A Colorful Mediterranean-Inspired Summer Wedding at Bacara Santa Barbara
[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]
Our wedding was intentionally colorful, featuring a full spectrum of hues. With our late-June date, I wanted the florals to feel vibrant and joyful—really popping against the breathtaking coastal scenery and the white Spanish-style villas that define Bacara. The color story felt like a celebration of summer, the sea, and Santa Barbara’s natural beauty.
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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]
The design was thoughtfully curated by our incredible wedding planner, Katie Seefeldt of Wedding Kate. The vision was a colorful summer wedding with Mediterranean influences—elegant yet relaxed, refined yet warm. Every design choice was made to complement the property’s natural beauty, allowing the setting to lead while layering in texture, color, and thoughtful details.
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[field title=”Proposal Story”]
We got engaged in April of 2024 in Venice, Italy—a place that already felt like a dream. We spent the day on a private boat tour of the canals, visiting Murano to tour a glass factory, and enjoying lunch in Burano at Trattoria da Romano. After lunch, our guide suggested a walk through the city’s only vineyard. It wasn’t part of the tour, so I assumed it was simply a thoughtful gesture—especially meaningful since I’m a wine importer who works closely with Italian wines. Little did I know that my husband had told her he wanted to find a beautiful place to propose. As we walked through the vineyard, he gently pulled me off the path. Suddenly, he was down on one knee, holding the most beautiful ring, and quietly asked, “Will you marry me?” I was completely caught off guard in the best possible way. It was intimate, emotional, and unforgettable. We spent the rest of the day celebrating—wandering Venice, soaking in the magic of the city, and beginning the next chapter of our lives together.
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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]
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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]
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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]
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[board_carousel title=”First Look”]
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]I found my wedding gown at Neiman Marcus Bridal in Dallas, Texas. The dress was Octavia by Vera Wang—timeless, elegant, and effortlessly modern. It felt like a true reflection of my personal style. For the welcome party, I wore a deep “V” white silk dress from Nicholas that felt chic, playful, and perfect for starting the weekend.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]
My bridesmaids selected their own dresses within a curated color palette. I loved giving them the freedom to choose silhouettes and shades that felt most like themselves. The mix-and-match look added texture and movement, pairing beautifully with the vibrant florals.
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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos from Generation Tux, paired with silver bow ties for a subtle, modern twist on a timeless look.
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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]
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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]
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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]
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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]
Food and beverages were catered by The Ritz-Carlton Bacara and were an unforgettable part of the experience. Cocktail hour featured an elevated selection of passed canapés, including Mini Chicken Barbacoa Tacos, Petite Crab Cakes, Yukon Potato Latkes with Caviar and Dill Crème Fraîche, Pan Con Tomate, and Ricotta Toast with Iberico Ham and Poached Pears. We chose a seated, plated dinner in the outdoor courtyard off the Rotunda. The meal began with a Market Greens Salad featuring shaved apples, crisp fennel, candied pecans, tangerine, Laura Chenel goat cheese, and green goddess dressing. Entrée selections included Seared Free-Range Chicken Breast with Porcini Mushroom Risotto and Lemon-Caper Sauce, Braised Beef Short Rib with Parsnip Mousseline and Broccolini, and Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Tuscan kale, toasted pine nuts, and parsley vichyssoise. For dessert, we added a Bomboloni (Italian donut) station, followed by late-night bites such as Braised Beef Sliders with gochujang aioli, crisp pommes frites with black pepper truffle aioli, and mini cheese quesadillas with tomatillo avocado salsa. In addition to the Bacara’s Elite Bar Package, our signature cocktails were Aperol Spritzes and Espresso Martinis. Wines served tableside included EOS Sauvignon Blanc, EOS Cabernet Sauvignon, and J.P. Chenet Blanc de Blanc.
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Our florist, The Hidden Garden of Los Angeles, completely exceeded our expectations. Their lush, colorful designs transformed each space and brought our vision to life in a way that felt organic, joyful, and perfectly suited to the setting
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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]
Our three-tier cake was crafted by The Ritz-Carlton Bacara. The top and bottom tiers were lemon chiffon with fresh raspberry filling, and the middle tier was chocolate chiffon with chocolate cream filling. It was finished with simple white buttercream and delicately adorned with fresh florals.
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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Our ceremony included a reading of An Uncommon Love by Torah Cox, beautifully read by the groom’s sister. A string quartet performed the music for the ceremony. The processional was La Vie en Rose. I walked down the aisle to Make You Feel My Love, and the recessional was If I Ain’t Got You.
At the reception, we celebrated with Lovestoned. Our first dance was At Last by Etta James. The father-daughter dance was My Wish by Rascal Flatts, and the mother-son dance was Stand By Me by Ben E. King.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]
What made the day truly special was its feeling—intimate, joyful, and full of love. Everything felt intentional yet effortless, and the day exceeded every dream we had. My advice to future brides is to trust your team, lean into what brings you joy, and don’t be afraid of color. When your wedding reflects who you truly are, it becomes unforgettable.
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Vendors:
Venue: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Wedding Planner & Designer: Katie Seefeldt, Wedding Kate
Florals: The Hidden Garden, Los Angeles
Food & Drinks: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Wedding Cake: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Bridal Gown: Vera Wang (Octavia)
Bridal Boutique: Neiman Marcus Bridal, Dallas
Welcome Party Dress: Nicholas (Jocelyn Maxi Dress)
Groomsmen Attire: Generation Tux
Ceremony Music: Listeso Music Group’s String Quartet
Reception Band: West Coast Music’s LoveStoned
Photographer: Jacie Marguerite
Videographer: Steven Dorn Films[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]
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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]
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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Weekend Events”]
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[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/1121662010 600 338]
Photography: Jacie Marguerite Fine Art Photographer | Event Planning: Wedding Kate | Floral Design: The Hidden Garden | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Ceremony Venue: Style Me Pretty | Lighting: Bella Vista Designs, Inc | Band: West Coast Music | Beauty: Cheek to Cheek Artistry | Linens: Luxe Linens | Live Painter: Alex Harvie | Photography – Assistance: Amanda Berube Photography | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Hotel Californian | Rentals: Theoni Collection | Video: Steven Dorn Films
© Style Me Pretty, %%01pm31UTC[2026]%%. |
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