Considering the Groom works for Rachael Ray, it’s no surprise that the food at this fete was on point (the fantastic chef herself was even in attendance). But delicious dishes aside, every single aspect of this bash beamed. Wedding Kate orchestrated it all, from the bright blooms to the never ending parade of plates and Marianne Wilson snapped away; these pics are guaranteed to leave you hungry for more!
From Wedding Kate… When I first met with Katy and Andrew I knew they were special. They laughed easily and playfully yet had sharp senses of humor and impeccable taste. Katy obviously works in Public Relations (gorgeous AND smart) and Andrew works for chef, philanthropist and talk-show host, Rachel Ray. We talked about Chicago’s cold weather and how their Santa Barbara wedding was going to be a much needed spring retreat for their guests. We planned sweet thoughtful details, amazing food and dreamed about the warm evening festivities. But then came spring, and so came the rain. We were all shocked to feel the drops that morning, especially as our iPhones showed the chance of rain at 0%. We scrambled and unset the tables, the linens, the china. After a few prayers and rain dances, just before the invitation time, the rain subsided. We hustled and bustled and placed each item in just the right spot. Guests arrived to be welcomed by refreshments and live acoustic guitar, almost as though the poor weather had never happened at all!
The bridesmaids carried beautiful bouquets bursting with bright peonies and ranunculus, sweet silk ribbons trailed down and caught the wind perfectly. The groomsmen all had sprigs of the groom’s favorite herbs attached to their lapels.
The ceremony was set beautifully with a meandering aisle, sweet floral bunches and billowy white chiffon draping the alter. The celebration was officiated by the bride and groom’s best friend, a television producer from New York (yes, he is both of their best friend!). He had all the wit and humor one would expect from someone who works on some of TV’s most popular shows. Just as the ceremony ended and the couple turned to come down the aisle, a professional singer in the crowd popped up and surprised the couple with a flash mod-style serenade. The guests had all received (secretly!) the lyrics to one of the couple’s favorite songs and the group of 150 sang their best version of “All You Need Is Love.” Cocktail hour featured corn-hole boards with an artist’s rendition of the couple hand painted on them. Signature cocktails named after the bridal party were passed and appetizers from guest Rachel Ray were devoured almost as quickly as they came out of the kitchen. The wood dining tables were covered with handmade lace and burlap runners, crafted with love by the bride’s mother. Bright floral hues popped against the dark mahogany and gold accents. Short Ribs, Santa Barbara Rockfish, Mac n Cheese and Gourmet Green Beans were served family style and it was as delicious as it was abundant. Guests danced to Motown hits and drank from an authentic Spanish Porron, which provided some guests with entirely soaked outfits and lots of laughs. Flip flops and hoodies came out towards the end of the night to keep the dancing strong and to make sure all the Midwestern folks were warm on this cold, gusty evening. Guests walked to the after party but not before stopping at the Walking Taco Bar which consisted of all the traditional taco fixings poured into a bag of Fritos. Hot sauce was brought all the way from Chicago’s famed Mexican Restaurant, Antique Taco. Although they didn’t have their dream of a warm Santa Barbara wedding, the wedding they DID get sure was dreamy.
Photography: Marianne Wilson Photography | Event Planning: Wedding Kate | Floral Design: Camellia Floral Design | Catering: Duo Catering & Events | Lighting: Bella Vista Designs, Inc | Wedding Venue: Santa Barbara Historical Museum | Music: Gavin Roy