Tying the knot with the love of your life on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean sounds like something straight from a movie, but for this gorgeous bride and her dapper groom it wasn’t a fictional story on the big screen, it was a dream come true reality. One brought to life by the geniuses at Lady Liberty Events, who turned a private Santa Barbara estate into a serious wedding wonderland, nightclub included. Jeff Newsom was on hand to capture every moment and when I tell you you’ll be drooling over every last image, I am not exaggerating. (Seriously.) Click here for so much more and then stay tuned for an amazing film from Hello Super Studios below.
From Lady Liberty Events… Having worked with this bride on her 40th birthday, I was so pleased to receive the call that she met the man of her dreams and couldn’t wait to tie the knot. Marla and Edwin said they wanted a chic, very family-friendly, romantic and natural-style wedding… her main request was NO FLOWERS. With that, the thought of a sunset wedding surrounded by candlelight could not have been more perfect. We located the perfect spot in Santa Barbara at a Cape Cod-style house on the bluff with a backyard area that was a designer’s delight. We knew when walked in that this was THE spot. Edwin who was born in the Dominican Republic, and Marla a Canada native (both who live in Los Angeles now) have family who live all over. So we had to locate a place that could house 18 guests for the weekend and then another location close by (walking distance was preferable) for another 15 family members. And wouldn’t you know… there was house 5 doors down that was available for that weekend. Again… this spot was meant to be!
With the location set, it was time to start designing, and at Lady Liberty, it’s the details that really count. Our goal was to transform this house into four areas without the guests ever knowing. For the ceremony, we designed the perfect chuppah overlooking the glistening ocean, accented with oodles of hanging votives and a walkway lined with groupings of floating candles fluffed with peach rose petals. The wedding party walked down the aisle just as the sun was setting, so that once the ceremony was halfway through, everyone was enjoying the flickering candle light all around them. ONE of ceremony highlights was when the bride and groom lit their unity candle, and the flame from this candle was passed along to each guest to light the mercury votive that was placed on each of their chairs. When Marla and Edwin walked back down the aisle as husband and wife, all of the guests held thier candles up high helping the bride and groom glow in their new unity. It was simply gorgeous. Guests made their way to the front of the house for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and enjoyed the smooth sounds of a solo sax player playing romantic Latin songs. While this was happening, we were transforming the ceremony area into dinner. Guests were seated to and enjoyed a family-style dinner of local and seasonal fare created by the talented Gabrielle from Seasons Catering. While guests ate dinner, made toasts and listened to the Latin jazz emanating from the chuppah, we were once again transforming the living room area into a chic nightclub.
After dinner was complete, guests were called into the night club, where the vibe was sexy and dark with purple and amber lighting effects, a dance floor, and the band set up on a stage ready to get these folks dancing! After Marla had made a quick wardrobe change into a sleek and sexy Oscar de La Renta dress, Edwin led her onto the dance floor to do their sultry Bachata. You couldn’t keep your eyes off of them. Guests joined them after for a quick Hora, and they all danced the night away. Once the dinner table was cleared, we opened the drapes and created lounge vignettes with crystal ball chandeliers hanging overhead for guests to relax their feet. An entire dessert room was set with an assortment of mini sweets and a fresh berry bar all displayed on vintage crates and cake stands. They opted to not get a wedding cake as they wanted to have a bunch of different and delicious goodies to offer! The love that this couple has for each other is almost contagious. Marla and Edwin had an amazing wedding, and I know this because they both pulled me aside afterwards with tears in their eyes to thank me for helping them create the best day of their lives … thus far!
Wedding Photography: Jeff Newsom / Wedding Venue: A Private Estate via Santa Barbara Beach Club in Santa Barbara, California / Event Design: Lady Liberty Events / Wedding Planning: Liberty Woodman of Lady Liberty Events / Floral Design: Ambient Event Design / Wedding Cinematography: Megan Hill of Hello Super Studios / Catering: Seasons Catering / Wedding Invitations: Lehr & Black / Music: Iliana Rose Band / Lighting: The Lighter Side / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Chuppah + Lounge Furniture: Revelry Event Designers / Wedding Dresses: Monique Lhuillier + Oscar De La Renta