LIFE&STYLE
SANTA BARBARA
MAGAZINE MARCH 2016
THE
WEDDING ISSUE
Vol 4. Issue 3 | $5.99
available at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond, Montecito Rooms & Gardens, Santa Barbara
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FIND YOUR MOMENT
Discover a world where friends come together to reset time and reinvent life. In addition to the world-class pampering of Spa Ojai, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa has been authentically reimagined, adding the storied Wallace Neff Heritage Bar Bar, a new signature restaurant, Olivella, and the lavish new Indigo Pool. Enjoy private cabanas, specialty spa treatments, shopping, poolside cocktail service, and the world’s first sunglass bar. Reserve time for you and your favorite people.
877.586.3198 OjaiResort.com
Š2016 Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Specializing in destination celebrations and curated event design www.ranihoover.com
805.245.8199
ranihoover@gmail.com
www.allorabylaura.com
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1269 Coast Village Road Montecito, CA 93108
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805.563.2425
AMINA RUBINACCI COLLECTION SPRING 2016
CAPTIVATING MODERN LUXURY
Four blocks from the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, the Cheshire Cat Inn offers travelers an opportunity to enjoy beautifully appointed accommodations in the two Victorian Queen Ann houses and Craftsman cottages. Enjoy the wonderful homemade breakfast and our renowned afternoon wine hour with local wine and hors d’oeuvres in our beautiful and lush English gardens.
(805) 569-1610 www.cheshirecat.com 36 W. Valerio Street Santa Barbara, CA This Santa Barbara Bed and Breakfast Inn has been owned and operated by the Dunstan family for over 30 years, and no expense has been spared to ensure the best experience hospitality can provide.
Private Events Event spaces & whole patio availble Receptions Rehearsals Bachelorette parties Groom’s cake parties Baby showers High teas Post-wedding brunches Chanpagne & dessert buffets Custom menus Event design & setup Semi-private reservations are also available for under 20 guests Contact Charlotte Events office: 805-770-5284
The Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant 1106 State Street 805-962-5085 AndersensSantaBarbara.com
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232 Natoma Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Reservations: 805-965-3586 or TheEagleInn.com
Escape to The Eagle Inn
for your romantic getaway! Share Champagne on the veranda, relax in the whirlpool tub and cozy up to the fireplace.
232 Natoma Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Reservations: 805-965-3586 or TheEagleInn.com No blocking fee for bridal parties and wedding guests.
Custom wedding invitations In-house design & printing 301 Motor Way • Santa Barbara www.foliopressandpaperie.com 805.966.1010
California Grown Santa Barbara Crafted
Organic Ingredients California Grown No Artificial Anything
Gluten free
SANTA BARBARA
GMO free
Vegan
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COMPANY
TM
LIFE&STYLE SANTA BARBARA
MAGAZINE March 2016 Volume 4 / Issue 3 Editor & Publisher Ottocina Ryan Lead Photographer Meadow Rose Staff Photographer & Writer Silas Fallstich Art Director Riley Yahr Director of Marketing Frances Rozhko
On this
COVER
PHOTOGRAPHER Anna Delores MODELS Kristen Kassinger with L.A. Models and Christian Peters with Next Model Management PLANNING & DESIGN Wedding Kate HAIR & MAKEUP Kristabelle Marks with JosĂŠ Eber Salon DRESS Elizabeth Mackenzie Bridal BOUQUET Coco Rose Floral Design TUXEDO Mission Tuxedo LOCATION San Ysidro Ranch
Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine is published by Santa Barbara Life & Style, Inc. 26 West Mission Street #5, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 For distribution, advertising and other inquiries: info@santabarbaralifeandstyle.com www.santabarbaralifeandstyle.com
Contributing Writers Jennifer Arreguin Robin Berger Christina Burch Natasha Burton Alexandra Gonzalez Marisa Hutton Julie Pryor Rah Riley Noel Solomon Christianne Taylor Contributing Photographers Michelle Beller Anna Delores Carly Otness Riley Yahr Stylists Michelle Sanchez Katie Seefeldt Director of Advertising Lisa Wright Account Manager Jordan Donohoe Operations Intern Kayla Hernandez
www.ellamade.com
Coast 2 Coast Collection Bridal Registry ~ Luxury Tabletop ~ Vintage Jewelry & Gifts La Arcada Courtyard ~ 1114 State Street, Suite 10 ~ Santa Barbara, CA 93101 ~ (805) 845-7888 Store Hours : Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm ~ www.C2Ccollection.com
/CONTENT March 2016
18 / HAPPILY EVER AFTER A whimsical San Ysidro Ranch wedding that’s black and white with bunnies all over.
32 / PARTY, GIRL Wedding planner Katie Seefeldt teaches you how to ask the right questions because she has all of the answers.
36 / SWEET PROPOSAL Chocolate and diamonds: every woman’s dream proposal.
38 / GET INSPIRED Learn from the experts about where to look and what to look for to visualize your dream wedding.
40 / WEDDING CRASHERS This day may be all about the bride, but with our photo booth, we let the wedding guests shine.
56 / EVERYBODY LOVES A LOVE STORY All great love stories have to start somewhere, and Julie Pryor has the ultimate compilation of real-life meet cutes.
58 / SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE Stay on high ground at Bacara Resort & Spa, and let the sparkling ocean be your backdrop. 64 / TWO BECOME ONE With deep V’s, lace and all of the chic embellishments in between, take a peek into this contemporary wedding.
80 / PANTONE YOUR WEDDING See your wedding in color with this pastel guide.
82 / TAKE THE CAKE Layered to perfection, Lele Patisserie lets you customize your own iconic dessert.
90 / HONEYMOON HIDEAWAY
After you say, “I do” bask in tranquility at this beautiful honeymoon destination in Napa.
98 / UNVEILED Follow the storybooks into the woods for magical elegance.
108 / THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS A generous group of wedding professionals turn a couple’s dream into reality, giving them the wedding of a lifetime for free.
110 / DISH IT UP The perfect morning-after recipe to reminisce on the occasion.
112 / GET THE LOOK A step-by-step guide for a bohemian bride.
WHATwe LIKE Staff Picks for March 2016
Alexandra Gonzalez, Writer (and engaged!)
1.
2.
SEXY IN SILK
Nike Free TR 5 Flyknit, Nordstrom
Araks Robe & Slip, Nordstrom
RUNAWAY BRIDE
LOVE LETTERS Archer & Olive Bridesmaid Cards
3.
GET FIT Fitbit Wristband, Nordstrom
4.
5. DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER Kwait Diamond & Platinum Earrings, Nordstrom
6.
PUMP IT UP Jimmy Choo Heels, Nordstrom
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD Saint Laurent Clutch, Nordstrom
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7.
