We are calling it a "Formal Floral" affair...

The invitations are a direct reflection of the wedding venue and vibe―simplistic with a touch of green to communicate the organic elements. The color palette is all white. The table linens are also white with a hint of grey and each dinner setting is complemented with a linen napkin that are embroidered with the bride and groom’s proper initials- a great keepsake for the couple post-wedding and for many more soirees to come as husband and wife.

Guests arrived to the Thorne family vineyard named, Rio Vista Vineyard on the iconic Santa Barbara Trolleys. They passed through rows of budding grape vines in the hot June sun prior to pulling up at the ceremony entrance. Once there they were greeted by welcome beverages of freshly squeezed lemonade and cheese-y straws {you have to try to know...} and mingled in the green pasture that is surrounded by vineyards, mountains and mature live California Oak trees that are dripping in Spanish moss. The ranch horses grazed off in the distance and the sounds of Ybarra's string quartet played softly in the background on this Spring day.

The ceremony space was defined by hedging and topiaries- tons of hedging and topiaries. Imagine a garden that had been planted many years ago, but with a fresh and formal floral vibe. The ceremony structure itself was custom made iron pieces, made to give the feeling of an outdoor cathedral. It was covered in florals and vines by the Jacob Maarse floral team.

The bridesmaids all wore custom designed gowns by a LA seamstress. The bride envisioned floral gowns and after searching high and low she decided to have them made using embroidered silk taffeta which we affectionately call- Floral Formal. Only her twin sister had a different style to mark that she was the Maid of honor.

The bride walked down the aisle in a Carolina Herrera "Catherine" strapless floral jacquard sheath wedding dress with matching overskirt. She wore custom Prada heels which have her and the groom's initials in gold on the baby blue soles and her ensemble was completed with a Carolina Herrera veil. Tucked behind her bouquet the bride affectionately carried a hankie that has been passed down by her sorority sisters. After they are married they all stitch their initials and date onto the hankie and pass it to the next girl to say, I do.

The groom wore a Ralph Lauren Tuxedo and at the end of dinner surprised the bride with a "sweetheart" serenade by him and his fellow fraternity brothers, as Annie was a Sorority Sweetheart. She was totally surprised!

After the ceremony guests joined cocktail hour which featured an oversized high gloss square white bar. Bartenders served wine from the bride's families vineyard as well as beer from their friend's local brewery and a full bar with farm fresh cocktails made to order.

The cocktail area featured eclectic groupings of garden furniture which Magnolia Event Design and the bride's mother, Stephanie sourced and topiaries. It was light and airy and really focused on the views and sunset.

The bride and groom were taken throughout the 250 acres of the ranch during cocktail hour to take photos overlooking the sweeping valley views of rolling green hills, vineyard vines, oak trees standing alone in the distance and cows grazing just before the sun sets to capture endless photos and special moments.

After cocktail hour guests entered an oversized tent to find a 9 piece band set to entertain them for the rest of the night. A baby grand piano sat high a top the stage and the dance floor was flanked by oversized white garden trellises and topiaries. The guests dined at long tables filled with candle light, lush white florals set in garden urns and china that mimicked a garden like trellis pattern. The chairs were modern white infinity chair.

The guests dined on their choice of Grilled King Salmon On Tomato Fennel Fondue With Saffron Aioli or New York Strip Loin “Florentine” With Tuscan Olive Oil, Meyer Lemon And Sea Salt, With Local Chanterelles, and Fingerling Potatoes.

At the end of the night the couple with cut into a beautiful tiered cake and toast to their future as Mr. and Mrs. George "Mac" Hewett! As the band continued to play and guests danced until there was a sparkler send off as Annie and Mac jumped into their 1940 Forest Green Packard and escaped down the mountain to the iconic San Ysidro Ranch to spend their first night as husband and wife.

It was truly a magical day and night!

Photography by Miki & Sonja Photography