Felici Events Table Design at the Luxe Linen Showcase

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Felici Events displayed our wedding and event design skills recently, at Sherwood Country Club. Luxe Linens invited us to produce a table-top design of our choice, to showcase the 2015 line of new linens and napkins. Here is a video clip showing you the finished product as well as the wonderful team who helped us fulfill a little creative magic!

https://youtu.be/4_mxxRxN1Rg

We were tickled pink to be invited, which carried into our theme of a pink table top inspired by the 2011 movie 

Marie Antoinette

 (directed by Sofia Coppola, a fellow Italian-ite and Felici-favorite).

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We chose to showcase our table of eight using Luxe Linens' Sherbert Vogue.

Once we decided on the linens, Felici Events called on the the talents of a newer vintage rental company Otis and Pearl, to supply the silverware, china and glassware.

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Nina of Coco Rose Designs and the Felici Events Team could have spent hours in her storage unit looking at all the fun table top pieces.  In face, we may have.  Low and behold, it was easy for us to fall in love with the pink glassware you see at each table. Perfectly fitting for such a girly table top setting.

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Next, we asked for help from our friend and fellow

ISES-VSB 

member, Joost Bongaerts, owner of Florabundance, if he would like to contribute, and graciously he supplied all the floral.

The final touches, envisioned by Nina of Coco Rose Designs included the sweet fresh berries and delectable

macarons

 embellishing the table top.

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Finally, we chose the

Florence dining chairs

(both with arms and without) to complete the look of the dining table.  They were definitely the talk of our table amongst attendees and fellow showcasing peers.

It was absolute perfection.  The location, setting, details, event and evening.  Thank you Luxe Linens for including us in this project!

Grazie Mille to our contributors:

DESIGNER and VISIONARY: Felici Events

FLORIST: Coco Rose Design 

VINTAGE RENTALS: Otis and Pearl

CHAIR RENTAL: Revelry Event Designers

FLORAL PURVEYOR: Florabundance

Picturesque Santa Barbara Historical Museum Wedding

Sarah and Scott Church

It's Wedding Wednesday and the Felici Events team wants to celebrate this beautiful picturesque Santa Barbara Wedding! This #Felicified couple got married in the summer and were a wonder to work with! If you want to have a true Santa Barbara Wedding, follow these tips from a previous Felici Events wedding in honor of Scott and Sarah.

First off, this couple used not 1, not 2, but 3 different venues the day of! Talk about really using Santa Barbara to its fullest. The wedding party got ready at the Canary Hotel in downtown Santa Barbara which worked out perfectly since the rehearsal dinner the night before took place on the rooftop of the Canary Hotel. It is a really a unique and elegant venue; I mean, just look at this staircase!

Sarah and Scott Canary Staircase

Sarah and Scott Canary Fountain

The ceremony took place at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel which is a grandiose church at the foot of some of Santa Barbara's impressive mountains. The reception took place at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum which is filled of Old-Spanish decor and ambiance. Of course when you have more than one venue, the transportation plays a big role on this special day. The Felici Events team decided to work with EOS shuttles for guests and Santa Barbara Trolley for the wedding party. It is really important that if your wedding takes place in multiple locations you provide transportation, if possible. Your guests will truly be thankful and overall will allow more guests to be on time since they are all together. It saves you and your wedding coordinator headaches later on! Besides, having transportation can allow all your guests to get to know each other a little better. Not to mention, it provides another source of fun for your wedding party!

Sarah and Scott Trolley

Sarah and Scott Wedding Party Trolley

When it comes to Santa Barbara, old-Spanish and adobe architecture is all around! It really gives it that picturesque feel. As for the reception decor, the Felici Events team and the bride and groom worked together to choose the color palette that really compliments that, specifically the Historical Museum adobe tile and wooden structure. Great job and a special thanks to Stems Floral for making it happen! Just look at the beautiful centerpieces and bouquet with the hints of peach and pink that really compliments the Historical Museum (and even the church as well)!

Sarah and Scott Church Outside

Sarah and Scott Musuem

Sarah and Scott Centerpiece Floral

And of course to keep that theme going, the Felici Events team designed the rest of the decor to match! The Felici Events team believes that wedding signage is really important, but more so it adds special touches that help tie the theme together! In this case, the reception sign was made from an old piece of wood that the bride and groom got. If you don't have a crafty friend or the resources or even time to make it there are ways to get signs like this made on Etsy or other companies. We recently got Dana Decals to make a few decals for some signs at a different wedding and they came out spectacular!

