Guests then found their seats for dinner on a custom-painted wall by K Designs, with painted wildflowers, dried flowers, and clear acrylic hexagon escort cards - reminiscent of honeycomb. Dinner was served under bistro lights covered in greenery, and guests set at mismatched wood and round tables with navy linens and gold-rimmed china.  The floral centerpieces were vibrant and colorful, and the menus were hand-painted by K Designs and designed to showcase flowers in the centerpieces and design.  The table numbers were on terra cotta and had wildflowers sketched on them as well.  At the bar, an ombre circle of flowers (reminiscent of the ceremony florals) created a focal point. ​

2021 was a huge year for our team - we planned, designed, and produced over 50 events, which is double the number of events we usually do.  With all the replanning, re-envisioning, and constantly-changing rules and regulations in regards to gathering, 2021 was our most challenging event season to-date.  At the end of the year, I wanted to celebrate our team and create a special celebratory dinner to appreciate them and their incredible work.  ​

I designed the room to have a long feasting table down the center, covered with onyx velvet linens from La Tavola.  We had black chiavari chairs as well, giving the base of the event design a clean, monochromatic, modern look.  On the table, we used detailed chargers from Theoni, gold-lace-trimmed napkins, and branch-inspired napkin rings from Theoni.  The table was lined with jewel-tone blooms and dozens of candles, including emerald taper candles.   At each place setting, we had candle favors with our company branding and also local chocolates wrapped in hand-made butterfly paper.  ​

A multi-course dinner was served under a canopy of bistro lights and crystal chandeliers covered in greenery.  After the meal, guests entered the barn for dancing and merriment.  It was an evening to remember! ​

Cocktails took place on the lawn outside of the Hotel Californian Ballroom, right in the heart of the Santa Barbara Funk Zone.  Guests sipped on Hawaiian-inspired signature cocktails accompanied by custom cocktail napkins with a watercolor Hawaiian monogram. A tropical greenery wall that said “Let’s Party,” served as a memorable background for guests to take photos while they  enjoyed tasty appetizers.  ​

We completely transformed the ballroom for dinner, incorporating  lush and tropical foliage on each table.  Towering centerpieces made the room feel both abundant  and intimate, with elaborate floral centerpieces softening the space.  To frame the couple, we created a large installation of greenery and florals on the fireplace behind them. We even lined the dance floor with blooms! K Designs created beautiful menus that were personalized with each guest name, and the table numbers were modern acrylic.  Our team will never forget the dance party - such a joyful evening! ​

The ceremony took place around the Lily Pond.  We created a Wisteria installation with hanging delphinium, larkspur, and dendrobium orchids, while tropical blooms lined the aisle.  ​

As the guests enjoyed cocktail hour with sunset coastal views on the Terrace, we flipped the ceremony space to create a classic, timeless, elegant all-white dinner reception around the Lily Pond.  From the black and white calligraphy, to the white wax seals on the escort cards, the all-white linens and china to the all-white tropical-inspired blooms, it was a beautiful evening! ​

They said their vows in front of their immediate family and closest friends on the rooftop at Hotel Californian, overlooking the Santa Barbara coastline.  We only had 45 minutes to construct their entire chuppah,  so it took all hands on deck to build  the structure and arrange the flowers. The final design was absolutely beautiful.  Not an eye was dry as Lindsay walked down the aisle with her parents.  A traditional Jewish wedding ceremony was performed under the chuppah.  I love how the parents stand under the chuppah with the couple  - such a beautiful tradition. ​

Planning/Design/Florals: Tyler Speier
Venue/Catering: Hotel Californian
Photographer: Wild Whim Design + Photography
Videography: Lace and Lapel
Rentals: The Tent Merchant
Hair/Makeup: Cheek to Cheek & Unveiled Makeup
Band: De Bois Entertainment
Officiant: Rabbi Evan Goodman
Bakery/Dessert:  Hotel Californian
Lighting: PSAV
Live Ceremony Streaming: LoveStream
Bride Gown Designer: Rivini by Rita Vinieris
Groom Suit Designer: Armani
​

Samantha wore a bridal gown designed by Sarah Seven. The timeless, simple gown was complemented by a cathedral-length veil with pearl detailing.  She carried a simple white bouquet of astilbe, garden roses, peonies, and anemones.  Her bridesmaids wore light blue gowns, and her sister and maid of honor wore a light blue pant suit.  ​

The ceremony was on a custom-built wooden platform overlooking the pacific ocean.  The arch was the focal point of the ceremony design.  Bright, bold, and colorful, the arch towered above the couple and was created with larkspur, delphinium, roses, curly willow, and seasonable blooms.  The sisal carpet aisle runner was flanked by a floral aisle, created with hundreds of stems of delphinium, larkspur, carnations, and roses. Citrus accents lined the entrance to the aisle, which was surrounded by whimsical chairs from Theoni. Samantha entered the ceremony with both of her dads in a vintage car.  Not one eye was dry! ​

The multi-course dinner was served, accompanied by live acoustic guitar.  Guests dined on mismatched rectangular and circular tables, with bone velvet linens from La Tavola and velvet and brass chairs from Theoni.  Light blue china from Theoni was used, with crystal glassware.  Each place setting had a watercolor menu, customized to each guest, and the table numbers were hand-painted on citrus by K Designs.  The florals on the table were bright and colorful, featuring garden roses, peonies, dahlias, ranunculus, and citrus accents.  ​

The feasting table was set with an embroidered linen from La Tavola, mismatched antique candelabras as well as glass ones from Theoni Collection.  Purple florals adorned the table in mismatched vases, including vintage tea and coffee sets.  Silver trays with fruit also lined the table - a fun, edible centerpiece that brought lots of color and vibrancy to the design.  For favors, each guest received gourmet chocolates in a floral-patterned box.  ​

When Planner Michelle Karam approached me and my team to partner with her to design a special birthday celebration in Montecito, we were so excited!  This 40th birthday party was one to remember.  ​

 As guests entered the tent, a large arrangement of greenery and hydrangeas grew over the entrance.  We wanted to create the illusion of “trees” growing up the sides of the tent in and around the dinner space, so we created trees ranging twelve to eighteen feet, to surround the area inside the tent.  On the “trunks” of the trees, we had moss, small blooms, and seed pods to add drama and texture. Chandeliers adorned with greenery were placed in the center of the tent to bring the ambiance together.  We also added a garden of blooms growing in front of the stage to soften the structure and add color to the dance floor.

Guests dined at feasting tables with french-inspired chairs and bright, colorful blooms, including peonies, dahlias, garden roses, ranunculus, poppies, and more.  Each napkin ring was a different silver herb the from Theoni collection and the soft blue carter linens from La Tavola served as table runners.  To make the event feel a little more modern, we incorporated smoke glassware and earth-toned china.  The multi-course meal from Chef Ray Garcia was unforgettable! ​

Park City truly showed off when we were there - the autumn leaves were stunning!  To create the ceremony space, I was inspired by the natural foliage of the surrounding area and we created a meadow of blooms and autumnal foliage around the bride and groom.  ​

The table was set with natural ceramic china, crystal glassware, and a deep emerald velvet linen.  We created textured autumn floral arrangements in gold vases on the table, with wooden candlesticks and beeswax candles lining the center.  Clean, modern, acrylic menus and place cards were featured at each setting.  ​

The Lodge at Blue Sky provided the perfect landscape to bring our vision to life. From the deep autumn tones to the bright red leaves, I’ll never forget the beauty of this day!