As this was my first photo shoot working for Kelly, I thought I’d share with Santa Barbara Chic readers some of the behind-the-scenes goodness from the day! First of all, it was raining…

The rain and humidity from the day did not bode well for the ribbon glue.

This was about the third time that we were going back up to re-attach the “tentacles”.

Kirsten Ellis in action.

And her assistant, directing the light while trying to stay dry.

Kelly simultaneously wiping centerpieces dry while lighting candles…

The favors, by Santa Barbara Preserves, pre-production.

To see these and more photos from behind-the-scenes on an Anthropologie wedding, click here, here, here & also here for my four post coverage on StellinaStellina.

For appetizers, I thought a pesto bruschetta with fresh mozzarella and balsamic drizzle sounded so yummy for cocktail hour.

I love ahi tuna, and served on a won ton chip, would be the perfect refreshing bite.

This onion tartlet is a new spin on the traditional cheese table and is a new item for SBB Catering. Its topped with picked onions, I love the pinkish color.

For the salad course, I was inspired by the Parmesan baskets I saw Giada de Laurentiis make a while back. It adds a nice salty crunch to a summer salad. Who doesn’t like a bit of cheese with their greens?

For the entrees I thought a pepper rubbed tenderloin on polenta cake with a bundle of garden vegetables would be a crown pleaser.

For a fish option, this halibut with fresh salsa would be a tasty choice.

For your vegetarian guests, this vegetable wellington with roasted tomato coulis certainly goes above and beyond a boring pasta primavera!

Photos: Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photographie

Catering: SBB Catering

Rentals: Town & Country Event Rentals

Design: Kelly Oshiro Events

I love designing the food and beverage as much as the tablescape (it must be those 5 years working for catering companies and creating menus!).

SBB Catering was kind enough to create a geranium lemonade and lavender iced tea which would be awesome for welcome drinks.

I found these paper straws online and I fell in love with them. They’re so cool and vintage!

I found this wood Coca Cola crate at a vintage salvage store. I absolutely love the texture of the wood and the old metal brackets.

Who wouldn’t want a cold coke on a hot day?

I love this adorable photo with the flower girls! How cute are they!?!

Photos: Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photographie

Catering: SBB Catering

Design: Kelly Oshiro Events

For the cake design I really wanted a bottom tier that was twice as tall as the top tier. I love the proportion of April Reed’s cake and that was definitely an inspiration to me.

The cake was created by Robyn Loves Cake and she is an expert at sugar flowers. Can you believe this sugar flower peony?

The pattern of cut fondant was taken from the bottom of Stow House. Its a very Victorian detail on the house and I loved that little bit of texture on the bottom of the cake.

This is the sketch I gave to Robyn. I debated using a dahlia versus a peony, and ended up going with the peony. But as you can see Robyn executed the sketch to a T!

Photos: Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photographie

Cake: Robyn Loves Cake

Design: Kelly Oshiro Events

I love vintage suitcases and I thought holding fans would be so cute.

I tied grosgrain ribbons in two colors to the base of the fans to add some color.

For the flower girls I found these copper candles holders that were the perfect scale for their baskets.

I tied each side with grosgrain ribbon and filled them with baby’s breath.

The flower girls were too cute!

For favors, Santa Barbara Preserves made rose jelly and put these in adorable mini canning jars.

We used the same dashed pattern on the napkin as a border for the label. Santa Barbara Preserves custom made rose jelly, but she can make any flavor (her habanero raspberry jam is so good!)

Photos: Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photographie

Favors: Santa Barbara Preserves

Design: Kelly Oshiro Events

There was this great rusted fence at Stow House and I thought it was the perfect place for the seating cards. Betsy Dunlap did the calligraphy and I clipped the little cards to the fence with mini clothespins.

Instead of making up faux guest names, I used some of my favorite authors as “guests” for at my Anthropologie wedding. I love George Eliot and Betsy’s calligraphy makes her name so pretty (and its an awesome keepsake for my office!).

For the invitation design I gave Megan of Nutmeg Press, three sources of inspiration: I wanted an aqua  fade with the couples names in white and to use the pattern and color of the napkin fabric for the design inspiration. And this what this what she created:

The blue fade is so pretty and subtle and the copper dashes tie in perfectly with the napkin pattern.

The menu cards were little booklets the size of a business card with all the courses on each page. It was bound with copper thread. I was so in love with the invitations and Betsy calligraphy they are definitely getting framed and hung somewhere in my office!

Photos: Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photography

Invitations: Nutmeg Press

Calligraphy: Betsy Dunlap

Design: Kelly Oshiro Events

Location: Stow House

For the dining table I set it up under a large juniper tree. I picked out the linens and napkins from Michael Levine’s and had them custom made for the table.

