An Intimate Santa Barbara Wedding Framed by Lush Gardens & Light

An intimate garden setting layered with soft florals, personal symbolism, and modern ease

Tucked into the lush calm of Santa Barbara’s El Encanto, Isabella and David’s wedding felt like stepping into a world shaped entirely by intention – one where beauty was quiet, layered, and deeply personal. The setting did much of the talking: garden paths, soft light, and a sense of privacy that made every moment feel held. Event design followed that same instinct, favoring warmth over spectacle, with natural textures, abundant greenery, and floral moments that felt grown rather than styled. Isabella’s bridal look mirrored the atmosphere perfectly – an elegant, drop-waist gown with a modern edge. From a ceremony by the lily pond to a reception that shifted effortlessly from intimate to fun, the wedding moved like a well-composed story, each chapter distinct yet connected. Every detail felt considered, not for effect, but for feeling – and the result was a wedding that lingered long after the last song played.

An Intimate Santa Barbara Wedding Framed by Lush Gardens & Light

Our Love Story

^{The Day We Met}

We met over eight years ago while working at Everlane. He was the photographer; I was on the brand team. It turned into a classic office romance we tried to keep secret, even though everyone knew. It was so fun.

^{The Proposal}

David proposed in Paris during a quiet morning walk on our first day there. No big spectacle, just the two of us, which felt right. We kept it between us the entire day, making it feel incredibly intimate and grounded. It was perfect.

^{The Engagement Ring}

David designed my ring with our dear friend Oksana from Third Reasons. I didn’t know what I wanted, but when I saw it, it felt like something that had always belonged to me—timeless, sentimental, and unlike anything else. It was inspired by a vintage Cartier ring but made uniquely ours.

Our Wedding

^{The Vision}

We wanted the wedding to feel like us: warm, personal, intimate, and rooted in our story. Anytime we felt overwhelmed or started comparing, we checked in with each other rather than TikTok, Instagram, or trends, and returned to our north star. Keeping it personal was the best decision we made.

^{Our Team of Vendors}

We worked with the most aligned, thoughtful, human vendors—people who genuinely cared about telling our story. Some were already friends, like Oksana from Third Reasons (who designed our jewelry) and An from AV Patisserie (who made our cake). Creating with friends made the process feel warm, collaborative, and meaningful. Nothing felt transactional.

^{The Location}

Santa Barbara has become a special place for us over the years, where we spend summers with family and always feel free. When we walked into El Encanto, we both knew instantly. It felt like a little hidden world full of greenery and calm.

^{The Ceremony}

We kept the ceremony short and heartfelt. My best friend Kelsey married us. David walked down the aisle with our dog Ramona, and I walked with my dad while “Holocene” by Bon Iver played in the background. We read our vows through tears, surrounded by everyone we love and the most beautiful lily pond and flowers.

^{The Cocktail Hour}

Cocktail hour took place on the rooftop overlooking the Santa Barbara Riviera. The energy was light, warm, and full of joy—it felt like the perfect breath before the party began.

^{The Reception}

We transitioned into a cozy indoor space and kicked off the night with mariachis, which was such a joyful moment. The shift from outdoor to indoor made the night feel like it had chapters. Our DJ was unbelievable (a huge highlight!), and the dancing was everything.

An Intimate Santa Barbara Wedding Framed by Lush Gardens & Light

^{The Special Touches}

I’m Mexican, so weaving in parts of my culture was really important: tres leches cake, esquites, carajillos, and the mariachi entrance to the reception were some of my favorite elements. It felt like bringing home into the celebration.

^{Our Favorite Moment}

Sharing our vows was the moment we’ll never forget. It felt like time stopped—we were completely present, calm, grounded, and connected. It set the tone for the rest of the night. Being vulnerable not only with each other but also in front of our friends and family felt like a reminder that we’re perfectly imperfect and choosing each other fully.

Our Style

^{The Bridal Looks}

I dress pretty minimally in my everyday life, so I surprised myself by choosing a more dramatic gown with a drop waist. It felt elegant and modern but still like me—just a slightly more romantic version. My jewelry was one of my favorite details: I wore calla lily earrings to mirror David’s custom calla lily brooch, a small “just us” thread throughout the day. I kept my makeup soft and natural and skipped eyelash extensions because I rarely wear much makeup day-to-day, so feeling like myself was really important. For the after-party, I changed into an embroidered dress that reminded me of Mexican Otomí textiles—playful, sentimental, and a nod to home.

^{The Groom Looks}

David had his suit custom-made by High Society in Los Angeles. He loved that it’s a family-owned business that has been around for years; the process felt personal and grounded. The suit was beautifully tailored and comfortable, which mattered to him. His custom calla lily brooch and cufflinks from Third Reasons were the final touch—subtle, symbolic, and one of our favorite details of the day.

Our Advice

^{For the Planning Process}

Keep returning to each other. Social media can make weddings feel performative, but the magic is in building something that feels true to your relationship. Your wedding doesn’t have to impress anyone—it just has to feel like you two.

^{For On the Day}

Let go of control. The beauty of the day comes from presence, not perfection. Take small pauses throughout the day—breathe, look up, look around. Your body will remember the feeling more than any photo ever could.

^{For Post-Wedding}

There’s a really special softness that lingers in the days after—protect it. Move slowly, stay close to each other, and don’t rush back into real life if you can help it. We recorded little voice notes and wrote things down as they came to us. Those reflections are so precious now—they bring us right back to how it felt.

An Intimate Santa Barbara Wedding Framed by Lush Gardens & Light