When Olympic gold medalist water polo player Kaleigh Gilchrist and her fiance, Tom, approached us to plan their wedding day in Santa Barbara, we were so excited!  They wanted a day that was bright, cheerful, full of wildflowers, and full of FUN.   As the Santa Barbara-based wedding planners entrusted with bringing their wedding day to life (at a beautiful private estate overlooking the ocean), we’re thrilled to share some of the highlights of this unforgettable event.

A Private Estate Ceremony

The ceremony took place on the scenic grounds of this private estate, which offered breathtaking views of Santa Barbara’s rolling hills and coastline. The focal point of the ceremony was an oversized, lush floral arch brimming with vibrant blooms in shades of coral, pink, and orange. Kaleigh and her dad walked down the carpeted, floral-lined aisle, and then Kaleigh and Tom exchanged vows with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. 

Personal Touches Throughout the Day

One of the unique details that wowed guests was the oversized seating chart, designed to reflect the couple’s favorite locations. From their travels together to places significant to their relationship, each location was watercolored by K Designs to help tell their love story. 

Tented Reception with Custom Elements

The reception took place under a beautiful sail-cloth tent. Woven pendant lights and fabric lampshades provided warm and inviting lighting, while the tables were dressed in floral-patterned linens paired with natural wood chairs. The color palette echoed the vibrant florals from the ceremony.  A custom dance floor (with the couple’s monogram) anchored the space – the monogram included some of the couple’s favorite things, including their dog.

Planning During an Olympic Year

Planning Kaleigh Gilchrist’s wedding was especially unique as she prepared for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. Balancing her rigorous training schedule with wedding planning required organization and collaboration.  We adjusted our typical planning timeline and process to ensure everything was done nice and early.  It’s so important to be flexible–every couple we work with is unique, and being ready to adjust where needed can be key to a seamless process. It was an honor to work with such an inspiring couple to bring their vision to life in the picturesque setting of Santa Barbara.

 

 

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

Venue: Tuscan Hills @royalranchobookings

Specialty Rentals:  Theoni @theonicollection 

Rentals: The Tent Merchant, @thetentmerchant 

Catering: Omni Catering @omnicatering

Coffee Cart: Welcome Coffee Cart, @junehaupts  

Photographer: SaraSol, @sarasolphoto

Ceremony Music, Cocktail Hour Music, Band: Gold Standard (Downbeat LA), @downbeat.agency

Transportation:   Santa Barbara Air Bus @santabarbaraairbus

Bathroom: Major Event Trailers, @majoreventtrailers

Lighting: Bella Vista Designs @bellavistadesigns

Hair & Makeup: Marla & Co. Hair + Makeup, @marla_hairandmakeup

Dessert: McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams 

Officiate: Kami Craig, (friend of bride)

Wedding Invitations & Day-of Suite: K Designs, @kdesigns_sb 

Trash Pickup: Marborg Industries, @marborg_industries

Wine: Head High Wines