Wedding Wisdom Feature on Edible Magazine

Recently I was was featured in the new (Wedding) Issue of Edible Santa Barbara Magazine (page 36). If you have not gotten a chance to grab it or don’t live locally, you can get the online version HERE.

Within the Wedding Wisdom article, Felici gives tips how to create a perfect and memorable Santa Barbara wedding, starting with one of the most important step: how to pick a wedding venue. She goes on to say that in Santa Barbara couples have plenty of choices when it comes to location. They can choose beachfront or mountain views, Spanish-style spots downtown, elegant hotels, or opt for picturesque wine country wedding. Felici specifically calls out Roblar Winery, Carhartt Cabin, and Acme Hospitality Group’s venues including Loquita, La Paloma, and The Lark.

Aside from selecting a gorgeous venue, Felici also recommends adding personal touches, giving special attention to other events surrounding the wedding like the rehearsal dinner or a farewell brunch, and working with some of the best and most trusted vendors in Santa Barbara including Ella & Louie Flowers and DJ Darla Bea. She even gives readers some insight into a couple of the hottest trends right now in the wedding industry including sustainability and dramatic ceilings.

From Zohe Felici:

I am so honored to be featured and to represent the local wedding community. I am especially grateful for my friendship with the kind and talented Krista Harris, editor of this gorgeous, educational, and mouth-watering magazine. She and I connected because we both THRIVE on sharing all the amazingness our area offers...and we both love food (no-brainer).

Also, make sure to check out the wedding of Jennifer and Tommy highlighted in the magazine, held at Lions Park in Carpinteria and photographed by Ingrid Bostrom.

P.S. if you have not taken the Wedding Style Quiz yet, you should! Your quiz results will give you personalized tips to start planning your perfect wedding or elopement. Access it here - What's Your Wedding Style — Santa Barbara Wedding Style.

Cannabis at Events - an Educational Panel for Wedding and Event Professionals

My wedding blog hosted an informative workshop for wedding professionals and the ever-curious question of how will our industry be able to safely, ethically and successfully maneuver our client requests of having cannabis or marijuana served at the event?

The afternoon consisted of a panel discussion about cannabis’ impact on the private and wedding event industry and education on what is permitted, required and expected so we can balance client and wedding couples’ requests as well as government mandates.

As legalization of recreational marijuana maneuvers thru California., cannabis-infused weddings (from bud bouquets to cannabis cakes) are gaining popularity and creating a buzz within the wedding industry. Respectively, due to the increase in planning cannabis infused weddings, new businesses are being established because of the emergence of the two things legal marijuana and celebrations / events.

Pre-panel discussion, guests mingled and nibbled at an innovative munchies bar created by Creative Services Catering. Goodies included maple glazed bacon, ginormous chocolate chip cookies, mac n’ cheese, popcorn, candy, chips and Twizzlers.

The Panel consisted of:

• GrassFed - event "budbar" producers of cannabis themed pop up events and facilitators

• Tina Fanucchi-Frontado, owner of KopSun - a cannabis education, information and health resource company for women

• Liz Rogan of Liz Rogan and Associates - cannabis liaison, educator and advocate

Topics of discussion included:

• What is happening in California vs the rest of the country

• How we are seeing marijuana represented culturally now vs ten years ago…5 years ago

• How is cannabis impacting events?

• Tools for those who are unaware of state legalities and restrictions

• Navigating the legalities and logistic of cannabis at special events

• Ways to integrate cannabis into a couple’s special day

• Incorporating marijuana and leaves into wedding florals, bouquets, decor and centerpieces

• Infusing food with weed, how to legally serve it and the permitting needed

The number one take-away and piece of advice we received from our panel is:

GET EDUCATED!

There are a multitude of resources available and many people aren’t aware of how to maneuver and responsibly incorporate using herbs in their celebrations.

Thank you to the Team that Helped make this day special:

• VENUE The Ocean View Farm

• PHOTOGRAPHY Kiel Rucker Photography

• MUNCHIES Creative Services Catering

• RENTALS Ventura Rental

• RESTROOMS Marborg Industries

• TRANSPORTATION Jump on the Schoolbus
  
  

Ultimate Gray + Illuminating Wedding Colors - Pantone Color of the Year 2021

At Felici Events we set trends (that is a fact!), and showcasing this wedding (featured on Santa Barbara Wedding Style) from 2016 proves it.

