Real Party: Mexican Fiesta Rehearsal Dinner

Kelly
May 14

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!


Wedding Chicks Editorial with Elizabeth Messina

Kelly
April 19

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.

Photographer: Elizabeth Messina
Floral Design: Kelly Oshiro Design
Hair & Makeup: Erin Skipley
Products: Wedding Chicks
Bride’s Dress: Lindee Daniel

Santa Barbara Location: Ty Warner Sea Center

Kelly
April 09

On Stearn’s Wharf is a little known venue, the Ty Warner Sea Center. Located at the end of the wharf it has a spectacular 360 degree view of the city, ocean, and islands. The location rental includes the Sea Center building, which can hold about 60 for a plated dinner and a huge private outdoor deck that can hold 300 or so. The outdoor deck is by far the most spectacular feature of this location, the view and the decor possibilities are endless.

The best part is that the rental fee is extremely reasonable, one of the lowest I’ve seen to date.

Some notes:

  • All rentals including a kitchen will need to be brought in.
  • Equipment delivery can be done the day before, but setup can’t occur until the day of the event and equipment must be picked up at the end of the event.
  • A/V system is available.
  • Dressing area for the bride is available.
  • Music can go until 11pm.
  • For events under 80 guests, parking is $8 per car.
  • For events over 80 guests, a shuttle will need to be brought in.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.


Location: Santa Barbara Historical Museum

Kelly
February 08


On the corner of De la Guerra and Santa Barbara streets is the charming Santa Barbara Historical Museum. An entirely outdoor location it features two lovely courtyards with bubbling fountains surrounded by an adobe cloister. The feel is very Santa Barbara-esque, relaxed, warm and inviting which would be perfect for a destination wedding.

Ceremony usually take place under the veranda.

Some notes:

  • The location can accommodate up to 300 guests with a dance floor.
  • Amplified music is allowed until 10pm.
  • Parking will need to be arranged separately.
  • All rentals will need to be brought in.
  • There is no kitchen on site
  • The grounds are not paved.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.


Location: Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens

Kelly
January 22

A hidden gem up Mission Canyon Road is the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens. A site that is not used a lot for weddings because there are numerous restrictions for events (it is a collection of rare plants) it is truly a one of kind venue. The main wedding location is the meadow which has an ocean view and in the spring time is a field of California poppies in beautiful gold and orange tones.

For pictures, there is red wood grove, a creek, and a ton of other options. For the couple that loves nature this is the venue for you.

Some notes:

  • Events must end by 9pm.
  • NO SMOKING is allowed anywhere on the property.
  • All rentals would need to be brought in, including kitchen.
  • Additional lighting is recommended.

Location: Santa Barbara Zoo

Kelly


The most popular location in Santa Barbara is the Santa Barbara Zoo. It is also very reasonable priced (though you should book early!). A site for ceremonies of up 250 or for reception of up 200, the Zoo has a variety of fun, wild locations to chose from. The Cabrillo lawn, for ceremonies, has a lovely view of the oceans and palm trees.

(more…)


Location: Santa Barbara Natural History Museum

Kelly

The Santa Barbara Natural History Museum is located right down the road for the Santa Barbara Mission and has a charming creek which runs through the property. A grove of Oak trees surrounds the rustic ceremony location that can seat up to 150 guests and is perfect for a woodsy, Santa Barbara Wedding.

(more…)