Letter
from the
Editor Full disclosure: I’m an unmarried 24-year old and the only wedding board on my Pinterest page is titled 2016 Wedding Issue. However, as luck and good hiring would have it, the seats in our sunny little office are filled by a team of 20- and 30-somethings with enough wedding pins to plan the engagement party, photo shoots, handmade invitations, and the entirety of a ceremony and reception down to the napkin fold, for every newly engaged couple on the central coast. We also consulted several excellently talented and ontrend experts in putting together this issue. The next 100 pages feature the best venues, photographers, planners, floral arrangements, cakes on cakes, and of course gowns. With an abundance of exceptional brands in Santa Barbara, it’s one of the most collaborative and fun issues of our year. And while most girls are dreaming up custom wedding gowns, I’m over here
dreaming up a fashion shoot that will let us bring a bunch of bunnies into the studio. But to be fair, bunnies have been on our content wish list for about a year now, so I hope anyone waiting for that ring can sympathize! Wedding Kate is one of our amazing partners on this year’s wedding issue, so when she emailed me with the best line I’ve ever read in an email “P.S. I got the bunnies!!!!” let’s just say that got forwarded to more than a few coworkers. While the bunnies might take the cake for my personal highlight this month, there was plenty of competition for wonderful things white and fluffy. Over the last few weeks, the SBLS office filled with gorgeous gowns, feathers and tulle, white pearls, and, as always, plenty of frosting! We can’t thank our wonderful vendors enough for their generous insight and dedication their work in putting together this enchanting issue!
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Ottocina Ryan Editor in Chief Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine
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fashion
Happily Photographed by Anna Delores Planning & Design by Wedding Kate Models Kristen Kassinger with L.A. Models and Christian Peters with Next Model Management Hair & Makeup by Kristabelle Marks with JosĂŠ Eber Salon Floral Design by Coco Rose Floral Design Flowers resourced from Mayesh Wholesale Florist Rentals from Elan Event Rentals Lighting from Ambient Event Design Bunnies from BUNS Santa Barbara Design Assistants Morgan Tibbetts and Emily Tull Location San Ysidro Ranch
Ever
After
A stunning wedding, complete with an adoring couple and woodland creatures, is nestled into the lush gardens of San Ysidro Ranch.
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Elizabeth Mackenzie Bridal Gown Mission Tuxedo Tuxedo SBLIFEANDSTYLE.COM | 19
Calligraphy Nerd Invitation
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Elizabeth Mackenzie Bridal Gown Mission Tuxedo Tuxedo SBLIFEANDSTYLE.COM | 21
Elizabeth Mackenzie Bridal Gown 22 | MARCH 2016
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Calligraphy Nerd Menu
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Otis + Pearl Vintage Rentals Tabletop Fanciful Designs Paper Flowers SBLIFEANDSTYLE.COM | 25
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Soiree Center Signature Cocktails
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ON HIM Mission Tuxedo Tuxedo ON HER Elizabeth Mackenzie Bridal Skirt
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ON HIM Mission Tuxedo Tuxedo ON HER Elizabeth Mackenzie Bridal Gown 30 | MARCH 2016
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wedding planning
party. GIRL Written by Alexandra Gonzalez
Photo by Marianne Wilson Photography
C
ongratulations—you’re engaged! But now what? As any couple knows, wedding planning can be an exciting but daunting task. What should be the happiest time of your life can quickly become a nightmare if you’re not well equipped with the right guidance. After all, hiring a wedding planner is just as important as picking your significant other; it’s all about chemistry, having great communication, and knowing that you can count on them no matter what time of the night it is. With wedding season upon us, we feel the need to share the vibrant energy and experience of local wedding planner, Katie Seefeldt of Wedding Kate and why we think she is your girl when it comes to planning the most important day of your life.
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Photo by Marianne Wilson Photography
How long have you been doing this? I’ve been doing this since I was 14! I used to clean buckets for any florist who would let me!
delaying deliveries, our escort cards didn’t make it to Santa Barbara on time for the wedding. I stayed up the entire night before the wedding and handmade each card to ensure guests knew where to sit. (And you bet I didn’t mention it to the bride!) I’ve sewn a bride into her gown, styled the bridal party’s hair after a downpour, MC’d an entire wedding, made bridesmaid bouquets on the fly, and even let a bride borrow the shoes I was wearing because they were more comfortable than her’s. I’m part of every detail. How do you not get overwhelmed planning so many weddings at the same time? Aside from doing this for so many years, I have a great team and a fierce organization system. Sometimes people will see their file at the end of the wedding and are blown away, they can’t believe all the things I’ve done to get to this final product. All the changes, all the revisions, all the dead ends that clients don’t see. It’s intense. But staying organized, helps me see everyone’s needs and ensure their tasks are completed correctly.
I’ve noticed that you have a really good connection and relationship with your brides. I want to know a little bit more about that relationship, and who is Wedding Kate? My connection with my brides starts at the initial interview. I only work with clients that I really connect with because I believe that the relationship between a bride and her planner is a very intimate one. The feeling of affection MUST be mutual or you’re not going to have the best experience. I interview my clients as much as they interview me! I want to love them and almost every time, I fall for them hard. I love my brides! Tell me more about how you do your thing-—what’s your style as a wedding planner? I think I’m an organic designer and a hands-on planner. I don’t like to overwhelm my brides with anything but fun stuff! Sometimes brides will ask, “Should we do this?” about a mundane task. I love to reply, “I already did.” I like to enjoy my work, and no matter what, I always do. It’s the best job in the world. My taste as a designer originates from the purest form of my couples’ inspiration. So if they give me a photo of something they love, I always break that down to hone in on what they are truly drawn to. I also will do just about anything for my clients. Once, because of a storm Photo by Marianne Wilson Photography
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Photo by This Modern Romance
Do you travel? Yes! I’ve done weddings all over—from Hawaii to Florida to Palm Springs. What is the most important thing you should do when you first start planning? Establish your budget and get your finances straight! That is the biggest issue ever… What are three important questions to ask your wedding planner? One: how many weddings have you done? Two: do you work exclusively with certain vendors? Three: how would you execute my day? Dj or band? This really depends on your budget. If you can afford it, book a band, but make it a great one! It’s not worth it for a small, inexperienced band if you are trying to get 200 people out of their seats! It just doesn’t translate. DJs are great because you get to dance to your favorite songs, just the way you love them! Make sure your DJ has a great speaking voice, is confident in his music knowledge and won’t be a Chatty Kathy on the mic. Just a little MCing is all you need. What’s the worst you’ve seen as a wedding planner? In our industry, we always try to focus on the good. The love, the couple’s story, their amazing families. But every once in a while something does go awry. I’ve had a full day of rain when the forecast showed sunny. I’ve had a hospitalized groom an hour before the ceremony. One bride who didn’t know her limits had one too many mimosas while getting ready. These are all situations that turned out perfectly. I think these hurdles are all blessings, they teach us how to best appreciate our jobs.
DIY or professional invitations? I love a thick, foil letterpress but that’s not always the place to splurge. A great way to save is to have a custom invitation designed and then print them yourself! Enlist your bridal party to help you stuff and assemble over the wines you’re considering for your reception. (Look how ahead of the game you are!)
What is your ideal client? Why? Someone who gives me some creative control is always admirable. You choose your wedding pros, now trust them! When a bride allows me to surprise her with an element she wasn’t expecting it’s so rewarding!! I love to make everything exceed their wildest dreams, and a trusting client allows that.
