When Natalie and Paul called me to get to know me, I knew immediately that their wedding would be so much fun.  Natalie's family grows flowers, and they wanted to provide all of the blooms and ensure that their wedding was FULL of beautiful floral arrangements.  Natalie and Paul were also high school sweethearts (like Taylor and I).  Finally, it was special to work with them because they are Santa Barbara locals and also grew up in this beautiful town.  Most of my clients fly in from all over the world to get married here (or in other destination locations), so it was fun to work with someone who grew up here as well.

Their wedding was at a private estate in Carpinteria.  It was full of so many beautiful details - from a clear-top tent with romantic chiffon draping and soft lighting, to a large floral installation over the dance floor, it was an evening to remember!  We featured a clean white and blue color palette and incorporated ALL the flowers from Natalie's family's farm.  The end result was stunning!
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Their wedding was at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Montecito, California.  Because the church is so naturally beautiful, we kept the floral to a design to a minimum so that the natural beauty the space would shine.  I created two large floral arrangements on the altar in all white to stand out against the intricate paintings and ornate detailing.  

Guests were greeted at a private estate in Carpinteria with signature cocktails, lawn games, and sweeping mountain views.  As the sun began to set, they were invited into the tent, where a large ombre hanging arrangement of delphinium hung over the dance floor.  Each table had a large floral centerpiece with flowers grown on Natalie's family farm, including delphinium, Lillies, and solidago.  We used white linens and navy blue goblets to provide a clean color palette in the all-green space.  The sweetheart table was framed with flowers and vines.  

The Team who Made this Happen: 
Coordinator/Florist: Tyler Speier
Photographer: Amber Jean Photography
Rentals: The Tent Merchant
Videographer: Lace and Lapel
Valet Service: Blue Star Parking
Hair/Makeup: Style Me Kristi
Catering: Holdren’s
DJ: DJ Hecktik
Cake: Lilac Patisserie
Lighting:Bella Vista Designs

While I love abundant florals and timeless/romantic designs, the weddings designs that "put me on the map" in the earlier days of my business were our organic, natural, very "masculine" feeling weddings.  I used to play so much with different types of greenery (sometimes not using ANY flowers at a wedding), different tones of wood, metal, and other natural elements to bring unique, organic wedding celebrations to life.  I still carry a lot of these early design inspirations into my floral designs, as they are an important part of my aesthetic.  I am so inspired by the natural whimsy of nature, and it's always so fun to play with natural elements while creating a design.

When Jamie and Matt asked me to design their wedding, they told me they didn't really want lots of flowers - they wanted it to be super natural, with lots of greenery and natural elements, and pampas grass.  I had so much fun working with them to design their big day.  We had a custom triangular arch built for the ceremony - it was 12' tall and made such an incredible focal to the space!  It reminded me of an old church ceiling, and I loved bringing that impressive piece on to the beach bluff to frame the bride and groom.  I also especially loved Jamie's bouquet - it was the only place at the whole wedding we used feminine blooms, but I also incorporated large air plants and textured seedpods to continue to the natural theme.
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The wedding ceremony took place on a bluff overlooking the ocean.  We had a custom built triangular arch to frame the space - I made it almost double the height of a normal wedding arch (twelve feet) to add some visual drama to the space and give the illusion of an old church ceiling.  Me and my team decorated the space with air plants, succulents, greenery, and pampas grass. Guests sat on natural wood benches.  

The reception took place at Rancho Dos Pueblos in the barn.  Guests entered the barn through the main entrance, lined with pillar candles and draped with natural linen curtains.  They dined on rectangular tables with wooden chairs - mismatched with exposed wood farm tables and tables with crisp white linens.  Instead of flowers on the table, we created textured arrangements with greenery - ferns, eucalyptus, eryngium, air plants, and small white blooms - in wooden boxes. A watercolor illustration of the venue was on each menu, which was personalized by a calligrapher with each guest's name.  For water glasses, we used cut wine bottles to bring in the olive green color and give a subtle nod to local wine country.  I loved the flatware we used as well - gold flatware with soft gray handles - a nice modern touch in the rustic barn space.  As the sun set, the band began to play, the twinkle lights were shining, and the guests danced the night away.  Such a fun wedding! 