Pantone announced its 2021 Colors of the Year - Ultimate Gray and Illuminating last week.

We could not wait to re-share this wedding that took place at the historic Casa de la Guerra that use this exact color combination and give you some trending tips for weddings that we used to make this local wedding couple’s casual and purposeful fun wedding come to life!

First, let us share with you a bit about “PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR” - For over 20 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design.

The Pantone Color of the Year selection process requires thoughtful consideration and trend analysis. To arrive at the selection each year, Pantone’s color experts at Pantone Color Institute comb the world looking for new color influences.

This can include the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, playstyles, and socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures, and effects that impact color, relevant social media platforms, and even upcoming sporting events that capture worldwide attention.”

Needless to say this all filters down into wedding and event design and trends. For us, we use all of the above-mentioned industries to help inspire us and create trendy touches for our non-profit Santa Barbara Events and Fundraisers as well as for our private social gatherings such as weddings, birthday parties, and bar or bat mitzvahs.

This year’s chosen colors are not a novelty by any means, but the meaning and story behind these colors is something we hold near and dear to our hearts based on the crazy Pandemic year and its effects on the world and in the event industry this past year.

“We need to feel that everything is going to get brighter – this is essential to the human spirit.”

PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray combined with PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating provides a message of happiness supported by fortitude, aspirational, which gives us hope.

I could not think of a better description than this color combination exemplifies for Eric and Nick’s ceremonious occasion! While these two gentlemen tied the knot, there was not a dry eye in the house. The support from their 150 guests, composed of close friends, family, was palpable during the couple’s nuptials. Once the festivities for the evening began happiness spread like a New York Minute.

For the color scheme, the couple picked the joyful combination of yellow and gray. On the tables, this translated to gray chevron runners from La Tavola paired with bright lemons incorporated into the centerpieces. The loose citrus added pops of yellow and aged wrought-iron lanterns added texture to the look. 

Hanging from above, Bella Vista Designs hung romantic string lights and a cluster of bright-yellow paper installations to mark the dance floor area.

See more details of this wedding HERE

Photographer: Clarissa Koenig Photography | Wedding Location: Casa de la Guerra | Wedding Planner: Felici Events | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Lighting: Bella Vista Designs | Catering: Soho Tacos | Cake: Your Cake Baker | Churro's: Fernando's Churros | Music: DJ Patrick Swayzak | Photobooth: Thoughtbox | Floral Design: NLC Productions

A Dramatic Oceanfront Wedding Ceremony with a Greenhouse Reception

Owners of a new local organic restaurant, it was important to the bride and groom that the location resonated with their plant-based and sustainability mantra, therefore what better than a greenhouse wedding reception location? That is why we produced this organic wedding for a sweet couple at the Orchid Estate along the Gaviota Coast.

Something that I find NUMBER ONE IMPORTANT when seeking an event venue, is to find a location that ties in with the theme, purpose, personality or intended vibe. In this case, the greenhouse brings so much interest and uniqueness to the guest experience, not only is it a WOW factor to be forever remembered, it was a day-journey.

Guests were shuttled to the end of the property, walked a short path, crossed the train tracks to find themselves along a breathtaking oceanfront cliff lined with wooden benches. After the teary eyes wedding ceremony, and swoop kiss, guests enjoyed cocktails and delicious hors d’ouvres inside a living plant portion of the greenhouse.

For dinner, live music entertained guests inside the event greenhouse, which was decorated with mismatched chairs, runners, wooden tables and interesting furnitures. The eclectic decor complimented the industrial and symmetrical greenhouse, softening the look and feel of the unique venue.

Thank you to the amazing team of vendors who helped make this another flawless #FeliciWedding.

Catering: Season Catering | Flowers: Secret garden | Lighting: Bellavista Designs | Music ~ BandThe Class Band | Photography: Clarissa Koenig photography | Planner Felici Events | Rentals: Ventura Party Rentals

Lavender & Purple Wedding at Alice Keck Park & El Paseo Restaurant

Featured on Santa Barbara Wedding Style Blog, this bride and groom are very special to Zohe because the groom is one of Zohe's best friends, and Zohe was honored when they asked her to plan their Santa Barbara wedding.

The couple chose to hold their ceremony at the beautiful Alice Keck Park in Santa Barbara, since that is where they had part of their first date. 