Photo by This Modern Romance
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Photo by Marianne Wilson Photography
Videographers? Yes! The modern videographers give you a music video quality video, and now they are editing beautifully and offer drone options, it’s become really innovative compared to what the traditional wedding video used to be. My favorite right now is Shutter and Sound, their drone shots are insane! Draping or no draping? Yes, but only in ivory, white or a muted color—nothing too loud or over the top. If you drape in bold, dark colors the space is immediately darkened and well, your photographer might just quit. What can I do to set my wedding apart from the rest and make it ‘mine’? Establish your decor style and stick with it. Create a “showpiece” that highlights who you are as a couple. A beautiful vintage mirrored bar or a French paper flower wall backdrop. One over the top item goes a long way and helps you stretch your budget while looking like you spent a fortune. The right planner will point you in the right direction and give ideas and inspiration for creating a look that is not only one of a kind, but all about you and your love.
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For more information on Katie and her wedding planning services, visit weddingkate.com
Photo by Marianne Wilson Photography
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dining
sweet
PROPOSAL Photographed by Silas Fallstich
Prop osal o ve
r desse rt? Yes ple At B ase! There is no sweeter way to say “ M a r e r y me” th you lla Vi an with gourmet chocolate. sta R can e s t p a urant a op a, me, t Four Sea a Barbar t n a he l the questi S e r s o o n m t s l i R B e sort The oves on with ves r “ he lo me n the “M’ama, N ot.” Ho on M’ama” dish, Italian fo that etals t chocola gently te ganache is poured over chocolate p open re vealing a sparkli ng engagement ring. La Tavola Fine Linen Tablecloth 36 | MARCH 2016
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wedding planning
GET
INSPIRED Photographed by Meadow Rose Written by Jennifer Arreguin & Natasha Burton
Allora by Laura
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O
nce you get engaged, no doubt you'll start frequenting wedding blogs and Pinterest, perhaps even buy a couple wedding magazines, to start getting ideas for your big day. And while these resources are certainly filled with pages and pages of gorgeous images, they're not the only places to find amazing ideas for your celebration. To really expand your inspiration horizons, and unlock your wedding planning creativity, check out the following as you start to conceptualize your ideal gathering.
Runway shows: Let fashion be your muse for everything from your gown to your reception décor. Look to couture cuts and other details to inspire your wedding wear—right now, elements like micro-pleats, defined waists, ruffles, and high collars are super on-trend and would lend themselves well to your big day look. Other styles that are very now—like Victorian, Spanish influence, lingerie-inspired fabrics (silk and lace), and floral elements—can translate into your tabletops in the form of textured or patterned linens, vintage china and flowers…everywhere!
wares—and spark some major inspiration. You’ll get plenty of ideas for your attire, no doubt, as well as see aspirational concepts that could lend themselves perfectly to your ceremony backdrop or reception décor, from draping to lighting to colors.
Vacations you’ve taken: Take a trip down memory lane by consulting your Facebook albums and scrapbooks—you’ll soon find wedding planning brilliance. Looking at the places you and your fiancé have visited—and even where you plan to go on your honeymoon—can unlock ideas you may have never considered otherwise. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to incorporate some Italian flair to honor your first major trip together, or pay homage to the vibrant tropical vibe of Hawaii with your flowers, or play off classic Greek cuisine as you build your menu. Not only will these touches be special to you two because of your memories together from a particular place, but they’ll brim with new meaning as you’re able to share them with your nearest and dearest, too.
Your wedding city: One of the biggest
Store window displays: Just taking a
trends for 2016 is getting married where you are, giving you an amazing opportunity to incorporate elements that truly welcome your guests to your city. Use your home as a jumping off point for your big day to give your loved ones the true home-grown experience. Local foods, traditions, rituals and locations can all serve as inspiration and including them will allow your guests to get a first-hand experience of your lives. Elements like welcome bags, favors, menu, and even where you decide to host your various events—the welcome dinner, wedding and morning-after brunch—can make your wedding really feel like home.
walk through your local shopping center can help you conceptualize your wedding look. Stores like Anthropologie, Nordstrom and Barneys create seasonal displays designed to showcase their
Jennifer Arreguin and Natasha Burton are the founders of Swoon California, a boutique event planning company in Santa Barbara. Learn more at swooncalifornia.com
Lifestyle blogs: Home, food and design sites (and magazines!) often get overlooked during the planning process. But these resources showcase the biggest trends in décor, dining, entertaining, and creating incredible spaces. You'll find amazing ideas that you can apply to your celebration, like unusual color pairings, new spins on nibbles for cocktail hour (not to mention the latest libations) and fresh ways to set your tables.
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fashion
On Baskin: Twilley Atelier Dress, Allora by Laura Denise James Earrings, Bacara Boutique Kate Spade Bowtie, Letter Perfect On Kyla: Sally LaPointe Dress, Allora by Laura Lisa Duncan Carrillo Jewelry Bracelet, Rowan Denise James Earrings, Bacara Boutique Kate Spade Glasses, Letter Perfect
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WEDDING CRASHERS Step inside our colorful photo booth with a prop, a cocktail and a pose.
Photographed by Silas Fallstich Models Baskin Champion and Kyla Moran with Next Model Management Styled by Robin Berger Hair by Daisy Hernandez with Caryle Salon & Style Bar Makeup by Cynthia Fuentes with Caryle Salon & Style Bar
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On Baskin: BCBGMAXAZRIA Dress Will Brown Necklace, Allora by Laura Denise James Earrings, Bacara Boutique On Kyla: Olivacious Dress, Chasen EF Collection Earrings, K Frank TAT 2 Designs Necklace, K Frank Vince Camuto Heels Marie Turnor Clutch, Whiskey & Leather 42 | MARCH 2016
Twilley Atelier Dress, Allora by Laura Denise James Earrings, Bacara Boutique Kate Spade Bowtie, Letter Perfect
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On Baskin: Amanda Uprichard Dress, Bacara Boutique Anna Beck Earrings & Ring, K Frank B-Low The Belt Handbag, Allora by Laura Kate Spade Bowtie, Letter Perfect On Kyla: BCBGMAXAZRIA Jumpsuit EF Collection Earrings, K Frank Anna Beck Ring, K Frank Kate Spade Glasses, Letter Perfect
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On Kyla: SW3 Bespoke Jumpsuit, Bacara Boutique Ellar Necklace, Calypso St. Barth Louise Et Cie Heels On Baskin: BCBGMAXAZRIA Dress Denise James Earrings, Bacara Boutique Lisa Duncan Carrillo Jewelry Bracelet, Rowan EF Collection Ring, K Frank
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On Baskin: BCBGMAXAZRIA Dress Denise James Earrings & Bracelet, Bacara Boutique EF Collection Ring, K Frank On Kyla: Calypso St. Barth Dress Denise James Earrings & Ring, Bacara Boutique Cocktails, Still
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On Kyla: Bailey 44 Dress, Bacara Boutique TAT 2 Designs Necklace, K Frank Denise James Bracelet, Bacara Boutique On Baskin: Haute Hippie Dress, Bacara Boutique TAT 2 Designs Earrings & Necklace, K Frank Denise James Bracelet, Bacara Boutique EF Collection Ring, K Frank Cocktails, Still SBLIFEANDSTYLE.COM | 49
On Kyla: BCBGMAXAZRIA Dress TAT 2 Designs Earrings, K Frank Cocktails, Still
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On Baskin: Twilley Atelier Dress, Allora by Laura Denise James Earrings, Bacara Boutique EF Collection Ring, K Frank Cocktail, Still
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On Kyla: Calvin Klein Dress, Sepi Denise James Earrings, Bacara Boutique Ellar Necklace, Calypso St. Barth On Baskin: Roe and May Dress, Whiskey & Leather Denise James Earrings, Bacara Boutique Lisa Duncan Carrillo Jewelry Bracelet, Rowan EF Collection Ring, K Frank Cocktails, Still
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On Kyla: DVF Dress, Bacara Boutique Louise Et Cie Heels Denise James Earrings, Bacara Boutique On Baskin: Haute Hippie Dress, Bacara Boutique Vince Camuto Heels Denise James Earrings, Bacara Boutique TAT 2 Designs Necklace, K Frank
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stories
EVERYBODY LOVES
a Love Story Photographed by Silas Fallstich Written by Julie Pryor
W
hether you just caught a glimpse of the sparkling princess cut wrapped around the wine glass next to you or you’re a Los Angeles event and wedding coordinator like me sitting down with a newly engaged couple, one of the first questions is and always will be, “So how did you meet!?” Love stories are the best! And they get to begin somewhere. I’ve been planning weddings in Southern California and throughout the world for the past seventeen years. While the most frequent answers to that first question used to be “Through friends,” or “We met in college,” these days (you guessed it!) online dating is the number one way the couples I talk to are meeting today. Match.com and Jdate lead the way, while special interest sites, such as dating sites for math wizards or people who would be crazy to date anyone who is not crazy about dogs, pop up unexpectedly
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(or for the couple trotting in with four dogs under their arms, quite expectedly). Some of these couples have survived lengthy long-distance relationships while others seem to barely know one another. During one memorable initial wedding consultation, one groom was shocked to learn that his fiancée came from a family of ten. Can you imagine not knowing that about someone you are about to marry? Of course many couples still meet “the old fashioned way;” taking a chance on blind dates arranged by friends and relatives, embracing those unexpected moments of electric eye contact during a commute. The following true stories are from clients who could never have dreamed they’d be planning their dream weddings! Love can still begin when and where you least expect it.
