Hayley + Omar met about 12 years ago—he was the lead singer of her friend’s band, so they hung in the same circles. Several years later, when the timing was right, they connected after a show of his in Santa Barbara. Side Note: Hayley accidentally FOUND the ring a few months before Omar proposed…but didn’t tell him she knew. The story is really cute + funny—we’ll give you the inside scoop further down!
When it came to designing their wedding—with the help of Grace Lorenzen Events—H+O wanted to do something that truly reflected them: like an enhanced version of an outdoor dinner/music party. Hayley shares: Therefore, the planning process was pretty low-key. I relied heavily on personal and professional referrals from friends and family who recently married in the same area or were in the wedding biz and could point me in the right direction. I just didn’t want to stress about researching every single vendor and instead just went with my gut instinct. I also wanted it to feel as personal as possible. We had our friend draw and design our save the dates and wedding invites. The live band and DJ were a collection of our friends and Omar’s fellow bandmates. It felt very family and friend oriented, which was special to us.
Let’s proceed to the party and see all the details Cara Robbins Studio captured!
The Details
THAT RING!! And those Rachel Comey boots! Girl’s got style.
The Florals
It was all about creamy whites and playful greenery in the bouquet that Idlewild Floral created.
HOLY SMOKES. How sharp does Omar look in his custom ivory suit from No. 33?
The Ceremony Space
Overlooking the hills of Santa Ynez, the aisle was lined with vintage rugs, tons of eucalyptus, all leading up to one eye-catching ceremony backdrop.
Oh, how we adore the pops of mustardy orange here accented by the creamy whites!
SWOON.
The Newlyweds
Hayley tells us the story of how she found the ring, pre-proposal:
Prior to the proposal, I had accidentally found the ring! I was looking for something and Omar said it was in his backpack. So, I went in the other room where his bag was and rummaged around before I found a small, grey, velvet box. I opened it without hesitation not thinking it was going to be an engagement ring. I gasped when I saw it as I immediately knew but then I questioned my assumption and thought perhaps it was his mom’s and she needed it to be cleaned somewhere in LA? But then I quickly realized it was for me.
I then experienced a range of emotions—anger that he didn’t hide the ring well enough, admiration that he was taking such a brave step in our relationship and knew I would be on board, elated, excited, and again in utter shock. But I didn’t say anything…until after he proposed, a couple months later. We were at my mom’s ranch (where we got married) and he got down on one knee under an oak tree with the ring in his hand. I was still surprised in the moment when he actually did it (as we had just come back from Europe where I thought he would propose at any moment but alas he waited) and I was also conflicted of how to act.
I could see the confusion on his face when I wasn’t jumping for joy and/or crying out of joy – I just kind of played it cool. Finally, I had to blurt out that I had known for some time. The biggest surprise came when he told me he asked my dad for my hand in marriage when we were in London. I wasn’t expecting him to make that move and that had me in tears.
How darling are these two?!
Also, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Hayley’s stunning Sarah Seven gown!
Don't hand address your wedding invites - it's maddening. Hire a wedding coordinator, even if you don't think you need it. There are so many things that come up in the process and it's helpful to have an experienced 'sherpa' guide you through.
Write your Thank You cards as you receive wedding presents - don't wait until after as it will drag on forever. I know people say you have one year to write notes, but it's nice to do sooner than that.
Make your wedding album as soon as you receive your photos back. You are so excited to see the photos and relive it all that before the excitement wears off, use the momentum to make the book ASAP. Otherwise, I have heard it's easy to put off for years.
The Rockin’ Reception
Since the color palette was fairly neutral, it easy to incorporate luxe accents (like gold frames and darling glassware).
Carousel
Carousel
As Omar is a musician, a live band was a MUST!
This semi-naked cake is definitely topping our charts for a recent fave!!
Some Parting Wise Words From H+O (for partners): Even if you’re not that involved in the process and perhaps there’s not a lot you can ‘do’, it’s so helpful for the one planning to feel acknowledged. Remember to take a moment to express your gratitude for all that she or he is doing and how impressed you are. It goes a long way!!
photography: cara robbins studio // venue name: Private Home, Santa Ynez, California, USA // event design: Grace Lorenzen Events // planning: Grace Lorenzen Events // florals: Idlewild Floral // wedding dress: Sarah Seven // bride's shoes: Rachel Comey // bride's ring: Kathryn Bentley // hair stylist: TEAM Hair and Makeup // makeup artist: TEAM Hair and Makeup // groom attire: Custom No. 33 - A Proper Haberdashery Suit // groom's shoes: Vintage Costellos // groom's ring: Kathryn Bentley // paper goods: Harley and J // catering: Pure Joy Catering // tabletop rentals: Party Pleasers // lighting: Bella Vista Designs
I just these open landscape type weddings !
Just beautiful !
Congratulations! You make a beautiful couple.
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/happy-family/god-happy-marriage/