect for a celebration. Using local citrus, he served Mina and Dom a delicious beverage as they enjooyed sunset views.
Visalia has public art throughout the city with the sides of building making large canvases for Murals. Stroll along in downtown to see many of these pieces of art, especially the "Welcome to Visalia" mural.
Visalia's pedestrian-friendly downtown Main Street offers lots of boutiques. Mina loved visiting Envie where she tried on Ariat boots. Other favorites are Joshua Tree, Apricot Lane, housewares at Paicific Treasures, and unique local goods at Letter and Grain.
As a renown concert violinist, Mina performed with the Sequoia Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Bruce Kiesling. The Fox Visalia has been the premier destination for arts & cultural entertainment since 1930.
The views of the western edgo of Sequoia from Beetle Rock are amazing and at sunset are spectacular. This is a perfect venue for wedding ceremonies with a reception at the nearby Beetle Rock Hall. Sequoia Parks Conservancy can help with planning.
STAY
Mina and Dom stayed at the Visalia Marriott Hotel. This full service property hit all the right notes for their stay with on-site restaurant and just steps from Main Street's shopping and dining district.
If you want to have a romantic weekend like Mina and Dom, book your stay now.
