I’m going to start this post out by telling you one thing: I love Amy & Stuart Photography. And when I say I love them, I mean that I have been following their work for years and consider myself all kinds of crazy for their artistry. In other words, they are awesome… and the weddings they send our way? Equally as amazing. Which is why this breathtaking Santa Barbara affair has pretty much made my Wednesday. A sophisticated soiree planned to perfection by Sterling Social, it’s the lush blooms of Dolce Designs Studio mix and mingling with uber-elegant details and a gallery worthy of some serious praise. Join me there for more.
From Sterling Social…There is something naturally romantic about a Winter Wedding. It’s a festive time of year, the weather is crisp, and if you live on the East Coast you will happily ditch the snow for some possible sunshine in California! For Alli and Brad, there was no better time of year to invite their guests (many from out of town) for a cozy getaway to Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara. Kicking off the weekend with a fireside celebration overlooking the ocean, the wedding was shaping up to be warm and intimate.
Despite the days of rain leading up to their Saturday wedding, the actual day gave way to blue sky and sunshine that beamed brightly. While guests soaked up the sun poolside during the uncharacteristically warm day, Alli spent the morning getting her hair and make-up done in Bacara’s two-story private Residence.
Greeted with limoncello cocktails, guests were seated front and center for a dynamic sunset and sentimental Ceremony overlooking the water. In the Groom’s typical witty fashion, Brad made a hysterical grand entrance to Flo Rida’s “Good Feeling” and danced his way down the aisle. After a few laughs, the mood immediately shifted as Alli came into view. Floating down the lawn in a Vera Wang gown and carrying a simple peony bouquet, Alli was breathtaking. Laughing through tears during their handwritten vows, Alli and Brad had one of the most touching ceremonies we have ever witnessed.
The evening shifted from poolside cocktails to a magical outdoor dining experience on the Rotunda Terrace. Hundreds of glass orbs glowing with candlelight were strung above long, rectangular dining tables. Custom silver and white chevron runners accented the dark, rustic wood tables. Lush, feminine and colorful arrangements of beautifully structured roses, ranunculus, and hydrangea filled mica-wrapped and soft metallic vessels.
After dinner, everyone transitioned inside the Rotunda for dancing, lounging and some good ole fashioned fun at a photo station filled with endless props. Sweets were very important to our Bride, so an amazing dessert display equipped with shelves and various vintage-style cake stands offered various decadent mini desserts. After cutting into their signature “Beard & Lips” wedding cake, Alli and Brad joined their extremely energetic friends on the silver high gloss dance floor to dance the rest of the night away.
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Photography: Amy & Stuart Photography | Event Planning + Design: Sterling Social | Floral Design + Décor: Dolce Designs Studio | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Bacara Resort & Spa | Wedding Cake + Desserts: Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach Creamery | Ceremony + Cocktail Music: Ybarra Music | Reception Music: RedShoe (DJ T) | Cinematography: Shadow Films | Invitations + Printed Materials: Copper Willow Paper Studio | Specialty Cake Plates: Casa de Perrin | Lighting Design: Lighten Up, Inc. | Dance Floor + Rentals: Designer Event Rentals | Photo Booth: Lensley Automatic | Hair: Tammy Kranzo | Make-Up: Artistry by Danika | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Alterations + On-Site Dressing: A Stitch in Time