1. Match These Correctly One of my grooms was a professor at a major university. We will call him Steve. When I asked Steve how he met his fiancée he shared the following story: at the beginning of the quarter, Steve promised that any student who introduced him to a great, single woman that turned into a serious relationship would receive an ‘A’ in his class. Quite a few students took Steve up on that offer and, ultimately, a student did introduce Steve to his wife. When I asked Steve what grade that student’s coursework deserved he said “Definitely nothing higher than a ‘C’.” Regardless, a promise is a promise and that student received and ‘A’—and an invite to the destination wedding.
2. Pets are the Best Wingmen A few couples I’ve worked with met while walking their dog —a classic tangling of the leashes and a few inseparable off-leash playtimes. One couple met at a 24-hour emergency veterinarian’s office as they each waited for their injured pups to come out of surgery. One woman even met her future husband when her pet lizard snuck out of the yard! Not wanting to alarm her neighbor, she snuck into his backyard in hot pursuit. Thinking she was a burglar, he came out with a pistol! Luckily, the two laughed about the incident over glasses of wine; she didn’t make it home that night or too many nights after.
“
to their third little girl and Courtney’s mom has been cancer free for six years.
5. Jetset on You What Jason fancied most about his regular cross-country business flights? The long, animated conversations with his favorite firstclass flight attendant, Peggy. And although the airline discouraged it, Peggy accepted Jason’s invitation to dinner in Manhattan one snowy February evening. That first dinner turned into at least once a month or whenever the two were both in the same city. On the second anniversary of their first date—another snowy evening in Manhattan—Jason proposed and Peggy said yes!
6. Big-Hearted Brenda One of my sweet brides Brenda, a third grade teacher, met her future husband when she phoned a parent. She had noticed one of her students, Mikey, seemed out-of-sorts and she called his father to hear if anything unfamiliar was happening at home. Mikey’s father Kevin shared the story of his wife’s recent loss in her fight against cancer. Heart aching for a distraught father and his adorable son, Brenda met with Kevin over coffee to devise a plan to help Mikey, including many extra hours of help along with more frequent parent-teacher conferencing than the quarterly requirements. Two years later Kevin was ready to date again and there was only one woman he would call. Mikey was the best man at their wedding.
A few couples I’ve worked with met while walking their dogs—a classic tangling of the leashes...
3. It Just So Happenstance One couple met at an LAX baggage carousel. Hardly a strange place to find oneself in someone else’s space, until they realized they had just stayed at the same tiny, remote resort in Fiji without ever running into one another. The romanticized NYC subway is the starting point of another couple’s love story; they met for the first time on the east coast only to discover they lived within five blocks of one another in Santa Barbara! They quickly began planning their beach wedding.
4. Dr. Right Courtney (one of my favorite brides and a gorgeous woman in her early thirties!) met her husband-to-be (a top oncologist) when she brought her ill mother in to his office for a second opinion. Filling out paper work at the reception desk, she first laid eyes on the doctor and said he took her breath away. When Dr. Conrad called Courtney and her mom into his office for a consultation, Courtney could barely speak. Seriously. He admitted thinking there might be something wrong with the young woman because of her strange behavior! The mother became a regular patient and Courtney happily volunteered to accompany each visit, slowly working up the courage to speak to the good doctor. Worth it? Well, he proposed a dinner date and the rest is history. This year, Courtney gave birth
”
7. Celebrate Like You Mean It A couple in their mid-eighties—each married before and widowed by cancer—had decided that, after knowing true love, they did not wish to spend their later years alone. After requesting friends to try to fix them up—and many unsuccessful dates—these two found each other. Considering a small, low-key wedding only briefly, they instead opted for a large and extravagant evening in Beverly Hills to celebrate with three hundred of their closest friends. It was a wonderfully special evening lasting well past midnight.
8. Music Muses He was working at the music shop. She came in to buy concert tickets. His first thought? “We would have beautiful babies together.” At the time he was freshly single and in no rush to change that, but the attraction was still magnetic as she waited in line. You know when you can’t keep your eyes away from someone? Well this is where 10 seconds of insane courage is just what your love life is looking for! She tentatively slipped him her number and…he called. After six years of dating and a wonderful wedding, a recent birth announcement proved they would indeed have beautiful babies together.
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venue
Galia Lahav Top & Skirt Anglo Couture Veil Jewelry by Gauthier Blue Sapphire, Diamond & White Gold Necklace & Ring
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Something Borrowed, Something Blue 5 reasons why Bacara Resort & Spa is the dazzling gem of Santa Barbara wedding venues Photographed by Captured & Created Written by Christina Burch Styled by Michelle Sanchez Model Esther Anderson with L.A. Models Hair & Makeup by Kristabelle Marks with José Eber Salon Floral Design by EmmaRose Floral
A
sk any single girl of the lavish details she’s envisioned for her wedding day, and she’s likely to respond in one of two ways. She’ll either enthusiastically reveal the two sets of color schemes she’s been toying with since middle school or she’ll automatically whip out her impressively comprehensive Pinterest board, probably named “I Do” or “Going To The Chapel.”
comes when you’ll actually revisit your choices.
I am unashamedly guilty of the latter.
So when the time does come, and you’ve been tasked with selecting your wedding venue, how can a girl choose? Well, that’s where I come in.
Granted, my Pinterest board is designated as “secret” (perhaps to avoid scaring any suitors who might oddly be spending their time on Pinterest) but that doesn’t make it any less magical. There’s just something so exciting—so gratifying—about mindlessly scrolling through a gallery of wildflower bouquets and angelic veils of lace until that one thing catches your eye. You pause, sigh in adoration and commit by selecting the famous red pushpin. Pinned. Categorized. Saved forever. Or at least until the day
I’ll admit that this act of building upon a board for years might seem frivolous and perhaps a little presumptuous. But it’s only because we have this inherent desire to keep our options wide open—to essentially sample hundreds of different looks, themes and vibes—before deciding on the right combination for that joyous day.
Ladies, you know your heart is set on Santa Barbara and its breathtaking views. But with so many resorts, churches and seaside locations, the American Riviera might be slightly challenging to narrow down. So I’ll appeal to your Pinterest-fueled style of decisionmaking and provide you with five simple snapshots of why the Bacara Resort & Spa is simply the dazzling gem of Santa Barbara wedding venues.
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Mac Duggal Gown Jewelry by Gauthier White Gold & Diamond Earrings & Ring 60 | MARCH 2016
5. 4. 3.
THE OCEAN…AND OTHER HEAVENLY VIEWS If you’re even slightly considering the Bacara Resort & Spa, you’re sure to be swindled by the sparkling azure of the Pacific. Whether you’re roaming the grounds on foot or being chauffeured by a friendly staff member via golf cart, you’ll find it quite difficult to keep your eyes on anything else. Picture this: a peaceful ceremony along the bluffs accompanied by warm sunshine, soft crashing waves and a salty breeze. Shall I continue? Even the angle at which the ocean meets Haskell’s Beach is truly breathtaking. Now imagine tropical florals, lush greenery and jovial birds at play. I can’t think of anything more fitting for an outdoor wedding than this harmonious botanical bliss.
EUROPEAN ELEGANCE It’s no secret that Santa Barbara aficionados flock to our coastal village for its international flair. And the Bacara Resort & Spa has effortlessly encompassed the facets of European influence that so famously shape the city. It’s likely that your guests have traveled far and wide to attend your nuptials—and many of them have played an important role in either bringing you together or helping you keep it all together during this stressful season of planning. And for that, I’d say you owe them the world, if only for an evening. Why not treat your wedding guests to the enchantment of whitewashed Spanish architecture, sophisticated French cuisine and stone-lined Mediterranean walkways? A destination wedding might be something you’ve always dreamed about but let’s be real. Who really needs one when you’ve got the Bacara?
REFINED RESORT AMENITIES Brides lose plenty of shut eye over the all-important venue decision. Will it host both the ceremony and reception? Is it family friendly? Are spa services and bridal packages available for pre-wedding pampering? Luckily for those already convinced of the Bacara’s charm, you might be even more delighted to discover its sophisticated list of amenities. Stunning saline oceanfront pools, laid back outdoor dining and stones-throw beach access will be sure to treat your out-of-towners to their much desired dose of vacation Vitamin D. Meanwhile, you’ll be decompressing in a redwood sauna or eucalyptus steam room at the sumptuous spa. Immersing yourself in this type of sweet serenity will have you wondering what “pre-wedding jitters” was ever all about.
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2.
A WEDDING PLANNER’S CANVAS
1.
UNPARALLELED CELEBRATION
Glitzy and glamorous, rustic and summery, or clean and classic? How does a bride ever narrow down her vision to only one? Well thank goodness for the wedding planners who step in to paint the wedding that most brides didn’t even know they had buried deep within their hearts. These swiss army knifelike coordinators do it all, and they’ve spoken: the Bacara is the perfect palette. Between the dramatic oceanside lookout of The Bluff, the intimate and polished seclusion of the Oval Lawn or the sun-filled arched windows lining the Rotunda, the Bacara and its grandeur make even your wedding planner beam with excitement. Santa Barbara favorite La Fete Weddings, run by Colette Lopez and her daughter Kaitlin, embellish on this potential by incorporating the multifaceted elegance of fabric draping, ambient uplighting and banquette seating. “Brides hire us because they want our expertise,” Colette explains. “And the Bacara allows our creativity to run wild.” So brides, how can you not be curious? Allow your wedding to blossom into something as radiant and unique as you are—with help of the stunning Bacara backdrop and the imagination of an eager planner (Go ahead and count it as your ‘something borrowed’).
There’s a reason your wedding is known as your “Big Day.” I can’t think of many other milestones that are coined with such an esteemed title. You’ve hired photographers. You’ve tasted cakes. You’ve even managed to keep five out of six bridesmaids happy. Oh, and did I mention that everyone you and your fiancé know, or have ever known, will be in attendance? That’s right, it is a big day. That’s why I’d encourage you to go Bacara or go home. Because if not now, when? You only get this one day to consult your innermost longings for fancy dresses, sweeping landscapes and fresh ocean breezes. More importantly, your wedding is not just a ceremonial walk down an aisle, with dinner and dancing to follow. Your wedding will forever symbolize the joyous celebration of the love you and your fiancé share and this precious commitment you’ve decided to make. So hear me out on this: Treat yourselves to the type of celebration that you and your guests will still be talking about for years. This moment definitely deserves it. (And you’ll have a lovely reason to revisit every year or so. I hear the Bacara is great for anniversaries).