For the decor I love the idea of mixing traditional taper holders and putting them in glass cylinders. The look is modern, and practical, since  you’re taper candles would blow out otherwise.

For flowers I used pink and white ranunuculus, blue thistle, berzilla balls, muscari, peonies, queen anne’s lace.

All the containers were from Anthropologie except for the pink depression glasses (reused from the Valentine’s table I did for the City Sage), the candles holders (Jamali Gardens) and the glass cylinders were bought in downtown LA.

I mixed Town & Country’s gorgeous aqua chargers with their Provencal line for the table setting.

On top, I made a flowers from copper wire and tucked in the menu card envelope which had a letter pressed pattern that matched the napkins.

Photos: Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photographie

Flowers, Design, Production: Kelly Oshiro Events

Rentals: Town & Country Event Rentals

Paper Goods: Nutmeg Press

The inspiration for the ceremony was those paper chains we all made in kindergarten. Instead of paper, I used grosgrain ribbon which has a beautiful subtle sheen to it that I just love.

Cynthia and I made about 540 loops to achieve the effect I was going for.

I thought the effect was so pretty and magical!

Photos by: Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photographie

Design, Styling, Production by: Kelly Oshiro Events (me!)

Assistant: Cynthia Beard

For the groom, I choose a light tan suit from Mission Tuxedo. A simple blue tie completed his look.

For his boutonniere, I used a  white ranunculus with three muscari as an accent and all wrapped in a light blue ribbon.

Photos: Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photographie

Suit: Mission Tuxedo

Model: Orion Gullete

Flowers & Styling; Kelly Oshiro Events

I borrowed a dress from Alina Pizzano for my bride. It was a light, light, pink with a brocade texture to the fabric. I love the cut, with its sweet heart neckline and simple train.

For styling, I added a light blue grosgrain ribbon to the waist of the dress.

For her bouquet I used white ranunculus, paper whites, muscari, berzilla balls, and queen anne’s lace.

In her hair, a simple piece of aqua netting was tied into a headband.

I found this killer vintage necklace in Paso Robles after I finished a site visit with one of my brides. I love the slightly art deco feel it has and the aqua color is to die for!

All photos by Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photographie

Flowers, styling: Kelly Oshiro Events

Dress: Alina Pizzano

Model: Megan van den Bergh of Nutmeg Press

So here’s the “project” I’ve been working on– my faux wedding! The theme was Anthropologie and the color palatte featured light pink, aqua, light blue with dashes of copper. Stay tuned for more of the shoot, the pictures turned out gorgeous thanks to the uber talented Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photograpie. You can check out parts One,  Two and Three on OnceWed and I will be posting a ton more images this week.

And a big thank you to all the vendors who participated!

Location: Stow House

Dress: Alina Pizzano

Suit: Mission Tuxedo

Cake: Robyn Loves Cake

Food & Beverage: SBB Catering

Hair & Makeup: Starlite Girl

Favors: SB Preserves Co Calligraphy:Betsy Dunlap

Invitations: Nutmeg Press

This photo will serve as a sneak peek for a larger project I’ve been working on (all will be revealed next week…). I created a menu for SBB Catering to execute and Kristen Ellis from Beaux Arts Photographie shot this beautiful image. I love food photography and SBB & Kirsten executed to perfection. I can’t wait to share more!!!

I had the pleasure of touring this glamorous new estate, Villa Esperanza, a few weeks ago. High in the hills of Montecito, it features sweeping views of the ocean, islands and Santa Barbara harbor. Receptions and ceremonies can take place on the helicopter pad which is adjacent to the house.

Its also avaliable for overnight accommodations and sleeps up to 8 guests. Can you imagine waking up here on your wedding day?

The whole back of the house slides open and runs into the gorgeous infinity pool. To one side of the house is palapa which would be a great area for after dinner cigars and scotch. For more information visit Santa Barbara Exclusive Rentals!

Some notes:

• The max guest count is 100.
• Music must be off at 10pm.
• Ceremonies can take place on the lawn and then guests could move to the back patio while that area is reset for reception.
• Additional lighting is required for the helicopter pad area.
• All guests would need to be shuttled.
• All rentals, tables, chairs, linen, china/glassware/flatware would need to be rented.
• At minimum a “day of” coordinator needs to be present on wedding day.
• Rentals can be delivered the Friday before and picked up that Sunday.
• There is a separate service entrance and parking for vendors.
• There is a kitchen on site and can be used for weddings, though there is a garage as well that would work for a kitchen if needed.

