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.

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.