Sarah and Scott Mr and Mrs

Sarah and Scott Reception Sign

Now, although this picturesque Santa Barbara Wedding looks amazing as is, you can always incorporate your own personal touches! For example, this Felici bride and groom had a big thing for cognac, so a cognac and cigar bar was made at the reception and it was a big hit! Something like this makes your wedding more personalized and is made for all guests to enjoy and share with you! (P.S. Notice the orange and peach accents continue onto the pillows!)

Sarah and Scott Cognac Bar

To make this wedding possible we needed all the help we could get so the Felici Events team wants to thank everyone involved and especially Chris Schmitt Photography for these amazing pictures!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

What is LOVE?

As a wedding planner, I get to experience first-hand what love is.

Whether it be between the engaged couple, a bride and her parents, the groom and his parents or the extended family and friends:

Love is an expected guest attending every wedding ceremony and reception.

Love does not get an invite, does not RSVP and does not receive a Thank You Card.

Zohe Felici wedding planner loves her job

For me:

I love my parents, friends and family.

I love my dog.

I love my profession (the pic above speaks for itself, a candid taken during a Felici Event).

I love my work friends.

I love where I live.

I have so much to be overwhelmed with love about, I am extremely fortunate.

Sharing the Felici-Love on this very special day, thank you for partaking in my journey (of life) with me.

XOXO!

Zohe Felici

Colorful Gainey Vineyard Wedding

Santa Barbara Wine Country

Rustic and Fuchsia  Romance

How cute is this #FeliciFied couple?  

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events first dance

The minute Santa Barbara based destination wedding planner, Zohe Felici of Felici Events, met the lovebirds, she knew that the wedding (and planning) would be fun. She was right!

A lot of thought and details came together including some handy crafting by the groom.

Below are creative ideas you can incorporate into the cocktail reception, in order to meld guests who may not know each other.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events Polaroi Photo Line

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events Polaroid Photo Idea

TAKE TWO!

A selfie Polaroid station is creates an area where guests may ask each other to take pictures and start conversations. Bigger bonus, look at this dramatic backdrop of beautiful Wine Country.

#FeliciFrill: on our coordination team, we provide a team member to oversee cocktail hour to engage with and help direct guests, as well as ensure the guest book is signed and questions answered.  In this case they reminded guests to take two: one for the photo book (with a love note for the happy couple) and one for themselves to keep.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felic Events Guest Book

This personalized guest book, designed by the groom, allowed for guests to adhere their polaroids into and write a note to the happy couple.  The wood, a masculine element, incorporated the rustic wine country decor wedding theme.  The little floral insignia on the corner, brings out some girly touches, continuing the dahlia flower theme.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events boccee ball cocktail hour

Felici Events, specifically Zohe, is a #FeliciFied bocce ball player.  She likes to play at the beach, but really anywhere outdoor is great. This cocktail hour wedding activity is also an effective way for guests to meet and get to know each other.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events Succulent Escort Cards

THREE-FER: Escort cards with succulents is what we call a triple-whammy!

1) They create a design piece on the escort card table

2) They enhance dinner table centerpieces

3) They provide a keepsake guest wedding favor

#FeliciFrill: Our wedding coordination team will assist guests to pick up their escort card and direct them to their table, as well as remind guests to grab their favors on their way out at the end of the night.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events rock table numbers

The outdoor wedding reception contained a number of masculine decor elements, such as the stone table number positioned on the wooden table.  The decor emulated a balanced mix of masculine (wood, green, rocks, succulents) with the feminine (bright fuchsia florals, bursts of dahlias, glitter and vivid colors), just like the happy couple's personalities.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events winery and purple wildflower centerpiece by Nina Kinkaid

The centerpieces, overflowing from a wooden box. added bright colors and textures including greens, purples and fuchsia, which look rich and interesting.  It welcomes wonderful, soft and feminine elements.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events centerpiece Nina Kinkaid

Mmmm, there is mint and the tuber roses, which infused the air with amazing aromas. (can you see how the succulents expand and add interest to the centerpieces?)

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events Dinner Menu Fun and unique

#FeliciFrill: We believe signage and print is a MUST DO for any event (CLICK HERE for more ideas and Felici tips).

