Wedding Chat with Timeless Event Planning
Photo by Anya Kernes
Timeless Event Planning, a premier wedding planning company, specializes in creating timeless celebrations on both coasts, serving couples in the idyllic settings of Martha's Vineyard and our city of Santa Barbara. As a seasoned wedding planner, Sandy Brooks is at the helm of this bi-coastal company. With ample experience in crafting flawless, detail-oriented events, she leads her team and brings each couple’s dream wedding to life by employing a comprehensive five-part planning process. It begins with an in-depth interview to understand their vision, followed by the careful selection of top-tier vendors. The team then curates a personalized design plan to reflect the couple’s style and coordinates every detail to perfection. On the wedding day, Timeless Event Planning ensures a seamless celebration, allowing couples to relax knowing their big day will go off without a hitch and be authentically theirs.
Recently, Santa Barbara Wedding Style connected with Timeless Event Planning to learn more about this exceptional company and the unique experience they bring to the Santa Barbara wedding scene.
What is your favorite location where you prefer to plan client weddings? What is the style that makes this location special for couples?
One of my favorite wedding venues is Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm in Santa Barbara. This venue stands out for couples due to its breathtaking combination of a serene waterfront for the ceremony and a lush, tropical garden for cocktail hour and the reception. The picturesque setting creates a romantic and enchanting atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on both the couple and their guests.
What makes this venue truly special is its versatility; it serves as a blank canvas where couples can bring their wildest visions to life. This aligns perfectly with my passion for blank canvas tented weddings, allowing us to customize every detail to reflect the couple’s unique love story. The combination of stunning natural beauty and endless creative possibilities makes Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm an exceptional choice for unforgettable weddings.
What is your #1 top piece of advice you give to couples before they hire you?
My number one piece of advice for couples before hiring me is to give yourselves plenty of time to plan your wedding—ideally, a year. This allows you to thoughtfully design every aspect without feeling rushed, making the planning process more enjoyable.
Additionally, I recommend not booking any vendors before hiring your planner. This is crucial because we work together to create a dream vendor team that is cohesive and collaborates well, ensuring a seamless event. We love incorporating custom design elements that reflect your unique love story, including hobbies, family traditions, and personal touches like meaningful quotes and your love language. Taking the time to plan and involving a planner from the start will set the foundation for an unforgettable celebration tailored just for you.
What is trending with your couples?
In 2024, I’m seeing a move toward more dynamic, unexpected color combinations for weddings. Couples are embracing bold hues mixed with softer tones, or pairing warm and cool colors together to create a unique look that truly reflects their personal style and the vibe of their celebration.
Another fun trend I love is the incorporation of seasonal wildflowers, which not only add texture and color but are also a sustainable choice since they’re in season and locally sourced. Couples are also getting creative with their floral arrangements by adding fruit and vegetables to bring in even more texture and natural elements. Wildflowers, potted plants, and fresh produce are all being used to create a whimsical, earthy atmosphere at weddings. It’s a beautiful way to blend nature and artistry into the décor!
What are 2 things you wish couples would do for every wedding?
There are two key things I wish couples would prioritize for every wedding. First, I encourage them to invest in hiring the best photographer they can afford. Your wedding photos will last a lifetime and become cherished memories that you can pass down to future generations. A skilled photographer can capture the essence of your day in a way that truly reflects your love story.
Second, I wish couples would focus on their own preferences for their wedding rather than trying to please family or friends. It's essential to put on blinders and avoid comparing your wedding to others. Being true to yourself and designing your celebration with intention will create a more meaningful experience that truly represents who you are as a couple.
To date, what wedding have you planned that made the top of your favorite list, and why?
One of my favorite weddings to date was Sam and Luke's tented celebration in a beautiful garden. I loved this wedding because they remained true to their vision, never comparing their day to others.
As a photographer herself, Sam was very particular about choosing the right vendor, and we were thrilled to work with Anya Kernes. To capture all the memories, we placed cameras throughout the venue for guests to document their own moments.
We also drew inspiration from their home decor, which featured sage green and rattan. The linens we chose mirrored the pillows and throws on their couch, while the orange and white flowers resembled the wildflowers found around the vineyard. Since Luke always referred to Sam as "my darling bride," we set up a phone guestbook for guests to share their favorite quotes about Sam and Luke. Sam had grown up collecting scallop shells with her sister, so we used scallop shell escort cards and menus that opened up to describe each meal.
A particularly special touch was that Luke's dad, who is a priest, officiated the ceremony. It was a wedding that truly reflected their love story and personal style, making it an unforgettable experience.
Photos by Anya Kernes