Santa Ynez, California Wedding from Joy de Vivre + Michael & Anna Costa

Classic romance, it never fails me. It's the one element that I am drawn to time and again. And though that classic can take many, many forms there are a few key details that seem to be woven into my long list of much loved affairs. A blushing Bride, a dress so pretty it hurts, reception details that are all at once fresh and beautifully timeless. And these details come at the hands of a team of wildly talented vendors including design by Joy de Vivre, flowers by Kelly Kaufman and breathtaking images by Michael & Anna Costa. Oh and a film to wrap it all up by Lola Film & Video. This is the total package from beginning to end and you can see so much more here.

From the Bride... Mason and I met in the summer before his senior year and my junior year of high school through a mutual friend. He asked me out three times before I reluctantly agreed, and for our first date he took me swing dancing. I decided I liked him a little bit. On our second date, he took me to see the movie “Ever After.” I decided I liked him a lot. We became inseparable. We spent a short time apart during his time at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo and my time at UC Santa Barbara, but I never got over my high school sweetheart. We fell in love for the third and final time on a trip to Magic Mountain. When he won me that stuffed Sponge Bob, he also won my heart. After 14 years of dating (he's a a bit of a slow-mover), Mason proposed in our dining room on the morning of January 22, 2012. We were just about to leave for church, and as I reached down to grab my purse, he reached for me. When I turned around, allegedly with an annoyed look on my face, he was down on one knee with a ring. He said, “will you marry me?” and I responded, “thank you!” He correctly assumed that meant "yes."

When deciding where to get married, we considered many different options all over California, but ultimately decided on the beautiful Santa Barbara area. It was our fabulous wedding planner, Joy, who showed us the incredible Sunstone Villa, and it was love at first sight. We were also lucky enough to have historic Mission Santa Inés just down the road in Solvang, and when we first saw the church, we knew it was us. Coincidentally, we are from a small Swedish town so when we visited Danish Solvang, we felt right at home!

As an interior designer, I was naturally very excited about the design of the wedding. The design inspiration came largely from my Jenny Packham wedding gown: romantic with a touch of vintage. A soft, neutral palette against the beautiful stone of the Villa, along with the amazing vineyard views, set the mood for an unforgettable evening. Food was a top priority and Duo Catering nailed it! I still dream about that deep fried poached egg! When the sun set and the dancing began, Stew and the Crew rocked the house and had us dancing all night long, or at least until we moved indoors for the after party! The entire day felt like a wonderful dream. I know it's cliché, but it really was the best day of my life...so far!



Wedding Photography: Michael & Anna Costa Photography / Ceremony Venue: Old Mission Santa Inés in Solvang, California / Reception Venue: Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez, California / Wedding Planning + Design: Joy de Vivre / Floral Design: Kelly Kaufman Floral Designs / Wedding Cinematography: Lola Film & Video / Wedding Invitations: Lazaro Press & Design / Wedding Catering: Duo Catering & Events / Band: Stew and the Crew / After Party DJ: Gavin Roy Presents / Lighting: Bella Vista Designs / Wedding Dress + Bridal Headpiece: Jenny Packham / Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Matron of Honor Dress: Amsale / Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN / Hair: Lindsey Manos (Friend of Bride) / Makeup: Ashley of LunaBella Makeup and Hair / Flower Girl Dresses: Monsoon UK / Flower Girl Headpieces: Glam House / Tuxedos: Black by Vera Wang via Men's Wearhouse / Linens: La Tavola Linen