Classic Santa Barbara Wedding at Belmond El Encanto

Anna DeloresBella Vista DesignsBelmond El EncantoParty PleasersPretty Vintage RentalsLa TavolaRed Shoe LAKleinfeld BridalIsabelle ArmstrongStella Bloom DesignsBlushing BeautyEnjoy CupcakesbyDesign FilmsAvenue TwelveVanessa Noel Events

Aug 22

Written By Abbey Stewart

From Anna Delores Photography:

Danielle & Brian spent over a year planning their Four Seasons Biltmore Resort wedding Santa Barbara. Mother Nature had other plans! About a month before the big day, the Santa Barbara area was slammed with heavy rains; in conjunction with recent wildfires, the rainfall caused major mudslides, and the Biltmore was a victim of the devastation. With the hotel closed until restoration could be completed, Danielle and Brian were forced to find an alternate venue in a matter of weeks.

With the expert assistance of Vanessa Noel Events, the bride and groom found a new home for their celebration at Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara (which was not affected by the mudslides the way the Four Seasons was). Vanessa worked to relocate the wedding festivities to the new venue (and, with tears in her eyes over her deep connection to the couple, received a standing ovation from the entire crowd during Danielle and Brian's "thank you" toast at the reception).

This New York-based couple has roots in California (Danielle moved to NYC to pursue theater, and Brian joined her!), and thus wanted to merge their two coasts with a simple, chic celebration. Stella Bloom Designs created and all-white bridal bouquet and reception arrangements, then brought in greenery draping for the ceremony altar and reception ballroom chandeliers. Amy (of Stella Bloom) worked with Vanessa to bring in blue and white Chinoiserie vases, velvet textiles, and special details for the couple's "Greetings from Paradise" escort display. Vanessa's idea for the escort display was rooted in the couple's California heritage as well as their love of the beach and ocean. Trays of sand (which was actually a blend of gourmet salts to give more texture and color!) held cocktail umbrellas with guests' names printed on little white flags.

Danielle's show-stopping gown was designed by Isabelle Armstrong and was purchased at Kleinfield Bridal in NYC. Brian opted for classic black-tie formal and looked every part the dapper groom.

The couple had a small cake to cut, but opted for a tower of maple donuts in lieu of wedding cake for guests.