Above is a creative example of design of a smartly worded menu which helps engage dinner guests  as well as lets guests know "What's Up?" in a playful and decorative manner.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events Cake Topper

The glam gold sparkly cake topper says it all!  It was the best day ever!

- - - - -

SAY CHEESE!

Below are wonderful wedding party photos.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events groomsmen pastel bowtie with blue shirt and grey suit

Character, character character.  How dapper is the above groomsman in gingham material blue shirt and the pastel pink tie?

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events Ring Barer blue gangam and yellow bowtie outfit

This ring barer stole the show both down the aisle and at the reception.   His dark blue gingham material and pastel yellow bowtie are adorable, his hat precious, the bride's shoes he is holding, swoon!

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events bride with veil, bouquet wildflower pink and purples

The bride was smart to collaborate with Nina Kinkaid of Coco Rose Design.  The plethora of purple and fuchsia hued flowers in her bouquet produce a unique, interesting and textured focal piece.

Her bouquet cradles a myriad of flowers, including the desert-like thistle, stems of laic, alien-esque protea and a tropical phaleo orchids, all exuding a range of vibrant violet colors.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events bridesmaids purple dresses

The Bridesmaids bouquets were lighter in color and opposing colors of both their dresses as well as the bridal bouquet.  This play on colors bring three dimensions and balance which compliment each other.

Lastly let's talk about Gainey Vineyard (click the following link to see rental information about this Wine Country wedding location venue). This vineyard is surrounded by a stunning backdrop ideal for hosting a picturesque outdoor wedding ceremony and reception.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events vineyard backdrop

The majestic trees and vineyard walks are romantic.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felic Events bride and groom in vineyard

#FeliciFrill: We ensure that we have time for a couple's sunset walk with their photographer.  Most of the time these end up being the best pictures.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events couple vineyard backdrop

This scene rings a true, untouched West of Santa Ynez.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events wooden tables at vineyard

The well manicured lawn and vineyard backdrop is ideal for outdoor receptions.

The string lights are a must have!

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events venue at night string lights

You and your guests will definitely need them at night.

Ciao Aline and Brian!  They lived Felici Ever after!

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events Grand Exit Idea

The Cherry-On-Top of this Felici Wedding is the A-Team of wedding vendors at a #FeliciFied event venue and wedding location.

Coordinator Felici Events

Flowers Coco Rose Designs

Lighting Ambient Event Design

Music / Cocktails & Reception DJ Patrick

Catering and Cake Lorraine Lim Catering

Rentals Ventura Party Rentals

Photography J Wiley Photography

Unique Bridal Registry Ideas

This is not the Dark Ages - Millennium Couples Request Unique Registry Ideas

I am sure it is no surprise that in these progressive times,  couples move in together, live together for a few years, get engaged and then get married.  Most of my engaged clients request non-traditional, unique registries for their engagement and wedding, experiences not clutter.

Felici Events has opened up the Felici Files to share with you six  websites that offer newly engaged couples unique and non-traditional registries that do just that.  From wine lovers to those wanting to purchase their new home, to the philanthropists and small business supporters.  Below are some ideas for wedding couples to register at.

• BottleNotes (http://www.bottlenotes.com)

  • Users can sign up to create their "own unique registry full of amazing wines." Bottlenotes' experts can be contacted to provide users with insight on starting their own wine collection.

• Etsy Registry (https://www.etsy.com/registry)

  • Handmade items and supporting independent artists and small business

• I Do Foundation (https://www.idofoundation.org/)

  • Couples can create a charity registry that allows guests to directly support charitable causes by way of a secure online donation.

• Knack Registry (https://knackregistry.com/)

  • allows couples to register for items not available at retailers in addition to items that are. It also allows them to register for experiences.

    • For example: if you just moved and are looking to do some landscaping you add that as a registry item.

• The Honeymoon

  • Honeyfund

  • Honeyluna

• Down Payment Dreams (http://www.downpaymentdreams.com/)

makes it possible for guests to contribute to couples who wish to "collect down payment funds" for a house.

Engagement Pictures Slideshow Santa Barbara

Same Sex Couple Wedding Engagement Pictures

The talents of Willa Kveta took one of our Felicified couples trotting around Santa Barbara to capture amazing engagement pictures.  We started at 9 a.m. in the Funk Zone and made our way to the Lark, a few blocks over to the Wharf and West Beach, as well as downtown on overpasses.  

