For Nikki & Mike’s wedding, we envisioned a setting that exuded timeless elegance and quiet luxury – a reflection of their own refined style. The Belmond El Encanto, with its lush gardens and iconic views, provided the perfect backdrop for their celebration.

 

A Ceremony Under the Vines

The ceremony took place beneath a pergola draped in cascading vines and adorned with lush greenery. A breathtaking floral arch, overflowing with white blooms, framed the aisle and served as a stunning backdrop for the couple’s vows.

The guests were seated in cane chairs.  The aisle was lined with natural grasses, plants, and local white blooms, complementing the garden surroundings and the local Santa Barbara natural beauty.

A Reception Under the Stars

While guests enjoyed cocktails and canapés on a terrace overlooking the ocean, our team transformed the ceremony space into a magical setting for dinner…in just 46 minutes! The same pergola, now adorned with twinkling lights, served as a dramatic backdrop for the reception tables.

Each table was meticulously set with natural, textured linen tablecloths, delicate glassware, and Heath Ceramic place settings. We incorporated a mix of small and large floral arrangements, featuring lush greenery and white blooms, as well as white lamps and hundreds of candles.  The letterpress menus were designed by Swell Press. 

To further enhance the romantic ambiance, we lined the water feature with hundreds of flickering candles and oversized wooden lanterns.  Votive candles were also placed in the brick alcoves of the garden pergola – and the result was pure magic! 

The reception decor echoed the quiet luxury aesthetic of the ceremony. Every element, from the carefully curated floral arrangements to the subtle lighting design, was intended to create an atmosphere of understated elegance and timeless beauty.

 

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A Nightclub-Inspired Dance Floor

As the sun set, guests were ushered to the ballroom, which we transformed into an upscale nightclub, inspired by some of the couple’s favorite date-night spots in New York.  We draped the ballroom, brought in new carpet, and then anchored the space with an emerald green wall with gold sconces behind the band.  The custom dance floor was designed reflect the tiles in downtown Santa Barbara, but with an emerald and white twist.  Modern mustard velvet lounge furniture lined the dance floor, as well as a candy bar with the bride’s favorites from her childhood in Australia.  

For the first dance, Nikki made a stunning entrance in a short, flapper-inspired dress.  She and Mike danced a high-energy first dance, setting the tone for the rest of the night. As the night drew to a close, the energy remained high. Nikki and Mike, surrounded by their loved ones, danced the night away, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

A Night to Remember

Nikki and Mike’s wedding at The Belmond El Encanto was a testament to the beauty of quiet luxury design. By focusing on understated elegance, the natural setting, and timeless beauty, we created a celebration that was both sophisticated and unforgettable.

 

 

Planning, Florals, & Design: Tyler Speier, @tylerspeier

Venue: Belmond El Encanto @belmondelencanto

Photographer: Dear Lovers , @dearloversphoto

Videographer: Jeremy Foster Films, @jeremyfosterfilms 

DJ/Band/Musician for Ceremony: Dart Collective,  @dartcollective 

Rentals: Theoni Collection, @theonicollection

Lighting/Draping/Dance Floor/Custom Stage Backdrop/Stage: Bella Vista Designs @bellavistadesigns

Carpeting: Event Carpet Pros, INC.,  @eventcarpetpros

Beauty:  TEAM Hair and Makeup, @teamhairandmakeup

Paper Goods: Swell Press, @swellpress 

Transportation (Groom and Groomsmen Surfing): Jump On The School Bus,  @JumpOnTheSchoolBus

Childcare: The Little Guest