The team who made it all happen: 

Planning/Design/Florist: Tyler Speier
Venue: Dos Pueblos Ranch
Rentals: The Tent Merchant
Specialty Rentals - Ceremony Benches: All Heart Rentals
Specialty Rentals - Arch: Event Planting
Catering: Omni Catering
Photographer: Stacee Lianna
Band: That Vibe (Rembrandt Band
Transportation - Guests: Jump on the School Bus
Transportation - Wedding Party: Santa Barbara Trolley Company
Makeup: Tomiko Taft Makeup
Hair:  Style Me Kristi
Small Cutting Cake: Crushcakes
Wedding Invitation: The Stationery Collection
​Lighting: Bella Vista Designs
Bride’s Fashion: Elizabeth Fillmore
Groom’s Fashion: Theory
Bridesmaid Fashion: Bella Bridesmaids

Rhiannon and Josh were married at Villa and Vine in downtown Santa Barbara.  Their intimate celebration for their closest family and friends was so romantic.  I loved the pastel floral arrangements, the romantic gold hand-lettered calligraphy details on hand-torn paper (by Jessica Yee Calligraphy), and Rhiannon's Claire Pettibone gown (and floral veil!).

Rhiannon got ready at the Rosewood Miramar Hotel in Montecito.  I love how her dress wasn't pure white - the gray and blush tones in the gown were absolutely stunning.  I created a bouquet for her with spring blooms in blushes, lilacs, creams, and soft blues.  Josh wore a powder blue suit with a spring boutonniere.  Their unique, fun wedding fashion choices shaped and inspired the design for the rest of the wedding day.  

They said their vows in a small Mediterranean courtyard in downtown Santa Barbara.  Me and my team created a whimsical ceremony archwith hundreds of stems of flowers to create a growing "vine" of "growing" flowers over the ceremony space.  We put taper candles on the ground around the bride and groom to frame them during the ceremony.

The guests enjoyed a family-style dinner at long tables adorned with white taper candles, romantic spring flower garlands, and hand-lettered calligraphy details.  It was an intimate spring evening with beautiful pastel details.  

The Team Who Made this Happen: 

Photographer: Christianne Taylor
Coordinator/Floral Arrangements: Tyler Speier
Reception Venue/Catering: Villa and Vine
Linens: The Tent Merchant
Dessert: Enjoy Cupcakes
Musician/DJ: Terry Bowens
Bridal Gown: Claire Pettibone

Sherine + John were one of the KINDEST couples I have ever worked with. They have traveled the world together, and wanted their wedding to reflect their adventurous spirits, the cultures of their families, and the also be a black-tie affair.  They chose to get married at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara.  Their design featured a white, blush, gray, and gold color palette.  It was timeless and romantic, with lots of twinkle lights.  We used fine china, gold chairs, velvet linens, and crystal glassware in the open rustic space, and the juxtaposition was magic.

My favorite design element was the reception space.  They had several guests, so we had a "sea" gold and velvet, with twinkle lights overhead.  Me and my team hung greenery from the twinkle lights to soften the space and make it feel whimsical.  A cluster of Moroccan lanterns hung over the dance floor, and moroccan lanterns hung from the trees surrounding the space.  We used gold and silver moroccan lanterns (with clear glass panes) so keep everything neutral, but still add drama and visual interest to the design.  The end result was stunning! 

The ceremony was one of my favorite parts of the day.  We created a natural, organic arch that gave the illusion of a rose bush growing over the trellis that already existed at the venue.  In the middle of the ceremony, they incorporated some of Sherine's family traditions - the Persian wedding ceremony elements were so beautiful and memorable!  After John and Sherine kissed, guests tossed rose petals into the air - it was so romantic.  

As guests entered cocktail hour, there was a flower wall for them to pose in front of.  Multi-cultural food was served and guests mingled at the museum.  Hand-painted escort cards (on hand-torn paper) welcomed guests into dinner.  The dinner space was magical - with hundreds of string lights overhead, Moroccan lanterns, hanging greenery, velvet linens, gold chairs, fine china, hundreds of candles, and marble table numbers.  It was such a beautiful evening!