We love the different backdrops and interesting three-dimensional settings captured to adorn these gorgeous guys. Santa Barbara is conducive to an array of settings within blocks from each other.

Seriously, could they be any more awesome!  It's like watching a Ben Affleck and Matt Damon photo shoot.  These guys are gorgeous, sweet and fun!

Congratulations Corey and Alex!  We can't wait for your BIG day!

NOTE: The Felici Events wedding planner team finds it imperative that engagement pictures happen with your photographer at some point of the wedding.  It allows for relationships to be created, a rapport both between the couple and the photographer as well as a comfort level.  IT WILL SHOW on your wedding day! We will be sure to post photos of the wedding day to prove that to you!

#FeliciEvents #Engaged Couples Doggone #Photography #SantaBarbara #Wedding

This weekend marks a very special wedding for Felici Events, as we are producing the wedding of Danielle and Matt.  Danielle first met Zohe back in 2007, when she applied for an internship with her. Five years later, when Danielle called me to let me know she was getting married, and wanted me as her wedding planner, I was thrilled, touched and honored to be a part of Danielle and Matt's future and BIG day!  We're celebrating their nuptials this week-end in Wine Country, and boy do we have some treats in store.

Even more exciting is working with the creative and talented Dustin Waller of Waller Weddings Photography.  He showcases his talents and creativity below, as he took the happy couple through various of Santa Barbara's backdrops to capture their engagement pictures.

Of course, our favorite, as dog lovers, is the one with Harlow, their puggle and ring barer.

Dustin Waller Engagement Photos Dog Ring Barer

Dustin Waller Engagement Photos Wood

Dustin Waller Engagement Photos Funk Zone

Dustin Waller Engagement Photos Red Brick

Dustin Waller Engagement Photos Pain Drip

Dustin Waller Engagement Photos Backside

Traditional spanish style cultural event and wedding venue

Felicidades y Viva  Mexico!!!!

Old Spanish Days hits close to home for me, as I was born in Mexico City and lived there until I was five, and visit as often as I can.

In honor of Mexican Independence Day - celebrated on September 16th - I want to share one of our favourite weddings that we have produced at this authentic and rustic Spanish style venue.

Casa De La Guerra is one of the most important remnants of Santa Barbara's Spanish-Mexican heritage and offers one of the most charming outdoor courtyards in all of Santa Barbara for any festivity.

Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, it’s zoning allows for a later noise curfew, making it one of the few outdoor venues permitted to play music as late as 1 a.m.

Another advantage of this picturesque Spanish Colonial location is its proximity to various downtown hotels.  This allows for out of town guests to easily walk to and home from the party as well as experience Santa Barbara’s local nightlife.

Casa De La Guerra Spanish Decor Hanging Lanterns

Ideal for rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, corporate dinners or any party; the Casa is a great choice and offers complete privacy for your event.  With the ability to bring in your own rentals, caterers, etc. personalizing this venue is easy and does not break the bank while you enjoy your festivities under the stars!

For more information visit Felici Events Location Blog on Santa Barbara Wedding Style by clicking HERE

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Decor by: Nico Designs www.nicosb.com

Photos by:  Maciel's Photography www.maciels.com

Engagement Spotlight- Dani and Matt

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Dani and Matt met through mutual friends and became good friends themselves. However it was a year and a half before Matt got up the courage to ask Dani out on a date!

 This last January, Matt and Dani were on vacation in Maui and took the infamous "Road to Hana." There they went to an out-of-the way beautiful waterfall that Dani used to love to climb the cliff, and jump off from the top to the cool green pool below.

That is where Matt got down on one knee and asked Dani to spend the rest of their lives together and she enthusiastically said YES!

 Felici Events will be there this November to help these two tie the knot at the beautiful Four Seasons Biltmore!

Photo Credit: Clarissa Koenig

Real Felici Couples

Felici Events had the honor of helping these two beautiful people tie the knot at the Bacara Resort this month. We also got to work with the fabulous Christine Farah who took these artistic engagement pictures of the couple earlier this year.

Stay tuned for what are sure to be breath-taking wedding pictures!

Congratulations Rachel and Rich!