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Allure Bridals Gown Galia Lahav Veil Jewelry by Gauthier White Gold & Diamond Earrings, Necklace & Ring SBLIFEANDSTYLE.COM | 63
fashion
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Strutting down the aisle to a modern beat, these brides bring sheer perfection to a traditional venue Photographed by Michelle Beller Planning & Design by Wedding Kate Models Paige Collings with L.A. Models and Enjoli with Next Model Management Hair & Makeup by Kristabelle Marks with JosĂŠ Eber Salon Florals by Flora Vida Flowers resourced from Mayesh Wholesale Florist Rentals by Party Pleasers Structure & Lighting by Bella Vista Designs Dj & Music by Gavin Roy Presents Accessories by Ashley Chanel for Grato SB Design Assistants Morgan Tibbetts and Emily Tull Location Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore
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Galia Lahav Gown
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Galia Lahav Gown
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Hayley Paige Gown
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Elizabeth Mackenzie Bridal Gown
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LEFT On Paige: Galia Lahav Gown On Enjoli: Xtreme Gown RIGHT On Paige: Xtreme Gown On Enjoli: Galia Lahav Gown SBLIFEANDSTYLE.COM | 73
Xtreme Gown Trousseau & Co. Hat Boxes
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Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Cake
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Casa de Perrin Tabletop Sophia Loves Letters Menus
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wedding planning
PANTONE YOUR WEDDING Sophisticated ways to incorporate Pantone’s 2016 color palette
Photographed by Tamiz Photography Written by Jennifer Arreguin & Natasha Burton Hair by Maui Makeup Artistry
Theory Suit Paul Smith Shoes
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Jim Hjelm Dress
T
his year, Pantone went rouge and announced not just one but two colors of the year, prompting hue enthusiasts, from fashion designers to wedding planners, to rejoice. The colors, Serenity (a soft sky blue) and Rose Quartz (a pale pink), are airy, light and downright gorgeous. Typically, the Pantone color of the year tends to be a popular wedding shade and this year is no different. But since there are two hues, figuring out how to incorporate them, elegantly, can be a challenge. (Especially given that pastels have a tendency to look washed out, or, in this case of pink and blue, can hark of a baby shower.) To guide you in utilizing these colors as chicly as possible, here are five ideas for stylishly integrating Serenity and Rose Quartz into your wedding décor. Follow the rule of three: To avoid your overall color palette from looking too cutesy, add in a third hue. Pale pink and baby blue get a sophisticated upgrade when you mix in navy, while incorporating those two light shades with hot pink can give your soirée a more modern feel. If you’d rather keep the colors muted, use one pastel shade as your base, then mix in touches of the other with punches of white. In this case, three is anything but a crowd—rather, it’s an ideal number of colors to build your entire wedding look around. Mix in metallic: Rather than choose a third color, you might consider going for metal instead. Rose gold in particular looks amazing with both Serenity and Rose Quartz, lending an elevated vibe to these shades. You can incorporate the metallic element whenever you see fit, with candlesticks,
votives, flatware, rimmed plates, calligraphy on your escort cards—you name it! Play with a spectrum: Consider thinking in five tones rather than in two colors for your florals. Choose either pinks or blues and then build out a range of shades. For instance, if you choose pink, go for garden roses with just a hint of color, then work with your florist to find blooms that build the palette out with slightly darker shades. Then, blend in a variety of whites (oatmeal, ivory and true white), as well as a lot of greenery. The result will be a layered garden party vibe that fits well with the more rustic, undone look that’s very on-trend for weddings right now. Use your attire: If you’re planning to wear a dress that’s not white, this becomes an awesome opportunity to bring in the Pantone colors. A pink gown perfectly compliments a pale blue dress shirt—and on the flip side, an ethereal sky-hued creation on you will look fabulous with soft pink shirt on him. The contrast will not only look incredible in person, but in photos as well. Incorporate watercolor: A major trend for weddings of late is including this technique in your paper goods, from invites to place cards to menus. The muted, ombre effect not only looks super pretty, it adds an artistic element, too. And when it comes to this year’s Pantone colors, there couldn’t be a better watercolor pairing. Because the shades are just far enough apart on the color spectrum, they perfectly compliment each other when using this faded style—the result is both romantic and sophisticated. Jennifer Arreguin and Natasha Burton are the founders of Swoon California, a boutique event planning company in Santa Barbara. Learn more at swooncalifornia.com
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dining
TAKE THE CAKE
A tasting experience at Lele Patisserie leaves no flavor unturned.
Fork, Party Pleasers Rentals LVX Nail Polish in Lait 82 | MARCH 2016
Photographed by Silas Fallstich Written by Marisa Hutton
F
rom wedding television shows to magazines, the image of the “big day” is constantly all around us. Women draped in luxurious white cloth, and men buttoned up in tailored suits. While I have always appreciated the beauty and elegance of the flowers and wedding décor, I have been steadfast on what has been my focus: the cake. To me, the silk gowns bear no comparison to the smooth and buttery icing. While most women daydream about trying on all styles of dresses from princess to mermaid, I’ve yearned for the day when I can delight my palette with sugary delicacies. Although I may still be missing the man and the ring, my dream finally came true on a lovely Thursday afternoon when I had the wonderful opportunity to go cake tasting at Lele Patisserie. I decided to make this experience as realistic as possible so I invited three of my potential future bridesmaids (aka my best friends) to come along with me. I knew I had chosen the right crew when they drove up to get me while blasting “Cake” by Rihanna.
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Walking into the pastel blue office of Studio 10 on Mission Street, the feeling of love is all around us. As a collaborative space complete with a wedding planner, photographer, florist, stationer, and salon, this is Santa Barbara’s one stop wedding shop. Beautiful wedding invitations sweep the walls and white parlor furniture surrounds the room. Candles fill the fireplace and are scattered throughout the area warming us on a brisk winter day. Upon the wooden table in the middle of the room lies a tea party spread full of cake and icing. Four separate plates and six little dishes each with their own adorable flag-label indicating what sweet perfection lay below. The cake pieces are perfectly cut into tea-sized triangle tasters. Lele, the mastermind behind this delicious banquet, introduces herself and seats us along the table. She gives us the go-ahead, and with free reign we each delicately pick a flavor of cake and a spoonful of icing. Slowly we try each and every combination. As we take our very polite nibbles of the cake, aweing at its flavor, Lele explains to us the evolution of her business. After realizing the corporate world was not fulfilling enough for her, she decided to take a risk and enroll in the French Pastry School in Chicago. Upon graduation she courageously went out on her own, and began her very own patisserie in Santa Barbara. Lele is her own boss and her only employee. She does everything from baking, to delivering, to consultations. Booking tastings a year in advance, Lele has outdone herself and has no intention of slowing down.
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...and with free reign we each delicately pick a flavor of cake and a spoonful of icing. Slowly we try each and every combination.
Cake Stand, Champagne Flutes & Table, Party Pleasers Rentals Cake Servers, Otis & Pearl Vintage Rentals
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“
Lele’s unique tasting strategy allows each guest to mix and match cake flavors with different frostings, and I am consumed with trying to outdo each different concoction.
Just as our refined bites are turning into full mouthfuls, Lele’s soft-spoken tone is blossoming into a more playful and vivacious attitude. Eventually silence takes over and all I can hear are the enchanting tones of metal forks hitting porcelain plates. Lele’s unique tasting strategy allows each guest to mix and match cake flavors with different frostings, and I am consumed with trying to outdo each different concoction. The carrot cake with citrus cream cheese filling is Lele’s favorite and I must agree with the expert. However, I keep coming back to the gluten-free red velvet smeared with espresso buttercream. Her “all things custom” mission statement means that if you can conceive of it, Lele will do her best to make it. From intricate designs to the newly popular funfetti cakes, she does it all. For her own wedding, Lele took the leftover tasting cakes and combined them into a tiered smorgasbord. With this vision in mind, each of us begins to picture our own fantasy cake. I start to layer my miniature cakes with an assortment of frostings in between. Chocolate cake with vanilla bean buttercream atop red velvet and chocolate buttercream, layered with carrot cake and citrus cream cheese. While I can imagine that my leaning tower of cake is not up to Lele’s standards, I can’t help but pride myself on the melting pot of flavor. 86 | MARCH 2016
Plates, Napkin Ties & Serving Board, Party Pleasers Rentals Forks & Votive, Otis & Pearl Vintage Rentals
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La Tavola Fine Linen Tablecloth Votives, Plates, Forks & Napkins, Otis & Pearl Vintage Rentals Cake Stand, Party Pleasers Rentals
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Serving Board, Party Pleasers Rentals
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Although Lele politely accepts all of our gushing compliments, she isn’t finished delighting us. Wedding cakes may be her specialty, but she is about to prove that she is a wizard with all things dessert. She disappears behind her desk and returns with a big bag of caramel and chocolate covered popcorn. As soon as this crunchy salty yet sweet blend hits my lips, my stomach decides it can handle just a little bit more. With my sugar-addicted inner child more than satisfied, and all of the flavors scavenged, we have no choice but to exit this little escape from reality. While I am in no rush to make that walk down the aisle (don’t worry mom), I do eagerly await the day when I can come back to Lele Patisserie.