The Team who made it all happen...
Coordinator/Florist: Tyler Speier
Photographer: Jodee Debes Photography
Venue: Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Rentals: The Tent Merchant
Linens: La Tavola
Videographer: Mawwiage Films
Hair: Luna Bella
Makeup: 805 Makeup
Catering: Omni Catering
DJ: DJ Hecktik
Calligrapher: Jessica Yee Calligraphy
Bakery/Dessert: Enjoy Cupcakes
Lighting: Bella Vista Designs
Flower Wall Base: Event Planting
Bride’s Fashion: Rosa Clara 
Groom’s Suit: Canali 
Bridesmaid Fashion: Birdy Grey 

I love all of the amazing flowers we get to do at weddings - from romantic neutral palettes to vibrant rainbow installations, 2019 was an amazing year with so many floral designs that I am so proud of. As this year comes to a close, I'm also so incredibly excited as we look forward to 2020 and all the amazing designs we will get to do!

While I do love weddings with ALL the fun blooms, it's fund to switch it up every once in awhile.  When Alexis + Harry approached me to plan and design their destination wedding in Santa Barbara at Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, they wanted to stay away from flowers and use all greenery, succulents,  air plants, and natural elements.   I especially loved creating Alexis' bouquet, the textured arch, and the whimsical table centerpieces - all of them are so natural and complement the greenhouse wedding venue so well.  Here are some sneak peeks from their big day!

A huge thank you to the team who made it all happen:

Planning + Design + Florals: Tyler Speier
Photographer: David Mendoza
Venue: The Orchid
Rentals: The Tent Merchant
Transportation: Santa Barbara Airbus
Bartending Service: Simply Cocktails
Catering: Holdren’s
Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Music: Music By Bonnie
Band:  The Lucky Devils
Hair/Makeup: Blush and Bangs
Bakery/Dessert: Mister Softee
Calligrapher: Jessica Yee Calligraphy 
Bridal Fashion:  Liancarlo, @liancarlodesign
Groom’s Fashion: Boglioli, @boglioliofficial

When I am working with couples to choose their venue, I love looking at spaces that have a neutral backdrop - lots of natural tones, natural elements, and nothing too bright surrounding it - so that we can design the space in any direction.  Julia and Dan chose to get married at the greenhouse at Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm.  Because the space is so neutral, we had endless possibilities!  We chose to go with a burgundy, blush, rose gold, and taupe color palette - it was warm and inviting.  I loved all of the beautiful details - it was an understated, timeless, elegant affair. 

The wedding ceremony was held on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  It was an overcast day, so the flowers really popped against the neutral gray sky.  During the ceremony, it started to drizzle - so we moved FAST - me and my team, the caterer, and the DJ all quickly re-planned cocktail hour (which was supposed to be out on the bluffs overlooking the ocean) and moved it up to a greenhouse on the property.  The guests didn't even know we had switched plans!

The wedding reception took place in a large greenhouse.  At the entrance, we used natural curtains with a eucalyptus garland to welcome guests.  Hand-painted rose-gold calligraphy escort cards welcomed guests to their tables.  For the table designs, we used mismatched wooden tables and tables with natural linen tablecloths.  Each place setting had a special calligraphy thank-you note from the bride and groom, and was set with a rose gold charger and rose gold flatware.  The flowers were colorful and vibrant: burgundy, blush, and ivory.  We used garden roses, snap dragons, peonies, ranunculus, queen Anne's lace, and other textured elements to bring the reception design to life.  Over the head table, we created a hanging greenery arrangement that was 25' feet long to frame the space and provide a dramatic focal to the space. 

The team who made it all happen...

Planning + Design + Florals: Tyler Speier
Venue: The Orchid
Photographer: Michael Radford
Catering: Omni Catering
DJ: DJ Hecktik
Rentals: The Tent Merchant
Linens:  La Tavola Fine Linen
Transportation: Jump on the School Bus
Hair and Makeup: Unveiled Make-up
Officiant: Santa Barbara Classic Weddings
Calligrapher: Jessica Yee Calligraphy
Videographer: Redmond Digital Media
Groom’s Tux: @theblacktux
Bridal Gown: @florabridal​

When I'm designing an autumn wedding, I like to stay away from the oranges and reds traditionally associated with fall.  Instead, I like to incorporate deep, rich colors (like burgundy and navy blue) alongside a warm, neutral palette (taupes, grays, ivories, and tan tones).  Brittany and Aaron were married in October at Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm in Santa Barbara, California.  The neutral setting at this stunning, natural venue (also an organic farm) provided the perfect backdrop for their wedding celebration.

