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Heather & Rameen // Romantic Garden wedding in Santa Barbara

universtiy club wedding

©2015 Sun & Sparrow Photography // Romantic Garden wedding in Santa Barbara

FROM THE BRIDE // From the beginning, my decor-planning philosophy has been to find a beautiful venue FIRST, and only after deciding on that, to start to think about the colors and centerpieces and whatnot. That way, we could avoid spending a ton of money simply trying to cover up what could be unique and beautiful venue features, just to fit with a predetermined color or theme decision. Rather, we decided to base our design around the existing details and feel of whichever location spoke to us. So right off the bat, Rameen and I began looking for a venue. We looked at everything from outdoor Spanish-style pavilions, to ballrooms, to wine cellars…. and pretty much everything in between. Once I found pictures of the Riviera Mansion online, however, I knew that we had found our wedding venue. The vintage furniture, gorgeous area rugs, and the hedged ceremony lawn all inspired me right off the bat. The mahogany-trimmed library really sealed the deal for me. As someone who feels most at home in a cozy room with a few books at hand, I could no longer imagine NOT having some wedding portraits done in such a beautiful library!
From that point on, all of our decor that we decided on– the brass candlesticks, the linens, the centerpieces, even our color scheme– was chosen in order to coordinate with and further enhance the glamorous, classic, and vintage aesthetic of the Mansion.

For me, the most memorable part of the evening was our first look. We put a lot of thought into whether or not we wanted to do a first look– as opposed to seeing eachother for the first time as I walked down the aisle. Ultimately, we decided that we would prefer to keep that moment a private experience, and I am SO glad that we did! After all of the morning hustle and bustle (getting my makeup on, hair done, bridesmaids ready to go, dress buttoned, etc etc), it seemed all the more special to have just a couple of minutes that were completely relaxed and personal.

Photography was near the top of the list in terms of priorities for Rameen and I. After all, we are only getting married one time in our lives– and there can be no do-overs or second-chances to catch special moments!
We wanted to choose a team that we trusted 110%, and that we were completely comfortable with as people. Sun and Sparrow fit that bill and then some! Ellie and Tiffani were not only great photographers, but were so incredibly helpful every step of the way, all the way from engagement to the day itself. From scheduling recommendations to fixing my hair to buttoning and bustling my dress, I really saw that they cared about Rameen and I having a special, beautiful, and stress-free day just as much as they did about providing us with gorgeous images. And that really meant everything to us.

The most beneficial thing to keep in mind, in my opinion, is that if you have hired vendors to make your wedding day beautiful, you should trust them to do just that! Rameen and I spent a LOT of time in the beginning stages of planning researching vendors who fit with our vision and our approach. We were VERY selective about who we chose, and really delved into portfolios of previous work, previous clients’ recommendations and reviews, and any provided proposals. Honestly, about 60% of the time we spent on the wedding was doing this start-up research.
However, all of that selectiveness meant that once we finally decided on someone whom we trusted for each aspect (flowers, cake, photography, etc), we could relax and just let the vendor do his/her thing. In my experience, if you hire professionals who share your vision, and then just give them the space and freedom to do what they do best, things will not only turn out beautiful, but everything will be a lot less stressful for you along the way!

My favorite part of being married is how comfortable it already feels to refer to eachother as “husband” and “wife.” I think I speak for both of us when I say that it is really amazing to settle comfortably into a more quiet sense of being and belonging together– past all of the wedding-planning craziness.

VENDORS //  Venue and Catering: Riviera Mansion, Santa Barbara //  Dress: Marisa 898 from Panache Bridal of Beverly Hills  // Jewelry: Heirloom (Bride’s Grandmother) // Shoes: Prada  // Hair and Makeup: Danielle from Bella Amore in Simi Valley  //  Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Watters from Lili Bridals // Groom/Groomsmen Suits: Macy’s Bar III  //  Groom/Groomsmen Ties: The Tie Bar  //   Floral: Rockrose Floral Design  // Month- and Day-of Coordination: Dana Gabriel at Orange Dove Events  // DJ: Paul at Escape Entertainment  // Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes  // Officiant: Jeremy Bellamy //  Rentals (Linen, Umbrellas, and Chairs): The Tent Merchant  //  Calligraphy: Laura Lavender

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    Hilario & Raquel // Vintage Maravilla Gardens Wedding

    Maravilla Gardens Wedding Photographer

    Hilario & Raquel had a beautiful Wedding at Maravilla Gardens. Read about it here.

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      Scott & Candace // Apple Creek Ranch Rustic Wedding Photographer

      WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR WEDDING? // Chic, Cozy and a vintage feel. We also really wanted an intimate wedding. The people closest to us!

      WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE/FAVORITE PART ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY? // We both agree- THE CEREMONY! For me it felt like time stood still for Scott and I. I remember be so wrapped up into him, I truly didn’t notice anyone else! For Him- He loved the very first part of my vows. “I absolutely Love you”. I delivered it with a laughter and warmth and he says he knew It was the most organic thing I have ever said to him.

      WHY WAS PHOTOGRAPHY IMPORTANT TO YOU? // For me Capturing this moment in a way that told a story was super important. I have also seen the same wedding photos over and over so I wanted something truly artistic. Scott felt the same way. He is actually a pretty great photographer himself (he dabbled in photography in college).

      WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SUN & SPARROW?  //  Sun and Sparrow captured me with their magical photography and sincere hearts!

      DID YOU DO ANY DIY PROJECTS? IF SO, WHAT? // Yes, I made all of my chalkboards, bridesmaids gifts and collected all of my own glassware. I purchased some Vintage pieces but also used a lot of recycled glass from my work and home.

      WHAT WAS YOUR SOMETHING OLD, NEW, BORROWED, BLUE? // OLD– My Pearl Earrings I got from my Bridesmaid Brooke’s Wedding this Summer. It was my Bridesmaids Gift and I loved wearing them on my wedding day and I also rocked a sparkle jacket I wore on our first NYE in LA. NEW– My Dress, Veil and after party outfit. BORROWED– My Nana’s Gloves she wore on her wedding day and I Headband I got from a friend. BLUE– I wore Blue panties and blue heels! Haha =)

      DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR BRIDES WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN THE PLANNING PROCESS? // A TON- but really everyone has their own journey. There were things I would say don’t spend your money on but those things might be important to someone else. So ROCK your wedding!  Ok, One thing- DONT RENT THOSE HORRIBLE Tux’s – It was cheaper to buy and tailor a suit then to rent a tux or suit that didn’t really fit. Brides always have top pick when it comes to their big day and so should your man. Let him wear what he feels sexy in!

      WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING MARRIED NOW?  //   Being Married and he Sex. =) Maybe TMI but its the truth.

      ©2014 Sun & Sparrow Photographers // Apple Creek Ranch Rustic Wedding Photographer
      Big thanks to CLAUDIA NAVARETTE for second shooting & White Orchid Productions for coordinating! //

      VENDORS  //   Apple Creek Ranch- AMAZING Location, Great Staff.. Breathtaking Views!  //  Photography – Sun & Sparrow  // Coordinator & Florals- White Orchid Productions// The Border Grill- Saved our wedding Day. We had to fire our caterer ( Epicurean Cowboy) Two weeks out from our wedding Day. Border Grill and Lauren rescued us and was so awesome! The food and service was great. //   Dress: Essence of Australia but I got all my accessories from ETSY  //  My veil – was about $800 cheaper on etsy that in a regular boutique. I also bought my belt, MOH Gift and Glassware on Etsy.

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        Mark & Michelle // Santa Barbara Zoo wedding photographers

        wedding photographer los angeles malibu
        Hilton Waterfront Resort Weddin Santa Barbara 0035
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        • TiffaniJuly 12, 2013 - 12:59 pm

          I love your wedding! It’s the best!ReplyCancel

        • Trent GrovesJuly 12, 2013 - 2:02 pm

          The video was incredible….even though I wasn’t there, I could tell that you two had a great wedding and couldn’t be happier for you. Great job and here’s to many years of marital bliss!ReplyCancel

        • JackyJuly 12, 2013 - 2:46 pm

          Great pictures and video! Michelle you looked so happy and beautiful! So happy for you!ReplyCancel

        • MelJuly 12, 2013 - 7:12 pm

          Such beautiful memories… the pics and video really capture what a wonderful event it was. Love you guys.ReplyCancel

        • AmandaJuly 12, 2013 - 7:30 pm

          I’m so sad John and I couldn’t be there! It looks so beautiful and like it was so much fun! Beautiful bride, beautiful day, lovely couple. Best to you both!ReplyCancel

        • EllenJuly 12, 2013 - 9:56 pm

          What a wonderful wedding and fabulous pictures!! I cant wipe the smile off my face!! Congratulations, you two!ReplyCancel

        • SashaJuly 14, 2013 - 10:12 pm

          Seriously most amazing wedding and wedding video ever! Everything looks so amazing and michelle you look gorgeous! Wish I could have been there!ReplyCancel

        • ChristinJuly 15, 2013 - 2:59 pm

          Aw, Michelle!!! This is so absolutely gorgeous. I’m so very happy for you guys and wish we could’ve been there! What a perfect wedding (and excellent photography and video, too!!) 🙂ReplyCancel

        • DJ KamayoJuly 30, 2016 - 2:53 pm

          incredible photos!ReplyCancel