An Irish Inspired Wedding in Montecito With Castle Elegance and Celtic Romance

By Kevin Harson21 August 2025

Green, Burgundy, Peach, & Gold.

Ali and Patrick’s wedding vision was to blend their Irish heritage with the charm of Montecito, creating a grand yet intimate atmosphere. The design aimed to evoke an Irish castle experience, featuring lush and immersive floral installations, a traditional Celtic folk band, Guinness on tap, and a candlelit dinner to create a romantic and enchanting environment.

The wedding reception featured tray-passed appetizers including charred beef tenderloin crostini, California goat cheese crostini, togarashi seared ahi tuna, petite crab cakes, and petite croque monsieur. The signature cocktails were a blood orange margarita and an Old Fashioned (and of course, Guinness Beer on tap). Dinner offered a three-course plated meal with options such as braised beef short ribs or cedar plank salmon. A late-night taco bar and espresso martinis were also provided.

The wedding featured lush greenery throughout, including an oversized arch at the church entrance and greenery cascading from chandeliers in the reception. The reception also included large tree centerpieces with florals growing up their branches and a sweetheart table with a draped fireplace backdrop. The cocktail hour had a sophisticated feel with toile-patterned wallpaper, velvet lounges, and abundant florals.

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, a dessert bar was set up with items like macarons and mousse cups.

One special detail was the transformation of the reception ballroom into an immersive Irish castle experience. This was achieved by building large trees on the tables with florals growing up their branches and cascading greenery from the chandeliers overhead, creating a romantic canopy. Draping framed the fireplace behind the sweetheart table, adding a touch of grandeur.

Another special detail was the cocktail hour, which blended coastal views with Irish charm. It featured toile motifs, dark green velvet lounges, and Guinness on tap, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere for guests. The cocktail hour featured a traditional Celtic folk band. This Irish Trio consisted of a Mandolin, Guitar, Fiddle, and Percussion. Their performance incorporated a mixture of traditional Irish songs, adding to the Irish-inspired ambiance of the event.

In addition to the wedding festivities, guests were greeted with thoughtful welcome bags upon arrival at their hotel. These green bags were lined with black and white toile patterned tissue paper, echoing the wedding’s design aesthetic. Inside, guests found delightful treats such as fresh tangerines from the local farmers market presented in little baskets, mini Chandon bottles, Santa Barbara Popcorn, truffles by Jessica Foster Confections, and a welcome letter outlining the weekend’s itinerary.