Being able to say I Do at a friend’s property in their home city of Santa Barbara (where he’s an appraiser and she’s a curator at the art museum) was pretty special for Julia + Mike. Not only was it personal and intimate, but it totally embodied the city with its killer views and garden vibe. There’s a most romantic tree for vow-reciting under, even. Just scroll through all the photos Cara Robbins shared to see…
Cara says, J + M wanted a wedding that was laidback and that would allow them to enjoy being with family and friends. They had custom made wedding rings and Julia’s mom handmade soap as a favor to all the guests. Julia’s good friend and amazingly talented florist Tracey of ella & louie did a beautiful job with getting tons of garden roses and having all the flowers feel very wild and natural. She also made her a flower crown that she put on after the ceremony. Delicious comfort food was made by Om Sweet Mama as well as a coconut cake!
The tree. Told ya! And isn’t Julia’s vintage wedding dress the prettiest? It was custom made in Pasadena in the 70s and given to her by a close friend.
Not a bad spot to hang with 70 of your family members and closest pals, eh?
We used a hand-drawn agave sketch as our “theme” piece on invites, menus, etc., and had air plants and succulents along with homemade soap at table settings as party favors. This fit in with the style of the evening garden party we had with lots of greens and whites. We felt it fit not only us as lovers of the outdoors but it really embodied the spirit of Santa Barbara where we live and play.
Julia’s fave moment: Just before walking down the aisle. And Mike’s? Julia walking down the aisle as monarch butterflies were released by her mom + sister-in-law.
Lastly, we got a bit of practical planning advice c/o the groom… Make a list, keep a budget, and don’t be afraid to go for better-cost options on things that aren’t that important or critical. Be nice to each other as you go through it. Whoever is the A-Type, remember to say, “That’s a great idea, I’d go for that.” And the B-Type, it’s easier not to combat the alpha. “Yes dear, whatever you want.” In the end none of it is worth fighting over. It’ll all work out.
Photographer: Cara Robbins / Venue: Private Residence in Santa Barbara / Event Coordination: Hilary MacDonald & Ann Johnson of Ann Johnson Events / Florist & Flower Crown: Tracey of ella & louie / Hair: Salim from Walter Claudio Salon / Makeup: Tomiko Taft / Invitations & Paper: Stationery Collection of Montecito & Crane & Co. / Cake & Catering: Om Sweet Mama / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Linen: La Tavola / Music: Gavin Roy / Bride’s Dress: Custom by a Pasadena dressmaker in 1975 – gift from a close friend / Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo / Veil & Garter: Mercedes Trump / Wedding Bands & Earrings: Paula Bailey Brent of Sebastopol, CA / Groom’s Suit: Pronto Uomo in Postman Blue / Boots: John Fluevog / Groomsmen Suits: Mens Wearhouse
