LIZZIE & JUAN AT EL PRESIDIO AND CASA DE LA GUERRA
Juan and Lizzie’s wedding weekend was filled with thoughtfully planned experiences, beginning with a welcome BBQ at Manning Park the day before the wedding and followed by a relaxed beach day afterward - an especially well-deserved way to unwind after such a meaningful celebration.
Over the course of eight months of planning, I had the pleasure of getting to know Juan and Lizzie and supporting them as they designed a wedding that felt personal, heartfelt, and true to who they are. Their ceremony and reception took place at two historic Santa Barbara landmarks - El Presidio Chapel and Casa de la Guerra providing a timeless and beautiful backdrop for their summer celebration.
One of the most special aspects of the day was how involved their friends and family were throughout the process. Loved ones assisted with flower arranging, décor pickup, and hanging paper lanterns over the dance floor. Friends also provided live music for the ceremony, and two close friends were chosen to officiate. Seeing so many people come together to support Juan and Lizzie added an incredibly meaningful layer to the day.
As with many weddings, especially those with several personalized and hands-on elements, the day also presented a few unexpected challenges. From kitchen equipment that unexpectedly stopped working and required immediate troubleshooting, to a restroom stall in the portable restroom trailer needing attention, our team remained focused on quick, discreet solutions. Because the reception took place in a busy downtown location, we also had to manage uninvited passersby attempting to access the bar. This is an important reminder of why we always recommend having a dedicated security professional in easily accessible venues. Additionally, when essential bar mixers and garnishes were inadvertently left behind, our team handled a last-minute store run to ensure everything was ready well before guests arrived.
These moments are a natural part of event production and serve as a strong example of the value an experienced planning team brings - anticipating issues, resolving them efficiently, and shielding the couple from added stress so they can remain fully present and enjoy their day.
The beautiful images captured by Brightbird Photography highlight just a few of the many joyful moments from this unforgettable celebration. I was truly honored to guide Juan and Lizzie through their planning journey, help bring their vision to life, and witness the deep joy and connection they share as they became husband and wife. It was a spectacular day and one I will always remember.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible vendor partners for working together to create such a meaningful and memorable wedding for Juan and Lizzie.
Planning & Coordination: Gatherings for Good // Ceremony Venue: El Presidio Chapel // Reception Venue: Casa de la Guerra // Catering: Casa Ruiz // Rentals: Amigo Party Rentals // Flowers: Bloom Culture // Photography: Bright Bird Photography // Videography: JoJo Ortiz Media //HAMU: Santa Barbara Hair & Makeup // Jorge Munoz “DJ G Cue” // Desserts: Lazy Acres // Staffing: Golden Event Staffing // Band: Orquesta Internacional Peru // Trash & Restrooms: Marborg Industries // Ice: Conway Ice //
