An Industrial + Organic Coastal Desert Greenhouse Wedding in Santa Barbara

Rachel + Harold’s wedding in Santa Barbara, California was a true design collaboration between the bride + groom and their team of amazing vendors. 

With the stunning vistas and greenhouse spaces of Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm at their disposal, the couple assembled creatives they knew could carry out their industrial yet organic design vision. “We not only wanted to feel like we were at a wedding but also like an outdoor art museum,” say Rachel + Harold. 

So, with the bride + groom’s thoughtful vision in mind and event designers from Array Creative Design at the helm, florist Rogue & Fox Floral Co. did magical things with fresh and dried flowers, and Wildhouse Ink added structural escort columns, and each vendor involved poured tons of their own signature creativity into the project.

The result? A romantic outdoor wedding for Rachel + Harold where chic, industrial elements and wild florals were perfectly balanced to create a celebration that was both modern and organic. 

Oh, and you won’t believe this ceremony backdrop.

Let’s dig into Heirlume Photography’s stunning photographs of the day! 

Rachel tried on tons of dresses and faced some indecision on her dress hunt, but ultimately she wanted something that would be light and easy to move around in. Factor in her love of intricate beadwork and detailing, and the Gaia dress by Love Honor (now Ingrid Olic) turned out to be the one!! “Most importantly, I truly felt like myself in this dress!” Rachel says. We LOVE the super romantic off-the-shoulder look with that sweetheart neckline!

This gorgeous bridal bouquet by Rogue & Fox Floral Co. is the perfect example of the way the wedding combined coastal desert-inspired elements with a feeling of modern elegance.

Also, how fab is Rachel’s ombre wedding day manicure? Check out some of our favorite wedding nails designs and ideas.

Take a peek at this white tux jacket from J.Crew if you’re loving Harold’s classic look like we are.

The Ceremony

See what we mean about this ceremony backdrop?! Stunning architectural details and those breathtaking floral installations—Rachel + Harold absolutely nailed the outdoor art museum vibe they were going for.

These dense and textured aisle arrangements make for such an immersive ceremony experience.

Take a look at our list of 37 epic DIY wedding backdrop ideas if you’re wanting to roll your slevees up and make some ceremony decor magic yourself.

LOVE how the pale pink leafy details on this mother of the bride gown echo the bride’s floral embellishments! Check out our fave mother of the bride dresses if the important ladies in your family are still searching for the right look.

We’ve got some tips on where to buy dried flowers + what you need to know if you’re wanting to recreate some of Rachel + Harold’s dreamy desert ceremony vibes.

Our Musical Choices
			
Processional: "Moon River" by Frank Ocean
			
			
Recessional: "Skate" by Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
			
			
First Dance: "So Into You" by Tamia
			
		

LOVE a mid-recessional dip!!

Samara Beauty created Rachel’s gorgeous loose curls and smoky glam makeup look.

Harold’s red 1980 Mercedes 560SL has been in his family for over 40 years, so it HAD to make an appearance at the wedding! Rachel arrived to the ceremony in it, and then the couple took a post ceremony drive together!

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding
It is so tough to pinpoint the most memorable moment because we felt like every moment was so memorable! From our first look to photoshoots with the red car to our first dance to reception speeches to food/drinks/coffee bar and the floral installations, etc. Even though it was over before we knew it, we didn't feel rushed. Our photographers and videographers were able to slow down each moment for us to enjoy, and it really showed as we looked back at our photos and videos. What felt overwhelmingly sentimental throughout the day was witnessing all our family & friends from various moments of our lives coming together and mingling for this one special day. That is something that we can't recreate, and we will forever treasure in our memories.

Golden hour PERFECTION!

The Reception

Wildhouse Ink created these ribbed escort columns to welcome guests into the greenhouse reception space with some chic modern structural details.

Can’t get enough of this rounded, raw wood guest seating paired with the glass-and-metal vibes of the greenhouse. And that dreamy fabric drapery on the ceiling!

Recreate this modern tablescape with this stoneware vase and this set of ribbed glassware.

Our Advice To Those Planning Now
With so many elements that go into planning, it's easy to get lost in all the craze. Start with figuring out what you both value the most and set up a prioritization list and focus your efforts there. Whether it's food, design, guest experience, or finding the right photographers/videographers, etc. That way, if planning starts to become overwhelming, you can pull back and ask yourself if certain decisions lead back to your goal. Use your prioritization list as your north star, so you don't lose yourself amongst the planning. Mostly importantly, have fun! If it becomes cumbersome, remind yourselves that at the end of the day, you're both celebrating your love together and you can do it however you want.

Rachel + Harold’s family style reception dinner catered by Valley Piggery was super important to them since Harold is a chef and restauranteur. “We wanted the food to be a vehicle to create opportunities for our guests to interact with each other,” Rachel + Harold say. “We opted for family style dining because of how much we love sharing food with our friends & family. We also had to have whole roasted pigs cooking in front of the reception area, where guests could gather around and enjoy small bites while mingling. This engaged all the senses of our guests and pulled a larger part of them into the celebration. It also represented both of our Vietnamese and Filipino heritage.”

Wildhouse Ink was also behind these abstract rounded menus.

This spectacular and stylish reception setup was the combined effort of event rental companies Found Rental Co., Adore Folklore, Catalog Atelier, and Party Pleasers.

How romantic is Rachel + Harold’s desert garden sweetheart table?!

Check out our list of creative hanging installation ideas if you’ve got a huge crush on these epic hanging florals like we do.

The papery flower details on this wedding cake are so delicate!! Check out our list of the most beautiful wedding cakes in every style if you’re searching for some dessert-related direction.

Bella Vista Designs made this twinkly string light moment happen.

Congrats, Rachel + Harold! Your modern-meets-desert-chic wedding was a total dream!! All the best from GWS!