The bride knew her colors from the start of the wedding planning, that is why the bridesmaids wore purple, knee length gowns and carried varied shades of purple floral bouquets crafted by the ever talented Margaret Joan Florals.  

The couple hung different shades of purple ribbons behind them at the existing lush ceremony altar, creating a fun backdrop as Rich Tobin led the couple through their vows. Guitar Witt duo softly played Spanish style music throughout the ceremony which incorporated the bride's Cuban background and added romance to the park’s ambiance. 

Felici Events worked with this couple to plan a wonderful day for them as they moved from the ceremony to the iconic El Paseo Restaurant for their reception.

Kelsey Crews Photo captured the day so perfectly and that she even got a few shots in of the couple’s beloved pooch, Kirby, who made his appearance at the ceremony. The day ended on a sweet note with a full dance floor of dancers, and nonstop dancing to music provided by Gavin Roy Presents as well as a delicious cake by Christine Dahl Pastries.

Cake - Christine Dahl Pastries

Ceremony Venue - Alice Keck Park

Flowers - Margaret Jordan Floral

Lighting - SPARK Creative Events

Music ~ Ceremony & Cocktails - Guitar Witt

Music ~ Reception - DJ Gavin Roy

Officiate - Rich Tobin

Photography - Kelsey Crews Photo

Planner - Felici Events

Reception Venue - El Paseo Restaurant

Rentals - Just 4 Fun Party Rentals

Private Estate Silver + Blue Santa Barbara Wedding

Villa Verano February Santa Barbara Wedding

This very special private estate wedding was full of delight, elegance and a class act couple to go along with it!  When Jill + Jason sought me out, they did not have a location picked out yet, but knew they wanted to get married 2.15.15 because of Jason's work schedule (Hight School teacher in NYC).  They were really leaning toward a luxury hotel wedding, but wedding planning is my thing and reading people my talent.

Because their friends, families and selves were coming to California from the East Coast, I suggested they look at private venues.  This would allow them to enjoy the weather and stunning views Santa Barbara offers for longer than a 2 hour stint (with daylight savings, they would have most of the reception in the dark).   Soooo, off to see venues we went, and Villa Verano is what they fell in love with.  It allowed for their close family to stay w/ them (just as if they were in a hotel) and enjoy the property and privacy for their entire stay.

I The colors the client chose were silver and blue for this February affair.  Below the gorgeous invitations created by the über talented Lazaro Press and Designs.

Jill and Jason Invitation Wedding Blue and Silver Felici Events

The wedding ceremony took place at the quaint and intimate setting of the lower garden on the property. Their officiate, a close friend, did a phenomenal job with the ceremony.  I would hire her for all of my nuptials if she lived closer, not New York City.

Jill and Jason Wedding Ceremony Villa Verano Felici Events

The colors worked so well with the venue, flirty flowers, elegant linens and silver rimmed glassware

Jill and Jason Table Set Up Felici Events Villa Verano

Jill and Jason Excort Card display on hydrangea Felici Events

The escort cards are displayed on a bed of hydrangeas which eventually became a focal point.  

The couple's sweetheart table full of lush white floral with the themed colors.

sweetheart table felici events villa verano

villa verano view

Here is a full view of the gorgeous reception terrace, with string lights and heaters provided by the venue. 

Felici Events Blue and Silver table top birds eye view

And a birds eye view of the gorge white floral with lily's hydrangeas, paler roses, white roses and more.

We don't know what was prettier, the backdrop of the American Riviera or the simple and delicious wedding cake.

room for cake felici events blue and silver

sweetheart table felici events chandelier

Listening to the toasts, the chandelier above the sweetheart table brought romance to the decor.

First Dance Jill and Jason

And their first dance!

thank you bride and groom felici events

We love this moment captured by the photographer of the bride laughing at her new hubby.  He is a funny guy, and she has a great laugh, so we are partial to this image.  Thank YOU Jill + Jason for hiring Felici Events as your planner for your perfect winter Southern California Wedding!

Grazie Mille to the Team of Vendors who made this magical week-end happen!

