Location: Santa Barbara, California, USA
Setting: Courthouse
How long did the couple plan the event: 1,9 years
The number of guests: 40
Wedding theme/style: Minimal, modern, elegant.
Mekenna and Justin met eight years ago through a mutual friend at “Scary Knots” farm. Within a year, their acquaintance turned into something more, and four years later, Justin proposed on a stunning evening at the beach in Laguna. Planning their wedding took a year and nine months, with plans changing three times, but ultimately, they decided to have an intimate summer wedding for their closest family and friends.
The couple chose Lindsey Merri as their photographer, whose style is characterized by candid, light-filled images brimming with emotion and meticulous attention to detail. Lindsey masterfully captured the essence of the day, suffused with sunlight and love. Her photographs, created in warm tones, encapsulated the romance of this enchanting wedding, while her focus on every detail highlighted the couple’s individuality.
The wedding ceremony was held in the stunning ‘Sunken Gardens’ at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, just a short walk from the beach. This magnificent Mediterranean-style architectural gem, with its white walls and red-tiled roof, nestled amidst lush greenery, provided the perfect setting for the wedding ceremony. The couple entrusted their wedding planning to the professional team at Lily & Leigh, and according to the bride, they couldn’t have managed without their help.
The look Mekenna chose for her wedding struck a balance between simplicity and minimalism while also being romantic and heartfelt. She wore a delicate silk dress from Stone Cold Fox, complemented by exquisite open-toed shoes from Amina Muaddi. She held a bouquet of white roses in her hands, adorned with a portrait of her mother, adding a deeply personal and touching element to her ensemble.
The bride spent her morning surrounded by her bridesmaids, whose joyful laughter and lively chatter created a warm and friendly atmosphere. Her friends assisted Mekenna in putting on her wedding dress. As a hairstylist, Mekenna took charge of her hairstyle with help from her sister, crafting a look that felt personal and true to her style. Alyssa Marie did her makeup, highlighting Mekenna’s beautiful eyes and enhancing her natural beauty.
A particularly touching moment was when the bride’s father saw his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time. This memorable and heartfelt scene brought tears to the bridesmaids’ eyes.
Justin spent his morning with his groomsmen, preparing for the significant day ahead. Together, they helped Justin get ready, and their cheerful mood helped ease the wedding morning jitters. Justin wore a custom-tailored suit from The Grooms Grotto in Newport Beach, complemented by striking platform loafers from a brand known as Straight to Hell, adding a touch of unique style to his wedding attire.
The first look between Mekenna and Justin was a moment to be cherished forever. When Justin saw his beloved for the first time, he was overcome with emotion and tears. Adding to the intimacy of this moment, the couple exchanged their vows in private, creating a deeply personal and unforgettable experience they would hold in their hearts forever.
The ceremony venue was cozy and stylish, exuding a special charm thanks to the bride’s minimalist style. The arch, entwined with baby’s breath, white roses, and orchids, stood out beautifully against the backdrop of the white building and lush greenery, giving the wedding area a magical appearance.
Mekenna shared, “The wedding processional was to a Blink-182 cover, ‘First Date’ by Taylor Acorn. I walked down the aisle to a string cover of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow.’ Our recessional was ‘One Less Lonely Girl’ by Justin Bieber. This was the first wedding decision I made in the entire process, and I was so excited about it.”
After the ceremony, Lindsey Merri captured memorable portraits of the couple with their friends, family, and beloved pet.
The portraits of the couple Lindsey Merri took before the reception are distinguished by their depth of emotion. Her use of film photography adds a unique atmosphere to her work, capturing the essence of the moment with a timeless quality.
During the cocktail hour, guests were served the couple’s favorite drinks, garnished with images of their dog’s face. This added a playful and cheerful touch to the occasion.
The reception took place on the veranda of La Paloma Cafe, decorated in the same minimalist style. White flowers paired with dark tableware and candles of varying sizes created a stylish look. Guests were also provided with film cameras, allowing each person to capture the celebration and convey the atmosphere through their perspective.
The couple selected dishes from Mexican and Spanish cuisines and the Californian barbecue for which La Paloma Cafe is renowned, and they found it delightful. The reception was filled with congratulatory speeches, creating an incredibly cozy and heartfelt atmosphere.
“Then the trolley picked everyone up and took us to Pearl Social, a super-vibrant cocktail lounge, where the real party began. We had an open bar, dancing, and small bites,” said Makenna
The newlyweds’ first dance was a highlight of the evening, deeply moving the guests. As the couple swayed together in the middle of the dance floor, time seemed to stand still, capturing the moment’s tenderness.
In the evening, Mekenna changed into her second cocktail-style outfit, a lace dress from Stone Cold Fox. The dress featured bell sleeves and a high stand-up collar, adding a touch of glamour while still maintaining her bridal look.
The newlyweds opted for a champagne tower instead of the traditional wedding cake cutting. The floral arch from the ceremony was repurposed over the champagne tower, creating a fantastic ambiance and contributing to the overall vibe of the celebration.
The entire night was filled with fun and dancing, and here’s how the bride described this magical evening: “I have to give the biggest shoutout to our DJ Austo. He is so incredibly talented and truly made the night what it was. I was very particular about my music requests, and he did not disappoint, all while putting his spin on them. It was the perfect ‘Y2K emo nite dance party.'”
Advice from couple:
• Our most extensive advice is to do a first look. I didn’t think I would be anxious on the day off, but I was wrong! As I was getting my makeup done, I was so anxious. But every ounce of this anxiety faded the second I saw Justin. And he says the same thing. Not to mention, having time together and with our bridal party before the wedding was everything. We got to get many photos out of the way in addition to just hanging out and having a celebratory tequila shot. Cheers, all together.
• Our second piece of advice is to prioritize your photographer within your budget. After the day, in the blink of an eye, all you’re left with are your photos. So splurge on them above all else. Lastly, soak it all in, every second of it. And have so much fun.
PHOTOGRAPHY Lindsey Merri | WEDDING PLANNER Lily & Leigh | FLORAL Storylines Floral Co. | VIDEOGRAPHY Abe & Rachel | HAIR Jillian Joy Humbach | MUA Alyssa Marie | VENUE Santa Barbara Courthouse | BRIDE’S SHOES Amina Muaddi | BRIDE’S DRESS Stone Cold Fox |