Photography:  Christine Farah 

Engagement Spotlight- Jolene and Tim

Best friends Tim and Jolene first met nearly twenty years ago. However, it was fourteen years before the two would connect through a mutual appetite for good fiction. With the help of Tim's "match-making" family and media messaging their relationship deepened, and soon Tim was smitten. The problem was that Jolene was clueless to the the affection growing in Tim as he patiently hovered in friend status.

Thankfully, his patience was rewarded when Jolene discovered the love growing in her own heart. Five months later, Tim gave Jolene a birthday surprise she would never forget. Slipping onto one knee after dinner, he asked her to become his wife and share the rest of forever together.

This July they will begin their journey in a beach ceremony at Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort with the help of Felici Events.

Photo Credit: Open Door Wedding Photography

Real Felici Weddings- Classic Santa Barbara

Happy one-year anniversary to one of Felici Events favorite Bride and Groom- Regan and Chad!

They got married in classic Santa Barbara style last year at a gorgeous private home complete with a trolley ride and a visit to the Mission.

Congratulazioni you two, we wish you all the best!

Click here to view more images of their beautiful wedding

Photographer: Cameron Ingalls

Engagement Spotlight- Stephanie and Tyler

Tyler and Stephanie met at their Alma Mater, Occidental College. Tyler took Stephanie to a concert in Hollywood for their first date where they bonded over their shared passions for music and traveling. In fact, they have now attended over 40 concerts together and completed two cross-country road trips as well as one through France and Germany!

A year into dating, they discovered their love for dogs after they rescued two strays and have since become volunteers at the SPCA. Tyler and Stephanie live in San Francisco with their dog, Ava. Tyler works as a carpenter and Stephanie works at a non-profit consulting firm.

Their wedding will take place this October in a beautiful estate in Montecito with the help of Felici Events!

View photos in Press

Photo Credit: Tobin Photography

Engagement Spotlight- Megan and Luc

Megan and Luc, Santa Barbara locals and UCSB alumni, actually met in LA a few years back through Herbalife. After struggling for a year in the friend zone (and many karaoke duets later), Luc pulled the romantic curtains over Megan's eyes with the help of beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho, where he grew up. The hot springs under the stars maneuver has proven successful for many young male Sun Valleyites. As fate would have it, Sun Valley became the same setting for Luc's proposal.

Together, Megan and Luc now run Active Nutrition Center in Santa Barbara. The trick to gracefully mixing business with pleasure is no doubt their ability to HAVE FUN!

The two will be tying the knot this September at Coghlan Winery with the help of Felici Events in a casual California country-themed affair that is sure to be a blast!

Photo Credit: Kiel Rucker Photography

Recently Engaged? We are making it easier for you to see what Santa Barbara Offers!

A Brand New Way to Plan Your Wedding Congratulations on your engagement! Join us for Santa Barbara Wedding Experience the weekend of February 24-26, for a brand new way to plan your wedding.  You don’t want to miss this wedding planning weekend full of exciting events, activities, and opportunities which will allow you to discover first hand all that Santa Barbara has to offer! Escape to Santa Barbara for a weekend getaway, stay in a luxury hotel, relax, and enjoy being inspired for your wedding day. Beyond the traditional wedding fair, Santa Barbara Wedding Experience is the result of a collaboration amongst an entire community of  Santa Barbara’s top event professionals and venues. We believe that there is no better place on earth to get married and we want to offer you a weekend full of innovative and inspirational Santa Barbara wedding style to prove it! This weekend-long experience will not only offer a great time but it will also allow you to imagine and actually experience what your ideal Santa Barbara Wedding could and should be. Sign up this week for a chance to win a complimentary engagement photo shoot from the talented Cheryl and Tim Halberg of Fotocielo (a $750 value). To find out more or to make a reservation visit: Santa Barbara Wedding Experience Brought to you by:                         Felici Events, Gavin Roy Presents, AKN Public Relations, FotoCielo Photographers

Real Wedding - Santa Barbara Courthouse Mural Room and Stella Mare's

We wanted to share with you a lovely slide show of one of our clients

created by the oober talented

Anna Costa.

Santa Barbara Courthouse Ceremony, the Mural Room

Stella Mare's Reception

Peonies are my favourite!

