Vintage Inspired Valentine’s Day Elopement in Santa Barbara

When it comes to planning on spending your life with the one you love, sometimes all you need is just that, each other & love.

 Their love withstood seven years of long distance, living on opposite coasts, and when it came to planning their wedding they wanted something elegant, vintage, and most of all carefree!

We adore Sandy & Paul’s choice to have a vintage inspired Valentine’s Day elopement in Santa Barbara! Their elopement was followed up with a reception that included friends and family several months later in their hometown. Her gorgeous florals by Ella & Louie were the perfect accompaniment to her stunning classic dress and vintage headpiece.

Photography by Kiel Rucker

How Did You Meet?

We’re highschool sweethearts. Our relationship survived 7 years of living on different coasts.

How Did He Propose?

On a sunrise walk in Paris! We picked up fresh, hot chocolate croissants on the walk back to our place.

Tell Us About Your Bridal Style.

Since we planned a courthouse elopement, I picked up a knee-length white lace dress from Topshop and altered it myself. I also crafted my own belt and veil. I wore a white jacket from J Crew.

Do You Have Any Advice For Other Couples Planning Their day?

We were budget conscious so we splurged on the things that we thought we’d remember the most – hair/makeup & flowers (for the pictures), photography, and the honeymoon suite.

Looking Back, What Was The Best Decision You Made When Planning our Wedding Day?

We split up our wedding into two parts – the elopement followed by a reception for family and friends several months later in our home town.

What Was Your Something Old, Borrowed, & Blue?

I wore my grandma’s pearls and my great-aunt’s ring, but I didn’t wear anything blue!

Where Did You Honeymoon?

We had a mini-moon in Santa Barbara right after the elopement, but we’re still planning our honeymoon.

Vendor Credits:

Photography –  Kiel Rucker // Florals – Ella & Louie // Venue – Sunken Gardens, Santa Barbara Courthouse // Cake – Kings Hawaiian Bakery // Hair & Makeup – Carlyle Salon // Grooms Attire – The Black Tux  // Bridal Attire – Topshop, Nordstrom, & J Crew // Honeymoon Suite – The Eagle Inn