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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
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
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
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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