Cake - Room For Cake

Catering - Omni Catering & Events

Flowers - Coco Rose Design

Hair/Make Up - Chateau Belle

Invitation - Lazaro Press & Design

Lighting - Bella Vista Designs

Music ~ Ceremony & Cocktails - The Aurora Ensemble

Music ~ Reception - DJScott Topper Productions

Photography - Andrejka Photography

Planner - Felici Events

Rentals - The Tent Merchant

Real Felici Eclectic Orange Historical Museum Wedding

This cute couple celebrated their fall wedding day with funky, eclectic decor with a bright orange color palette. The Santa Barbara Historical Museum was chosen to host both the ceremony and reception. Ceremony was held in the lower courtyard with an asymmetrical draped arbor featuring hanging orbs featuring colorful mini cacti. During ceremony, the couple literally tied the knot, and bound two ropes together, symbolically. The bride wore a fitted a-line wedding dress and paired it with a wild bouquet and flower crown by Precious and Blooming. Dinner was held in the upper courtyard around the fountain and guests sat a mix of round linen draped and wood farm house tables. Village Modern Foods served a delicious feast and My Vintage Photobooth was a fun interactive element and favor for guests. All was expertly coordinated by Felici Events and captured by photographer, Nancy Neil. 

Photographer: Nancy Neil | Wedding Planner: Felici Events | Location: Santa Barbara Historical Museum | Floral Design: Precious and Blooming | Catering: Village Modern Foods | Ceremony Music: Santa Barbara String Quartet | Photo Booth: My Vintage Photo Booth | Rentals: Town and Country Event Rentals | Videographer: Skyline Videography | Hair and Makeup: Ab Fab Glamour Studio | Lighting: Bella Vista Designs | Transportation: Santa Barbara Trolley

New Year's Eve El Encanto Blue and Gold Wedding

Kayla and Robert were such a lovely couple to work with!  When they called me practically a year in advance to be their wedding planner, the couple had a vision of what they were looking for and the style of venue they wanted. 

We immediately booked El Encanto, a perfect enchanted wedding ceremony location on the pond lawn.  Kayla knew that she wanted to walk on a bridge to Robert during the ceremony, and Robert's order or importance was lighting.  It is so nice to have a client who appreciates the importance of lighting, and how it can truly transform any space. 

We finalized to have the ceremony start at 5 p.m. right when it got dusk, so that when the gorgeous bride walked down the aisle, the lighting and candles in the arbor columns were flickering in full effect, creating a romantic and sparkly ceremony reflecting in each other's eyes as they said their vows.  This theme carried on into the dark blue and gold invitations.

After a warm and loving celebration of vows, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'ouvres under the alcove of the pond before heading down to the ballroom.  Lighting and music by DJ Gavin Roy welcomed guests for grand entrance followed by a dance set prior to sitting for a delicious three course dinner. 

Gold linens from Luxe Linens were a perfect match with custom round menus on gold chargers and the soft, fluffy and gorgeous white and blush colored floral centerpieces by Precious and Blooming.

Following dinner guests enjoyed a few hours of casino style entertainment, and turned up the beat with bongo drums playing alongside. DJ Gavin (the groom got to play a set too!).  At the count of midnight guests rang in the New Year and celebrated alongside the bride and groom with noisemakers, hats and lots and lots of love.

Wedding Planner: Felici Events  | Location: El Encanto | Photographer: Nate and Jenny Weddings | Floral Design: Precious And Blooming |  Rentals: Fusion Event Rentals | Lightning: Bella Vista Designs Inc. | Videographer: K Hodge Films LLC  | Hair and Makeup: Dreamcatcher Artistry | Casino Tables: Aces Hi Casion Nights Ventura Casino Party  | Music: Gavin Roy  | Transportation: EOS Transportation

Seafoam Blue Wedding at an Oceanside Private Estate

This oceanside beach themed wedding was a perfect location for the Southern California bride and groom.  The location, Santa Barbara Beach Club, is located on a cliff offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The outdoor area is a toes in the sand experience, where guests enjoyed both the ceremony and reception.  Flipflops were available as guests arrive for them to trade out for their shoes if they wished.

After the ceremony guests enjoyed a cocktail reception in the front yard. The catwalk deck is a perfect setting for the wedding ceremony which we then re-purposed to place the wedding cake under the altar canopy, and the deck became the dance floor for the wedding reception.

