I am very rarely speechless when it comes to weddings. Sure, I swoon, obsess and generally go crazy about once a week over some fabulous something that comes into our inbox. But I am rarely speechless. This wedding has left me just that – speechless – so instead of trying to come up with an introduction that would do Aaron Delesie’s wedding justice, I’ll just quote our sweet Elaine when she saw this little gem…”holy freaking cow, that Aaron Delesie wedding is &$@#*$-ing gorgeous.” She’s such a keeper, that Elaine.
click here to see the full wedding!
A few more details from Beth Helmstetter, SMP friend and planner behind the day…
Liz and Chris celebrated their religion by marrying at a mission in Solvang, which was not only historical but a breathtaking backdrop for the vows. After the ceremony, guests were invited to a wine, cheese and olive oil tasting at the farmhouse before the official festivities began. Liz and Chris had selected their favorite wines from the region, while Duo paired the perfect cheeses and accoutrements for the tasting. Following the wine and cheese tasting, we had a cocktail hour complete with four of Liz and Chris’s favorite beverages from a Chocolate Raspberry Martini to Traditional Sangria prior to sitting down to a family style feast. In the background, Spanish Guitars played and Chris & Liz took in every moment they could by taking walks alone, chatting with close friends and even spontaneously bursting into their first dance when they heard the guitars playing a meaningful song. This type of natural flow for the day led the way for the guests to have a more comfortable and less contrived experience which was perfect for the vibe the couple was trying to create.
After dinner, guests danced, mingled and enjoyed even more culinary treats. From port paired with homemade truffles, to cakes inspired by the wine region, to Laura Hooper’s calligraphy donning every little detail, nothing was left out! In the end, every guest walked away truly feeling what it was like to live in Liz and Chris’s world for a night, and I can speak for many guests when I say, we were all lucky to experience the beauty and love that is this couple.
Ceremony Venue: Santa Ines Mission / Reception Venue: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse / Planning: Beth Helmstetter Events / Photography: Aaron Delesie / Videography: Joel Serrato Films / Catering: Duo Events / Florals: Flower Wild / Linens: La Tavola / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Lighting: Bella Vista Designs / Invitations: Bella Figura / Calligraphy: Laura Hooper Calligraphy / Cakes: Enjoy Cupcakes / Pies: Marcie’s Pies (805) 688-0597 / DJ: Dash Entertainment / Spanish Guitars Bolero Soul / Transportation: Classic Car / Bride’s Gown: Vera Wang / Bride’s Shoes: Valentino
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what an amazing setting for dinner! and the tables are beautiful!
Hah!!! Seriously some weddings there are just no real words to do them justice.
Somehow &$@#*$ seemed to be the only way to express my utter delight. ;)
wow! elaine is dead on! so utterly romantic!
The chandeliers are amazing set against the beautiful scenery. I want her dress!
My face was literally glued to the screen. I wove off people who came to chat at my desk (one may have been my boss, uh oh). But this wedding was the definition of casual gorgeousness! Completely loved everything about it. I especially love that the bride and groom gave their guests such a fun activity in between the ceremony and reception. I personally hate that hours long pause in between!
I keep coming back to this post. It is simply stunning. I love all the little details, and the setting is just breath-taking. The table setting is amazing. Love everything. They definitely have a great sense of design and style. All the best and congratulations to the happy bride and groom!
I ditto Alex - my face was glued to the screen!
This is absolutely dreamy! I can't stop swooning! Everything- the setting, the dress and flowers!!
Not to be a spoilsport here - because this is a total eye-candy, but I do not think I'd want to be a guest at this wedding. Who wants to sit in their finest with their feet in the dirt eating? Bugs and such in all that grass, potentially in your food? Just not a realistic concept to me.
Its absolutely lovely and classy. (@ The thirty something bride: But I am certain it could get lost on people who are used to the cookie cutter wedding- Stick to good ole hilton hotel weddings, honey! No bugs there)
Stunning! I can't believe the chandelier hanging over the tables!! How amazing. And the desserts, mixed drinks, wine and cheese sound divine. Congratulations!!
The rural setting is actually quite beautiful!! I just passed by Solvang on my way back from Seattle to Cali!
The flower arrangements are stunning! They give the decor an old-fashioned, vintage vibe, I love it!
Gorgeous wedding. What more can I say. Every detail was amazing. What a wonderful setting for a wedding.
It's breathtaking!!
What a lovely outdoor wedding. The styling is impeccable.
I too was speechless as to the perfection of this wedding ...
WOW is all I can say. Beth Helmstetter really outdid herself. This is beyond gorgeous. It makes me want to get married again and have this exact wedding! LOVE!
I love Aaron Delesie!! And now I love him even more! Beth did such an amazing job! Sooooooo beautiful! The lovely description made me wish I was a guest....
Absolutely stunning...such a gorgeous tablescape set against the MOST dramatic mountain backdrop. Utterly charming from the striped straws to old-fashioned dessert buffet.
I totally love this.
I disagree with Thirth-SomethingBride... I wouldn't mind the bugs :) especially with such a gorgeous view and setting. However, I'd be panicking the whole month prior to the wedding hoping it didn't rain.
While I understand that this setting may not be everyone's idea of a perfect wedding I ADORE IT. And contrary to what 30something bride said, I would LOVE to be a guest at this wedding. The view and details of the wedding - just absolutely breathtaking. Of course, the dessert buffet table sealed the deal for me.
Cool wedding!
I am still simply blown away by this wedding. As if the first post wasn't enough to make me jealous. The shots of the chairs and tables with that beautiful mountain range and light are fantastic, as are the portraits!
So Jealous of all the fabulous outdoor weddings!! Not normally an option in Ireland unfortunately :(
I just have to say THANK YOU for this blog! I am a Swedish bride-to-be (June 11th 2011) and this blog is giving me so much inspiration, I love it! No Swedish wedding blogs can measure up so I am very happy to have made my way here :-).
ADORE this and that dress looks even better on her then it did online. I featured it awhile ago, but here it looks all the more stunning. Truly a dream come to life!
Nice country wedding! It's so beautiful. I just have one tiny concern though. Won't the horses smell from that close range. Sorry, couldn't help but think it :P
oh...my...god... cannot find the words to do this wedding justice
I was already in disbelief about the first post... but this looks even more surreal!!! Insanely beautiful!!! LOVE the photography!!!!!
Wow! This is a beautiful mountain wedding. I really like the idea of the theme being rustic looking. And my favorite picture of all is the one with the donkey!
I second Elaine's sentiments!! It's pure and utter wedding perfection!! Out of this world AMAZING!!! I want a do over!
Great photography and florist, but I really don't understand what the fuss is about.
Oh my goodness! The details are amazing! The chandelier is such a great piece!
I just went in to add some 'tags' to these images for the SMP photo galleries, and with each new image, came another, oh my gosh {or as elaine would say,"”holy freaking cow, this wedding is &$@#*$-ing gorgeous.” The epitome of rustic elegance!
This is a serious venue and one of the loveliest table set-ups I have ever seen!
I love the juxtaposition of the high-end style with the down- home vibe. It is definitely rustic elegance at its best.
Who is the designer of her veil? I love it!
Hi! Thank you for the kind words! I love this website and its so fun to see our photos on here! Ashley, the veil is by Erin Cole Couture. Best, Liz
Can I please be Beth Helmstetter when I grow up? Jeesh.
I think this is one of my very top favourites! It's wonderful! So old village rustic!