A Nautical Wedding in Santa Barbara on Stearn's Wharf


Kirsten + Colin were married in Santa Barbara at First Baptist Church of Santa Barbara, with a nautical-themed reception following at The Ty Warner Sea Center on Stearn's Wharf.  I knew both the bride and groom growing up and then worked with Kirsten very closely for the past several years due to her role at The Tent Merchant, one of my favorite rental companies.  After working on so many weddings together, it was so much fun to plan and coordinate Kirsten's wedding!   I loved her nautical-inspired decor and inspiration - from vintage props, specialty rentals, and beautiful DIY elements - their wedding celebration was truly memorable. 

For the ceremony, we lined the aisle with nautical-inspired lanterns and small bunches of eucalyptus. Two large bouquets of twigs framed the ceremony space.  After a heartfelt ceremony, the wedding party took a vintage school bus (with a customized marquee) to Stearn's Wharf, where dinner, dancing, and merriment ensued.  Guests arrived to the Ty Warner Sea Center and were able to touch different sea creatures in an immersive museum experience (while enjoying cocktails and appetizers!)  Guests then moved outside for a family-style dinner under a canopy of lights on the wharf.  Sailboats went by as the sun set over the water...it was an incredible evening!


Wedding Vendors: Photography: Becky Davis Photography | Planning: Tyler Speier Events | Floral Design: Green + Crumb | Rentals & Lighting: The Tent Merchant | Catering: Lorraine Lim Catering | Venue: Ty Warner Sea Center | Photo Booth: Outrageous Booths | Transportation: Jump on the School Bus | DJ: Party On The Edge