Hello Santa Barbara Chic readers! I am so blessed and so grateful to have this amazing opportunity of working with Kelly Oshiro and learning from one of the greatest design and off-premise wedding experts I’ve ever known. Her passion for this industry is infectious, and to be honest, similar to the drive I’ve always had for the gorgeous and opulent elements of our work.Thank you, Kelly, for inviting me along on this journey!

To get to know our Santa Barbara Chic readers, Kelly asked me to put together a few of my favorite things (you know, those websites & products & photographs that inspire me and my work!) So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorite things:

1. Favorite Fashion Blog: Cupcakes and Cashmere

I’ve loved fashion all my life! I used to think, however, that fashion was inaccessible to my somewhat middle-class upbringing. Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere, however, has brought fashion to light in a real, day-to-day perspective. I absolutely adore her and her blog!

2. Favorite Design Blog: Design*Sponge

There is so much goodness on this blog, but I’m obsessed with her Before & After section…they truly inspiration my passion to re-furbish everything. I can only hope to have one of my own re-designs featured one day.

3. ITALY!

So…from my bio, you may have noticed a sincere obsession with Italy. To me, Italy is exquisite for its ability to have mastered everything from Art {to} Food {to} Fashion {to} Wine & {to} Romance. There isn’t a more intricate culture on the planet-one that values both honesty & modesty at the same time. Plus, Italian has to be the most romantic language on the planet! Mark my words, one day I will call this gorgeous country home {the picture above is from my last visit, to may fav Italian city: Rome!}

4. Good food & great food photography: Sunday Suppers

Sunday Suppers is likely my favorite culinary blog for the to-die-for photographs. And…not only does the blog provide amazing recipes, they also offer restaurant tips & classes!

5. Coffee. Period.

Thanks to my great-grandmother, I’ve been enjoying this morning deliciousness since elementary school. While I’m obsessed with the local Mom&Pop coffee shop, I’m equally obsessed with this skinny cinnamon dulce latte at Starbucks. Yummers!

6. The new flower: Blue Thistle.

I’ve always loved flowers, but to try and be a little greener for the environment & the wallet, I find myself moving the more traditional “floral elements” to the bottom of my priority list for the modern wedding. Not wanting to compromise the beauty that comes from floral design however, BLUE THISTLE has become my new favorite flower (well not technically a flower, but calling it a “weed” doesn’t do the poor thing justice!) It’s both super cheap, and super sytlish. The arrangement above was done by Kelly, and includes gorgeous Peonies & Dahlias. Prego!

7. My white blackberry BOLD

Some of you are die-hard iPhone fans. I, on the other hand, am equally obsessed with my white Blackberry Bold. I was originally set on the sleeker black version, but when I saw this white style, it immediately spoke “wedding”. I’m determined to have inspiration around me at all times, so choosing the white one was almost a no-brainer.

8. Boston Terriers…especially my Frankie!

Boston Terriers-they are the most adorable/intelligent/cute dogs you will ever meet. My dear Frankie (now 3) takes his name from the famous Francis “Blue-eyes” Sinatra. And, he lives up to his rat-pack namesake every day (here he’s chasing the lady-dogs in Bodega Bay)!

9. Favorite Designers: Chanel, Cole Haan, & LAMB

Chanel is everything that is great about fashion: sophisticated & timeless beauty. I WILL one day own a piece of Chanel. Promise.

Mainly for handbags, Cole Haan is a go-to favorite. Clean lines & simple colors make these handbags wearable accessories for almost outfit!

My wardrobe almost entirely includes black, grey and sand colored clothing. LAMB, however, always adds a little pop of color to my day. Plus, who doesn’t love Gwen Stefani (a truly gorgeous, California woman who ACTUALLY wears her own designs.)

10. My favorite shoes: Omelle!

Cherise Angelle and Nicole LaFave are the genius’ behind these amazing shoes. Pronounced “Ahh-Mel”, these gorgeous pieces work well both day and night! Plus, they’ve got a fabulous blog rightly named “Shoetales” that highlights their fancy footwear. Priceless!

11. My Wedding Style in a nutshell: Melis & Vokan at the Sunsent Restaurant in Malibu (as photographed by Sweet Monday Photography)

Why? The subtle elements of soft-pink, driftwood, and sand juxtaposed with diamond elegance and sophistication were truly magical; she’s wearing my favorite wedding dress designer: Monique Lhuillier; and The Sunset Restaurant in Malibu is one of my top wedding locations in Southern California. Great food & gorgeous scenary, all-in-one.

I’m loving these strappy, 30’s inspired Louboutins. They’ve got a nice low heel and ankle strap, perfect for getting your Ginger Rogers groove on! Available here.