A poem by Pablo Neruda. A photo by Jose Villa. Take bread away from me, if you wish, take air away, but do not take from me your laughter. Do not take away the rose, the lance flower that you pluck, the water that suddenly bursts forth in joy, the sudden wave of silver born [...]

A silver urn spilling over with Summer’s splendor. Photo by Jose Villa

When I was a little girl one of my favorite books was Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes it is a touching story based on a true story, where a young Japanese girl folds a thousand cranes with the hope that her wish will come true.  My family is Japanese on my Mother’s side and I [...]

Fresh Family Style Feast As the hills turn green and wild flowers blanket the wine country roadside with brilliant hues of yellow and purple–it seems that Spring has most certainly arrived in Santa Barbara. It’s a great time for celebrating with family, friends and bringing fresh seasonal delights to the table. This inspiration was imagined [...]

The best thing to hold onto in life is each other. -Audrey Hepburn Photo by Jose Villa

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” — Thornton Wilder Photo by Jose Villa

“Love is the beauty of the soul.” -Saint Augustine Photo by Jose Villa

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. -Unknown Photo by Jose Villa

July 29 Jose Villa and  TEAM Hair and Makeup on 100 Layer Cake August 2 Joy De Vivre Weddings, Luna Bella Make-up Art, Pure Joy Catering, La Tavola Linens, Florette Designs LBPS Events on Style Me Pretty with Photos by Jen Rodriguez August 5 XOXO Bride, Louloudi Design, Jose Villa, Joel Serrato Films, Zenadia Design, SBBBQ Gourmet Catering on [...]

In honor of the first day of Old Spanish Days, Fiesta this week in Santa Barbara, I would like to celebrate an element of Santa Barbara Wedding Style that is not only timeless and romantic, but was also recently chosen by Kate Middleton for her own Royal Wedding, and years before by another iconic bride, [...]