My two favorite elements of the day were the ceremony arch - a natural wood, four-post statement piece with abundant florals (but still minimalist and not overdone), and a "crawling" arrangement of flowers behind the sweetheart table.  Fun fact: the arrangement behind the sweetheart table was a last-minute add-on.  I was feeling inspired and creative about an hour before the guests were invited in to dinner, so I called my team to come in and we created this stunning reception focal-piece.  This is one of the main reasons I recommend couples hire a designer rather than just a planner or florist...as a designer, we don't just bring an itemized list of items that you've ordered.  We actually design the space, making sure all of the details are cohesive, well thought-out, and intentional.  And sometimes, that means adding on new items as the celebration is coming together or adding/removing design elements as we go to ensure the space is cohesive and beautiful.  Adding the statement piece behind the sweetheart table is definitely one of my favorite memories of our 2019 season - and one of my favorite elements of this wedding!

The wedding ceremony took place on a bluff overlooking the ocean.  Me and my team crated a floral arch as the main focal.  It had olive branches, dahlias, garden roses, smokebush, carnations, ranunculus, and eucalyptus. We made it asymmetrical and simple as we didn't want to take away from the dramatic ocean view.   

The reception was in the large greenhouse at Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm.  As I mentioned before, my favorite design element was the crawling arrangement of organic greenery and blooms behind the sweetheart table.  I felt inspired while the guests were in cocktail hour, so I told my team..."I have an idea!" and we made it happen quickly.  It's funny how sometimes the most "in the moment" decisions are even better than the details you've spent over a year planning out.  

Guest dined on mismatched wooden tables and tables with silver-gray linens.  We used navy blue napkins on each place setting to warm up the space.  Each table had abundant blooms and greenery, arranged in ceramic compotes.   Guests enjoyed wood-oven baked pizzas, dancing, and donuts until late into the night...another fun wedding on the books!

THE TEAM WHO MADE IT ALL HAPPEN...
Planner/Designer/Florist: Tyler Speier
Venue: The Orchid
Rentals:The Tent Merchant
Photographer: Lace and Lapel
Transportation: Bills Bus
Hair/Makeup: Love Strike Artistry
Catering: LUCCA Truck
​Bartenders: Simply Cocktails
DJ: DJ Hecktik
Calligrapher: Jessica Yee Calligraphy
Donuts: Spudnuts

In March, I had the honor of collaborating with the amazing team at Hotel Californian in Downtown Santa Barbara to produce a beautiful elopement inspiration and a ballroom dinner for wedding press to showcase and feature the resort.  It was an honor to host Wedding Chicks, 100 Layer Cake, Green Wedding Shoes, California Wedding Day, Bridal Bar, Santa Barbara Life and Style Magazine, 805 Magazine, and  JLM Couture to showcase the property!  While I do love real weddings, collaborating with brands and other artists to showcase and and generate creative content is so much fun.

Here is a link to a feature from this event on Wedding Chicks. 

For this modern elopement inspiration, I was inspired by the amazing tile work at Hotel Californian.  I brought in various textures and elements that complemented the architecture and interior design of the space.  From the wedding cake to the stationary, linen selections to the lounge, this shoot was curated to showcase the Hotel Californian venue.

We first captured an intimate elopement at the the hotel in the presidential suite and courtyard.  I created a floral wedding veil for the bride while she was getting ready, and then loved creating the intimate elopement ceremony setting in the courtyard with a deconstructed arch, ghost chairs, and a vintage car for transportation.  ​After the ceremony, we created a rooftop reception, complete with textured linens, hanging florals, custom calligraphy menus, and taper candles.   The bride wore a Hayley Paige gown from JLM Couture.  The groom wore a black Velvet coat from Friar Tux.  

In the evening, we invited members of the press into the ballroom for a beautiful multi-course meal.  My favorite design element was the wedding cake from Colin O'Dea Cakes-  I love how he brought in elements from the tile design in the ballroom and incorporated those patterns and textures into the cake design!   Also, Ashling with Lotus and Ash is one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE graphic designers, and she and her team knocked this entire graphic design (from menus to welcome baskets, escort cards to the invitation suite) out of the park! 