When planning the wedding we thoughtfully incorporate the seafoam blue colors into the crinkle linen, which reflected beautifully in the sunshine.  The bamboo folding chairs enhanced the beach vibe decor. We wanted to create some playfulness into the seafoam and white wedding, so the florals created by NLC Productions incorporated pops of color incorporating coral, yellow and orange flowers.

Guests enjoyed a delicious plated dinner by Catering Connection and a seafoam ombre wedding cake.  After dinner, guests danced the night away under string lights provided by Bellavista Designs, who also adhered fabric along the entry deck, to soften the design of the area.

Catering - Catering Connection

Coordinator - Felici Events

Flowers - NLC Productions

Hair/Make Up - Dreamcatcher Artisrty

Lighting - Bella Vista Designs

Music- Vox DJ's

Photo Booth - America's Party Company

Photography - Logan Cole Photography

Rentals - Town and Country Event Rentals

Shuttles - Pipeline Transportation

Venue Contact - Premier Rental Group

Picturesque Santa Barbara Historical Museum Wedding

Sarah and Scott Church

It's Wedding Wednesday and the Felici Events team wants to celebrate this beautiful picturesque Santa Barbara Wedding! This #Felicified couple got married in the summer and were a wonder to work with! If you want to have a true Santa Barbara Wedding, follow these tips from a previous Felici Events wedding in honor of Scott and Sarah.

First off, this couple used not 1, not 2, but 3 different venues the day of! Talk about really using Santa Barbara to its fullest. The wedding party got ready at the Canary Hotel in downtown Santa Barbara which worked out perfectly since the rehearsal dinner the night before took place on the rooftop of the Canary Hotel. It is a really a unique and elegant venue; I mean, just look at this staircase!

Sarah and Scott Canary Staircase

Sarah and Scott Canary Fountain

The ceremony took place at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel which is a grandiose church at the foot of some of Santa Barbara's impressive mountains. The reception took place at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum which is filled of Old-Spanish decor and ambiance. Of course when you have more than one venue, the transportation plays a big role on this special day. The Felici Events team decided to work with EOS shuttles for guests and Santa Barbara Trolley for the wedding party. It is really important that if your wedding takes place in multiple locations you provide transportation, if possible. Your guests will truly be thankful and overall will allow more guests to be on time since they are all together. It saves you and your wedding coordinator headaches later on! Besides, having transportation can allow all your guests to get to know each other a little better. Not to mention, it provides another source of fun for your wedding party!

Sarah and Scott Trolley

Sarah and Scott Wedding Party Trolley

When it comes to Santa Barbara, old-Spanish and adobe architecture is all around! It really gives it that picturesque feel. As for the reception decor, the Felici Events team and the bride and groom worked together to choose the color palette that really compliments that, specifically the Historical Museum adobe tile and wooden structure. Great job and a special thanks to Stems Floral for making it happen! Just look at the beautiful centerpieces and bouquet with the hints of peach and pink that really compliments the Historical Museum (and even the church as well)!

Sarah and Scott Church Outside

Sarah and Scott Musuem

Sarah and Scott Centerpiece Floral

And of course to keep that theme going, the Felici Events team designed the rest of the decor to match! The Felici Events team believes that wedding signage is really important, but more so it adds special touches that help tie the theme together! In this case, the reception sign was made from an old piece of wood that the bride and groom got. If you don't have a crafty friend or the resources or even time to make it there are ways to get signs like this made on Etsy or other companies. We recently got Dana Decals to make a few decals for some signs at a different wedding and they came out spectacular!

Sarah and Scott Mr and Mrs

Sarah and Scott Reception Sign

Now, although this picturesque Santa Barbara Wedding looks amazing as is, you can always incorporate your own personal touches! For example, this Felici bride and groom had a big thing for cognac, so a cognac and cigar bar was made at the reception and it was a big hit! Something like this makes your wedding more personalized and is made for all guests to enjoy and share with you! (P.S. Notice the orange and peach accents continue onto the pillows!)

Sarah and Scott Cognac Bar

To make this wedding possible we needed all the help we could get so the Felici Events team wants to thank everyone involved and especially Chris Schmitt Photography for these amazing pictures!

Colorful Gainey Vineyard Wedding

Santa Barbara Wine Country

Rustic and Fuchsia  Romance

How cute is this #FeliciFied couple?  

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events first dance

The minute Santa Barbara based destination wedding planner, Zohe Felici of Felici Events, met the lovebirds, she knew that the wedding (and planning) would be fun. She was right!

