Nothing like a romantic California winery wedding to get us way too hyped about spring. Santa Barbara is halfway between Whitney + Johns’ childhood homes, which immediately made Sunstone Villa a great venue. Plus, the wine, the trees, and the subtle elegance = the perfect atmosphere to gather with 200 guests. Thanks to Annie McElwain for sharing these images with us!
Whitney’s Monique Lhuillier gown had delicate spaghetti straps with a fitted lace bodice and a silk tulle skirt with floral lace appliqué. So lovely with Joanna August ‘maids, too.
Whitney’s story… There are so many important decisions that go into a good relationship and a good wedding, and, from the start, John and I have been wholeheartedly decisive about each one. We met in 2012 at a Christmas party and, minutes after meeting, I confessed to my best friend that I loved John. While the statement was tongue-in-cheek at the moment, we quickly did fall in love, build a home together, and two years to the day after meeting, we got engaged hours before returning to that same Christmas party, where we celebrated our engagement. Decisions were easy for the two of us. We fit perfectly.
These two were big on hiring vendors that they would also really want to spend time with, so Annie McElwain Photography + Maren Parsons Events totally fit the bill.
The best wedding secret I learned throughout our 19 month engagement is that planning a wedding is both fun and easy when you surround yourself with wonderful people that you adore. I had a groom who cared deeply about the wedding, a mom with impeccable taste who helped me with every detail, a wedding planner who came to feel like family, and incredible vendors who both knew how to listen and enlist their own creativity to design a day more beautiful than we ever could have imagined.
Film by Artisan Production.
Cheers!
Photographer: Annie McElwain Photography / Videographer: Artisan Production / Venue: Sunstone Villa, Santa Ynez, California / Event Planning: Maren Parsons / Florist: Moon Canyon / Hair: Sheila Raye Stone / Makeup: Romina Murillo / Invitations: Lazaro Press + Design / Cake: Lele Patisserie / Catering: New West / Rentals: La Tavola / Lighting: Bella Vista Designs / Bride’s Dress: Monique Lhuillier from Monique Lhuillier in Beverly Hills / Shoes: Valentino / Veil: Monique Lhuillier / Wedding Ring: XIV Karats / Bridesmaids Dresses: Joanna August / Groom’s Suit: Indochino / Shoes: BRUNO MAGLI
