The moment I met Charlotte I fell in love. And so did every event supply partner producing her Santa Barbara Four Seasons Biltmore wedding. Her (now) husband, Kevin, dazzled us too with his sparkling eyes and love for Charlotte and the two of them truly renewed my love in why it is I am in this industry of weddings.
The main reason I am in the wedding industry may surprise you. It is not because I’m a die-hard romantic and live vicariously through creating fun and beautiful events for my clients (although that is a part of it). The leading number one reason I am in the wedding planning industry is because of my love of family. I interview my potential clients very carefully and during the interview process listen to what is important to the bride and groom. The number one thing I listen for is their love of family or wanting to make this a day to remember for themselves- and their families. Charlotte and Kevin were all about their love of their family. And they chose one of the area’s number one choices for a destination Santa Barbara wedding: The Four Seasons Biltmore.
With their blended backgrounds hailing from the Mid West, East Coast and now living and working in California and loving southern cuisine, we wanted to create a menu that honored the guests that would be coming from these parts and blend it with some fun, personal touches that reflected Charlotte and Kevin. What resulted were the following special touches and infusions:
Guests were greeted at the ceremony site on Monte Vista Lawn about an hour prior to ceremony start time with music (guitarist provided by AMS Entertainment) special lawn games and pre-ceremony refreshments including Watermelon Aide and Berry Lemonade. Arriving guests also had the opportunity to fill out a fun trivia questionnaire with multiple choice answers on how much they knew the bride and the groom (answers would earn winners prizes later during dancing at the reception). After the ceremony, guests were escorted over to La Pacifica Ballroom Terrace, the exquisite wedding location that is actually on the ocean with quintessential Santa Barbara views. While the sun was setting, Charlotte and Kevin’s guests were welcomed with two custom signature drinks that we had made just for them : A Santa Barbara Sangria and the Montecito Mojito while they enjoyed the crashing waves, views of the Channel Islands, firebowls (provided by Ventura Rental Party Center), Southern California chips, fresh salsa and guacamole, lounged in romantic cabanas (designed by Ventura Rental Party Center with hanging chandelier lighting by LBPS Events) taking in the ocean views and savored a fun candy bar, which showcased framed family photos. When it was time for dinner, the Grand Reveal into La Pacifica Ballroom showcased cool ocean colors of blue, teal and fresh crisp whites to blend with the outdoor setting. Specialty uplighting inside and outside the ballroom by LBPS Events added a lovely “glow” factor and Laura Cogan from Passion Flowers added floral decor fitting for an elegant summer Santa Barbara beach wedding celebration at a world-renowned wedding location.
The Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara staff was impeccable. Every staff member made it their business to take care of whatever was necessary to ensure the success of the event. The custom-created dinner buffet included stations from Charlotte and Kevin’s heritages and favorites, celebrating several parts of our country: MidWestern Station: BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs Carved to Order, Coleslaw, Garlic Rosemary Mashed Potatoes, Double-Baked Potatoes, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Pesto Grilled Summer Vegetables, Salad Bowl Station with Greens and Fresh Toppings and Dressings; Southern Station: Hushpuppies with Thousand Island and Honey Mustard; Southern Grits and Shrimp, Creole Style Roasted Chicken, Pepper Stew, Polish Sausage, Mini Crab Cakes, Romoulade, Iceberg Lettuce, Warm Biscuits, Peach Jam, Butter, Green Beans, Tasso Ham and Carmelized Onion; Southern California Station: Roasted Tomato Soup with Local Goat Cheese, Butter Lettuce, Avocado and Strawberry Salad with Candied Pistachios and Pickled Shallots; Fish Tacos with Green Salsa, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Flour and Corn Tortillas, Cabbage, Prosciutto-wrapped black cod, Meyer Lemon Puree, Wheat Berry Raisin Salad.
Later on in the evening, we passed out s’more kits (also favors) for guests, who were encouraged to come and roast their own s’mores out under the stars overlooking the ocean in the firebowls. After dancing the night away with AMS Entertainment’s amazing DJ, Charlotte surprised Kevin by singing him a song and guests were treated to some passed late night snacks including mini-buckets of fried chicken as well as a dessert station with cupcakes provided by Vanilla Bake Shop. The bride looked stunning from start to finish, thanks to her own glow and the talent of TEAM Hair and Makeup services bringing it out and the day was captured on film by Janey from Mary Jane Photography as well as IQ Videography.
Charlotte and Kevin shone- they were the perfect hosts to all their guests who adored them. And for all of us who had the honor to work with them in the year prior to their wedding, believe me when I say that there is nothing that we would not do for this special couple. We wish them every blessed happiness and joy in their new journey together as husband and wife. May others find inspiration in their love story and what marriage is truly about, for it is in how they each are as individuals that has made them who they are as a couple.
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