From Tinder to Forever: An Artful Wedding Weekend

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Location: Montecito & Santa Barbara, California, USA
Setting: Ceremony: Ranch, Reception: Hotel
Wedding season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 14 months
The number of guests: 150
Wedding theme/style: Cozy, autumn, upscale, design and art forward.

Cortland and Jared’s love story began with a serendipitous match on Tinder in 2016. As Cortland was finishing up law school and Jared was flourishing in his career, their connection grew stronger by the day. After three wonderful years of dating and building a life together in Dallas, they decided to take a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles on New Year’s Day 2020. California held a special place in their hearts, and they knew it was the perfect backdrop to nurture their love. In a beautiful twist of fate, Jared proposed to Cortland in June 2021 at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, a sentimental location for Jared. Their engagement, coinciding with the anniversary of the gay marriage supreme court ruling, added an extra layer of significance to their journey.

Pair’s decision to take the beautiful journey of marriage was filled with intention, love, and a deep desire to create a truly memorable experience. Inspired by the enchanting and heartwarming films of Nancy Meyers, they dreamed of a wedding that would feel like stepping into one of her timeless stories, like “It’s Complicated” or “Father of the Bride.”

Their vision went beyond just a traditional celebration. They wanted their wedding to be not only design and art-forward but also an intimate and cozy moment shared with their closest loved ones. They wished for every detail to exude warmth, beauty, and a sense of genuine connection.

Cortland and Jared crafted a truly unique wedding experience by celebrating their special day over the span of three unforgettable days. By separating the events, the duo ensured they had dedicated time to fully immerse themselves in each moment, avoiding the overwhelming rush that often accompanies such joyous occasions.

Thursday, the first day of celebration, was chosen as the day to hold couple’s intimate wedding ceremony at the beautiful San Ysidro Ranch. This picturesque venue, nestled in the heart of nature, provided the ideal backdrop for a truly meaningful and personal exchange of vows. The newlyweds made the deliberate decision to include only their immediate family and wedding party in this sacred moment. By surrounding themselves with those closest to their hearts, Cortland and Jared were able to create an atmosphere of love, support, and intimacy. The exclusive nature of the ceremony allowed for a more private and personal experience. It provided the opportunity to be fully present and completely focused on couple’s commitment to each other, spend their wedding night alone, and not be exhausted from a reception immediately after the big emotions surrounding a wedding. It also ensured that their cherished family members and closest friends had an integral role in the beginning of their journey together.

The ceremony itself was filled with heartfelt moments and profound emotions. Against the stunning San Ysidro Ranch backdrop, Cortland and Jared, in Tom Ford suits, exchanged vows that spoke not only of their love but also their shared dreams, hopes, and vision for the future. Tears of joy, heartfelt laughter, and a palpable sense of love and connection surrounded them.

By choosing to celebrate their wedding on Thursday in this intimate way, Cortland and Jared created a space where pure love and deep devotion could shine through. It allowed them to honor their commitment to each other while also ensuring that they would have precious memories to treasure for a lifetime. The stylish duo made a statement with their impeccably tailored Tom Ford suits, adding an element of sophistication and modernity to their wedding day ensembles.

Following the heartfelt ceremony, the lovebirds invited their loved ones to join them for a delightful lunch. The tables were adorned with stunning autumn-colored florals, creating an atmosphere of warmth and natural beauty. The carefully curated décor, with its rustic charm and earthy tones, perfectly complemented the cozy and intimate ambiance of the occasion.

The couple says: “We got to walk around the LA flower mart with our florist Knot Just Flowers Design and wedding planner Orange Blossom Special Events, and it was so much fun. We are not knowledgeable about flowers, so having the team there to guide us and get our opinion on vibes/textures/colors was incredible. And the flowers were extremely amazing!”

On Friday night, Cortland and Jared’s wedding celebration took an exciting turn as they moved from the serene beauty of San Ysidro Ranch to the stylish and artistic Hotel Californian. They hosted a rehearsal-style dinner at the popular Lark restaurant in Santa Barbara, where they shared quality time with a larger group of their close friends. Inspired by the enchanting world of Nancy Meyers movies, the dinner was a reflection of their unique vision. The dinner had a western theme, a playful twist that allowed everyone to embrace their creativity and dress up for the occasion.

After an evening filled with laughter, delicious food, and heartfelt connections, the duo continued the festivities at the welcome party on the rooftop of the Hotel Californian. This stunning venue, overlooking Santa Barbara’s picturesque bay, served as the ideal setting to welcome their guests and set the stage for the amazing celebrations that lay ahead.

On the final day of their wedding celebration, Cortland and Jared basked in the culmination of their love story. They had chosen Saturday as the day for their grand reception, a joyous occasion where the couple created an electric atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and endless dancing.

Surrounded by the sheer energy and excitement of their guests, the couple’s wedding day became an unforgettable party that encapsulated the love, support, and pure bliss they felt in each other’s arms.

The reception was a true testament to their commitment to creating a wedding that was not only filled with great food, immaculate vibes, and unforgettable music but also a celebration that would be etched into the memories of their guests for years to come. As couple remembers : “It was an epic weekend.”

Cortland and Jared’s wedding cake was an elegant centerpiece that captured their love story with a playful touch. Adorned in pristine white, the cake stood tall, radiating sophistication and charm. Atop the cake, two figures of the newlyweds stood nearby each other, symbolizing their union. As guests marveled at the artistic craftsmanship and attention to detail, the couple’s custom cake became a sweet symbol of their journey, bringing smiles and joy to all who witnessed it.

Cortland and Jared’s dream wedding wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible talent and expertise of Orange Blossom Special Events, their dedicated wedding planners. From the initial consultation to the final moments of the celebration, they meticulously curated every aspect of the event, bringing their vision to life. With a keen eye for design and a deep understanding of the couple’s desires, Orange Blossom Special Events ensured that every detail, from the stunning floral arrangements to the flawless execution of the timeline, exceeded their expectations. As couple admits, one of the most memorable moments in the wedding planning process was the final meeting : “They (wedding planners) met us at Jared’s family’s restaurant in Crystal Cove between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach (shoutout to Modo Mio!) and we had such a great night drinking wine, eating great food, and just discussing the epic weekend we had planned.”

This wedding was nothing short of extraordinary, a celebration that will be remembered for a lifetime. Every aspect was a testament to their love, vision, and the dedicated efforts of their incredible wedding planners. The attention to detail, the artful design, and the joyous atmosphere created an experience that exceeded all expectations. Cortland and Jared’s love story was brought to life on this magical day, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to be a part of their extraordinary celebration.

Advice from the couple:

• Decision fatigue is a real thing. Get the big stuff out of the way first so you aren’t tired of making choices by the time you get closer to the wedding.