In addition to the dinner party, we also hosted a sunset sail with Santa Barbara Sailing Center and a farewell brunch. When hosting a destination wedding or event, I think it's so fun (and important) to host other events and festivities for your friends and family.  Not only does this allow you to have more quality time with the people you love, but it also allows you to share your destination with location-specific experiences.  

This wedding was such a fun one to kick-off our 2019 season! Erin and Cory wanted to incorporate their Hawaiian and Japanese heritages in their timeless, classic, elegant wedding design.  They wanted to have abundant florals and make their wedding feel like a lush garden. 

​The focal of our reception design was an installation featuring 1,001 paper cranes, hand-folded by the bride and groom.  We hung them from the string lights, greenery, and in all of the trees surrounding the reception.  This design element added a touch of “whimsy” to the design and made it unique.  

I wanted this wedding to feel like a lush garden with abundant flowers and greenery at every turn.  From romantic vines to 1,001 paper cranes, the ombre floral aisle to the deconstructed arch, me and my team had so much fun bringing this design to life!

Pro Tip:  It’s so important to work closely with your planner and designer to ensure your wedding day feels like YOUR wedding day.  I love how Erin + Cory incorporated so many fun nods to their family heritage in the design of their wedding.  From the seafood appetizers to the flowers, paper cranes to the Hawaiian blessings at dinner - it was truly an event to remember!

The ceremony was at the Santa Barbara Courthouse.  The bride and groom chose this location because it is central to downtown Santa Barbara and the unique architecture captures the quintessence of the Santa Barbara style and culture.  From the beautiful stone work to the Spanish tile roof, it is a beautiful location to host a wedding ceremony! For the ceremony, we created a full “floral aisle” with flowers growing down the length of the chairs, up to the beautiful ombre arch.  I love how the darker pinks faded into the blush tones and finally into the white tones - such a fun design element! ​

I love how David Mendoza captured all of the details of this amazing day!  As the sun set, guests enjoyed dancing, dessert, and the open bar until late into the night.  The twinkle lights, uplighting, hundreds of candles, fireplace, and floating cranes made end of the night so magical! 

Caty and Jeff were married at the amazing Calamigos Guest Ranch in Malibu, California.  Taylor and I just enjoyed staying there, so I thought it would be fun to share the details from this beautiful autumn wedding with you all! 

Caty wore a beautiful gown by Rivini.  I loved her off-the-shoulder sleeves.  Her bouquet was also one of my favorites of the season - the cappuccino roses and deep Burgundy tones in the flowers were so fun!  ​

​For the ceremony, Caty and Jeff exchanged their vows in front of a large tree under hundreds of twinkle lights.  We lined the aisle with beautiful flowers (gotta’ love a good flower aisle!) and created a crawling installation of flowers and branches up the tree to be the focal point for the ceremony.  

Dinner and dancing were held in a large tent, draped in fabric and with hanging crystal chandeliers.  Since the space was filled with white fabric, we chose to create “tree-like” centerpieces on the tables with greenery and vines to bring elements of the outdoors in.  The table numbers were marble hexagons with hand painted gold script.  After a sumptuous meal, guests also enjoyed late night dining from In and Out, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut  - so fun!  The vintage photo-booth set-up was also super fun.  I love when couples make fun late-night options for their guests!  It’s fun to be less formal as the evening progresses.  ​

The team that made it all happen...

Coordinator/Florist: Tyler Speier 
Venue/Catering: Calamigos Ranch
Photographer: Laura Moll Photography
Videographer: Millennial Media Group 
Hair: Shaylee Blatz
​Makeup: Kristina Wright
DJ: Elevated Pulse Productions 
Officiant: Alex Kim (friend of bride and groom)
Photo booth: The Photo Bus
Cake: Sweet Rosey Poseys
Acoustic Guitar: Danny Maika 
Table Numbers: Shalimar Auer
Signs: Ali Logan
Bride’s Fashion: Rivini 
Groom’s Suit: The Black Tux 
Bridesmaid Fashion: Katie May