Kathryn & Bret // Villa & Vine Santa Barbara Wedding

Kathryn & Bret met the same way all of our grandparents did: on Bumble. :’) On their first date, they went to a brewery to grab a drink, to a restaurant for dinner, and then to two additional locations just to keep talking. After a first date that spanned 7 hours on a Monday night, they were preeetty sure they’d met someone special. A few years, a proposal in Big Bear, and a cutie pup named Maple later, B & K headed to Santa Barbara to make it official.

Kathryn & Bret’s wedding celebration at Villa & Vine was sweet as could be. The energy all day was calm & relaxed, as Bret & Kathryn are two of the most laid-back people on planet earth. Everything was just easy. The couple opted out of having traditional bridal parties, but still spent the morning getting ready with friends & family. On the roof, Bret & his buddies did a “shot-ski” while down in a big cozy suite, Kathryn & her gals grazed on a gorgeously curated snack board (yes I nibbled) and chatted + giggled about the day to come.

In the afternoon, the couple shared a first look at the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse, & we explored around for some portraits. We took a BeReal, captured a few fam pix, and then headed to the ceremony venue for the main event.

I got to work with so many of my favorite women in the biz for this wedding. With my planning / coordinating queen Tiffany at the helm, I knew the day would be logistically seamless and aesthetically gorgeous. With Stacey’s Petals & Stems on florals, the entire venue was adorned with vibrant & unique flowers that really popped & set the scene, and the bride’s bouquet was a STATEMENT. I loved the couple’s choices for decor... in a world where I see timeless greens & whites most often (which are BEAUTIFUL), I just live for a colorful floral moment.

The couple chose their close friend Chad (aka “Father Chad”) to officiate their ceremony, and I’ve honestly never seen someone so effectively captivate, entertain, and move an audience! He opened with a “meaningful quote” AKA some rap lyrics, which had everyone cracking up, and he interspersed just the right amount of silly bits + genuine anecdotes to keep guests dialed in. He did a beautiful job of telling the couple’s story & highlighting all the reasons they are so meant to be. It doesn’t get better than pastor / daddy / father Chad! Towards the end of their ceremony, Kathryn & Bret read a series of vows & promises they wrote together, rather than writing & reading separate vows. It was a beautiful symbol of unity and synchronicity as they entered their lives as husband and wife. The ceremony was truly THEM—1 of 1—fiercely personal and deeply meaningful. I have no notes!!!

With wine flowing, precious toasts given, McConnell’s ice-cream & bundt cake for dessert, and sparkling tea lights accenting the intimate reception space, the Fredrickson wedding celebration rolled effortlessly into an evening of mingling & dancing. This day was just so lovely through-and-through. What a treat. :’)