I’m a big fan of a hosting a large rehearsal dinner. And this one, is well, awesome. Held at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum the understated fiesta vibe, is elegant, and oh so fun.

A muted palatte of taupes and creams is given a distinctive fiesta flair with shots of turquoise and bolsa wood flowers that are a twist on the colorful paper flowers usually used for this kind of look.

Of course, if you’re going to throw a proper fiesta, you need a really good mariachi band to set the mood. Add in a menu of delicious tacos and churros and you’ve got the makings of one successful party.

Did I mention, the churro situation? I’ll take one!

You guys know how much I love a short wedding dress, and this dress is quite simply adorable.

Paired with a cute bob and head band (how sweet is that!) and the prettiest shoes, I would say this is one look I would steal in a heartbeat.

Classic black and white is always a safe way to go if you want to make sure your wedding or home design holds up over time. Add in a dash of taupe for warmth and stripes and polkadots and you’ve got an element of fun in your otherwise classic look. Would you consider black, white and taupe?

This wedding has a special place in my heart… The bride, Elizabeth was an absolute pleasure to work with and this wedding was among the last weddings I planned… Tricia Fountaine created the amazing designs in collobration with Elizabeth who created many special touches herself. The groom, Jaime was a total sweetheart– the two had a pretty amazing choreographed first dance which was so very romantic…

Elizabeth wore a beautiful Claire Pettibone dress and Tricia created a beautiful bouquet of peonies, roses, blue thistle, millet, and jasmine.

The ceremoy was held under Rancho Dos Pueblos’ three hundred year old sycamore tree. Old barn doors were staked to create an entrance (found on the ranch) and decorated with flowers. Old church pews were used for guest seating and chandeliers were hung assymetrically at the front of the ceremony area.

The bridesmaids were dressed in different dresses in shades of blue and the groomsmen wore classy gray suits. Photos were taken all over the ranch, including under the huge alley of morton bay fig trees at the Casa and at the greenhouse.

Another found piece from the ranch, served at the table for seating cards. And old bread tin filled with acorns (a nod to the couple’s southern roots) was filled with scrolls featuring quotes from the couple’s favorite poems and songs.

For the tabletop design we used Tricia’s extensive collection of fine china. The bride made lace runners for some of the long tables and napkins were Tricia’s vintage hankies.

Vintage piano shawls graced some of the tables, and a large cotton wreath grounded the back wall of the reception.

Instead of a traditional coffee table, a large tea time table was designed. Linens from La Tavola were hitched up and tulle layered beneath.

Food was very important for this couple, cheese plates were set on each table for guests to snack on. Honey from the ranch served as favors and featured tea stained tags made by Elizabeth. Shots of Jameson were passed out right after toasts to get the dance party started. Congratulations again to Elizabeth & Jaime!

I keep day dreaming of escaping to a little spot in the French countryside, and perhaps staying in an old castle.

Or a manor home surrounded by vines…

The rooms would have fabulous fire places and cozy day beds for reading…

And a garden terrace, perfect for flower arranging and al fresco dining…

I love this bride, Amanda’s, wedding day style…. Awesome shoes with a classic but slightly casual wedding gown, what could be better for a winery wedding?

Amanda wore her family heirlooms for jewelry, her great grandmother’s crystal bracelet and earrings. To incorporate something from her parent’s wedding, lace from her mother’s dress was wrapped around her bouquet. To complete the look, a simple bird cage veil added a vintage touch.

How simply stunning are the florals by Modern Day Design? Garden roses, ranunculus, berries, oh my… I particularly love the elegant water bottles (no ugly water pitchers here) and the chair treatment with olive branches is quite simply perfect.

I love the simple arrangement of ranunculus, mint and berries (mint is one of my favorite greens to use in flowers, it smells sooo good). And can we talk about the flatware? Obsessed. Its the bride’s grandmother’s silver, gorgeous no?

Since the couple wanted more of a dinner party feel, a record player played music, while guests feasted and ate homemade desserts (the groom’s brother made the macarons).

At the end of the night, the couple set some sky lanterns (basically a mini hot air balloon) up and away… What a stunning way to end the night…

From the bride, Tamara:

Today’s stunning wedding was designed by the bride, Tamara, and photographed by Beaux Arts Photographie.

The beautiful flowers by Camille at Modern Day Design incorporated cafe au lait dahlias, pink veronica, succulents and silvery brunia.

The accessories for the wedding day are too die for! Lace from the mother of the bride’s wedding dress was used to make Tamara’s garter, such a sweet way to incorporate her family’s heirlooms.

Tamara’s present to her groom, Roland. A beautiful watch…

The simple ceremony was held at Butterfly Beach under an arbor the groom made. Bird seed packets were set out for guests to toss…

I love Tamara’s Enzoani wedding dress, the lace is to die for and the simple fingertip veil is the perfect accent… Stay tuned for part two, the reception!

One pair is never quite enough…

As an art history major, I always loved the grace and beauty of classic statues…

Now that I design weddings, I love the idea of using them in a wedding ceremony decor or as an extra touch during cocktail hour…

I think they look best in a garden setting, but an elegant ballroom with great architectural detail could work too… Would you consider using statues for decor?