Santa Barbara, California
Something Borrowed, Something Blue
5 reasons why Bacara Resort & Spa
is the dazzling gem of Santa Barbara wedding venues
Ask any single girl of the lavish details she’s envisioned for her wedding day, and she’s likely to respond in one of two ways. She’ll either enthusiastically reveal the two sets of color schemes she’s been toying with since middle school or she’ll automatically whip out her impressively comprehensive Pinterest board, probably named “I Do” or “Going To The Chapel.”
I am unashamedly guilty of the latter.
Granted, my Pinterest board is designated as “secret” (perhaps to avoid scaring any suitors who might oddly be spending their time on Pinterest) but that doesn’t make it any less magical. There’s just something so exciting—so gratifying—about mindlessly scrolling through a gallery of wildflower bouquets and angelic veils of lace until that one thing catches your eye. You pause, sigh in adoration and commit by selecting the famous red pushpin. Pinned. Categorized. Saved forever. Or at least until the day comes when you’ll actually revisit your choices.
I’ll admit that this act of building upon a board for years might seem frivolous and perhaps a little presumptuous. But it’s only because we have this inherent desire to keep our options wide open—to essentially sample hundreds of different looks, themes and vibes—before deciding on the right combination for that joyous day.
So when the time does come, and you’ve been tasked with selecting your wedding venue, how can a girl choose? Well, that’s where I come in.
Ladies, you know your heart is set on Santa Barbara and its breathtaking views. But with so many resorts, churches and seaside locations, the American Riviera might be slightly challenging to narrow down. So I’ll appeal to your Pinterest-fueled style of decision- making and provide you with five simple snapshots of why the Bacara Resort & Spa is simply the dazzling gem of Santa Barbara wedding venues.
5. THE OCEAN...ANd OTHER HEAVENLY VIEWS
If you’re even slightly considering the Bacara Resort & Spa, you’re sure to be swindled by the sparkling azure of the Pacific. Whether you’re roaming the grounds on foot or being chauffeured by a friendly staff member via golf cart, you’ll find it quite difficult to keep your eyes on anything else. Picture this: a peaceful ceremony along the bluffs accompanied by warm sunshine, soft crashing waves and a salty breeze.
Shall I continue? Even the angle at which the ocean meets Haskell’s Beach is truly breathtaking. Now imagine tropical florals, lush greenery and jovial birds at play. I can’t think of anything more fitting for an outdoor wedding than this harmonious botanical bliss.
4. EUROPEAN ELEGANCE
It’s no secret that Santa Barbara aficionados flock to our coastal village for its international flair. And the Bacara Resort & Spa has effortlessly encompassed the facets of European influence that so famously shape the city. It’s likely that your guests have traveled far and wide to attend your nuptials—and many of them have played an important role in either bringing you together or helping you keep it all together during this stressful season of planning. And for that, I’d say you owe them the world, if only for an evening. Why not treat your wedding guests to the enchantment of whitewashed Spanish architecture, sophisticated French cuisine and stone-lined Mediterranean walkways? A destination wedding might be something you’ve always dreamed about but let’s be real. Who really needs one when you’ve got the Bacara?
3. REFINED RESORT AMENITIES
Brides lose plenty of shut eye over the all-important venue decision. Will it host both the ceremony and reception? Is it family friendly? Are spa services and bridal packages available for pre-wedding pampering? Luckily for those already convinced of the Bacara’s charm, you might be even more delighted to discover its sophisticated list of amenities. Stunning saline oceanfront pools, laid back outdoor dining and stones-throw beach access will be sure to treat your out-of-towners to their much desired dose of vacation Vitamin D. Meanwhile, you’ll be decompressing in a redwood sauna or eucalyptus steam room at the sumptuous spa. Immersing yourself in this type of sweet serenity will have you wondering what “pre-wedding jitters” was ever all about.
2. A WEDDING PLANNER’S CANVAS
Glitzy and glamorous, rustic and summery, or clean and classic? How does a bride ever narrow down her vision to only one? Well thank goodness for the wedding planners who step in to paint the wedding that most brides didn’t even know they had buried deep within their hearts. These swiss army knife- like coordinators do it all, and they’ve spoken: the Bacara is the perfect palette. Between the dramatic oceanside lookout of The Bluff, the intimate and polished seclusion of the Oval Lawn or the sun-filled arched windows lining the Rotunda, the Bacara and its grandeur make even your wedding planner beam with excitement. Santa Barbara favorite La Fete Weddings, run by Colette Lopez and her daughter Kaitlin, embellish on this potential by incorporating the multifaceted elegance of fabric draping, ambient uplighting and banquette seating. “Brides hire us because they want our expertise,” Colette explains. “And the Bacara allows our creativity to run wild.” So brides, how can you not be curious? Allow your wedding to blossom into something as radiant and unique as you are—with help of the stunning Bacara backdrop and the imagination of an eager planner (Go ahead and count it as your ‘something borrowed’).
unPARALLELED CELEBRATION
There’s a reason your wedding is known as your “Big Day.” I can’t think of many other milestones that are coined with such an esteemed title. You’ve hired photographers. You’ve tasted cakes. You’ve even managed to keep five out of six bridesmaids happy. Oh, and did I mention that everyone you and your fiancé know, or have ever known, will be in attendance? That’s right, it is a big day. That’s why I’d encourage you to go Bacara or go home. Because if not now, when? You only get this one day to consult your innermost longings for fancy dresses, sweeping landscapes and fresh ocean breezes. More importantly, your wedding is not just a ceremonial walk down an aisle, with dinner and dancing to follow. Your wedding will forever symbolize the joyous celebration of the love you and your fiancé share and this precious commitment you’ve decided to make. So hear me out on this: Treat yourselves to the type of celebration that you and your guests will still be talking about for years. This moment definitely deserves it. *
