Aubree and KC have impeccable taste and style.  But don’t let that fool you into thinking that they aren’t some of the most fun, down-to-earth and kind-hearted people you will ever meet.  With incredible heart, a fabulous sense of humor and obviously madly in love, it was one of my favorite weddings (and couples) of my career, and I’m so pleased that they were one of the last weddings I produced before retirement from Santa Barbara Wine Country Weddings & Events*.

Because a picture is worth a thousand words, I thought I’d let the photos unfold their wedding day experience, with some light “planner’s notes” prior to each gallery below to point out some of the details of the creative design story.

As always, no event is a memorable experience without the event partner cast who pulled together to produce the masterpiece.  My heartfelt thanks to this fine cast of professionals:

Wedding Planning, Production & Coordination:  Santa Barbara Wine Country Weddings & Events:  Lead Kerry Lee Doehr with Associates Devyn & Alexis |  Venue, Catering, Wedding Cake,  & Pre-Wedding Day Spa/Massages:  The Ritz Carlton Bacara |  Rentals:  Ventura Rental Party & Events |  Specialty Lighting/Fabric Swag:  SPARK Creative Events | Floral Design:  Cody Floral Design |  Ceremony Music String Quartet:  Gavin Roy Presents | Cocktail Hour , Dinner and Post-Dinner Dancing and MCing:  Gavin Roy Presents |  Photo Booth:  Gavin Roy Presents | Exquisite Custom Guest Table Assignment Signs with built-to-order bases, table numbers, guest sign-in:  Brown & Co |  Hair/Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup |  Photography:  Willa Kveta Photography |  Officiant:  Rich Tobin

*Author’s note:  this wedding was pre-pandemic- we are just now getting around to doing their blog.  I blame (tongue in cheek) photographer Willa Kveta whose hundreds of images were so stunning because of her incredible talent, it was impossible to leave any on the “editing room floor” . This is why this particular post has taken me 2 years to produce. I finally had to jump in and just make the edits to get it produced. 

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Planner’s notes: Wedding days are demanding.  And at no other time will you need your hair and makeup to last long hours (photographs can start hours prior to ceremony start time) and done by a professional with professional-grade product, tools and savoir faire than on your wedding day.  TEAM Hair and Makeup knocks it out of the park every time.    And part of getting ready for the wedding day includes some traditions and rituals for both members of the couple where they enjoy time with those closest to them, sip some sparkling bubbly and have a little fun, too.

Planner’s notes:  Pre-ceremony photo session with FOB and MOB (for anyone not in the industry: “Father of the Bride” and “Mother of the Bride” provides some lovely keepsakes for a lifetime of reminders how special family really is.

Planner’s notes:  For the ceremony at Ocean View Bluff, we went very light on decor and did not do any chair upgrades – we let the view be the primary focus and put our focus on the reception experience.   Special string quartet through Gavin Roy Presents welcomed guests and the bridal party for a heart-felt and moving ceremony.

Planner’s notes:  After the ceremony, Aubree and KC escaped for some post-ceremony photo opps while  guests were welcomed back to the Ocean Terrace for a lovely view and cocktail hour featuring a full hosted bar and edible delights including: Mushroom Bruschetta with Olive Aioli, Pea Shoots & Shaved Asparagus, Thai Vegetable Spring Roll with Peanut Red Thai Curry Dipping Sauce;  Coconut Crusted Chicken with Red Thai Curry Skewers, as well as Fig and Goat Cheese Flatbread with Balsamic Glaze.

Planner’s notes:  After taking in the ocean and Channel Island views and savoring delicious food and beverage during cocktail hour, guests made their way up to the Rotunda to witness Aubree and KC’s first dance, then found their way out to the Rotunda Balcony to enjoy a sumptuous dinner (menu below) under the stars & glow of specialty lighting design with the sounds of crashing waves not too far off in the distance.  With Gavin Roy providing the perfect background ambiance and timely announcements, it was the perfect vibe to savor the menu we had worked so hard on and Chef and staff delivered so exquisitely.

While the wedding was in October, floral designer Laura Sangas of Cody Floral Design brought Aubree’s wish for a lighter, uber feminine spring touch (hey, no one says you have to have an Autumn theme just because your wedding is in Autumn) with a show-stopping to-the-floor garland for the head table, alternating statuesque centerpieces, soft candlelight, and SPARK Creative Events softened the entire outdoor space with sheer drapery, and lighting.  Brown & Co did two custom signs and made-to-order bases for either side of entrance to the dining area where guests found their name and table assignment (she also did the table numbers).

Planner’s notes:  One of the things I love about events at the Rotunda and Rotunda Balcony at The Bacara is that while dancing takes place in the Rotunda, just a few short steps out the Rotunda doors on the balcony, guests can return to their seats to continue to visit and enjoy dessert & coffee for a more quiet break while the dancing continues in the next room.  While the Rotunda is gorgeous with panoramic windows and vistas, we decided to soften it with draping, including billowing the ceiling, adding some “stars” with lights (SPARK Creative Events) and then brought in our own lounge furniture inside and outside with cozy fire table (for those who wanted more quiet fireside conversation), and uber elegant glassy all-white dance floor  (Ventura Rental Party and Events) which had Aubree and KC’s initials emblazoned  (SPARK Creative Events).  We didn’t neglect the bar or DJ station, either: DJ station was designed to complement the dance floor with specialty lighting, and the bar had corresponding  lighting and floral arrangements, which carried through the colors and vibe of the entire event.  I’ve found often designers neglect the band/DJ/bar areas, and they should always be part of the design as well.  Anywhere the guest ventures is part of the event experience and should be tended to, even if only a nod.

Planner’s notes:  Let’s talk cuisine.  We had so much fun at our tastings (I can’t believe I actually get to sample fine food, champagne and cake for a living!), and the Bacara delivered a perfect dining experience from the quality of cuisine to its presentation and delivery.  And we even arranged to have guests order table side  from a pre-determined menu  (unheard of for larger groups most of the time), so guests really had a personalized affair.  Aubree and KC’s Amazing Wedding Menu with table side wine service to complement the meal:  First Course: Shitake Mushroom Risotto, Asparagus Arugula Salad, Oyster Mushroom, Organic Poached Egg, Manchego | Second Course: Santa Barbara Market Greens Salad, Shaved Apples, Crisp Fennel, Candied Pecans, Tangerine, with lightly dusted Laura Chenel Goat Cheese and Green Goddess Dressing | Main Course – ordered tableside-  choice of: Braised Beef Short Rib, Beet Purée, Sautéed Rainbow Swiss Chard, Babe’s Farm Root Vegetables, Parsnip Crisps, Port WineDemi-Glace   or   Grilled Salmon, Roasted Garlic Potato Purée, Spanish Chorizo and Snap Pea Succotash, Meyer Lemon Aioli   or  Vegetarian Entrée:  Whipped Ricotta and Broccoli Ravioli, Tuscan Kale, Trumpet Mushrooms, Toasted Pinenuts, Arugula and Parsley Vichyssoise  |  Passed Late Night Snacks (because let’s be honest, after hours of drinking and dancing, there’s nothing better than a little greasy goodness): Angus Beef Sliders, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, & Crispy Shoestring Fries | Wedding Cake: Pound Cake with Fruit Mousse 

The celebrating continued late into the night with Gavin Roy keeping the fun and energy going for all (including his super fun Photo Booth).

We wish Aubree and KC the most magical adventure ever in their new lives together as husband and wife.  It was an honor to be brought into their lives to share this chapter and get to know them, their family and friends.