When I’m designing an autumn wedding, I like to stay away from the oranges and reds traditionally associated with fall.  Instead, I like to incorporate deep, rich colors (like burgundy and navy blue) alongside a warm, neutral palette (taupes, grays, ivories, and tan tones).  Brittany and Aaron were married in October at Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm in Santa Barbara, California.  The neutral setting at this stunning, natural venue (also an organic farm) provided the perfect backdrop for their wedding celebration.

My two favorite elements of the day were the ceremony arch – a natural wood, four-post statement piece with abundant florals (but still minimalist and not overdone), and a “crawling” arrangement of flowers behind the sweetheart table.  Fun fact: the arrangement behind the sweetheart table was a last-minute add-on.  I was feeling inspired and creative about an hour before the guests were invited in to dinner, so I called my team to come in and we created this stunning reception focal-piece.  This is one of the main reasons I recommend couples hire a designer rather than just a planner or florist…as a designer, we don’t just bring an itemized list of items that you’ve ordered.  We actually design the space, making sure all of the details are cohesive, well thought-out, and intentional.  And sometimes, that means adding on new items as the celebration is coming together or adding/removing design elements as we go to ensure the space is cohesive and beautiful.  Adding the statement piece behind the sweetheart table is definitely one of my favorite memories of our 2019 season – and one of my favorite elements of this wedding!

The wedding ceremony took place on a bluff overlooking the ocean.  Me and my team crated a floral arch as the main focal.  It had olive branches, dahlias, garden roses, smokebush, carnations, ranunculus, and eucalyptus. We made it asymmetrical and simple as we didn’t want to take away from the dramatic ocean view.   

The reception was in the large greenhouse at Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm.  As I mentioned before, my favorite design element was the crawling arrangement of organic greenery and blooms behind the sweetheart table.  I felt inspired while the guests were in cocktail hour, so I told my team…”I have an idea!” and we made it happen quickly.  It’s funny how sometimes the most “in the moment” decisions are even better than the details you’ve spent over a year planning out.  

Guest dined on mismatched wooden tables and tables with silver-gray linens.  We used navy blue napkins on each place setting to warm up the space.  Each table had abundant blooms and greenery, arranged in ceramic compotes.   Guests enjoyed wood-oven baked pizzas, dancing, and donuts until late into the night…another fun wedding on the books!

THE TEAM WHO MADE IT ALL HAPPEN…
Planner/Designer/Florist: Tyler Speier
Venue: The Orchid
Rentals:The Tent Merchant
Photographer: Lace and Lapel
Transportation: Bills Bus
Hair/Makeup: Love Strike Artistry
Catering: LUCCA Truck
​Bartenders: Simply Cocktails
DJ: DJ Hecktik
Calligrapher: Jessica Yee Calligraphy
Donuts: Spudnuts