A Magical Lakefront Wedding in the Santa Ynez Mountains

There are some weddings that feel like they belong in a storybook, and this one will be remembered as just that. Nestled deep in the Santa Ynez mountains, the brides exchanged vows on a quiet deck overlooking a sparkling lake. The trees stood witness among their closest friends and family as their heartfelt words were carried by the breeze.

As the ceremony flowed into cocktail hour, guests gathered around the rustic Alamo outdoor kitchen, laughter mingling with the scent of woodsmoke and the golden light of early evening. Guests grazed on a curated selection of appetizers and sipped on the brides’ favorite cocktails. Soon, everyone made their way to a single long table stretched beneath towering pines, strung with twinkling lights. It was a scene that felt both timeless and intimate as they broke fresh, local bread together.

Our team was honored to craft a menu that reflected not only the season but the brides themselves. Dinner was served family style, beginning with fresh, vibrant salads. Plates of pork tenderloin followed, a heartfelt nod to June’s family of pig farmers. And then came the showstopper: perfectly seasoned lamb pops, passed across the table and met with wide eyes and delighted murmurs. These moments, when food becomes part of the memory, are exactly why we love what we do.

As night fell, the celebration moved into the warmth of the barn, where dancing began and a dear friend serenaded the brides with a private performance, an unforgettable gift. By morning, the magic hadn’t faded. June and her bride, Lauren, greeted their guests with fresh cups of coffee from June’s own coffee cart, a gesture that wrapped the weekend in love and hospitality.

For us, it was more than a wedding. It was a gathering of hearts, a reflection of the brides’ story, and a celebration we will never forget. Being trusted to bring their vision to life through food and service was truly a joy.

Venue: Zaca Lake

Photographer: Lena Britt

June’s Coffee Cart: Welcome Coffee

Planning: Homegrown Events

Brides’ Loveseat: Bea Furnishings

Catering & Bar: Slate Catering

A Camp-Themed Wedding Welcome Party in Ojai

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Ojai, California, lies Ojai Rancho Inn, the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding welcome party with a twist – a camp theme! Imagine stepping into a whimsical wonderland where nature’s beauty intertwines with rustic charm, setting the stage for an evening of celebration and camaraderie.

As guests arrive at this enchanting venue, they are greeted with the enticing aroma of made-to-order tacos, tantalizing their taste buds with flavors that promise to delight. Picture succulent oven-roasted chicken enveloped in a luxurious white truffle cream sauce, adorned with Pasillas and Spanish onions, offering a symphony of savory goodness. In addition, confit-style carnitas beckon with their tender perfection, each bite infused with rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

But the culinary journey doesn’t end there. Accompanying these delectable tacos are an array of accouterments designed to elevate the dining experience to new heights. Tangy pickled onions add a delightful crunch, while habanero cream sauce provides a fiery kick for the adventurous palate. Roasted tomatillo salsa lends a refreshing burst of flavor, perfectly complementing the savory richness of the tacos. And for a final touch of freshness, delicate micro cilantro leaves delicately garnish each masterpiece, adding a pop of color and vibrancy.

No celebration in Ojai would be complete without the quintessential drink of choice – margaritas. Served ice-cold and perfectly balanced, these refreshing concoctions are the epitome of laid-back luxury, offering a delightful blend of tartness and sweetness with every sip.

Against the backdrop of a setting sun painting the sky with hues of pink and gold, guests come together to revel in the magic of the moment. Laughter fills the air as old friends reconnect and new bonds are formed, creating memories that will last a lifetime. And as the night unfolds, it becomes clear that this wedding welcome party in Ojai is not just an event – it’s an experience, a celebration of love and unity in a setting that is nothing short of magical.

Vendors:

Planning/design: @thepennylayne

Photos: @kindredweddings

Welcome party venue: @ojairanchoinn

Florals: @bestdayeverfloraldesign

Rentals: @brightrentals @partypleasers @archiverentals @hostesshaven

Welcome party dress: @lezubridal

A Coquette Galentine’s Day Soirée: Vintage Elegance and Sweet Delights

Galentine’s Day, a celebration of female friendship, calls for a soirée that embodies charm, elegance, and a touch of whimsy. Picture a gathering adorned with pink and red flowers, vintage dishes, and indulgences including delectable charcuterie plates, prickly pear mezcal margaritas, and irresistible desserts like mini olive oil cakes and heart-shaped delights.

Setting the Scene: The Tablescape

Nicole of Nicole Leza Designs and Natalie of Surraya Events created the perfect ambiance, starting with the tablescape. Vintage dishes and delicate glassware from Otis & Pearl added a nostalgic charm to the setting.

The Culinary Delights: Charcuterie and Cocktails

No soirée is complete without delicious bites and tantalizing drinks. Ornate glass plates overflowed with an assortment of cured meats, artisan cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, and mini toasts.

For libations, we served prickly pear mezcal margaritas in vintage carafes. The vibrant pink hue of the prickly pear combined with the smoky notes of mezcal creates a sophisticated and refreshing cocktail that perfectly complements the coquette aesthetic.

Sweet Endings: Desserts to Swoon Over

To complete the evening, an array of desserts that are as delightful as they are charming: Mini olive oil cakes garnished with a candied cherry, heart shaped cakes, and chocolate truffles galore. These whimsical confections are sure to melt hearts.

In Conclusion:

A Galentine’s Day soirée with a coquette aesthetic is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the beauty of friendship and indulge in life’s sweet pleasures. With a tablescape adorned with vintage dishes and flowers, delectable charcuterie plates, cocktails, and irresistible desserts, the atmosphere was full of celebration of sisterhood and feminine elegance. So gather your closest friends, raise a glass to love and friendship, and revel in the magic of a soirée that’s as charming as it is unforgettable. Cheers to Galentine’s Day!

Vendors:

Planning + Design: @nicolelezadesign x @surrayaevents

Floral Design: @jausofvern

Jewelry: @perlinadesigns

Photography: @katie.ruther

Tableware: @otisandpearl

Chairs + Linens: @amigo.event.rentals

Mini Cakes: @poeandco

Cookie Cake: @_quartercup

Charcuterie + Cocktails: @slatecatering

Venue: @thefactory_sb

Chocolates: @jessicafosterconfections