Fiesta Chic Santa Barbara Wedding: Albee + Nick

fiesta inspired wedding

Albee + Nick went round and round deciding where to have their wedding. They live in San Francisco, but Albee is originally from the Seattle area and Nick is from Ventura, near Santa Barbara, California. They considered everywhere from Sonoma, to Marin and San Francisco, to Orcas Island, Seattle and even Ojai.  Their final decision came down to weather conditions in May, since they wanted to get married outdoors. After seeing a wedding online at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, they were entranced! And after a visit, they knew it was the perfect place – Albee even described it as magical!

We’d been a couple for seven years and wanted to focus on our favorite parts of weddings – the dancing and cocktails! We ended up skipping some traditions – for example, instead of cake we had mini churros and chocolate mousse. We splurged on renting the “Cantina Bar” and had margaritas, mojitos, sangria and the “El Guacho” cocktail pre-made so that the bar didn’t get too backed up. We were thrilled to see everyone from our grandparents, who are in their 80s and 90s, to aunts, uncles, cousins and friends hit the dance floor.

Such a fun + festive wedding! Thanks so much to the lovely Joielala ladies for sharing this one with us today.

fiesta wedding

pink peony bouquet


We roped lots of friends and family members into the whole production – my mom and her friends did the flowers, my uncle played guitar during the ceremony, and friends sewed the vibrant pillows, designed our “El Gaucho” cocktail, and created signage and programs.

fiesta wedding

fiesta wedding

fiesta wedding

fiesta wedding

fiesta wedding

fiesta wedding

peony bouquet

fiesta wedding

fiesta wedding

escort cards

escort cards


Our main priority was a fun, festive event where guests could really let their hair down. We always used to laugh at the dress codes for events when we lived in New York, so we thought it would be fun to tell people to dress “fiesta chic,” which we defined as something bright that one could have fun in. Everyone took it seriously and when put together, it was amazing!

maraca favor

blue glass wedding decor

fiesta wedding

fiesta wedding

cantina wedding

fiesta wedding

flowers in tomato can

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Some of Nick's friends hoisted us on their shoulders at one point while we were dancing. Looking around from on top of their shoulders and seeing everyone dancing and talking under the papel picados and twinkling lights was my favorite moment.

flip flop wedding gifts

fiesta wedding


Congrats to Albee + Nick on throwing such a fun + festive wedding!

photography: Joielala // venue name: Santa Barbara Historical Museum // bride's shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Shoes // makeup artist: TEAM Hair and Makeup // catering: Seasons Catering // linen rentals: LaTavola Linens // music: DJ Jas // event planner: Soigne Productions // floral designer: Barbara (MOB) // dress designer: Pronovias // lighting: Bella Vista Designs // coverings: LaTavola Linens // equipment rentals: Classic Party Rentals // grooms attire: J. Crew // bridesmaid flower poms: ban.do // ties: custom by This Humble Abode // socks: Argoz // jewelry: ring belonged to my mom's close friend who passed away from cancer in 2008, bracelet was my something borrowed from my aunt, and earrings Nadri from Nordstrom // napkins: For Your Party // stir sticks: For Your Party // vases: Luna Bazaar // candle holders: Luna Bazaar // wooden sign: made by my dad // papel picados: Casa Bonampak // invites: Le Papel

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