Santa Barbara Al Fresco Wedding with Minimalist Details
She’s from Mississippi. He’s from London. And as fate would have it, Justine and Rory are perfect together. When we first saw their al fresco wedding in Santa Barbara with timeless details and a classic color palette, we were drawn in. But when we read their cross-continental love story, our hearts fully melted. Thank goodness for sneaky bosses who double as matchmakers! But we’ll let Justine tell the full story… Prepare to daze + dream!
Kelly of Wild Whim is responsible for these photographic mementos of the day. We sure love the way this California photographer captures details, portraits and all the sweet nothings in between.
Coordinated by Ann Johnson, the natural beauty of the venues shone brightly, complemented by touches of romantic greenery and personal deatils throughout. Wait till you see the adorable place cards at the reception!
From the bride, Justine: I first met Rory when I was 21. Having just moved from my hometown of Starkville, Mississippi (a city of just 30,000 people!) I made my way to the bright lights of New York City where I began an internship at Rag & Bone. It was merely a year before I was asked to join the company as a full-time employee under the wing of two exceptional people – David Neville and Scott Allgauer.
Rory notes, “I must just point out that if it weren’t for David and Scott, we may never have met! They were instrumental in setting us up – true matchmaking at its finest.”
These bouquets arranged by Bloom Floral and filled with the creamiest anemones are everything!
In December 2008, to get everyone in the holiday spirit, Rag & Bone encouraged their employees to participate in Secret Santa. Secret Santa involved a person who gives a Christmas present to another person anonymously as part of a gift exchange within the larger group. Little did I know, David and Scott rigged the Secret Santa so Rory had my name. I opened my gift and found a one size fits most Christmas Elf costume called “Dreamgirl”. “Let’s just say this gift was a bit naughty and didn’t come from Pottery Barn, but it truly was the beginning of a great love story,” says Scott.
A 9 year-long relationship followed, but the rest was not history. Rory moved home to London to tour with Sting’s daughter’s band, I Blame Coco. We dated long-distance for over two years before Rory relocated back to New York. And we recently moved to Los Angeles for Rory to be closer to his music career.
On the dress: I was very clear in my vision for the dress and called on Emilia Wickstead to make it a reality. Emilia had just launched her first bridal collection in London, and I was blown away by the fabrics and simplicity of the designs. The main inspiration for me was Lady Charlotte Wellesley’s dress that was designed by Emilia a few years prior as well as, Aerin Lauder & Grace Kelly. I wanted to look back in 10, 20, 30 years from now and admire my dress for its fabric and construction as opposed to it overshadowing me as a bride. I’ve always loved classic style, because of my Southern upbringing. And as it turns out, Meghan Markle and I have a lot more in common than falling in love with British men!
Justine + Rory commissioned Santa Barbara Trolley to transport their guests from the ceremony to the reception – what a cute way to embrace the location! And a fun surprise to boot.
On the venue: The wedding ceremony took place in Montecito at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, one of the oldest Catholic churches in California. Its Spanish beauty is a pillar of strength and unity in this community, especially after surviving the devastating fires and mudslides just blocks away. It meant the world to us to have a traditional ceremony and then hop on trolleys to celebrate at The Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
This cake from Enjoy Cupcakes is the OG triple threat. Look at those layers!
Justine’s soft, collected updo from Studio B will certainly be bridal hairstyle inspiration for years to come!
Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Wild Whim
2nd Shooter: Amanda Joy Photography
Event Coordination: Ann Johnson
Floral Design: Bloom Floral
Venue: Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Wedding Dress: Emilia Wickstead Bridal
Hair and Makeup Artist: Studio B
Wedding Shoes: Aquazzura
Earrings: Dior
Groom’s Attire: Rag & Bone
Wedding Bands: Cartier
Catering: Pure Joy Catering
Wedding Cake: Enjoy Cupcakes
Lighting: Bella Vista Designs Inc.
Tent: Tent Merchant
Band: Lucky Devils Band
Transportation: Santa Barbara Trolley
Vintage Car: Woody’s Classic Cars
Calligraphy: Mallory Hopkins