The Four Seasons Biltmore: Kyle & Lauren-Leigh Santa Barbara Wedding

The family gathered at The Four Seasons Biltmore once again but this time it wasn’t to relax on the Santa Barbara beach for a family vacation. Today, was a Southern California celebration, styled in a 1920’s vibe with a full side of glamour (amazing styling thanks to Amorology)! Lauren-Leigh was no longer a child on a family holiday but a gorgeous bride getting ready to walk down the aisle to her beloved Kyle. 

A few years earlier, Lauren-Leigh was in St Louis at a work training event searching for something to relieve her pounding headache. The hunt came to an end when Kyle rescued her with some Advil. They chatted a bit but being the last day of training, soon headed home to Southern California and went their separate ways. 

Time passed and again boarding another flight to St Louis, Lauren-Leigh spotted Kyle on her plane. Both heading to the same training event, what started as a simple yearly work gathering, ended in a pair that would become inseparable.

Their love story was made official when Kyle proposed to Lauren-Leigh in a helicopter hovering over the California Hollywood sign.

Standing next to the glittering ocean, Lauren-Leigh and Kyle were soon to be married at The Biltmore Four Seasons in Santa Barbara. Every detail I photographed was wrapped in a special memory of something the couple adored.

Kyle’s passion for architecture and Laura-Leigh’s love for pink was strategically incorporated into the wedding details. This invitation suite by Prim & Pixie meshed both worlds and gave guests a sneak peek of the altar structure the couple had chosen for their day. 

Lauren said, “she couldn’t stop smiling” when she tried on her dress and knew it was the one. The wedding dress paired perfectly with her blush Badgley Mischka shoes and kept the glamorous 1920’s vision for her wedding.

For Kyle and the groomsmen, they went with a tailored classic suit and bow tie.

The bridal bouquet was magnificent with it’s subtle pink and mauve tones that carried through into the bridesmaid’s floral arrangements and groomsmen boutonnieres.

Photographing a first look is always a surprise as a photographer. While I can’t prepare for their reactions, I know that it is the perfect opportunity to capture some of the happiest moments before the bustle of the day move takes over. 

Before the ceremony starts, I make sure to capture each element that makes the wedding magnificent as a whole. Every tiny detail worked together to create a unique day for Lauren-Leigh & Kyle’s friends and family. Notice the altar and how the shapes and idea were used on the couples invitations.

Along the wedding grounds, I walked amidst coins that were scattered in memory of Lauren-Leigh’s late brother (she called them her brother’s dropped kisses). The coin theme carried through the wedding from the guest notes to the reception backdrop. 

Tears were shed as Lauren-Leigh, walked down the aisle to be united with Kyle.

One of the most unique moments during the marriage ceremony was a Monarch butterfly release in honor of Lauren-Leigh’s brother. Once released, the butterfly landed on Lauren-Leigh’s dress creating a completely magical memory.

After the ceremony, I whisked the bride and groom away to photograph their first moments as a married couple on the sunny California beach. It also gave Lauren-Leigh & Kyle a few minutes to breathe in the day before the party started.

Before the evening festivities began each guest was gifted a leather card holder or gorgeous pouch from Creative Coop.

The cocktail hour on the terrace had two signature drinks and furniture was brought in to carry on the 1920’s glam. Guests could sip their drinks while gazing into the Pacific Ocean.

Signature Drinks: a Horsefeather (whiskey, ginger beer, and bitter) and a Greyhound (grapefruit juice and vodka).

Welcoming the guests into the reception hall area was a pinkish mauve wall displaying the phrase, “The Luckiest” made out of pennies. 

From there, guests walked out to the dinner greeted by lush florals, decor and the sound of ocean waves.

Finally, the night came to an end with cutting cake together, a first dance to Perfect by Ed Sheeran and a party that carried on long into the night. 

Cheers to Lauren-Leigh & Kyle! Thank you for trusting me to photograph your glamorous wedding day!

If you are looking for a wedding photographer for your Santa Barbara wedding, contact me for more info.

Wedding Vendor Details:

Backdrop – Backup Backdrops│Favors – Creative Co-op│Lighting – Bella Vista Designs│Retals – Theoni, Casa De Perrin, Folklore, Nuage, Amigo Party Rentals│Event Planning & Design – Amorology│Venue & Catering & Cake – Four Seasons Santa Barbara│Flowers – Oak And The Owl│Videography – 618 Studios│Officiant – Cliff Reynolds│Hair – Jackie Heredia & Cindy Cruz│Makeup – 1011 Makeup│Stationary – Prim & Pixie│Music – Soulville│Bridal Gown & Veil – Galia Lahav│Bridal Shoes – Badgley Mischka│Bridal Bracelet – Cartier│Bridesmaid’s Dresses – Monique Lhuillier│Menswear & Groom’s Suit – The Black Tux