Choosing the perfect dress goes hand in hand with choosing the perfect location. Your dress should reflect the feeling of where you decide to say ‘I Do’. The secret is to match style to style without losing your own personal identity. Stay true to your taste and ensure your dress works with your body type. Throughout the dress shopping experience keep the conceptual nature of the location in mind.

Below, for your inspiration I have handpicked a selection of Bridal fashions straight from the 2010 runways and paired them with some of Santa Barbara’s most popular venues.

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Formal venues, such as Ballrooms, Estates, or Country Clubs, will call for a more formal dress. A structured bodice, strong markings, and intense details will help mimic the feel of your surroundings.

Four Seasons, Biltmore Resort

Style Profile: Classic, Refined, Regal

Location Photos: Katie Moos

Gowns: Amsale, Kenneth Pool, Romona Keveza

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Bacara Resort and Spa

Style Profile: Modern, Sophisticated

Location Photos: Susan Dean

Gowns: Alvina Valenta, Junko Yoshioka, Amsale

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For a winery, ranch or rustic estate a more romantic and whimsical feel applies. Your guests will embrace the wind gently blowing through the trees; the smell of lavender floats in the air, their toes may be tickled ever so slightly from the grass beneath their feet. Softer color pallet, lace, and delicate features will better be received by their eye.

Gainey Vineyard

Style Profile: Soft, Romantic

Location Photos: Kristen Beinke

Gowns: Priscilla of Boston, Liancarlo

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Santa Barbara Historical Museum

Style Profile: Vintage, Spanish, Layered lace

Location Photos: Baron Spafford

Gowns: Rivini, Jim Helm, Reem Acra, Ines di Santo

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For a smaller intimate wedding on the beach, at a courthouse, or in a park, a more casual and simple tone should be set by the dress. Instead of the perfect little black dress we all have in our closet, find your perfect little “white” dress and wear it with confidence. Short is in ladies, pair it with fun accessories for a bold statement. The length of a wedding gown doesn’t have to be long to grab their attention.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Sunken Gardens & Mural Room

Style Profile: Casual, Confident, Radiant

Location Photos: BB Photography

Gowns: Jenny Yoo, Priscilla of Boston, Liancarlo, Amsale

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East Beach, Santa Barbara

Style Profile: Sun-kissed, light-hearted, barefoot

Location Photos: Vita-Bella Photography

Gowns: Cymbeline, Jenny Yoo