They kept whispering into each-other’s ears things I could not hear. “We’re not nervous to be married and spend the rest of our lives together,” they reassured me, “we’re nervous for the ceremony itself!” Although they proclaimed to be crowd-shy, Jennifer & Catalina exchanged their vows, rings and kisses in front of their close friends and family at their intimate Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding.
Below is a slideshow of photos from their special day. To view the photos at your own pace, scroll down. Enjoy!
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We started by taking photos inside the Santa Barbara Courthouse. Immediately, Natalia (Catalina’s sister who had flown in from Colombia to surprise Catalina) remarked about the Spanish-style architecture of the Courthouse. Most notably, the Spanish tiles.
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I really wanted to capture the beauty of the architecture, up and close.
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Although they had bouts of nervousness with their upcoming ceremony, as we were taking photos throughout the Courthouse, their embraces were enough to calm their nerves and allowed them to focus on the purpose of their day—-to celebrate their love!
With near-perfect weather year-round, the Santa Barbara sun was out, and it was almost 80 degrees—-in January!
Then came the moment of truth! It was time to tie the knot! With the extraordinary musical talents of Chris Wooley, the ceremony began…
Catalina and Jennifer’s wedding was made special for several reason–First, Rocky, Jennifer’s father, officiated the ceremony. Belva, Jennifer’s mother, and Natalia, Catalina’s sister, stood beside the two during the ceremony, and finally, they included a Native American Wedding Vase tradition (which I’ve never seen before! It was a treat!). They used the water in the vase to first wash each other’s hands, and then to drink from, symbolizing they will remain two individual people, even as their lives become intertwined as one.
As they were exchanging their vows, tears of joy were flowing!
Next came the First Kiss and cheers from all the guests!
After the wedding ceremony, we made sure to use the Sunken Garden’s stairs and archways for our family and friends’ group photos…
The ladies combined their respective favorite flowers, yellow roses and sunflowers, in order to create their beautiful bouquets. The bouquets served as perfect backdrops for the ring-shots!
We then went to Santa Barbara’s Stearns Wharf for gorgeous sunset photos on the beach.
While the final sun’s rays were disappearing, we captured a few more photos of the sunset and these beautiful brides at the Santa Barbara beach.
Showing off the bouquet one more time!
I absolutely love this shot of Jennifer & Catalina’s bouquets and sandals, a heart with their rings in the center, and their wedding date etched in the sand…
I had to capture the spectacular sunset with the palm trees!
Catalina & Jennifer graciously invited me to join them and their guests for dinner at Zaytoon, a Lebanese restaurant, and one of the couple’s favorites in Santa Barbara (with good reason!). There we shared champagne, toasts, lots of laughter, and a surprise white, delicious, VEGAN, wedding cake!
Congratulations Jennifer & Catalina! I know you two will have a life-time of happiness!
A special thank you to all the vendors involved in making Catalina & Jennifer’s day a success: Nona with Silver Scissors (Hair), Salon Del Mar at the Fess Parker Doubletree Hotel (Make-Up), Mi Salon (Nails), S.R. Hogue (Florist), Tony with SB Chauffeuring and Tours (Limousine Service) Chris Wooley (Guitarist & Vocalist), Greg with Loki Productions (Videographer), Crushcakes (Dessert) and Zaytoon (Catering & Reception Venue).
