James & Patkie // Santa Barbara Courthouse Gardens Micro-Wedding

James & Patkie’s intimate Santa Barbara micro-wedding was 200% “them” & 1000% perfect in every way.

When I first met Patkie via phone call, I learned that she & James were a low-key pair who enjoyed coffee dates, trying new restaurants, reading, star wars, and laughing together. I learned that neither of them are super into being in the spotlight or being the center of attention, so when they were faced with the task of planning a wedding, they tried to design a day that would simultaneously allow them to celebrate their love and keep things simple + intentional. 

They landed on an intimate early-afternoon wedding at the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse followed by dinner with their families at the delicious Jane in downtown. 

A few of months before their big day, I met J & P in Malibu to shoot some engagement photos. Within minutes, I quickly fell in love with this kind, soft-spoken, loving duo. Their relationship felt so natural & easy, they were so freaking cute strolling along the beach together, and I had a total blast getting to know them while exploring around during sunset for their photos.

When their wedding day finally arrived, it was a dreamy 70º & sunny in Santa Barbara, and every element of their celebration went as smooth as humanly possible! In the morning, I met up with Patkie at her hotel room to capture some details + getting ready photos, and then we headed to the courthouse together for her first look with James. Driving her myself, it was so fun to chat with her & feel the nervous + excited energy that preceded the couple’s first look! We talked about how insanely cool my job is, and how lucky I feel to get to be a part of some of people’s “best days.” It was a surreal moment to be driving the beautiful bride TO her wedding!

At the courthouse, James & Patkie shared a tender first look (his jaw dropped), & we shot some bride + groom photos before meeting up with their small but precious guest list. On the sunken garden lawn, in front of just their immediate families, friend / officiant, & dogs, the couple said “I do” and became husband and wife!

Afterwards, we took family + puppy photos, and explored around the courthouse for some newlywed pix. The couple tucked away into a private corner of the courthouse for an intimate first dance, and then we all collectively decided it was time for a coffee break. In the most “Patkie’s wedding” move of all-time, the three of us headed to a cafe for a mid-wedding-day latte. To the surprise and delight of the regular Saturday afternoon cafe patrons, a beautiful bride & handsome groom walked in, ordered drinks, sat down, and cheers-ed to their first married coffee date!!!

I took a few photos and then sat outside to enjoy my iced latte as the newlyweds hung out inside. I looked through the window at James & Patkie giggling in the corner, and thought to myself: “HOW is this a part of my job?!” I giggled, smiled and sipped my drink.

After our coffees, we explored a few more locations around Santa Barbara before temporarily separating while everyone took a little bit of time to re-group and get ready for dinner!

In the evening, at the gorgeous private upstairs space + romantic patio of Jane Restaurant in Santa Barbara, the couple shared quality time and a delicious 3-course dinner with their families, and then cut into their tasty coconut wedding cake COMPLETE WITH A BRIDE AND GROOM EWOK CAKE TOPPER HAND-SCULPTED BY THE GROOM (who is—for the record—not a professional sculptor, but could’ve fooled me). They then so kindly thanked their families for coming, their friend for officiating, and me for photographing their day. With bellies full of wedding cake & hearts filled to the brim, the couple chatted the night away with their closest loved ones.

When all was said and done, their wedding day was simple as could be, incredibly personal, impossibly sweet, and completely perfect. I felt so honored to make the VIP guest list, and know without a shadow of a doubt that these two will have a long + wonderful marriage full of delicious food, tons of laughter, and many, many more coffee dates. Congratulations, J & P!!!!!