A lot of thought and details came together including some handy crafting by the groom.

Below are creative ideas you can incorporate into the cocktail reception, in order to meld guests who may not know each other.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events Polaroi Photo Line

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events Polaroid Photo Idea

TAKE TWO!

A selfie Polaroid station is creates an area where guests may ask each other to take pictures and start conversations. Bigger bonus, look at this dramatic backdrop of beautiful Wine Country.

#FeliciFrill: on our coordination team, we provide a team member to oversee cocktail hour to engage with and help direct guests, as well as ensure the guest book is signed and questions answered.  In this case they reminded guests to take two: one for the photo book (with a love note for the happy couple) and one for themselves to keep.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felic Events Guest Book

This personalized guest book, designed by the groom, allowed for guests to adhere their polaroids into and write a note to the happy couple.  The wood, a masculine element, incorporated the rustic wine country decor wedding theme.  The little floral insignia on the corner, brings out some girly touches, continuing the dahlia flower theme.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events boccee ball cocktail hour

Felici Events, specifically Zohe, is a #FeliciFied bocce ball player.  She likes to play at the beach, but really anywhere outdoor is great. This cocktail hour wedding activity is also an effective way for guests to meet and get to know each other.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events Succulent Escort Cards

THREE-FER: Escort cards with succulents is what we call a triple-whammy!

1) They create a design piece on the escort card table

2) They enhance dinner table centerpieces

3) They provide a keepsake guest wedding favor

#FeliciFrill: Our wedding coordination team will assist guests to pick up their escort card and direct them to their table, as well as remind guests to grab their favors on their way out at the end of the night.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events rock table numbers

The outdoor wedding reception contained a number of masculine decor elements, such as the stone table number positioned on the wooden table.  The decor emulated a balanced mix of masculine (wood, green, rocks, succulents) with the feminine (bright fuchsia florals, bursts of dahlias, glitter and vivid colors), just like the happy couple's personalities.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events winery and purple wildflower centerpiece by Nina Kinkaid

The centerpieces, overflowing from a wooden box. added bright colors and textures including greens, purples and fuchsia, which look rich and interesting.  It welcomes wonderful, soft and feminine elements.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events centerpiece Nina Kinkaid

Mmmm, there is mint and the tuber roses, which infused the air with amazing aromas. (can you see how the succulents expand and add interest to the centerpieces?)

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events Dinner Menu Fun and unique

#FeliciFrill: We believe signage and print is a MUST DO for any event (CLICK HERE for more ideas and Felici tips).

Above is a creative example of design of a smartly worded menu which helps engage dinner guests  as well as lets guests know "What's Up?" in a playful and decorative manner.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events Cake Topper

The glam gold sparkly cake topper says it all!  It was the best day ever!

- - - - -

SAY CHEESE!

Below are wonderful wedding party photos.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events groomsmen pastel bowtie with blue shirt and grey suit

Character, character character.  How dapper is the above groomsman in gingham material blue shirt and the pastel pink tie?

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events Ring Barer blue gangam and yellow bowtie outfit

This ring barer stole the show both down the aisle and at the reception.   His dark blue gingham material and pastel yellow bowtie are adorable, his hat precious, the bride's shoes he is holding, swoon!

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events bride with veil, bouquet wildflower pink and purples

The bride was smart to collaborate with Nina Kinkaid of Coco Rose Design.  The plethora of purple and fuchsia hued flowers in her bouquet produce a unique, interesting and textured focal piece.

Her bouquet cradles a myriad of flowers, including the desert-like thistle, stems of laic, alien-esque protea and a tropical phaleo orchids, all exuding a range of vibrant violet colors.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events bridesmaids purple dresses

The Bridesmaids bouquets were lighter in color and opposing colors of both their dresses as well as the bridal bouquet.  This play on colors bring three dimensions and balance which compliment each other.

Lastly let's talk about Gainey Vineyard (click the following link to see rental information about this Wine Country wedding location venue). This vineyard is surrounded by a stunning backdrop ideal for hosting a picturesque outdoor wedding ceremony and reception.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events vineyard backdrop

The majestic trees and vineyard walks are romantic.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felic Events bride and groom in vineyard

#FeliciFrill: We ensure that we have time for a couple's sunset walk with their photographer.  Most of the time these end up being the best pictures.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events couple vineyard backdrop

This scene rings a true, untouched West of Santa Ynez.

