Rosa & Alex celebrated their wedding at the Arts and Letters Cafe in Santa Barbara, California. I absolutely fell in love with their rambunctious personalities during their Carpinteria beach engagement session and was thoroughly looking forward to capturing their wedding. Read more about it below!
She had a hard time making eye-contact. She looked distraught and uncomfortable. She was clearly holding back tears. “Are you nervous?” I asked. She shook her head from left to right. After a few seconds of silence she mustered in a chocked-up voice, “I’m just so happy!”
I decided to give Rosa and Alex a few minutes alone to take the day and its’ importance in, while my assistant, Nicole, and I went outside to photograph the bouquet. When we came back, Alex and Rosa were snuggling up, whispering in each other’s ears and laughing boldly. They were both back to their goofy, fun self and ready to get married!
Below is a slideshow from their wedding day. To view the photos at your own pace, scroll down!
We started off at the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse stairwell. It’s the perfect spot for romantic wedding photos!
At this point my assistant and I gave Alex and Rosa a few minutes to themselves and utilized the time to photograph the elegant bouquet.
The Spanish-style tiles are one of my favorite things about the Santa Barbara Courthouse and are easy to miss if one’s not paying attention!
Having both been born and raised in the Philippines, where they also met, Rosa and Alex were sure to incorporate Filipino customs into their wedding day. Both of their wedding attire, which was specially made and imported from the Philippines by Rosa’s sister, was made from pineapple fibers. The formal and traditional transparent fabric was just another way Alex and Rosa celebrated their unique bond!
More from Rosa about their unique clothes, “I found a photo of the dress online, sent it to my sister, and she ran with it. She found the fabric, the lace, worked with her stylist, even had the stylist redo the dress when it didn’t turn out the way we envisioned it. She also got the fabric for the boys’ shirts, got it tailored and looked high and low for their individualized cufflinks….Our wedding clothes were clearly works of love….”
These flowers are hardly ever in bloom. The moment I saw the vibrant pink hues, I knew I had to capture Rosa & Alex’s beautiful darker complexion against the bright flowers, and what a lovely contrast it turned out to be!
Next came family photographs…
Rosa with her son, Matt
Alex with his son, Kyle.
Before we wrapped up our time at the magnificent Courthouse, we snuck in a few more photos under the archways and on the steps right by the Sunken Garden.
Rosa & Alex’s small details, including their florals and jewelry, really created a romantic and grown-up feel for their wedding day.
We then headed over to the Arts & Letters Cafe, where Alex & Rosa’s wedding ceremony and wedding reception were held.
Rosa & Alex exchanged their vows, rings and kisses, and became Mr. and Mrs.!
After the ceremony, Alex and Rosa greeted all their guests. It was so special to see them reunited with some of their closest friends and family, some of whom flew in from the Philippines for the special occasion!
Ring shot taken on the fountain at the Arts & Letters Cafe, illuminated by their string-lights.
Bride & Groom’s first dance was goofy, fun and romantic–wouldn’t have it any other way from these two!
The dancing then began and the couple and their family and friends had no qualms about getting down on the floor!
Congratulations Rosa & Alex! You two are vivacious, fun, energetic, kind and loving–all qualities I know will make for a happy life together!
A special thank-you for all the vendors who helped make this wedding day so smooth and enjoyable: Lisa with Arts & Letters Cafe (Ceremony & Reception venue & catering), Justin Stern with JAS Productions (DJ/MC and video slideshow services), Felipe with Kaleidoscope Flowers (bouquet & Boutonnieres), Noelle with Chateau Belle (Hair & Make-up), Enjoy Cupcakes (Cake & Cupcakes).