Click on the link below to see the link to the slide show of images

Santa Barbara Courthouse Ceremony & Stella Mare Restaurant Reception Wedding

Engagement Pictures to LOVE and ENJOY

One of the most fun and rewarding things that you want to make sure to do after your engagement is to schedule an engagement photo session for you and your fiancé. Why get engagement photos? Aside from the fact that these photos will show off what an attractive couple you two are, this photo session provides you with the valuable opportunity to establish a relationship with your photographer before your Wedding. An engagement session allows you to share with your photographer what you like and don't like about yourself (in pics) and it also allows them to get to know you as a couple. This is so valuable, and enables them to take photos that best represent the two of you and will result in wedding photos that you are sure to love!

Engagement photos can also be used for wedding announcements in local news papers, save the dates that are sent out to family and friends, and they can even be used as décor at your ceremony or reception.

Do's and Don'ts of Engagement Pictures

Do HAVE FUN with this opportunity

Do involve your photographer who will at some level be the director of your tale

Do bring a few items of clothing

Do bring props

Do relax, a glass of wine and some music on the ipod can get the 'groove' going

DON'T eliminate engagement pictures from your photographer's package to save money.

The beautiful engagement photos below are courtesy of Attasalina Photography.  The FELICI couple will be married this fall!

Engagement Giveaway: Destination Santa Barbara on the Beach!

CONGRATULATIONS TO KARISSA AND PAUL THE LUCKY WINNERS OF THIS ENGAGEMENT PACKAGE GIVEAWAY!

THEY WILL GET TO EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF SANTA BARBARA ON THE BEACH, WITH THIS AMAZING PACKAGE:

• One-hour Wedding consultation with Zohe Felici of Felici Events: www.felicievents.com
• One-hour Professional Engagement Session (digital prints only) with Kristin Renee Photographer: www.kristinrenee.com
• Hair and Make-Up with Ashley Kelly, Co-Owner/Senior Pro Artist of LunaBella:www.LBMAinc.com
• One Night’s Stay with Breakfast at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort:www.fessparkersantabarbarahotel.com
• Delectable Menu Tasting for two paired with a Local Wine at Duo Catering and Events: www.duoevents.com

READ THEIR WINNING STORY BELOW:

The Sesame Street Proposal

by Karissa Dunn

Paul and I met off of match.com. I searched for him and when I saw his picture, I thought he wouldn’t even give me the time of day, but I “winked” at him anyway just to give it a shot. The next morning he had already sent a reply message giving me his number. My initial thought was “Wow, this guy thinks he is Mr. Smooth just handing out his number and not even bothering to get to know me.” I responded saying it wasn’t that easy, but gave him my number anyway, because who was I trying to fool? This guy was super attractive and I wasn’t going to let him get away. He called me the next day and I could barely hold a conversation with him because I was so nervous. I figured nothing would come out of the conversation, but he ended up texting me asking if I wanted to go on a date with him.

Our first date wasn’t amazing like I thought it would be. I was nervous and poor Paul had to do all of the talking. The stories he was telling me gave me the completely wrong impression of him and by the end of the night I left feeling somewhat disappointed, but I was willing to give it another shot. By our third date, I knew he was “The One”. He had me come over to his house and he made me dinner and then we walked to the beach. And the rest is history. We’ve been together since August 14, 2009 and he proposed on March 18, 2011. He proposed on Mammoth Mountain on the Sesame Street run (the beginners run because I’m still learning how to snowboard). We were there the previous year and that was the first place I told him that I loved him. I kept falling and getting up and falling again. It was the last run of the day and I just couldn’t do it anymore and started crying. He was so patient and said he understood and that’s when I knew I loved him. Fast forwarding to this year, we were on the same run and I was still learning. We were on the last run of the day and again, I was very tired and didn’t want to go any farther. I fell and just gave up on the spot and started crying again. (This happened to be at the same spot I first told him I loved him). I look up and theres Paul down on one knee. He told me I looked beautiful even though I had makeup streaming down my face and he said that I was his best friend and that he didn’t want me to be sad. He pulled out the ring box from his pocket and said he couldn’t wait to spend the rest of his life with me and asked me to marry him. I said yes and that I was sorry for ruining it lying in the snow crying. He put the ring back in the box since he couldn’t put it on my finger right then because I was wearing gloves and we walked down the hill. Once we were at the bottom, he got down on one knee again and put the ring on! It couldn’t have been more perfect for us and we’re both so happy.

AT FELICI EVENTS WE CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS AND ALIGN OURSELVES  WITH CLASS-ACT VENDORS WHO SHARE OUR SAME PHILOSOPHIES AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS IN CUSTOMER SERVICE.