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events wooden tables at vineyard

The well manicured lawn and vineyard backdrop is ideal for outdoor receptions.

The string lights are a must have!

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events venue at night string lights

You and your guests will definitely need them at night.

Ciao Aline and Brian!  They lived Felici Ever after!

J Wiley Photography Gainey Vineyard Wedding Felici Events Grand Exit Idea

The Cherry-On-Top of this Felici Wedding is the A-Team of wedding vendors at a #FeliciFied event venue and wedding location.

Coordinator Felici Events

Flowers Coco Rose Designs

Lighting Ambient Event Design

Music / Cocktails & Reception DJ Patrick

Catering and Cake Lorraine Lim Catering

Rentals Ventura Party Rentals

Photography J Wiley Photography

Santa Barbara Wedding Miguel + Matt

Same Sex Elopement by Felici Events

Santa Barbara Courthouse & Sunken Gardens

When I wear my wedding planning hat, I have to say that I LOVE love…..I mean it!  Hearing stories of how couples meet, seeing their vision come to fruition, and then ogling the moments in time that the wedding photographer has captured.

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding cute grooms

Matt and Miguel are no exception.  We had about two weeks to plan their elopement without meeting the happy-couple and get all their wedding details into play.  When I met with them the night before their wedding, I fell in love with these two, and their story.

Miguel and Matt met at Miguel's place of work, a hair salon in Phoenix.  Matt had been a loyal customer for years, and Miguel had just moved to town, and recently started working at the salon.  Matt says his regular stylist was handling his appointment as usual, but he could not keep his eyes off Miguel.  It was love at first sight.  On his next appointment, Matt requested Miguel as his hair dresser. Needless to say, Matt is now loyal to his stylist and getting the best haircuts ever.

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding dog ring barer

The couple was on the fence about having their dog be in the wedding or at the Santa Barbara Courthouse and Sunken Gardens, and  I confidently told them that they should have a ring bearer, and that the pup would be fine inside the courthouse and around the grounds.  I had not event met the pooch, but I am glad they took me up on my advice, who doesn't love that cute boxer mug!  The nice thing about Santa Barbara is that it is extremely dog friendly, so that makes it perfect for dog-lovers and owners like myself.

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding elopement

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding elpoement posed shots with dog

In retrospect, I think the pup stole the show.

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding groom ceremony

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding grooms and dog

In these picture I love the boutonnières and ties that oppose each other.  Matt sent me images of the ties beforehand so that I could match the ribbon with the florist.  Thank you to Kaleidoscope Flowers for doing a great job!

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding grooms exchanging rings

Seriously, the image below looks as if there is a fake backdrop, but NOPE, Santa Barbara and the American Riviera is that gorgeous! I live it every day and appreciate the beauty and backdrops this town offers.

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding grooms view from the top

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding kiss on the cheek

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding ring exchange

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding showing off rings

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding steps and sunken garden dog ring barer

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding tower top

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding walking down the hallway

In this image, I get a kick out of  the wedding bands.  I had no idea the formed a heart until I saw them take this picture.  What a great personalization and detail to come full circle about LOVING love!  Congratulations Miguel and Matt!

santa barbara courthouse gay wedding wedding rings

A huge thank you to Amy at Vita-Bella Photography for these amazing images.

Classic Colors Orange and Teal at the Santa Barbara Zoo

Celebrating the anniversary of this WILD wedding of our #Felicified  Couple.

The details and colors of the wedding incorporated all elements, the bride's personality, bright colors of classic orange and teal, the beach, tropical foliage and the giraffes at the zoo.

~ ~ ~ ~

The ceremony took place at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club, where the Father of the Bride is a member and avid boatman.

