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!

Today I’m super excited to share this never before seen rehearsal dinner I designed and Jose Villa photographed. The client wanted a fun rehearsal dinner atmosphere and asked for a state fair theme. I ran with it and had Bella Vista make custom red and white cabanas for our food and drink booths. Custom chalkboard signs with custom decals were made, and I worked with Duo Events to create some upscale carnival food.

My favorite food that night was the duck confit corndogs. They were way, way too good! We also served french fries in newspaper cones and tray passed sweet tea. I even bought red and white striped ties for the caterer waiters to tie the whole look together.

For invitations, I worked closely with a paper designer here in Santa Barbara. We used hand set metal type for these letterpress invitations and Betsy Dunlap did the amazing calligraphy. The reply and transportation card were made of one piece that was perforated so guests could tear off their “admit one” ticket for their RSVP reply card.

For escort cards, I filled wood boxes with peanuts and tucked in the cards. Kerstin from Blue Magnolia accented the display with beautiful flowers in shades of red and white.

For the bar, I used Zephyr Tents farmhouse style bar. Behind it, I used Town & Country‘s candle wall to create a backdrop.

For dinner, I  used the farmhouse tables from Zephyr and overlayed them with custom red and white striped seersucker runners. A collection of vintage medicine, milk and soda bottles (that I collected over many months) were mixed with milk glass and held flowers such as red ranunculuses, dahlias, and straw flowers. Petite crab apples were also scattered about to add additional fall texture.

I scattered loose hay throughout the party to create that authentic state fair feel.  For the table numbers I made little flags and Betsy calligraphed the numbers on. They were then placed them in old soda bottles. Michael from The Flashdance spun country and rockabilly classics and totally completed the party vibe. Thank you to all the vendors that made this event a success!

About a month ago, Elizabeth called me and asked me if I wanted to do flowers for the Wedding Chicks product/fashion shoot. It took me about zero seconds to say yes!

I did a small table setup with Found Vintage Rentals pieces (Jeni was our fabulous stylist for the shoot) and used a color palette of peaches, pinks, and burgundies for the flowers.

Tricia Fountaine was kind enough to lend me her vintage china and silverware. The glassware I picked up the weekend before at an antique store. At each setting I placed a vintage ink well with a ranunculus. I have about 12 ink wells from around 1870 that were bought here and in England (they are dirt cheap over seas!).

Here are some of the adorable products by the wedding chicks that were photographed. I love the vintage style hankies and the adorable totes perfect for  a welcome bag. You can see more on Elizabeth’s blog here and on Wedding Chicks right here. And you can shop these adorable products right here.

This wedding editorial was designed by Ariel Yve and inspired by Ralph Lauren. Naturally a polo field made for the perfect backdrop (this is the same location that the royals played not to long ago).

For the tabletop design, rustic burlap was made feminine with an overlay of alencon lace from La Tavola Linen. To further play with texture, leather cord was used on the elegant paper invitations by Zenedia Designs.

For the wedding fashion, an elegant Ines de Santo dress was styled with a low chignon and Stella & Dot Jewelry.

For a bit of whimsy one cake display was set on a swing, while the other was placed on an elegant buffet with blue horse ribbons. Blue was also brought into the tabletop design with classic blue and white china. Thank you Ariel for sharing this inspiration and Michael & Anna Costa for the beautiful photos!

…Is just as gorgeous as everyone says. Happy Monday!

Photo by Michael Costa.

Location: Gainey Winery

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of touring a brand new estate, Las Montanas, which is avaliable for weddings and vacation rentals.

The property features stuning ocean, mountain and island views and sleeps 6 to 8 guests for overnight stays.

The property has a tiered backyard, so a smaller more intinmate celebration would work best here (under 80). However, there is a large flat lawn just down the driveway that could be used for receptions and ceremonies for up to 150.

This is the lowest tier, the view is amazing!

