Ojai Picnic Moments – Ojai

Ojai Picnic Moments is the brainchild of sisters Lauren and Cassandra VanKeulen, who concocted their idea inspired by the beauty of the Ojai Valley. “We’ve always wanted to find a way to pair our love of Ojai’s scenic beauty with local talent to create an experience that’s both memorable and effortless, and Ojai Picnic Moments is just that,” explains Cassandra.

The duo makes the most of the area’s spectacular scenery, offering a selection of eight distinct locations for their picnics — ranging from public settings such as the Old Creek Ranch Winery to more exclusive spots like the Ojai Labyrinth or Rolling Oaks. “One of our favorites is Taft Gardens because there’s so much to explore,” enthuses Cassandra. “After enjoying their picnic, guests can wander freely around the botanical gardens, visit the Artist’s Cottage, or hike up to the lookout to take in the Topa Topa Mountains.”

Ojai Picnic Moments offers the aptly titled Pink Moment Picnic package, named after Ojai’s famous sunsets. This accommodates up to 32 guests and includes handmade, low wooden picnic tables complete with stunning table settings, comfy pillows and rugs for seating, cozy throw blankets and umbrellas, as well as dried floral arrangements, LED candles, and a custom message board with a personalized note. “Our picnics last three hours and include setup and cleanup,” Cassandra says. “If our picnickers prefer a more customized affair, we can curate their picnic with add-ons such as fresh floral arrangements, celebration cakes, or photography.”

All picnics include a charcuterie grazing box with an assortment of cheeses, meats, nuts, fresh fruits, crackers, and spreads. This can also be substituted for a crudité option which comes with raw veggies and more fresh fruit. There’s also the option to supplement the grazing boxes with a heartier meal, and the VanKeulen sisters have partnered with local restaurants such as Ojai Rôtie, The Nest, or Marché Gourmet Deli. “We’ve also worked with several local chefs and caterers for clients who prefer a more tailored menu,” Cassandra adds.

Events are as diverse as the offerings and locations. “We have hosted almost every type of event you can think of from bachelorettes, birthdays, and baby showers, to corporate retreats and brand collaborations,” Cassandra says. “Some unique events we have been a part of were goat yoga for a Toyota company excursion, a beachfront rehearsal dinner at the Rosewood Miramar in Montecito, and styling for a Ninakuru photoshoot.”

A picnic for two starts at $400 and each additional guest is $30. “Pricing can range into the thousands just depending on the location choice and any enhancements that might be added on,” Cassandra concludes. In Ojai, the sky is the limit.

Learn more at ojaipicnicmoments.com