Angie & Brett : San Ysidro Ranch : Santa Barbara

Yes, that's right, one week I was in Costa Rica and the next week in Santa Barbara...I do think I could possibly be the luckiest gal alive and yes, I am not above bragging just a smidge :). A few weeks ago, I had the honor of being a part of Angie & Brett's wedding at one of my favorite places on earth, The San Ysidro Ranch. We started planning this wedding at the beginning of February and I think it is proof positive that with the right experience and resources, a beautiful affair doesn't have to take a year of planning. In six short weeks, I worked with this couple to customize even the smallest of details from the welcome drinks to the stationery to the sweetest of flowers (Holly Flora) and the most luxurious linens (La Tavola). Nothing was overlooked even with a short planning process.

Angie and Brett choose the wine cellar at the San Ysidro Ranch as their ceremony and reception location. We used the venue's old stone fireplace as the backdrop for the ceremony and draped it in some of Angie's favorite blooms from ranunculous to hydrangea. 23 guests were greeted with lavendar lemonade and lounged on rustic, antique benches prior to the ceremony while listening to the sounds of acoustic guitarist, Christopher Wooley. After one of the most personal ceremonies I have ever heard was performed, everyone enjoyed wine from the central coast and passed appetizers that included only the freshest meats and produce. While the couple took pictures around the breathtaking gardens of the venue, guests enjoyed conversation near the outdoor fireplace surrounded by hanging lanterns and beatiful oil lamps shipped straight from France. For dinner, Angie and Brett hand selected an organic menu with their guests in mind that included Pacific Crab Cakes, Classic Caesar Salad, Filet, Salmon and they finished with a homestyle Apple Tartine and cinnamon ice cream. The couple shared a few dances, but mostly kept the evening to great conversation with all of the favorite people in their lives. Just one of the many reasons I love small weddings...every guest knows how much it means to the couple to have them there. No one leaves unnoticed and everyone truly feels a part of the celebration. At the end of the night, each guest left with a jar of homemade jam which was handmade by the mother of the bride which we displayed in rustic flower boxes. I was even able to keep a jar for myself and it is delish! I've said it before and I'll say it again, the 2009 wedding season is off to a very, very good start and I'm so excited to share every single event in the works for this year.

These beautiful images were captured my Miss Meg Perotti, who is quickly making it to the top of my favorites list. Not only is her work amazing but her demeanor is so professional and laid back on the wedding day. Exactly what every bride needs on what can be an oh so stressful day. Oh, and I know it seems like I am posting a a lot of images, but believe me, there are more to share. As soon as I get the full set of images, I'll show you even more of my favorite details from the day!

Sean & Claire : Cala Luna : Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Okay, so if I'm being completely honest, about once every day, I think to myself how lucky I truly am to be a part of such an amazing moment in people's lives, but with Sean and Claire's wedding, that thought crossed my mind almost every five minutes during my amazing experience planning their Costa Rican nuptials. Now, don't get me wrong, like all destination weddings, this one had it's challenges, including an all around laid back culture, a wind storm that wiped out every cymbidium orchid in the country and tons and tons of paperwork to get the legalities in place for the marriage to be official, but I think if you ask Claire and Sean, the sacrifices were definitely worth the end experience. The event was not only beautiful, chic and romantic, but Sean and Claire gave their guests an experience none will ever forget.

Sean and Claire planned a four day affair including beachside massages for the ladies, a snorkel tour for all of the guests and dinner at the town's finest restaurant, but it was obviously the wedding that was the highlight of the week. They chose to marry on an ultra secluded beach in Tamarindo, which is on the Pacific side of the country, know for it's sun, surf and of course, pina coladas. With guests being greeted with Mojitos and bamboo fans, the couple exchanged vows just before sunset on a lazy Monday afternoon. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed champagne and passed appetizers oceanside right before heading to dinner at the couple's private villa at the very boutique, Cala Luna Hotel. Dinner consisted of a four course meal of local cuisine accompanied by Sangria Roja and Sangria Blanca, which the guests drank every sip of. Following dinner, the couple and their 19 guests danced the night away and just all around enjoyed the company of their closest friends and family. All in all, it was a major success and definitely will stay at the top of my list of blessings for 2009. What a way to start the wedding season!

Check out the images below from the wonderful Julie Comfort of Comfort Studios. Julie not only is beyond talented, but she could definitely make a few dollars on the side as the perfect tour guide, as she very often served as my eyes and ears throughout the planning process. Take note, if you are planning a destination wedding, make friends with at least one or two locals. They'll not only give you a heads up of any potential issues, but they can also show you where all of the good stuff is that the guidebooks may never mention.