S + D's Wedding
October 12, 2009

Ok, so I am way behind on blogging. I am also way behind on my emails & calls. And on cleaning my office. And on working out..
It is that end-of-summer, how-is-it-really-fall-kind of time- a strange place where the frenzy of the summer wedding rush may be winding down, but I am still in a constant state of catch up as fall weddings begin and 2010 is strangely right around the corner..
But, I digress. That is not what this post is about. This post is about S + D and their incredible wedding.
I often find myself stuck with a serious case of writer's block as I begin a post about a couple and their wedding. So much emotion comes rushing back to me as I reflect on the couple, our planning journey together, and of course, their beautiful day. With S + D, I am truly overwhelmed. Can I really put all of my feelings into words in a simple blog post?
I'll never forget the first time S called. Her familiar voice was hard to place, but there was a soothing, comfortable way about it- like I'd known her forever. When I met her, I found my star-struck feeling was quickly replaced with something bigger- I was human-struck. Because it isn't her gorgeous, movie-star beauty or the fact that she is a brilliant actress that makes S, S. It is the fact that within moments of meeting her, she is embracing you with a warm hug, inviting you in her kitchen and serving you eggs. It is her gentle and caring smile as she describes the way she envisions her wedding day. It is her loving glances toward D with every word. Theirs is a love that is so true and so real. Something completely inspiring and enviable. And their wedding day would be a reflection of that in every way.
The breathtaking Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse, deep in the mountains of the Santa Barbara wine country would provide the setting for the beautiful celebration. The farmhouse was built in the 1700's and moved from New Hampshire, Tennessee and West Virginia (respectively.) I love old houses- and this one in particular- with it's old, wood-smoke smell and stories literally echoing from the walls, will truly transport you to another place. The setting may be rustic- but more so, it is majestic. In a way that would take anyone's breath away the very moment they drive in. And what a drive it is! As you wind through the mountains on a twisty, one lane "road" you may likely find yourself doubting whether there could be *anything* out there. Being so far removed from civilization- from lights or paved roads or cell phone towers- almost to a point of discomfort, you will stumble upon the small gravel driveway. And just as S + D's guests did, you will enter another world.
The farmhouse provided inspiration for the design of the day. It would be simple but thoughtful, rustic and vintage, mismatched and colorful, with a touch of country charm- which when all placed together in such a beautiful, natural setting creates a tone of relaxed elegance. Rather than commit to a specific color palette- S wanted it to come naturally via whatever the freshest, local flowers were that weekend. We focused on textures- like raw wood and burlap alongside linen kitchen towels (which were used in place of napkins!) I collected vintage tins during the planning process to hold loose blooms (Any tin from England on ebay and local fleas were quickly snatched up by me to honor where S is from.) Mason jars, vintage furniture, antique quilts and loads of little collected bits and pieces were incorporated..

Enjoy these jaw-droppingly beautiful photos from the talented and amazing, Max Wanger.



S+D's wedding weekend was kicked off with a Friday night "welcome dinner" at the Farmhouse, complete with enormous pans of paella, (courtesy of the always fabulous "Duo,") a Beatles karaoke band (seriously, does it get ANY better than that? I think not..) and an overwhelming sense of excitement and anticipation.



These bags welcomed guests as they arrived to their hotel rooms. I used burlap and screen-printed muslin tears to personalize the bags. They were filled with yummy treats like Santa Barbara pistachios and toblerone chocolate and also practical travel bits- sunscreen, lipbalm, advil, etc.

On the wedding day, guests were treated to a pre-ceremony cocktail gathering where they were greeted by beautiful rows of mason jars with freshly squeezed greyhounds, sipped through old fashioned, paper straws.










A big thanks to our vendor dream team-
Location- Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse (xoxox Gretchen!!)
Photography- Max Wanger (and Margaux!)
Catering- Ashley & Brian and the amazing team of Duo Events!
Flowers- Camille Panzarello, Modern Day Design
Lighting- Bella Vista
20 comments

20 Comments:

Rebecca!! Such a beautiful job as always!!

xoxo,
Maria, Howwy, Avery, and Jagger!!
ps- Howwy dressed the brides' father for the wedding :)

By  Mrs. Shorty Cake, at October 13, 2009 at 2:26 PM  

gorgeous through and through!! xoxo!

By  Anonymous, at October 14, 2009 at 8:18 AM  

so very very beautiful!

By  Molly, at October 19, 2009 at 7:52 AM  

so much charm in such a magical setting. amazing!

By  Kristin @ Petal and Thorn, at October 26, 2009 at 12:14 PM  

absolutely beautiful!

By  Cynthia, at October 26, 2009 at 12:19 PM  

Gorgeous! A visual feast! Thank you!

By  amy, at October 29, 2009 at 11:46 AM  

looove the table of vases! sweet & sentimental!

By  Rebecca, at October 30, 2009 at 10:28 AM  

Such a pretty wedding, love so many of these designs, love the jars with the drinks and the vases for the flowers!

By  Luxury Wedding Venues, at November 2, 2009 at 9:58 AM  

Great shots- love the attention to detail. The escort card display is fabulous!

By  Olivia, at November 17, 2009 at 1:44 PM  

You're work is absolutely stunning and completely inspiring!

By  Beth Helmstetter, at January 1, 2010 at 9:05 PM  

Beautiful location. The light was amazing.

By  David Murphey, at February 3, 2010 at 7:13 PM  

I love the look of the signs to help direct guests. Very nice. Also thanks to this blog I'm thinking of using parasols instead of a tent for my outdoor wedding. (I'll have an indoor location for a backup if the weather is bad).

By  Amberdawn, at April 3, 2010 at 2:31 PM  

Every detail of this wedding is stunning. I love the dried flowers idea. So unique and classic.

By  Tanya (a Taste of T), at May 8, 2010 at 11:38 AM  

Such beautiful details at this wedding -- everything is so elegant and natural!

By  Suzanne, at May 16, 2010 at 5:39 PM  

I love that both parents walked the bride down the aisle - I'll be doing the same. And I hope my photos turn out as wonderfully as these. :)

By  penny. LA, at May 29, 2010 at 6:26 PM  

The stars caught in that last shot are AMAZING!!

By  Weddingish, at May 29, 2010 at 6:26 PM  

I love outdoor weddings and I think yours is one of the nicest ones I have seen. I love the lovely fresh flowers that complement the beautiful table settings. I adore the lovely parasols. Aside from giving shade to your guests, the parasols are great props to use in a wedding photo shoot!Congratulations!!!

By  Aprilette, at June 28, 2010 at 7:02 PM  

Oh my goodness! So amazingly beautiful, like a movie, but more. Love it.

By  Melody, at August 17, 2010 at 7:24 AM  

This wedding is absolutely amazing! I love the details such as the unique flowers and the beautiful lighting. Where would someone go to find those antique looking vases/bottles? Thanks!

By  Unknown, at November 7, 2010 at 10:34 AM  

Great collection of images. Beautiful photo's and night is also beautiful with your activity.

By  rekha, at September 3, 2012 at 4:54 AM  

Post a Comment