In the embrace of an autumn sunset, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara hosted a breathtaking wedding, where the enchanting Pacific Ocean stretched beyond sight. Skilled floral designer Louloudi Design wove an ethereal tapestry in shades of green and white, mirroring nature’s palette. Meticulous planning by Alegria by Design curated each moment with care, ensuring every glance and touch held significance. Captured in visionary photography by MICHAEL + ANNA COSTA PHOTOGRAPHY, imagery immortalized stolen glances, laughter, and promises, forming the heart of this enchanting union. With the ocean vista as a backdrop, love, and nature converged to form one show stopping wedding you won’t want to miss inside the full gallery.
When it comes to Matt and Ben’s destination Santa Barbara wedding weekend, it was all about honoring the family and friends that meant the most to them. From the Welcome Cocktail reception overlooking the ocean at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara to the last dance on the night of the wedding everything was absolute perfection. Matt and Ben wanted to be sure that the first they did on their wedding weekend was to truly thank everyone for coming. Which is why the first main event was a cocktail reception overlooking the majestic pacific ocean at the iconic Ritz Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Before even walking out to the reception, one could hear Ben’s magical laugh as he greeted each guest. Matt could be seen in deep conversation and between the two they weaved their way through each group making sure they felt seen and important.
After the Welcome Reception a smaller group made their way to downtown Santa Barbara to enjoy a smaller private Rehearsal Dinner. Key friends and family made heartfelt and often tearful speeches in that intimate setting. With the lights of the Arlington Theater glowing nearby and the hustle and bustle of Santa Barbara’s famous State St in the background, it added an element of the city to an otherwise resort-type weekend experience. When the morning of the wedding arrived, Matt and Ben chose to get ready together rather than be apart that day. They help each other with their ties and gave meaningful gifts. It was a peaceful setting apart from the wedding preparations and hubbub behind the scenes. As they spent time together and with family before the ceremony, it was apparent that their relationship with each other, as well as close family and friends, was paramount. The moment arrived for the ceremony, and surrounded by their guests, they said “I Do” under a beautiful Huppah with the crashing ocean waves behind in the distance. Cheers of congratulations could be heard, and the wedding party exclaimed, “L’Chaim” as the happy couple recessed down the aisle.
Guests enjoyed a beautiful ocean view cocktail hour as final prep was being made on the reception space for dinner. In the outdoor terrace off the main rotunda, flowers and greenery were flowing from every possible corner of the space. Candles glowed and every detail was impeccably places by Armando of Alegria by Design. As the night progressed, many moments of tenderness and joy were felt as the couple greeted their guests at each table, heard speeches and were embraced often with love. The final main event of the night was the couples choreographed first dance that received huge response and adulation from their guests, which in turn kicked off a memorable night of dancing and merriment. Matt and Ben’s wedding certainly was an evening for the books and a night to remember.
Photography: MICHAEL + ANNA COSTA PHOTOGRAPHY | Event Planning: Alegria by Design | Floral Design: Louloudi Design | Wedding Venue: Bacara Resort & Spa | Rentals: Town & Country