Some notes:

• all rentals need to be brought in- tables/chairs/etc
• catering kitchen needs to be brought in
• guests need to be shuttled to the property
• additional lighting and power is needed
• there is a getting ready area for the bride and groom
• bathrooms need to be brought in
• music must be off at 10pm

For more information visit Santa Barbara Exclusive Rentals.

Last week I had the chance to visit a brand new vacation rental and wedding estate called Bates Ranch House.

A historic home from the 20′s, the property sits on top of a knoll and has an amazing ocean and mountain views.

At the front of the house, is a large grassy lawn with stunning ocean views. It would make the perfect spot for a wedding ceremony and reception.

At the back of the house is a large lawn with mountain views and would be the perfect spot for cocktail hour.

The back lawn also has a lovely outdoor fireplace which would be the perfect relaxing spot after the party.

Some notes:

• all rentals need to be brought in- tables/chairs/etc
• catering kitchen needs to be brought in
• guests need to be shuttled to the property
• there is power at the site, you may need more depending on what you’re doing
• additional lighting is needed
• there is a getting ready area for the bride and groom
• bathrooms need to be brought in
• music must be off at 10pm

For more information visit Santa Barbara Exclusive Rentals.

Villa Sevillano is a gorgeous private estate avaliable for weddings and vacation rentals. Located in Carpinteria, the property sleeps 14 and can host up to 300 guests for a wedding.

To one side of the property is a pool area with formal garden beyond, this one make a lovely spot for ceremony and cocktail hour.

The most impressive part of this property, is the polo field that makes up the majority of the grounds of the house.

A large reception here is no problem!

In the house, there is a large basement area with pool table and built in bar. This would make a great casual after party spot. There’s also a gourmet kitchen, home theater (and I do mean theater) and music speakers setup in every room.

Some notes:

• there are two garages on either side of the property that catering kitchen could be created in.
• tenting is allowed, but it must use water barrels, not stakes
• candles are allowed in glass
• Music must be off at 10pm.
• additional lighting is a must
• You must bring in  a generator
• Valet parking is required
• A dumpster must be rented for all event garbage.
• No large trucks are allowed on the field, golf carts maybe used to ferry guests.
• A wedding planner is required.

For more information on pricing and availability contact Leia at Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals.

I love me a good barn, and the one at Rancho Dos Pueblos is a favorite. Orginally built in 1917, it features open sides (so you can see the surround ranch) and can seat 250 comfortably.

Ceremonies can take place just accross from the barn at this 300 year sequoia tree. I have a wedding taking place here next year and I cannot wait!

To see photos of a wedding at the barn check out these via Oncewed. You can contact the ranch here.

Some notes:

• All rentals- tables/chairs/linen need to be brought in
• Bathroom units need to be brought in
• A catering kitchen would need to be brought in
• There is some power to the barn, but a generator is required for most weddings
• Parking is available, though a shuttle is recommended.
• Music must be off at 10pm.

Rancho San Julian, located in the Santa Ynez Valley, is a new ranch avaliable for weddings and events. A historic ranch, it belonged to De La Guerra and his descendents still own the property and work the land.

The house is 150 years old and can sleep 2 overnight guests. To one side of the house is a large grape arbor that can be used for the ceremony, reception or cocktail hour (picnic tables can be moved if you like).

On the other side of the house, is a beautiful lawn with large trees. Again, ceremony, cocktail or reception can be held here (there are lots of options and room at the location).

There is also a great old barn on the property that can accommodate about 120 guests.If you’re looking for a ranch with an old California vibe this is definitely the location!

Some notes:

• Max guest count is 200.
• There are no restrooms on site and would need to be rented.
• Tables/chairs/linen/china need to be rented.
• Rentals can be delivered Friday and struck on Monday.
• A kitchen would need to be brought in.
• Power and lighting would need to be brought in.
• There is parking on site for vendors, but guests would need to be shuttled.