zaca lake

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