A Traditional and Romantic Gray-Colored Wedding in California

In March 2010, Jeff moved to Denver for work. As he toured potential apartments, one stood out. “It just seemed like whoever lived there was a really interesting person,” he recalls. On move-in day, Jeff found a message from the former tenant, Kristi, asking him to call her should he receive any of her mail. Fate intervened when some letters for Kristi turned up and the two arranged to meet. Within a week, they were a couple, and in December of the following year, Jeff proposed.

After tying the knot at the Four Seasons Biltmore in sunny Santa Barbara, California, the couple hosted a floral-inspired fete, complete with bright colors and a stunning ocean view.

Illustrator Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls drew a floral wreath, fern frond, and custom map for the stationery suite, which was letterpressed onto card stock. She also calligraphed graphite-colored envelopes with white ink. “The design was inspired by vintage botanical prints,” says the bride.

Guests received custom welcome boxes filled with elderflower water, C.O. Bigelow rose salve, Mor Cosmetics soap, a Tocca candle, and violet candies. “Everything was flowery and scented,” says Kristi.

Kristi tied her loose bouquet of peonies, anemones, ranunculus, garden roses, camellia, ferns, and geranium leaves with a vintage floral ribbon she had been holding on to for years.

Snippets of silk taffeta cinched the boutonnieres, which included (clockwise from top) ranunculus, gladiola, anemone, potato vine, australian fuchsia, fringed tulip, and lily of the valley (center). To give the pink, peach, and white blooms a masculine touch, friend and Martha Stewart Weddings Senior Style Editor Naomi deManana set them against dark green leaves or variegated foliage.

Like most brides, Kristi kept her dress a secret from her groom. “There were a few laptops slammed shut so I couldn’t see pictures!” says Jeff, posing here with his new wife. “But her efforts paid off — she looked amazing.” The bride decided on wearing Alberta Ferretti, while the groom sported a suit by Thom Browne.

A trio of flower girls wore peach H&M dresses, gray flats from Zara, and crowns of fern, geranium, and bell-flower.

Jeff’s nephew (left) and Kristi’s cousin, in matching suits from Zara, served as co-ring bearers.

The ring pillow (along with the welcome boxes and dinner napkins) featured an indian block-print- inspired pattern, a favorite of the bride’s, custom-made into fabric by Spoonflower.

Kristi’s uncle, serving as officiant, read the vows the couple had written, and they said their I do’s. After the service, the newlyweds kissed in a garden overlooking the Santa Barbara shore.

The pair posed with Kristi’s brother (far left), sister, and sister’s boyfriend.

Old friends caught up while a playlist created by Jeff provided the cocktail-hour music.

Elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and cucumber made up the sparkling signature drink.

Kristi (and her friends and future husband) made hundreds of paper blossoms for the escort cards and table numbers.

Bright, bold centerpieces, set in simple gray pots, played off an otherwise neutral tablescape.

Lemon tartlets were topped with a dollop of honey cream and edible viola tricolor petals.

Delicate nemesia buds and creme fraiche finished off flourless chocolate-cake bites.

Pots of butterscotch pudding featured chocolate “dirt” and real chamomile.

Floral-themed treats were served alongside the wedding cake, including these cream cheese–frosted carrot-cake cupcakes, which were garnished with gum-paste flowers.

Strawberry shortcakes sandwiched fresh berries with rose-water cream.

Jeff and Kristi sliced into their four-tiered white chiffon cake, frosted with Italian buttercream. Inside? Layers of lemon curd and raspberry mousse.

Despite having the flu, Kristi took a couple of spins on the dance floor. “Pure adrenaline!” she says.