This Couple's Santa Barbara Wedding Will Change Your Mind About the Color Yellow

Citrus Stationery

The couple worked with Lazaro Press to design their bold invitation suite in citrus tones like peach, tangerine, and yellow; a modern font prefaced the upcoming reception's contemporary vibe.

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A Tireless Dress Search

Nina didn't find her wedding dress in a traditional bridal boutique. Instead, she spent hours scouring the internet and found a Marchesa gown that checked every single box. The ivory tulle A-line number featured a sweetheart neckline and an illusion three-quarter sleeve top, complete with special gold glitter star and flower detailing.

The Finishing Touches

She accessorized her bridal look with gold earrings with ivory fringe from Madewell, saffron leather Bryr clogs, and her grandma's pearl ring. "She gifted it to me the Christmas before she passed and wearing it on my wedding day was a way to remember her—I think she would have loved that," Nina says.

A Florist's Bouquet

In the days leading up to the wedding, Nina got to work arranging all the flowers for the event. Her bouquet was a hand-tied organic shape featuring spring blooms like peach peonies, carding mill garden roses, plum lisianthus, cobra lilies, blush-and-gold ranunculus, pink foxgloves, and clematis vine. It was tied off with silk ribbon and finished with hand-strung garlands of white hyacinth blooms—a nod to her childhood memories of making leis in Hawaii.

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A Dapper Groom

Devon consulted his existing wardrobe and wore a light gray Calvin Klein suit that he already owned on the big day; he paired his ensemble with a Liberty London bow tie and finished his look with burnished wingtip oxfords from Florsheim.

Headed to the Chapel

Nina and Devon were drawn to El Presidio Chapel in Santa Barbara for its history and Spanish mission revival style: "We attended a friend's wedding at El Presidio the year before and loved being a guest in the space. It has that historical, beautiful adobe architecture and classic Santa Barbara feeling," says Nina.

Inside the Church

The chapel's interior is painted with bold colors and ornate details, so the couple kept their décor simple, selecting olive trees in terra-cotta pots, agave plants, and woven baskets to flank the entrance.

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Here Comes the Bride

Nina and Devon hired musician Chris Fossek, who played an original song on his acoustic guitar for the processional; the groom's request for the recessional was a rendition of "Stand Inside Your Love" by The Smashing Pumpkins. Nina's parents walked her down the aisle, and her Aunt Monica read from Corinthians during the service. Devon's father, Dave, then read an excerpt from J.R.R Tolkien's "Lay of Leithian."

Signature Sips

During the cocktail hour, guests visited an appetizer station that offered charcuterie, cheese, and crudité. The couple served signature drinks, including a passionfruit margarita as a nod to Nina's upbringing in Hilo, Hawaii, along with a Kentucky mule as an homage to Devon's grandfather, who hails from the state. Since they hosted their nuptial celebration at a winery, it was only fitting that the couple also offered local Santa Barbara wines and beers.

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Find Your Table

At a table adorned with more organic flower arrangements, guests found their seating assignments (written in calligraphy) on hexagonal slabs.

A New Reception Space

Nina works a lot of weddings as a professional florist, so she wanted to find a reception venue that was new to her—she didn't want her big day to remind her of work. The Potek Winery in Santa Barbara ended up being the perfect choice, offering both a cool industrial feel and an outdoor dining area.

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All in the Details

Long rectangular tables were topped with green velvet linens from La Tavola. "Choosing the grass color was one of the first design decisions and really guided the rest of the details for the reception décor," Nina says. Marble and wood cake stands were placed on the tables; they later held the wood-fire pizza from Betina that was served for dinner. Each place setting included brass flatware, a black-and-white graphic napkin, and a personalized menu. The centerpieces, created by the bride, incorporated the same flowers as her bouquet; citrus fruits like grapefruits and limes were cut and scattered throughout the tables for a vibrant (and fragrant!) touch.

The First Dance Starts the Party

Nina and Devon hired DJ Darla Bea as their MC and DJ; she played a curated list of songs sourced from the couple and their guests. "As part of our RSVPs, we asked guests to request a song that would get them on the dance floor," Nina says. "[There were] so many good ones with special significance: Gaga and Beyoncé's 'Telephone,' Daft Punk's 'One More Time,' and OJay's 'Love Train,' where we all did a conga line (including my 88-year-old grandma!)."

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Drake on a Cake

These two had a ton of fun designing their wedding cake. Their Mexican vanilla confection was layered with passionfruit buttercream and topped with cream cheese buttercream; the dessert was made by Lele Patisserie and featured the pair's favorite Drake lyrics. "Drake on Cake on Instagram is so funny," Nina says. "We both love this Drake song and it reminds us of when we first started dating and would text YouTube music videos to each other."

Never Too Many Desserts

The couple also served ice cream in waffle cones from their favorite shop in Santa Barbara—McConnel's.

When asked what advice she might offer a couple currently planning their wedding, Nina says, "Don't get boxed into a set of traditions or 'must dos.' Let your wedding be a reflection of you as a couple—your love and your tastes!"

Sources

Photography, Emily Reiter, Anna Delores Photography

Ceremony Site, El Presidio Chapel

Reception Venue, Potek Winery

Event planning/design, TOAST; Jill and Co

Videographer, I Heart My Groom

Stationery and Menus, Lazaro Press

Calligraphy, Sophia Loves Letters

Flowers, Coco Rose Design

Catering, Bettina

Bride's Gown, Marchesa

Bride's Jewelry, Madewell

Bride's Shoes, Bryr Clogs

Hair & Makeup, Mar TEAM Hair and Makeup

Grooms Suit, Calvin Klein

Groom's Shoes, Florsheim

Cake, Lele Patissserie

Ice Cream, McConnel's

Music, Chris Fossek; DJ Darla Bea

Rentals, La Tivola; All Heart Rentals; The Tent Merchant; Onyx+Redwood

Transportation, Santa Barbara Trolley