When M and S envisioned their wedding, they dreamed of an unforgettable celebration—a weekend steeped in romance, luxury, and the breathtaking beauty of Montecito, CA. As their wedding planner, I had the incredible honor of bringing their vision to life at a private estate that offered unparalleled views of the Santa Barbara oceanfront and a private polo field. It was, without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary weddings I’ve ever had the privilege to design and execute.
The wedding ceremony was intimate and romantic, held on a transformed pickleball court overlooking the ocean. To create the perfect setting, we built a custom wood deck, seamlessly blending the natural beauty of the location with the couple’s romantic aesthetic. As the bride walked down the aisle, the moment was nothing short of magical. Her beauty, paired with the stunning ocean backdrop, left everyone breathless. It was a memory that will forever be etched in the hearts of everyone present.
Following the ceremony, guests were ushered to the pool deck for cocktail hour. The estate’s pool offered the most spectacular view of the polo fields and the sparkling Santa Barbara oceanfront. Every detail was meticulously curated, from the custom napkins and signature cocktails to a bespoke seating chart that doubled as a work of art. A string quartet played softly, enhancing the romantic ambiance as guests mingled and enjoyed gourmet appetizers by 24 Carrots Catering while soaking in the stunning surroundings.
The reception was the centerpiece of the weekend. We built a tent on the estate’s massive polo field, creating a dual-level structure that was as innovative as it was luxurious. Guests entered via a curved wooden walkway leading to an elevated landing. This grand entrance featured a striking fountain framed by a draped tunnel and lined with massive candles, setting the tone for the evening ahead.
Inside the tent, guests were welcomed by a show-stopping hanging cake structure and an ingenious X’s and O’s table layout. Inspired by the universal symbol of love, the tables were arranged in an X formation, with an elevated piano at the center. Downbeat Agency’s performers provided chills-inducing music during dinner, enhancing the atmosphere. Surrounding the X were huge circular tables adorned with custom-designed and built olive trees. The tables featured hand-painted china and hundreds of candles that bathed the space in a soft, romantic glow. 24 Carrots Catering delivered a culinary experience that exceeded all expectations, with a fully customized luxury menu that delighted every guest.
After dinner, the celebration continued on the lower level of the tent, which featured a black-and-white marble-inspired dance floor. Downbeat Agency’s 15-piece band kept the energy high as guests danced the night away. Meanwhile, Magic and Cocktails wowed everyone with flair bartending and inventive drinks that added an extra layer of excitement. One of my favorite moments was when the bride and groom got ahold of the CO2 guns. The joy on their faces as they sprayed fog throughout the space was contagious.
Just when guests thought the night was winding down, we had one final surprise in store. They were invited into the estate’s custom nightclub, where none other than Snoop Dogg greeted them as the evening’s surprise guest DJ. The energy was electric as guests danced late into the night to his legendary beats, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
This wedding was my largest undertaking to date, with a 5-day setup, a 3-day breakdown, and over 50 vendors contributing to its success. The intricate planning and execution challenged me in ways I’d never experienced before, but the result was more than worth it. The design and magic of the weekend truly took my breath away, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. To M and S, thank you for trusting me to bring your dream wedding to life. And to the incredible vendor team, your talent and dedication made this monumental event run seamlessly. This Montecito wedding was not just an event—it was an experience, a moment, and a memory that will be cherished forever.
Creatives
Planning & Design: Caroline Leggio || Photography: Lucas Rossi Photo || Cinema: Luxury Lifestyle Studios || Venue: Bella Vista Estate || Floral & Décor: Layered Vintage, Vogue Candles, Jackson Shrub || Rentals: MTB Event Rentals, Town & Country Event Rentals, Signature Party Rentals, Theoni Collection, Trejo Dance Floors, The Ark || Linens: BBJ La Tavola || Catering: 24 Carrots Catering || Bar: Magic & Cocktails || Entertainment: Downbeat Productions, Ocdamia Music Group, Mariachi Mexicanisimom, Snoop Dogg, Invisible Touch Productions (DJ Juan Castro) || Lighting: Premier Lighting & Production || Stationery: Heidi Davidson Design || Cake: Room for Cake SB, Lilac Patisserie || Ice Sculpture: The Art of Carving Ice || Photo Booth: Pixster Photobooth
