ABOUT US
We first noticed each other at a New Year’s Eve dinner in Malibu, from across the room, before ever saying a word. When we finally met, the conversation felt easy from the start, and not long after, we began dating and haven’t been apart since. Around that time, Los Angeles was burning and we both had to evacuate our homes, an early reminder of how quickly things can change and how important it is to hold onto what matters.
Since then, we’ve built a life together, in motion, from quiet stretches at home to exploring other cities and sharing adventures along the way. Somewhere in it all, we got engaged. It felt natural, certain, and right.
We met at a celebration for a new year, and have found every reason to celebrate since. We look forward to celebrating with you this November in Ojai.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Below is the schedule for the weekend, with time built in to relax and enjoy.
All events will take place at Hotel El Roblar.
Welcome Drinks
Friday, November 13
6:00 PM
Cocktails at La Cocina
Welcome Dinner
Friday, November 13
7:00 PM
Dinner at La Cocina
Morning Yoga
Saturday, November 14
9:00 AM
Yoga Flow Class with Tom Morley on The Lawn
Wedding
Saturday, November 14
4:30 PM
Ceremony on The Lawn
*Cocktail attire with boho chic touches, elegant but not formal. Think stylish California Autumn evening.*
After I Do
Saturday, November 14
5:30 PM
Cocktails at The Mariposa Bar
Dinner & Dancing
Saturday, November 14
6:30 PM
Dinner in The Mariposa Ballroom
Followed by Dancing at La Cocina
Farewell Breakfast
Sunday, November 15
7:00 to 10:00 AM
Breakfast at La Cocina
**For guests not staying at Hotel El Roblar, please email christyjoandlarryjames@gmail.com if you’d like to join us so we can plan accordingly.
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS
Whether you join us for the day or the whole weekend, we can’t wait to celebrate with you. We’ll be based at Hotel El Roblar, where everything will take place, and we’d love for everyone to stay onsite so we can actually spend time together in between, not just at the events.
Ojai is about 90 minutes from Los Angeles, an easy and scenic drive into the valley.
Airports
The closest commercial airports are Santa Barbara (approximately 45 minutes away), Burbank (about 1.5 hours), and Los Angeles (about 1.5–2 hours). For guests flying privately, Camarillo Airport is approximately 40 minutes away.
Accommodations
Hotel El Roblar has been exclusively reserved for our wedding weekend, as all events will take place at the property.
Hotel El Roblar is currently fully booked. If you have already reserved a room, all existing reservation details, discounts (a 20% adjustment to room & tax will be applied during your stay), and cancellation policies (deposits are fully refundable until 30 days prior to arrival) remain unchanged.
Occasionally, rooms may become available due to cancellations, so we encourage you to contact the hotel directly to inquire about availability. You may call Hotel El Roblar at 805-322-0525 and mention the James & Jo wedding for assistance with existing reservations or waitlist inquiries.
Guests who still need accommodations are encouraged to contact our dear friend, Nina Nazar for assistance finding the best option for your stay. You can call or text Nina at 310-628-8464 or email her at nina.nazar@fora.travel.
Recommended nearby hotels include:
• Capri Hotel
• Hummingbird Inn
• Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
• Emerald Iguana Inn
For guests seeking an exceptional Ojai experience, a limited number of private residences are available at the Turtle Conservancy and Twin Peaks Ranch, two extraordinary properties located approximately 10 minutes from Hotel El Roblar. Owned by one of Hotel El Roblar's partners and rarely available to outside guests, these residences have been reserved exclusively for James & Jo's wedding weekend. Set among 90 acres of citrus groves, gardens, and protected conservation land, the properties offer a serene retreat and a unique opportunity to experience one of Ojai's most remarkable private estates.
To view the residences, amenities, and property map, please click the button below and enter the password: sulcata.
To inquire about availability or reserve accommodations, please contact Vanessa Anderson at vanessa@turtleconservancy.org and mention the James & Jo wedding.
We look forward to celebrating with you, wherever you choose to stay.
THINGS TO DO
Nestled at the base of the Topatopa Mountains, Ojai invites you to slow down and explore at your own pace, whether that means wandering through town, biking the valley, or simply taking in the landscape.
Downtown is easy to wander, coffee in hand, with a mix of small, thoughtfully curated shops like Shop Summer Camp, Cercana, and Fig Curated Living, along with Bart’s Books, the open-air bookstore that’s become something of a local landmark.
Surrounded by citrus groves and trails, the area naturally lends itself to being outdoors, whether that means a hike along the Ventura River Preserve, biking the Ojai Valley Trail, or simply taking in the landscape.
You might visit the Ojai Olive Oil Company for a tasting among the groves, book a pottery class at Firestick Pottery, or go for a horseback ride with Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company. For something more unique, the Turtle Conservancy offers private tours of its protected land and desert tortoise preserve, which can be arranged through the concierge for hotel guests.
There are also a handful of wine tasting rooms in town, including The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room and Majestic Oak Vineyard, with Casa Barranca a short drive away.
If you’re around at sunset, don’t miss Ojai’s “Pink Moment,” when the mountains glow in soft shades of pink and lavender.
QUESTIONS
Do I need to stay at Hotel El Roblar?
Not at all. While all wedding weekend events will take place at Hotel El Roblar and we’d love to have everyone together throughout the weekend, you’re welcome to stay wherever is most convenient for you.
Hotel El Roblar is currently fully booked, but we’ve included some nearby hotel recommendations on our Accommodations page, and our dear friend, Nina Nazar is available to assist with alternative accommodations.
Is breakfast included for guests staying at Hotel El Roblar?
Yes, breakfast at La Cocina is included with your stay, served daily from 7:00 to 10:00 AM. Our farewell breakfast on Sunday will take place there as well.
For anyone not staying at Hotel El Roblar who would like to join us for the farewell breakfast, please let us know at christyjoandlarryjames@gmail.com.
What time should I arrive for the ceremony?
We ask that you arrive 20-30 minutes before so we can begin on time at 4:30 PM. The ceremony will last about 30 minutes.
Where is the ceremony and reception taking place? Will they be held indoors or outdoors?
The ceremony will be held outdoors on The Lawn at Hotel El Roblar. We recommend bringing a jacket or wrap, as it may be cool. Shoes suitable for grass (think wedges, block heels, or flats) are also encouraged. The reception will follow indoors in The Mariposa Ballroom.
What is the dress?
We’re envisioning a stylish California autumn evening — elegant but not formal. Cocktail attire with boho chic touches is encouraged. Given the time of year, we recommend dressing in layers for the cooler evening.
Can I bring a plus-one?
We are only able to accommodate those listed on your invitation.
What will the weather be like?
Mid-November evenings in Ojai can be crisp, so we recommend bringing warm layers.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Please let us know in advance so we can do our best to accommodate.
Who should I contact with questions?
Please email us at christyjoandlarryjames@gmail.com.
IN LIEU OF GIFTS
Your presence is truly the greatest gift. If you feel inclined, we would be grateful for a contribution to Friends of Malibu Urgent Care Center, an organization close to our hearts that helps ensure access to essential medical care for the Malibu community.
Friends is currently working to build a new state of the art urgent care facility, expanding access to critical services when they are needed most. Through June, all contributions will be matched dollar for dollar by the Herb Alpert Foundation, doubling the impact of your gift.
Thank you for being part of something meaningful.