If you are looking for a feature on an opulent wedding that included a 5′ tall wedding cake, three gown changes for the bride and a 10-course meal with trapeze artists, this is not that wedding.  But if, however, you want a genuine, grass-roots, heart-centered wedding that celebrates love, family and includes a quintessential Santa Barbara experience, then this wedding story is for you.

Cristina and Mark originally came to me for my mobile wedding planning tour for two.  This initial consultation was a customized tour of Santa Barbara wedding venues that matched their budget and event vision.  Turns out, they found their ideal wedding location on our 2nd site visit that very day.  Cristina and Mark were my favorite type of clients and because of their vision, make my work effortless.  Their sole goal was to keep the wedding small and only include immediate family and some very close friends.  They wanted to invest in an “experience” for their guests that showcased Santa Barbara and its unique Spanish heritage, and in doing this, allow them the opportunity to spend quality time with each guest the whole time. 

We decided on a ceremony at the Santa Barbara Courthouse (without a reservation or fee— yes! It can be done and is especially suitable for those couples whose wedding size is very small, who can be flexible on location, whose ceremony is so short, they do not need rentals such as chairs for their guests or have decor or music).  Following the ceremony, guests boarded for an epic tour of Santa Barbara which ended up in the water (deliberately).  The LandShark is a bus and boat in one and a highly fun and memorable way to enjoy Santa Barbara and all she has to offer.  After the tour, guests were dropped off at the historic landmark:  the El Paseo Restaurant for mariachis, margaritas, merry-making and happily-ever-after.

Congratulations, Cristina and Mark!  It was a pleasure planning and pulling together your dream Santa Barbara wedding experience and making it happen within your spending plan.

Special Touches:  Pashminas were gifts from the bride to guests;  the groom’s father who was ill was able to be Facetimed during the vows and was indirectly a part of the heart and soul of the entire wedding day.

Event Partners:   Ceremony Location:  Santa Barbara Courthouse  |  Santa Barbara Land and Sea Tour:  LandShark |  Dinner:  El Paseo Restaurant |  Mariachis:  Ybarra Music  |  Florals:  Dulce Floral Design | Wedding Cake:  Christine Dahl Pastries |  Photography:  Michael Adams