To celebrate Samantha and Todd‘s recent engagement, and to showcase the richness of Santa Barbara’s farms and ranches, Karen Wise and Kelly Oshiro teamed up on this beautiful farm-to-table dinner. One look at these pics and that menu, and you’ll wish you were there – we do!
Says Kelly, “To really highlight the abundance of the area, Karen and I shot at a local dahlia farm, Greenwell Floral. I then used these same dahlias for the dinner table.”
From Kelly: “Dinner took place at Todd’s parents’ home which has a stunning lemon orchard. Ashley Transki from Duo Events, a local farm to table catering company, made lemon saboyan for the dessert from the lemons on the property. Lemons were also used as additional decor on the tables.”
Ashley created a dinner menu inspired by the best seasonal and local ingredients: American Cucumber & Three Carrot Salad, Roots Farm Green Salad, Spot Prawn & Stone Crab Fettuccine, Jimenez Farm Leg of Lamb, and Rustic Peach Pluot Tart with Lemon Saboyan.
It was nearly impossible for Ryan and I to tear ourselves away from our wedding reception, so I can definitely get on board with throwing an after party. As Calder from Calder Clark Designs says, “Everyone cares so much about first impressions, but this couple let us plan for a famous last impression!” Photos by Jeremy Harwell.
Jeremy Harwell, Calder Clark
If you’re going to have a “family color” I think orange is a good one; that’s what this couple used to add pop to their late-night bash, and as Calder says, “It was a blast to splash that color around and punch up an otherwise dark little rib shack.”
Jeremy Harwell, Calder Clark
Jeremy Harwell, Calder Clark
From seat cushions to sunflowers, every last detail matched the palette of of orange and gray. There were even coordinating poker chips!
Jeremy Harwell, Calder Clark
Jeremy Harwell, Calder Clark
The late-night menu included Popcorn, Pigs in a Blanket, Deviled Quail Eggs, Billionaire’s Bacon, Jerked Venison Strips, Miniature Elvis Waffles with Banana and Peanut Butter, and Miniature Donuts.
Jeremy Harwell, Calder Clark
Jeremy Harwell, Calder Clark
Jeremy Harwell, Calder Clark
Jeremy Harwell, Calder Clark
Jeremy Harwell, Calder Clark
Guests enjoyed a moonshine bar and hand-rolled cigars.
Jeremy Harwell, Calder Clark
Jeremy Harwell, Calder Clark
Jeremy Harwell, Calder Clark
Jeremy Harwell, Calder Clark
The bride and groom danced the night away with their guests, and everyone also enjoyed a photo booth with silly props.
You guys are going to love this fun 30th anniversary party from Kate Headley and Pineapple Productions! The couple wanted to do something fun and different, so they asked their guests to wear “bride and groom attire,” and an invitation insert gave suggestions like Wear your old wedding dress, you’ll look fabulous! and Consider fashions from a past decade. The result was a variety of fabulous costumes, from Downton Abbey garb to a hippie bride and groom. Love it!
Waiters passed mason jars of “Honeymoon Shine” (honey simple syrup, bourbon and grapefruit juice served over ice) with gray and white straws and cocktail flag stirrers.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by a traditional string quartet that played modern music – everything from Lady Gaga to Bruce Springsteen to The Beatles. Waiters passed French 76 cocktails (mandarin orange and lemon juices shaken with vodka and ice, topped with champagne and garnished with a lemon twist), and then guests were ushered in for a photo op moment. Costumes included a Cinderella and Prince Charming, Gatsby-inspired bride and groom, bride of Frankenstein, Hawaiian bride and groom, ball and chain, 1980s bride and groom, among many others.
Guests enjoyed several delicious catering stations with some of the couple’s favorite foods, from an Artisan Bacon station to a Farmers Market station (see full menu below).
From the couple: “We thought an offbeat, almost tongue in cheek concept would set a festive party mood that would lead to much laughter and warm memories. Instead of renewing our vows and making the party solely about us, we wanted to bring family and friends together to celebrate the idea of marriage in a creative and fun way. We are fortunate to have so many friends who are as creative as they are supportive – we encouraged everyone to approach the costume aspect of our party with a sense of humor, and our guests really had a great time figuring out their attire for night!”
Menu Passed Hors d’Oeuvres: Fried Oysters and Bloody Mary Shots / Olive and Goat Cheese Beignets / Noisettes of Lobster with Tangerine Beurre Blanc / Mac-n-Cheese Bites topped with Carolina-Style Pulled Chicken Barbecue / Fried Chicken and Biscuits / Tropical Mini Fish Taco // Artisan Bacon Station: Bacon Burgers / Miso Glazed Pork Belly on Momofoku Buns with Hoisin Sauce and Quick Pickles / Caramelized Onion and Bacon Alsatian Tarts / Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwiches Made to Order with Choice of Artisan Bacon // Chophouse Station: Grilled Strip Steaks with Steak Sauce / Strip Loin Steaks with Crispy Onion Rings / Seared King Salmon Steaks / Beef Tartare / Creamed Spinach with Chèvre / Fries with Trio of Sauces / Bite-Sized Iceberg Lettuce Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Foam, Crumbled Blue Cheese, and Bacon or Tomato Dust // Farmer’s Market Station: Butternut Squash Cappuccino / Chicken Boudin Blanc with Braised Cabbage / Sweet Corn Ravioli with Tarragon Cream / Red and Golden Beet Salad with Pancetta Crisps / Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Fresh Walnuts and Pecorino / Fried Green Tomatoes // Dessert: Pecan Pie Cake / Tiramisu Cake / Carrot Cake / Wild Blueberry Pie Pops / Gingered Pear Pie Pops / Apple Cinnamon Pie Pops / Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Pops // Parting Snack: Warm Soft Pretzels / Boylan’s Sodas
Today I have a fun two-part feature for you! First up, Stephanie and Tyler’s yummy rehearsal dinner in the Napa Valley. Guests were served mini bottles of Ma(i)sonry wine as they arrived, and enjoyed other boutique wines, the bride and groom’s favorite Aperol spritz cocktails, and small plates of Italian dishes and charcuterie.
Jose Villa
Jose Villa
Jose Villa
Jose Villa
Jose Villa
Jose Villa
Jose Villa
Stop back in just a bit for this couple’s gorgeous black tie wedding!
Today’s cheerful farewell brunch comes to us from Calder Clark Designs and photographer Jeremy Harwell – I just love seeing all this yellow in the middle of winter! Whether you’re hosting a farewell brunch, or considering a brunch reception for the main event, there’s plenty of inspiration here.
The brunch buffet included all the favorites: seasonal fruit with yogurt, house-made croissants and breads, pancakes, Baker’s Mill Creek heirloom cheddar grits, scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon. Guests also enjoyed mimosas and Bloody Marys.
