Diana + Hadrian had grand plans for a 2024 family getaway microwedding in the Dominican Republic. But just two months after these two got engaged, transitioning to a new job meant Hadrian suddenly had two weeks off in February of 2023. What better time for a wedding?! A whole YEAR ahead of when they were thinking of tying the knot, the couple embraced the change of plans and planned an intimate elopement in Santa Barbara, California in just two months!!
Diana + Hadrian created an elevated elopement full of early spring inspired colors that began at the Palihouse Hotel and then moved to the gorgeous Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The day was perfectly balanced so that it included some time with their closest family and some time all to themselves.
And this one is super special to us because Diana used to be part of the GWS team!!
Let’s take a look at Tessa Shannon Photography’s gorgeous shots of Diana + Hadrian’s big day!
Diana is a true wedding industry insider and approached her tight turnaround dress hunt full of insight she gained when she worked as a bridal stylist. On a solo trip to Stanley Korshak’s Bridal Salon in Dallas, Diana looked through a sample sale.
“After none of the dresses were a hit, my stylist and I took one last lap around the store and she pointed out a dress with some of the texture that I was looking for,” Diana says. “But then she mentioned that it probably wasn’t a good option because she wouldn’t be able to sell it to me. Why? Because it was a brand new dress that had just gotten into the store the day prior. No one had even tried it on yet. Just as I was ready to move on, the manager happened to overhear and said “If she likes it, I’ll sell it to her!” With that possibility in mind, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. I tried it on, and it just so happened to be the only dress I had a connection with. AND it was my perfect size.” That’s how Diana ended up with this strapless tulle stunner by designer Ines Di Santo. It was meant to be!
The First Look
Check out our guide to men’s wedding suits if you’re debating between something classic or something bold like Hadrian’s custom kelly green suit from Alec Xavier!
Marla Nyamdorj created Diana’s perfect pony with face framing pieces and her gorgeous makeup look.
Of course we ADORE Diana’s green wedding shoes!! Her emerald “Tommaso” slingback heels by Jennifer Chimandi are perfect in our eyes 💚
Also, so into Hadrian’s Ferragamo Calfskin Gancini Moccasin Loafers.
How fun is the custom lining in Hadrian’s suit?! Our spidey senses are tingling!
Take a peek at our guide to writing your own wedding vows if you’re planning on writing something from the heart like Diana + Hadrian did.
How gorgeous is this early-spring-inspired bridal bouquet by ella & louie flowers full of pastel blooms!
Diana’s sheer elbow-length pearl detail gloves are so chic! Check out this similar pair from Anthropologie. And look through our list of 21 pairs of wedding gloves for the fashionable bride!
“The day of our wedding was perfect,” Diana says. “Hadrian and I got ready in separate suites and had our first look in the courtyard of the Palihouse Hotel, which couldn’t have been more perfect for our theme. This chic boutique hotel made it feel like we were the only ones there – plus, it’s endlessly photo-worthy!”
Get into our list of emerald rings we’re obsessed with you love the color green as much as Diana + Hadrian do.
A Courthouse Ceremony
Diana first fell in love with the Santa Barbara County Courthouse for lots of meaningful reasons when she wrote about this epic elopement photoshoot for GWS!! “I felt particularly connected to it because of the bride’s history battling cancer,” Diana says. “Given Hadrian’s previous fight with cancer himself, not to mention the impeccable beauty of the area and the enticing idea of getting married in a (hopefully) warm climate it fell into place pretty easily.” It did end up being a chilly, rainy February day when they tied the knot on the courthouse lawn, but that didn’t phase the happy couple!
Check out some ideas on how to make your courthouse wedding or civil ceremony special!
Nbd, just Diana + Hadrian absolutely nailing their “elevated courthouse wedding” vibe.
A Private Celebration
After spending the ceremony portion of the day with their parents and siblings, Diana + Hadrian transitioned into a celebration just for the two of them complete with pizza, cake, a romantic dinner, and a killer outfit change!! How sweet is Diana’s pink floral off the shoulder dress from Rodarte?!
"Take the risk and elope. If that feels too scary - do something in the middle! Our wedding day was broken into two parts, one with family and one without, so that our parents and siblings had the chance to witness us became husband and wife. But after we said our “I Dos”, we went our separate ways and it was the Hadrian and Diana show! We really appreciated getting the time to soak in the moment, just the two of us, while also not missing out on the opportunity to have our immediate family there. You won’t regret it!"
And we love the adorable crystal pony cuff from Lelet NY that she’s rocking in her hair!
Hadrian wore an embroidered oxford shirt by Gucci.
Go take a look at our collection of the best blush and pink wedding dresses if a rosy bridal look like Diana’s second dress is speaking to you.
This springy floral wedding cake by Frances Baking just so happened to match Diana’s dress!
“Our wedding was truly everything we wanted,” Diana says, “and I’m so proud to be sharing this with you!”
We’re so glad you did!! Congratulations, Diana + Hadrian! We are so happy for you! Your elevated Santa Barbara elopement was total early spring romance!! GWS wishes you all the best!
photography: Tessa Shannon // venue name: Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara, California // florals: ella & louie flowers // wedding dress: Ines Di Santo and Rodarte // wedding dress boutique: Stanley Korshak Bridal // hairpiece: LELET NY // bride's shoes: Jennifer Chamandi // hair stylist: Marla Nyamdorj // makeup artist: Marla Nyamdorj // groom attire: Alec Xavier Studios // groom's shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo // cake: Frances Baking
