Emme and Sam embarked on an incredible wedding adventure on the sun-soaked shores of Santa Barbara. They chose this picturesque destination for its warmth and beauty—perfect for celebrating with their loved ones who had traveled from near and far to join them. To make their wedding weekend truly unforgettable, Emme and Sam decided to kick things off with a luau-themed welcome party. It was a chance to showcase their fun-loving side before the elegant wedding day. Held at the iconic Carousel House by the ocean, this casual and exciting event set the tone for a joyous weekend.

As the sun started to set, the Carousel House became a tropical oasis, transporting guests to a Hawaiian paradise. Clad in vibrant Hawaiian shirts and colorful dresses, everyone embraced the laid-back spirit of the luau. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with a vibrant floral lei, symbolizing the warmth and love of this gathering.

A round wood bar was a focal point of the space, surrounded by bamboo lanterns casting a gentle glow on the festivities. This central spot beckoned guests to sip delicious cocktails that captured the essence of the tropics. Everywhere you looked, tropical patterns and flowers added a lively touch to the design. The bar itself was a vibrant display, surrounded by eye-catching floral arrangements. To add a unique decor element, tropical fruits adorned both the bar and the tabletops, creating a feast for the eyes.

As the ocean breeze filled the air, laughter filled the space as guests competed in lively rounds of Cornhole on the lush lawn, reveling in the simple pleasures of friendly competition balanced with the sweet sound of waves crashing nearby. While sipping their cocktails, guests marveled at the breathtaking sunset over the ocean. It was a magical backdrop for capturing cherished memories.

As the evening wound down, Emme and Sam expressed their deep gratitude to every guest with a thoughtful parting gift. Local and on-theme delights filled each gift bag, a small gesture to convey their appreciation and remind guests of this fun evening.

Emme and Sam’s luau welcome party was a fantastic kickoff to their wedding weekend—a fusion of carefree enjoyment and heartfelt connections. The easygoing atmosphere, along with the burst of tropical design, allowed everyone to immerse themselves in the occasion. It was a delightful introduction to the love and beauty that would come the following day.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Emme and Sam’s wedding weekend, as we dive into the romance and elegance of their breathtaking wedding day at the Ritz Carlton Bacara.

 

Shop the decor and similar products on my Amazon page: Tyler Speier’s Amazon Storefront, or Luau Decor.

Inquire about our wedding planning services here!

 

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

Photographer: Dear Lovers , @dearloversphoto

Venue: Carousel House

Rentals: The Tent Merchant, @thetentmerchant

Specialty Linens: La Tavola, @latavolalinen

Lighting: Bella Vista Designs, @bellavistadesigns

Catering: Omni Catering, @omnicateringsb

 DJ: Party Proper , @partyproperproductions 

Restrooms: Major Event Trailers, @majoreventtrailers

Photo Booth:  Amazebooth, @amazeboothsb