I’m absolutely smitten with this old world elegance editorial photographed by KT Merry and styled by Style Serendipity and shot on location in Ireland. How awesome are these Irish wolfhounds with their garland collars?

Castle Leslie is a fully functioning hotel and wedding location. I would seriously die and go to heaven if I got to a design a wedding here.

In keeping with the old world vibe, invitations were printed on pretty handkerchiefs, crown book marks served as favors, and lace up shoes from BHLDN captured the timeless feel.

A delicately beaded Jenny Packman gown added to the elegant feel…

Soft blooms such as peonies, roses, veronica, and astilbe made up the bride’s bouquet.

An elegant scroll nailed to an ivy covered tree serves as seating chart.

The ivy covered walls of the castle makes a beautiful background for the dinner table draped with a garland over lace and accented with velvet details.

Thanks KT for sharing this beautiful editorial!

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Last week me and my partners in crime, Samantha from could I have that and Kim, from Love Mikana, had a little girls night at one of Santa Barbara’s newest (and tastiest) restaurants, Arlington Tavern. Of course we had to get all glammed up (why not) and put on our best sparkly attire (you can see more about Sam’s outfit right here).

To add a bit more fun to our night out, I brought simply clipped flowers from my garden and Kim brought some adorable favors (more about that over on Love Mikana). Since Arlington Tavern’s logo is the crossed fork and knife, I styled the place settings accordingly.

We of course had to sample as many appetizers as possible… One of my favorites? The kobe beef hot dog… Best hot dog in Santa Barbara? I think so!

And the of course, what party wouldn’t be complete without mac n’ cheese. This dish is seriously perfect, I could have eaten the whole bowl by myself. And for some vegetarian friendly options, we ordered the heirloom tomato salad and the aspargus with deep fried poached egg. And yes, its as decadent and delicious as it sounds.

Of course, what would a birthday party be without some serious desserts? We shared with the lemon cake (super zesty and delicious) and my personal favorite, the warm espresso brownie with caramel sauce.

Special thanks to Arlington Tavern for hosting us! You can stop in and sample the mac n’ cheese (do it!) Monday through Saturday from 5pm to 10pm (closed Sunday). The Tavern has a regular sit down dinner menu and also a bar menu if you’re feeling just like some small bites. And, if you’d like to see more of our party, be sure to hop on over to Could I have that and Love Mikana. Party on!

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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!

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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!

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A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting a new beach house, Ocean Oasis, that is now available for weddings and vacation rentals. It can accommodate up to 60 guests and the house sleeps 8.

Located up on the Mesa, the view  is spectacular!

Some notes:

• Guests would need to be shuttled in as there is limited parking.
• Rentals could be delivered the day before if the house has been rented that day as a vacation rental.
• Catering would need to bring in a kitchen.
• Guests can use the bathrooms in the home.
• Amplified music is allowed & must be off at 10pm.
• Candles are allowed.
• You may book up to a year out.

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

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Last week I had the privilege of touring the newly renovated Villa de la Guerra. A historic estate, it feels like a miniature version of the Getty Villa and its proximity to the Mission can’t be beat.

Since its a historic property the owners would love to host rehearsal dinners and a handful of weddings a year.

The backyard features a beautiful pool and the surrounding lawn could accommodate up to 125 guests.The outdoor patio would make a lovely setting for a rehearsal dinner (one long table would be fun) or as the backdrop for a ceremony.

The indoor courtyard may be used for cocktail hour, though the rest of the house is off limits.

Guests could enter through the back gate, which would be a nice option if the ceremony was at the Mission (its literally across the street).

Some notes:

• Smoking is strictly prohibited on property.
• Bathrooms, catering kitchen and all rentals would need to be brought in.
• Additional lighting would need to be brought in.
• There is ample street parking, but valet is highly recommended.
• Candles are allowed in glass.
• Music must be off at 10pm.
• All trash needs to removed from the property at the end of the night.

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

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Finding a rehearsal dinner location can be hard especially when you don’t live in town. To help destination brides avoid tourist traps I will be featuring local restaurants that have good food and service.

To start this series I have to feature one of my favorite restaurants and actually where I held my rehearsal dinner, Arnoldi’s. It’s off the beaten path on Cota & Olive streets and is known for being a locals hang out. For events Arnoldi’s can accommodate 20 to 100 guests easily. The menu for rehearsal dinners ranges from $28 to $35 per person and included appetizers, salad, and two choices for the entree. Wine starts at $27 per bottle.
Parties can be held in the back room which features a large mural of Lake Como or outside on the patio which features two large bocce courts. The ambience is warm, friendly, and very relaxed. If you go, you must try their lasagna its sooo good.

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