Rustic-Elegant Wedding Inspiration

santa barbara inspiration

If you’ve found yourself slipping into a Thursday afternoon slump, we’ve got just the thing to perk you right up! A stunning editorial that encapsulates all of the romance + beauty of Europe, but can inspire a vision for those of you planning celebrations in any locale. Though it may appear that this shoot, photographed by Lucia Gill Photography, was staged in a far-off Italian villa, it actually took place at her family residence in Santa Barbara, California. Filled with beautifully rustic details like lush florals, hand-lettered paper goods, and charming prop styling, we really can’t think of a better source of wedding inspiration! Here’s a bit more about the shoot from Lucia:

The Mediterranean inspiration for this shoot came from my hometown of Santa Barbara, where this shoot took place, and it’s sweeping views of red-tiled roofs by the sea. The “American Riviera” as it is called, has a wild, romantic feel that evokes Tuscan sunsets and French orchards. I wanted this shoot to embody the rustic elegance of Santa Barbara. This inspiration shoot was filmed in and around the olive orchards of my family home, a landscape that begs for floaty dresses + wind-swept hair!

peony hair piece

veil sb

peony centerpiece

peony

santa barbara bouquet


The dark, leafy florals by Seahorse Floral Design added so much texture + dimension to an otherwise light + airy editorial. A pretty contrast, that’s for sure.

santa barbara bouquet

olive branch flower crown

i do stamped fork

santa barbara inspiration

santa barbara inspiration

invitation

birdcage escort cards

whiskey cart

santa barbara inspiration

peony plate setting

santa barbara inspiration


Wouldn’t you love to enjoy an al fresco meal at this pretty table?!

vintage book

naked powdered cake

calligraphy

santa barbara inspiration

santa barbara inspiration

santa barbara inspiration


We’re pretty smitten with that stunning dress! If you are too, it’s the Nora dress from Watters, which can be found here.

santa barbara bride

santa barbara bride

santa barbara inspiration

santa barbara inspiration

santa barbara inspiration

flowing veil

flowing veil

santa barbara inspiration

flower crown


And if you noticed this couple felt truly in love, it’s because they are! These real-life lovebirds tied the knot when they were young + broke, and couldn’t afford wedding photography, so Lucia wanted to offer them the gift of this shoot to not only give them lasting memories of their commitment to one another, but remind them how young and in love they really are! So sweet, right?! Big thanks to the talented team of creatives below for sharing this lovely session with us today!

photography: Lucia Gill Photography // florals: Seahorse Floral Design // wedding dress: Watters // paper goods: Joya Rose // styling: Lucia Gill + Joya Rose // dress store: The Dress in Santa Barbara

Explore: