We loved sharing Ben and Dani’s sweet engagement session yesterday, and we’re so excited for you to see their elegant and understated wedding today. Here’s a little more from the Bride about their magical evening:
Ben and I met in Santa Barbara five years ago, and both grew up close by. Four years later Ben proposed to me on a weekend getaway in beautiful Big Sur California. Inspired by the stunning untouched Big Sur coastline and all of our memories in Santa Barbara, we knew we wanted to be married outdoors in California. We wanted a location that was naturally beautiful and characteristic of both of us. Ben owns a local, organic produce company and I work in fashion, so during the planning process, design and food were our main focus. While Ben set the menu, I designed and letterpressed our invitation suite as well most of our other paper needs.
We wanted to throw a personal and beautiful dinner party in a gorgeous location for our family and dearest friends. After we walked the grounds and stood under the one hundred year-old trees at the El Mirador Estate in Montecito, we knew it was the place for us. Our ceremony was performed by a dear friend under the oaks and enhanced with a musical duo on violin and guitar. The reception was held in the garden under the trees draped with glittering chandeliers and lights. Ben provided all of the local organic produce for the dinner that was served family style on long tables. Because the seasonal dinner was a centerpiece in itself, we accented the linen-lined tables with eucalyptus leaves, garden roses, and Spanish church candles. The estate gardens were so beautiful, so we kept the decorations organic and elegant. We lucked out with a warm late September evening, and as the sun set over dinner we watched the Los Padres mountains and the hills of Montecito glow pink and purple. After dinner we danced the night away under the trees enjoying every last drop of the magical evening.