_______________________________

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Fess Parker Santa Barbara Hotel Luna Bella Makeup Art Kristine Renee Duo Color

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AND TO OUR FABULOUS SUPPORTERS:

Classic Party Rentals Santa Barbara Wedding

Engagement Giveaway: Destination Santa Barbara, the American Riviera

Congratulations to Megan and Jason the lucky winners of this engagement package giveaway! Their story won the hearts of all!

They will get to experience the best of Santa Barbara, the American Riviera, with this amazing package:

• A one hour wedding consultation with Zohe Felici of Felici Events
• A one night's Stay at The Canary Hotel with breakfast in bed for 2 (a fabulous downtown hotel ideal for breathtaking views, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, farewell brunches and guest room blocks)
• $100 Gift Certificate from Opal Restaurant and Bar (one of my favorite places in town, and I'm a foodie!, this downtown venue is ideally located, reasonably priced, great wine list and a perfect location for receptions and rehearsal dinners)
• Hair and Make Up by the talented Victoria Congdon (with such a great demeanor, she's someone I positively want in your room with you while you're getting hair and make-up done!)
• A Professional Engagement Photo Shoot captured by the brilliance of Kristen Beinke Photography (she radiates from the soul, her energy and talent capture the most beautiful of pictures!)

Read their winning story below:

Who gets engaged on a volcano?? WE DO. That’s who.

By Megan Woods

When Jason and I celebrated our engagement with friends they toasted to us… ‘FINALLY, Jason proposed!’ I laughed aloud – ‘oh please… it hasn’t even been a 2 years!’ – only to hear the response that they’d all been waiting since week two. In our case, ‘when you know, you know’ rings very true. Jason and I met in June of 2009, we bonded over a Michael Jackson dance medley at a Karaoke bar and have been inseparable ever since.

The truth of it is, I think we both knew on DAY 2 that we’d stumbled upon the person we were meant for. Giddiness (along with a lot of love and laughter and a new place together and a dog and unconditional support and snowboarding trips and barbeques and the best time of our lives) ensued… Fast-forward to December 27th 2010 and Jason and I are embarking on day 1 of our Costa Rica adventure vacation. We booked the trip last minute using airline mileage that was set to expire. We spent one rainy Sunday planning the trip. It all came together so fast I was careful to lower my hopes that a proposal scheme might also be underway. We spent an incredibly fun Christmas with my family and 24 hours later were hiking up towards an active volcano. Side note. I’m totally obsessed with volcanoes. At one point in my life there was no doubt I would be a volcanologist… or a storm chaser. So being this close to a volcano was a huge thrill (even though I ended up working in advertising). We had a tour guide with us who was full of all sorts of unromantic information like what happens to your body when you get bit by a viper snake… triggered by actually SEEING a viper.

One might expect, my mind was not thinking about diamonds or love or marriage or Jason taking a knee amongst a rainforest full of snakes. Then we got to a huge clearing of lava rocks. Massive black boulders piled on top of each other. It was foggy and misting and mystical. There were single orchids sprouting between black rocks. So pretty. And suddenly, so romantic. I was looking for a toucan through binoculars and when I turned around I saw Jason holding this little metal owl (I love owls). He pulled me in close, forehead-to-forehead, nervous and shivering, he told me I make his heart skip a beat, that it swells from his chest and he loves me. That I challenge him to do fun things. I am his advisor and confidant. That he needs me… to be the best him. That he wants me in all of his children and he wants to do adventurous things (like climb volcanoes) for the rest of our lives. Down to his knee. Opened the owl. BEAUTIFUL. Diamond. Ring. Will you marry me? Yes, yes, yes! Are you kidding me?! OF COURSE YES! Jason could have asked me to marry him laying in bed on a lazy Sunday morning and I’d have been just as thrilled. I feel like the luckiest girl ever – not just because I got engaged on a volcano or am walking around with a freakin’ rock on my finger, but because I get to marry a seriously good man. One that I know will treat me like gold the rest of our lives and makes me the best version of myself.

We’re getting married in Santa Barbara September 4th, 2011. Jason is from Austin, I’m from San Diego. ‘The American Rivera’ felt like the perfect blend of both of those places (plus it’ll be an awesome place for us to spend anniversaries!) We can’t wait to host our family and friends for a weekend of merriment and celebration. Better yet, we can’t wait to be married!

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