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Platter, Party Pleasers Rentals
LELE PATISSERIE 110 West Mission Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805-252-7392 lelepatisserie.com
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Honeymoon Hideaway
travel
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Savor the occasion at Auberge du Soleil, a resort destined to be a newlyweds’ paradise.
Photographed by Trinette Reed Written by Robin Berger SBLIFEANDSTYLE.COM | 91
I
’ve always dreamt that I would get married at the Ashford Castle in Ireland and go on my honeymoon down the Amazon or up the Nile. However, when love comes into play geography goes out the window and everything seems exotic.
Auberge Du Soleil, on the outskirts of Napa Valley, has me thinking about what a soulmate truly is. Love is a tenacious and profound emotion which no words can encompass, it’s an “us against the world” mentality. It’s built on unity and compromise, it’s finding a person you believe is worth sticking with and fighting for, no matter what. When it comes down to it, the idea of a soulmate is somewhat inexplicable--it’s just a love that makes sense. But, sense aside, finding “the one” can seem impossibly hard, a treasure hunt with no clear beginning. It’s a discovery worth celebrating at a place like Auberge. I eagerly step out of my car and am immediately greeted with an umbrella. I am no celebrity, but the valet must have known I love the rain—when I’m completely dry, and inside of course. As my green eyes scan the property I breathe in the fresh air and I am surprised by how calm I am. After checking in with a refreshing glass of wine, I reach my suite and sense the magnificent influence of nature. Within seconds of entering my humble abode I find the skylit soaking tub and I’m almost ready to forgo all plans and sink into it. French doors open onto a private balcony and the surroundings are captivating, a view with so much beauty that not even a picture could capture it. Just before the bellman leaves, I stare at the tranquility that surrounds me and all I can think is, “Pinch me.” The fireplace in
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my suite is its own work of art, with lush undertones of gray wood and pebbles. I take a mental note of its features and lock it in the back of my mind as “a dream fireplace, potential one for the future.” It’s easy to understand why couples would honeymoon here. Auberge is a place of unmistakable romance, a place where intimacy is the only concern. The light drizzle disappears as a gleam of sun graces the mountain peaks. I stroll along the property and everything that catches my gaze is a piece of this world I’ve been waiting to see. This is what traveling is about, the realization that this world is vast, and wonderful. I wander through the garden of serene olive trees and eclectic sculptures from Ærena Galleries & Gardens. Each piece of artistry tells its own unique story and the figures of bronze, ceramic, stone, and wood lead me down to the Spa. The Spa, which occupies 7,000 square feet overlooking Napa Valley, looks--and smells--like romance. Aromas of sage lavender, rosemary mint and lemon verbena greet me as I walk in. I make my way to the boutique where I pick up a book titled 1,001 Ways to Live in the Moment, and open it to a page that states “Find your own sacred harmony.” In that split second after placing the book down I decide to remind myself daily to harmoniously live in each moment. I gather the notion that realizations like this happen naturally and often here. While waiting for my pre-treatment elixir, I take a dip in the three temperature hot springs. Sitting in the crystal clear comforts of steaming water, I gaze out at the panoramic view; the extensive array of grassy hills and blossoming foliage flatter the landscape. This dreamlike scene washes away all my worries. An overwhelming sense of joy meets me; I look up at the indigo sky and blissfully grin.
I stare at the tranquility that surrounds me and all I can think is, ‘Pinch me.’
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“
This quiet and stress-free reality is a superlative oasis, and I’m existing in its private terrain. After I’m pampered in a relaxing remedy of house-infused oils and herbs prepared by the therapists from the Spa’s very own garden, I inhale and slowly exhale. I am ready for what’s next. And I know it won’t disappoint. As I walk in to the Michelin Star Restaurant at Auberge Du Soleil, I make eye contact with abstract paintings, wood furnishings and the most sought after terrace on the property. The sun setting over the hills is a reminder that this view is more than a slice of seventh heaven. Understandably, this sets the tone for Chef Robert Curry’s Mediterraneaninspired dishes My 4-course meal is preceded by a Schramsberg sparkling wine and a goat cheese brioche with a balsamic grape accent. Following the exceptional flavors, is a taste of the butternut squash soup with a touch of quinoa. The first course meets my gaze—the extravagant presentation showcases a melt-in-your-mouth cow’s milk burrata, with crisp, accentuated flavors of roasted beets, fennel puree, chicories, and pistachios. Following the burrata, my second course greets me with pristine orange tones and earthly tints. The server explains it’s a butternut squash agnolotti with cavolo nero, hazelnuts,
brown butter, and pecorino, paired with the sharp tones of a 2010 Chardonnay from Savigny-lès-Beaune. The main course, Liberty Farm duck with verjuspoached quince, baby turnips, walnuts, and caraway spoils my taste buds. The divine, medium-rare duck heightens the opulent flavors of the paired 2013 Syrah from PlumpJack Winery.
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If the main course is the courting, then dessert is the honeymoon phase. After an apple basil vodka spritzer palette cleanser, I indulge in the honey poached apples with yuzu mochi, Greek yogurt and a granny smith apple sorbet. The sweet, yet delicate flavors have me thinking that perhaps I’ve found my own soulmate in Chef Curry’s food. The following morning, I wake up nourished and relaxed with a clear view of the mountain peaks. I stare out into the plethora of rich greens and pines that coat the Valley. This quiet and stress-free reality is a superlative oasis, and I’m existing in its private terrain. I head to the restaurant for breakfast and as I sit, ready to sip my vanilla latte, my server smiles, ardently delivering me a spiced pecan coffee cake. I eagerly engulf a savory Eggs Benedict and a burst of energy ignites throughout my physique. My stomach gives me the go to start the day.
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I’m always up for the unknown, a journey with no distinct beginning and no precise end, so I drive to St. Helena, a quick ten minutes from the hidden hills I’ve grown to love. I step foot on the cobblestone streets and stumble upon a boutique named Pearl, complete with architecture dating back to the 1890s. This high-end boutique features top designers and unique accessories; I walk away with a cashmere sweater, a one of a kind treasure. I then land in the Napa Valley Extra Virgin Store, where I’m captivated by an antique vault, that I’m told is original to the building. As I look around at the heightened ceilings, complete with crown molding and quartz chandeliers I start to wish I lived back then. I buy a bag of truffle almonds that I know will vanish by the end of the day. I stroll into Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company where the mix of Saturday conversations and coffee resonate as I taste the gratification of my 3 o’clock latte. I excitingly discover a Dean & Deluca nearby (the only location in California!). I meander around for 15 minutes, eyeing the incredible selection of brie, my all time favorite cheese. I awe at the assortment of chocolate animals, knowing if I purchase them they’d be too cute to devour. While sauntering through the aisles, I learn there’s a hundred and one varieties of mayo. Sriracha, BBQ, and garlic lemon to name a few. This place gets me and I miss it the second I walk
out. My afternoon winds down when I make my way to Woodhouse Chocolate to taste a Champagne truffle with an accent of white chocolate ganache. I wrap my exploration up by returning to my suite and treating myself to a lavender infused bubble bath, face mask and all. I choose a book from the picturesque shelf next to the fireplace and get lost in the pages. The moon rises over the valley and I nestle in my crisp white sheets, but right before I fall into a dream I relish in just how complete life feels. The comforts of my reality are almost too good to be true. Along the beautiful Napa countryside, Auberge du Soleil offers a honeymoon package that includes a twonight stay, a 4-course dinner for two with a champagne greeting upon arrival, a 90-minute couple’s massage, a signature bottle of wine, and daily breakfast at the Restaurant. Better yet, the Auberge wonderland isn’t a plane ride across the pond, so a visit is easy to make. This paradise provides an exceptional setting and accommodates all the romantic touches to create a honeymoon where couples can celebrate their love. No matter where you get married, I am confident you will be experiencing what I did on your honeymoon. And I think to myself as I exit this heavenly spot, I might just bring my own soulmate here one day.
