Okay, wedding warriors. You’re going to need to sit down for this next beauty. It’s Part I of one of the most spectacular weddings I’ve ever seen…taking the concept of a Barn Wedding to an entirely new level of gorgeous. We’re talking full on glam with details that would make even the most critical wedding connoisseur swoon. Designed by Sonia Hopkins of XOXO Bride and photographed to perfection by Braedon Flynn…this wedding just jumped the SMP charts and is officially holding the #1 spot. Click here to cheat and see the whole shebang.
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My experience with Rachel & Ray began with a small crush on them both. Rachel, a beautiful, talented, smart entrepreneur wanted a wedding from a very unique perspective that she, Ray and their guests would enjoy. Ray, a quick-tongue, methodical thinking, handsome Irish chap, wanted a wedding comfortable and elegant for his bride to be. Both found what they were looking for in Rancho Dos Pueblos, a private beach and estate on the coast of Santa Barbara.
Rachel and Ray chose the posh Bacara Resort & Spa for their accommodations. Her gown, a Jim Hjelm, completely embodied Rachel’s stunning beauty. She wore it with grace. For her bridesmaids, a frilly ABS by Allen Schwartz, styled them whimsically yet elegant. The bride hand-made her ladies bird cage veils that accompanied their dresses perfectly. Did I mention Rachel is talented?! Rachel a self professed shoe addict, had bought her shoes years before she had met Ray knowing they were “the” shoe she would wear on her wedding day.
The inspiration to the décor and design of their wedding was “Let my love open the door” with a rustic meets Versace twist. The couple had scouted out two large iron gates which were propped tall in length, dressed in bougainvillea and used as the backdrop to their ceremony vows. They had also found a 13 ft window frame extracted from a home in Egypt which we in turn used as a door way the bride walked through and down her aisle. Rustic church pews were mixed with Chiavari chairs to seat their guests giving the overall theme of a beautiful and unique outdoor church. Rachel and her bridesmaids were transported literally to the aisle doorway on Santa Barbara’s classic Trolley.
Vendor Credits: Wedding Design & Coordination: XOXO Bride / Photography: Braedon Photography / Venue: Rancho Dos Pueblos / Bakery: Christine Dahl Pastries / Wedding Gown: Jim Hjelm / Catering: SBB Gourmet Catering / Floral Design: Nico Designs / Videography: Russell Fowler / Hair & Makeup: The Studio Agency / Invitations: Wrapsody Invitations / Lighting: Ambient / Ceremony Music: All Occasions Entertainment / Reception: DJ Mark / Officiant: Rev. Matt Ryder / Rentals: Town & Country, Gazebo Plants & Flowers, Coast Cart, Marborg Industries, La Tavola / Transportation: Santa Barbara Trolley and Classic Motoring Car Rentals / Valet: BlueStar Parking / Wedding Accommodations: Bacara Resort & Spa