A Vintage Green-and-Lavender Outdoor Wedding in California

February 26, 2013

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Lydia and Nick

Less than two years after Lydia and Nick met on a blind date, the bride and groom, both family therapists, began planning their wedding. They found a ready-made color palette for their big event in the lush greenery and abundant lavender at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara (where Lydia's parents had honeymooned 33 years earlier). "We wanted a relaxed vibe that still felt elegant and made the most of the location," says Lydia.

The fashions for the day: Nick, in an Isaia suit and Hermes tie, posed with Lydia, in Monique Lhuillier.

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Bridesmaid Bouquets

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Attendants held antique hydrangeas, Sweet Juliet roses, dusty miller, scabiosa pods, and spikes of purple veronica.

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Special Wedding Gifts

The couple gifted each other Rolex watches as a symbol of their commitment.

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The Flower Girl

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The bride's cousin, who shared flower-girl duties with her twin sister, wore a wreath of lavender hydrangeas and a cute Watters frock.

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The Maid of Honor

Lydia, with her sister (in Amsale), thanked each attendant with the gift of a cashmere wrap.

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The Ceremony

Clusters of "planted" garden flowers adorned the aisle, and ceremony seating was a mix of Chiavari chairs and wooden benches.

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The Vows

During the ceremony on the lower lawn, the officiant recited Roy Croft's poem "Love". Potato vines, Dutch hydrangeas, and heirloom garden roses adorned the ceremony arch.

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The Reception

After the ceremony, the 175 guests gathered in the garden for cocktails, and trollies shuttled attendees to the reception on the upper lawn. Wooden beams, crystal chandeliers, and cane chairs with cushions made an inviting outdoor room.

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The Meal

Bathed in the glow of antique chandeliers, partygoers enjoyed Scottish salmon or beef filet in cognac-peppercorn sauce, followed by a carrot-and-vanilla cake. Silver napkin rings cinched linens at each place setting embroidered with the couple's initials.

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The Wedding Cake

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Succulents were pushed into the delicately textured white fondant of their carrot-and-vanilla wedding cake. A figurine of the newlyweds with their faithful companions, two little pugs, topped the confection.

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The Sources

Location and Catering: San Ysidro Ranch

Event planning: Alexandra Kolendrianos

Photography: Jose Villa

Floral and event design: Mindy Rice Floral & Event Design

Cake: The Butter End Cakery

Bride's gown: Monique Lhuillier

Videography: Bliss Video Productions

Officiant: Jon Ireland (805-886-2913)

Stationery: Jonathan Wright & Co.

Music: Santa Barbara Quartet and Side Effect

Rentals: Town and Country Event Rentals; Classic Party Rentals; Rrivre Works; and La Tavola Linen

Hair: Trina Duarte at The Studio Agency

Makeup: Andrea Sutherland (805-680-5427)

Bride's Accessories: Monique Lhuillier veil; Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch; and White & Warren cashmere wrap

Bridesmaid dresses: Amsale

Bridesmaids' gifts: Neiman Marcus cashmere wraps

Flower girl dress: Watters

Groomsmen attire: Joseph Abboud suits and Ermenegildo Zegna ties

Transportation: Santa Barbara Trolley and Limo Link Transportation

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