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AUBERGE DU SOLEIL 180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford, CA 707-963-1211 aubergedusoleil.com
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fashion
Peter Langner Gown Pascal Lacroix Bracelet, Gaspar Jewelers
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unveiled
Photographed by Silas Fallstich Model Annie Gress with Next Model Management Hair by Carolina Miranda with Carlyle Salon & Style Bar Makeup by Rose Serrano with Carlyle Salon & Style Bar Manicure by Aqua Skin & Nail Bar using LVX in Rhone Floral Design by Eden Floral SBLIFEANDSTYLE.COM | 99
Galia Lahav Gown Alex Sepkus Ring, Gaspar Jewelers 100 | MARCH 2016
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Galia Lahav Gown Earrings & Ring, Gaspar Jewelers
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Peter Langner Gown 104 | MARCH 2016
Mac Duggal Gown SBLIFEANDSTYLE.COM | 105
Galia Lahav Gown
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wedding planning
THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS The Wedding Wish gives deserving couples the opportunity of a lifetime. Photographed by Josh Newton & Christianne Taylor Written by Noel Solomon & Christianne Taylor
W
edding Wish is a heartfelt collaboration between some of the top experts in the wedding industry who have come together to collectively give back to the community. Wedding professionals are often given the opportunity to create beautifully styled photoshoots for magazines and blogs. As industry professionals ourselves, Noel Solomon of Fanciful Designs and Christianne Taylor of Christianne
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Taylor Photography, we are among those who have done a number of styled shoots. However, this time we decided to do something a little bit different. Instead of creating a wedding for print, we focused all of our talent and energy on making a real wedding for a couple that was unable to produce one for themselves. We worked with over 30 wedding professionals who went above and beyond to partner with us in an effort to make dreams come true.
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Bringing people together to give someone else such an invaluable gift really is the best that life has to offer.
I guess when you start something like this, something that doesn’t make sense at first and seems slightly crazy, you should come to expect some level of resistance. So, when we told this couple that we were about to give them their dream wedding for free, there were definitely some skeptics in the family. The groom’s father was noticeably the most outspoken. When we asked him elatedly, “ARE YOU EXCITED?!?!” he flatly responded, “Yeah, I don’t know about this...” When the final hour of the wedding rolled around, his response to us made a lot more sense. His wife approached us and exclaimed, “We just want to say thank you! My husband just told me, ‘Wow, I am just shocked those two high school girls were able to pull this off!’” We rolled with laughter thinking about how outrageous this idea must have appeared from his perspective. While, contrary to his
assumption, we are no longer starry-eyed teenagers, we can see how two high school girls throwing his son and future daughter-in-law a wedding may have seemed a bit suspicious. Ironically, with the complete support of such a large community, it did not matter what previous experience we had. Every vendor showed up and worked tirelessly to give this couple more than they could’ve ever imagined. When the bride walked down the aisle for this first time, all of our hearts were warmed to a new level. Not only did a couple’s dream come true, but a community had worked together selflessly to make it happen. With tears streaming down our cheeks, we walked away from this experience full of gratitude and appreciation. Bringing people together to give someone else such an invaluable gift really is the best that life has to offer.
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recipe
DISH IT UP A simple monthly recipe, to try at home, from our team to you.
Mini Buttermilk Pancake Stacks with Grapefruit & Thyme Mimosas Mini Pancake Stacks
Mimosas
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp baking soda 2 tsp baking powder 1 tbsp sugar Ÿ tsp salt 3 eggs 2 cups buttermilk
1 tbsp butter, melted, plus more for the griddle Banana, sliced Strawberries, sliced Raspberries, sliced Powdered sugar Bamboo sticks
Directions: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Whisk in the buttermilk and butter. Add to the dry ingredients and whisk until combined. Heat a griddle over medium heat. Grease with butter. Spoon 2 tbsp batter onto hot griddle. Cook until golden brown on each side. Stack pancakes three high. Top with fruit, dust with powdered sugar, and stick bamboo sticks through each stack to serve. 110 | MARCH 2016
Champagne Grapefruit juice Thyme sprigs Strawberries for garnish
Directions: Rinse and then chill Champagne glasses in freezer to frost. Then, pour grapefruit juice into glasses until 1/3 full. Add a couple thyme sprigs to each glass, then fill them almost to the rim, with Champagne. Lastly, garnish with a strawberry.
Recipe & Photography by Riley Yahr SBLIFEANDSTYLE.COM | 111
beauty
Carlyle
SALON AND STYLE BAR
HAIR: KEVIN MURPHY DOO OVER DRY SHAMPOO AND DAVINES MEDIUM HOLD HAIR SPRAY
EYES: GLO MINERALS EYE SHADOW IN TWIG, SABLE AND KONA AND DIORSHOW MASCARA CHEEKS: BOBBI BROWN BLUSH IN SAND PINK AND ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS CONTOUR KIT IN MEDIUM TO TAN SKIN: GLO MINERALS LUXE LIQUID FOUNDATION IN PORCELAIN AND GLO MINERALS PRESSED BASE IN NATURAL LIGHT
LIPS: GLO MINERALS SUEDE MATTE CRAYON IN MONOGRAM
Peter Langner Gown Alex Sepkus Earrings, Gaspar Jewelers
Get
THE LOOK Photographed by Silas Fallstich
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MAKEUP by Rose
To get Annie’s look, first I prepped her skin with Glo Minerals Luxe Liquid Foundation in Porcelain and Glo Minerals Pressed Base in Natural Light. Next I used Bobbi Brown Blush in Sand Pink, followed by Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit in Medium to Tan to bronze her skin. For her eyes I layered and blended Glo Minerals Eye Shadows in Twig, Sable and Kona. I applied Diorshow Mascara on her top and bottom lashes. Then, I filled in her brows with Glo Minerals Brow Powder Duo in Brown. I finished off her look by applying Glo Minerals Suede Matte Crayon in Monogram to her lips.
HAIR by Carolina
For Annie’s beautiful boho hairstyle, I started with Kevin Murphy Doo Over Dry Shampoo to give the hair some texture and then sprayed Davines Medium Hold Hairspray. This hairspray gives hold while still giving the ability to play with the hair. I then parted her hair and wrapped it around a half-inch curling iron, letting the hair cool in my hand before dropping it down. After I finished curling a section of the area I wanted for the braid, I gently pulled on the sides to expand the braid for it to appear thicker. Afterwards, I sectioned the crown area and teased the hair for volume. After the teasing, I carefully smoothed the top to hide the tease. To finish, I lifted and scrunched sections of her hair while spraying Davines Medium Hold Hairspray all over.
Carlyle Salon & Style Bar For appointments call 805-963-8787 350 Chapala St #101 Santa Barbara, CA
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