You may notice that things look a bit different around here. I’ve updated the layout so I can feature bigger pictures, and most importantly I’ve changed the name of my blog from Santa Barbara Wedding Chic, to Santa Barbara Chic.

I’ve also updated my main website, as well, be sure to check out the new design page, featuring flowers by me and photographs by the lovely Tim Halberg.

Why the change the name, you ask? Because I feel like this blog has evolved and “wedding” in the title wasn’t capturing the true essence of my design blog. So I hope you enjoy the new look and a move towards featuring more design inspiration from the world at large.

And don’t worry, I will still be featuring inspiration boards, Santa Barbara wedding locations, and the occasional vendor spotlight. More of my work is on its way (some of it is in the process of being submitted to other blogs/magazines, hence the delay). I hope you enjoy the new direction I’m going in and let me know if any of you run into any technical difficulties with the new layout.

Images from top: 1. Polly Wreford 2. Tim Halberg, design by me 3. Jim Franco 4. Chris Everard

Thank you to all my guest bloggers! Be sure to check out their blogs for even more inspiration.

Image: Pistachio Press

Our next guest is the lovely Cassandra from coco + kelley:

Whenever I get asked about where I find inspiration for my interiors and events, I only have one answer: everywhere. So, whether I’m planning a wedding or styling a dining room, I always tell my clients to send me anything that moves them. I’ve created rooms inspired by fashion spreads and weddings inspired by vintage posters. It’s really all about figuring out what it is about that piece that inspires you, and designing everything around it. Here’s how it works for me…

I recently moved back to Seattle from Los Angeles and have been completely infatuated by the amazing colors of the leaves changing all over the city. Patches of vivid reds, oranges and yellows are everywhere I look! I wanted to find a room that really captured the colors of the season while still remaining elegant…

This dining room by Stephen Shubel has always been a favorite of mine, and happens to be the perfect inspiration! I love how he designed the chairs in different colors to add a bit of playfulness to a more formal space. The dark rustic table and floors help warm things up a bit and keep the space grounded. So, now it’s time to translate this feeling into a wedding!

To me, there were a few key elements to keep in mind for this design – elegance, playfulness, and a dash of rustic. Keeping the color palette mostly brown and golden yellow with subtle touches of orange and red creates a sophisticated palette. Tying in the chandelier motif to the invitation also creates this sense of luxury. The feather accents, colorful lanterns, and lots of loose ribbons lighten the mood, while the setting itself creates all the rustic touches needed. And voila! That’s how I translate an inspirational room to a wedding!

Sources:
1) Ring pillow photographed by Studio Nouveau
2) Lanterns via {frolic!}
3) Ceremony site: by Karen Bussen
4) Chandelier invitations photographed by Belathee Photography:
5) Bridesmaid dress via Style Me Pretty
6. Cake via Martha Stewart Weddings
7. Boutonniere: Twigs & Honey
8. Shoes: J.Crew
9. Dress: Vera Wang
10. Chandelier photographed by Belathee Photography
11. Flower girls via Martha Stewart Weddings
12. Vintage car photo via Brides
13. Bouquet via Snippet & Ink

Our next guest blogger is the lovely Darci:

Hello!  I am so happy to be contributing to the blog here at Santa Barbara Wedding Chic.  My regular blog is With This Ring, where I post ideas for making your wedding unique and other daily inspiration.  Thanks for allowing me to be here Kelly, and I hope all of you enjoy the post!

Considering the state of the economy these days, having an eco friendly wedding can be beneficial for both the environment and your budget.  This wedding from Brides is a perfect example of ways to both cut costs while recycling things you might already own or can get for a deep discount:

The multicolored vases on the table are all recycled glass.  To accomplish something similar, you could either collect vases from friends and family (or from your own collection) or search ebay and local flea markets for used vases within your budget.  The favors are individual pots full of moss, which you can buy in sheets for a very low price at your local nursery.  Plus, they are something that your guests can keep to be reminded of your wedding day!

Guess what? Its this little wedding blog’s birthday. Lets throw a party!  We’ll need some balloons…

A party dress…

and some candles…

I’ll set the table for guests…

And let them eat cake!

Images: 1. Kate Mathis 2. Vallentyne Photography 3. Meg Smith Photography 4. via Michelle Rago blog 5. Artfool 6. Ben Dearnley