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Chelsea & Brian: El Encanto Santa Barbara Wedding

Yesterday we shared Chelsea & Brian's sweet Love Story film, and you got a taste of just how beautifully these two express their love for each other. Today, make sure you've got a tissue on hand, because this classically romantic wedding at the Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara includes some of the most moving, eloquent vows I have ever heard!

I'm not going to say too much about this wedding, because nobody could say it better than the bride and groom...

This Santa Barbara wedding had it all: classic style, an emotional ceremony, a gorgeous location, and a joyful party crowd! Can you believe that Brian designed the invitations and printed details?

Chelsea and Brian, thank you for your openness and your generosity, for opening your hearts and sharing your love - and your love story - with the world. I am inspired by your words of love and by your dedication to each other. I know that you will only grow in love as you face your next adventure together!

Soundtrack licensed via The Music Bed
"Choose Happy" and "Light Me Up," both by Katrina Stone

Coordinator: A Charming Occasion
Photographer: Candice Benjamin Photography - Click here for the wedding photos!
Venue: Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara
Florals: These Buds a Blooming
Print Materials: Brian {the Groom}
Cake: Aaron Lesch of El Encanto
DJ/Lighting/Photobooth: Ams Entertainment
Makeup Artist: Tomiko Taft
Hair Stylist: Savannah Weninger
Wedding Dress: Allure Couture from Panache Beverly Hills
Bridesmaids Dresses: Von Vonni

DFTBA,
Kiera Faye

A Love Story in Santa Barbara: Chelsea & Brian

Today I am thrilled to introduce you to two of the sweetest, most eloquent lovebirds that we have ever had in front of our camera. Chelsea and Brian are incredibly smart, loving, generous people, and they both light up when they are talking about each other. It's easy to see why!

Chelsea and Brian met in Santa Barbara when they were both entering the same PhD program. Thanks to Brian's keen organizational skills, he and Chelsea got to stalk each other online (just a little!) before meeting each other. That initial spark became a strong friendship and a firm foundation for their blossoming love. Wait until you hear about the adorable breakfast proposal that Brian planned!

It was so much fun to hang out with Chelsea and Brian in Santa Barbara, hearing their love story and capturing their engagement photo session! Click here to check out their engagement pictures by Candice Benjamin Photography.

Photo Credit: Candice Benjamin Photography

Photo Credit: Candice Benjamin Photography

There's more where that came from! Come back tomorrow when I'll be posting highlights from Chelsea and Brian's wedding at El Encanto in Santa Barbara, featuring the most inspiring vows I have ever heard. Hint: Bring a tissue.

P.S. If you've been following us for a while, you might recognize Chelsea from her sister Victoria's wedding film: Victoria + Tim | Viceroy Palm Springs Wedding (To the Namkung family: We love knowing you and celebrating with you! Thanks for everything!)

DFTBA,
Kiera Faye

An Anniversary AND A Wedding! | Seattle Pike Place Market Elopement

I'm going to advise that you get the tissues out RIGHT NOW because today we're featuring THREE videos of one amazing couple, and you are going to need that kleenex.

In 2011, exactly one year after they started dating, Kim took Jodi to Santa Monica and proposed to her on the top of the ferris wheel. They tell the story much better than I do:

One year ago today - on 12/12/12 - Jodi and Kim got married at Boojum Tree Hidden Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. They declared their union with the coolest glowing unity ceremony ever, and their "neon and bling" celebration was featured on Offbeat Bride. It was a beautiful, emotional day full of love!

But as perfect as the day was, there was still something missing. While their marriage was 100% real in their hearts - and in the eyes of their loved ones - it was not legally recognized. On September 6, 2013, on a business trip to Seattle, Kim took Jodi to Pike Place Market and made their dream come true with another surprise proposal.

Yep, Josh and I even got to act as official witnesses! Surprise wedding FTW!!

Congratulations, Jodi and Kim, on the first of MANY happy anniversaries! As many of your friends have expressed, you two are an inspiration, and a perfect example of what a loving marriage looks like. I am constantly amazed by all the ways that you support and celebrate each other! Josh and I feel so blessed to be your friends, and to tell your story!

DFTBA,
Kiera Faye

Leave a comment of congratulations for this awesome couple!

Buffy & Josh: Graf Barn California Wedding

When Buffy called me for the very first time and we chatted for over an hour, I knew that we were in for something special. She was so excited to tell me all about the friendship bracelets and sparkling heart garland that she was making, and about Josh, who was on the road - as usual - but who felt very near when she talked about how crazy they are about each other.

Buffy and Josh both work in the music industry in L.A. They work with literal rockstars everyday, but I can assure you that the stardust that these two exude comes from inside. They are so genuine about their passions, especially for each other. Buffy's tears and Josh's huge grin during their vows attest to that!

From the surprising gifts that the bride and groom exchanged, to the handmade details and bluegrass band, to the private "last dance" and sparkler exit, this wedding was one for the books. The warm welcome extended by the staff/family at Graf Barn made this one of our favorite venues ever. They put so much love into the decor, the food, everything. Buffy planned every detail and it all came together into a one-of-a-kind rocking rustic celebration. (Even though she decided against the shark blimp as ringbearer.)

Buffy and Josh, we are so lucky to know you! The song of your love is just beginning and I am excited for the adventures you have in store together.

Soundtrack:
"Passage" by Lowercase Noises
"Love Be Your Mantra" by Future of Forestry

Venue: Graf Barn, Oxnard, CA
Cinematographer: The Adventures Of
Photographer: Tyler Branch
Floral Design: Floret Cadet
Caterer: Naturally Good Catering
Officiant: Reverend Dr. M Rene Minshew
DJ: Bryan Thrane,

DFTBA,
Kiera Faye

What was your favorite detail of this beautifully personalized wedding? Leave a comment for the couple!

Emma & Brendan: Bacara Resort Santa Barbara Wedding

I met Brendan when he was the Best Man at his brother Sean's wedding, where he gave a wonderful, heartfelt speech. After delivering Ritsuko and Sean's wedding film, I was thrilled to get a message from Brendan's fiancèe Emma, asking about their upcoming wedding!

These two are sweet, considerate, and crazy about each other. The way that Brendan looked at Emma during their ceremony - like he's amazed at his luck and he's just drinking it all in - took my breath away.

This oceanside wedding at Bacara Resort was a beautiful celebration. From the soft, romantic decor, to the rocking party led by Jordan Music Entertainment (and the epic dance moves that went with it!), this event was a perfect reflection of Emma and Brendan, full of love and joy!

Thank you, Emma and Brendan, for inviting us to tell your story, and to celebrate once more with your family! It's a very high compliment and we are so grateful for the chance to get to know you better. Wishing you every joy in your travels and adventures together!

Soundtrack:
"The Recessional" by A New Normal
"Hanging on a Honeymoon" by William Beckett

Cinematographer: The Adventures Of
Event Planning/Coordination: Alex Events, Inc.
Venue: Bacara Resort
Photographer: Michele Andersen
Floral Design: Mark's Garden
Band: Jordan Music Entertainment
Officiant: Jon Ireland