Montecito is one of the prettiest spots on the west coast. So much so, that it probably doesn’t even need decoration to pull off a gorgeous wedding. But when you incorporate details like fresh garlands by Stephanie Grace Designs and a dapper cigar lounge planned by Central Coast Memory Makers, well let’s just say that Montecito is on a whole new level of elegant. See all of Élan Klein’s gorgeous images right here.
From the Bride… Andrew and I met in Los Angeles but we both grew up in the Northeast, so many of our family and friends were visiting from New York. We really wanted to make our wedding a weekend getaway for our guests and decided on what we both felt was one of the most idyllic spots in California – Montecito. I had my mind set on an Estate venue, as I really wanted a canvas that we could make our own. We immediately fell in love with Butterfly Lane Estate and Bonnie the owner, whom was accommodating to our every need. The proximity of the Estate to the Four Seasons allowed for most of our guests to stay at the hotel and was the perfect venue for our after party and Sunday Brunch.
I will always remember the special moments shared with my mom and bridesmaids at my beautiful bridal suite at the Four Seasons. My something new was a beautiful pair of diamond earrings that my mother gave me, and my borrowed was an awesome vintage cocktail ring belonging to my grandmother that I have admired for years.
Bonnie’s property (Butterfly Lane Estate) is incredibly breathtaking and the gardens are so lush and vibrant (years ago the property was actually a butterfly sanctuary). I really wanted our guests to be able to take all of its beauty in, and therefore opted for a neutral color palette. My bridesmaids wore blush colored Monique L’huillier dresses of their choice and our groomsmen wore midnight blue suits. Blush, ivory and gold were used throughout the reception to create a subtle elegant look against the vivid green backdrops.
There were so many special features about the property and I wanted to use them all. We had our groomsmen enter form the top of the estate, where they walked down a short path through the gardens to the ceremony area. A third story balcony was both aesthetically and acoustically perfect for our string trio and I entered from the bridal suit where by bridesmaids protected the guests view with paper umbrellas.
Our ceremony was traditional in many ways but our officiant was spectacular and read a short tribute to our parents that Andrew and I had prepared. We asked that our guests leave us a note on vintage California postcards that my Matron of Honor then mailed to us. We received those for weeks after our wedding making the memories last beyond just the day. Our guest table also displayed wedding pictures of our Grandparents, as we really wanted a way to incorporate their memory into our wedding.
Elan Klein, our photographer, was so thorough and had worked with us on a detailed formal group portrait list. Most important to me was the moment I left the altar with Andrew and gave my Dad a farewell kiss. Not only did Elan nail it, she was able to capture the emotion. For me, having moments like this captured forever was priceless.
Ashley Transki, one of the co-owners of Duo, was incredibly knowledgeable and patient and made our menu truly unique to our taste. His passion for local ingredients and impeccable service made Duo a perfect fit. Staying local, we wanted our guests to have something to remember our day and the flavor of Santa Barbara, so, on yet another weekend trip we made our way to Santa Barbara Olive Oil Company to source their local olive oil. With the help of my Matron of Honor and Andrew, we custom monogrammed bottles and affixed thank you notes for guests to take home. Guest welcome bags were also filled with Santa Barbara brewing company coffee and California Pistachios.
Dinner service opened with our first dance, Nat King Cole’s L-O-V-E, and a foxtrot that Andrew and I had been practicing for weeks. After much stress, we managed to pull it off without a hitch. Guests danced to the band throughout the evening and were invited for post dinner “Chocolate and Champagne” and “Cigars and Bourbon” on the balcony. My mother and sister (Matron of Honor) organized the most sensational end to the evening with all of our favorite things. Guests sipped on champagne and Bourbon and gathered around the crackling fire – illuminating a perfect California Fall evening.
Photography: Elan Klein | Event Planner: Liz Brown | Floral Design: Stephanie Grace Designs | Cake: Wayne Kjar Cakes | Invitations: copper willow paper studio | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Catering: Duo Catering & Events | Band: Wayne Foster Music & Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Ralph Lauren | Officiant: Jon Ireland | Transportation: Santa Barbara Airbus | Bridal Gown: Oscar De La Renta | Bridal Makeup And Hair: Design Visage | Bridal Suite: Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis | Bridesmaids Makeup And Hair: TEAM Hair and Makeup | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Butterfly Lane Estate | Chocolate Bar: Chocolate Maya | Flower Girl's Dress: Isabelle Garreton | Guest Gifts: Sb Olive Co | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Town And Country | Signage & Seating Charts: Flaire Designer | Wine: Beckmen Vineyards