Yacht club Weddign Ceremony orange accents felicievents.com

The bridesmaids bouquets were simple, vivid, orange tulips wrapped in teal ribbon.

tulip bridesmaid bouquet

The bridal bouquet made a statement with cascading white phalaenopsis orchids and touches of yellow ones.

cascading orchid bridal bouquet felicievents.com

The programs adorned with the orange and teal ribbon made it festive on the beach.

orange and teal wedding program felicievents.com

ADORABLE flower girl!  The bamboo basket brought texture and interest rather than a flower basket.

flower girl beach ceremony felicievents.com

The bright gerber daisies adorned the ends of the aisle.

orange wedding ceremony decor daisies felicievents.com

The first kiss as husband and wife under the billowing ceremony arch.

santa barbara beach ceremony orange and teal felicievents.com

The wedding party took the electric shuttle that runs up and down Cabrillo Boulevard from the ceremony to the reception at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

wedding party on the Santa Barbara electric trolley felicievents.com

Guests were greeted with an arch made of glass balls filled with fun orange flowers.

orange hanging decor wedding felicievents.com

A little touch of the zoo with the giraffe print escort cards placed in a 'sand box' and incorporating the beach ceremony

orange giraffe print escor cards in sand felicievents.com

Cocktail hour reception

orange cocktail hour decor felicievents.com

Dinner centerpieces with orange floral on a teal linen

orange and teal table set up santa barbara zoo felicievents.com

Reception layout at the top of the hill of the Santa Barbara Zoo.  Spectacular tropic foliage was a must have for the bride, so the location we chose, the Santa Barbara Zoo was perfect for that.

orange and teal table decor Felici Events

Full reception set up.  How cute are these kids tables with candy incorporated as the centerpieces.

teal table top decor kids table felicievents.com

A visit to the giraffes.

santa barbara zoo wedding with giraffes felicievents.com

The candy bar incorporated blue candy on a teal and orange tabletop.

teal candy bar with orange and teal decor felicievents.com

orange and teal candy bar decor felicievents.com

The wedding cake was covered with chocolate and sat under a bamboo alter with orchids and a paper lantern.

wedding cake chocolate with orange decor felicievents.com

The couple's first dance. Notice the fun teal ribbon and seashell ornaments hanging from the string lights.

first dance with paper lanterns felicievents.com

Fun surfboard wedding favors made everyone's night as a wedding favor and parting gift.

surfboard cookie wedding favors felicievents.com

Santa Barbara Sunset at the Zoo with string and uplights felicievents.com

What a wonderful evening it was, with the string lights, colors, and foliage.  

As professional event planners it is important for Felici Events to connect with the clients as well as the vendors we work with.  The team that helped Felici Events put together this event was no exception, thanks for helping create #anotherfelicievent

Floral - NLC Productions

Lighting - Bellavista Designs

Rentals  and linens Classic Party Rentals

Photography - BB Photo

Catering - Zoo Catering by Rincon

Engagement Pictures Slideshow Santa Barbara

Same Sex Couple Wedding Engagement Pictures

The talents of Willa Kveta took one of our Felicified couples trotting around Santa Barbara to capture amazing engagement pictures.  We started at 9 a.m. in the Funk Zone and made our way to the Lark, a few blocks over to the Wharf and West Beach, as well as downtown on overpasses.  

We love the different backdrops and interesting three-dimensional settings captured to adorn these gorgeous guys. Santa Barbara is conducive to an array of settings within blocks from each other.

Seriously, could they be any more awesome!  It's like watching a Ben Affleck and Matt Damon photo shoot.  These guys are gorgeous, sweet and fun!

Congratulations Corey and Alex!  We can't wait for your BIG day!

NOTE: The Felici Events wedding planner team finds it imperative that engagement pictures happen with your photographer at some point of the wedding.  It allows for relationships to be created, a rapport both between the couple and the photographer as well as a comfort level.  IT WILL SHOW on your wedding day! We will be sure to post photos of the wedding day to prove that to you!

Indian Summer Ceremony Featured in Santa Barbara Magazine

Doc

Thanks to Santa Barbara Magazine for spotlighting the wedding of Megan McRoskey and Geno St. John III. The magazine celebrates Santa Barbara’s rich and colorful lifestyle with award-winning editorial content on Santa Barbara’s people, homes and gardens, architecture, food and wine, history, arts, escape destinations, and more.

MEGAN WAS THE girl next door before becoming Geno’s high school sweetheart and then—ten years later—his fiancée after a winter proposal in Mammoth. WEARING A MONIQUE LHUILLIER GOWN, the bride exchanged vows with the groom in an Indian summer ceremony at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church before a Felici Events-designed reception at Birnam Wood Golf Club. THE NEWLYWEDS HONEYMOONED in Moore’s Island and Bora Bora, where they kayaked, paddle-boarded, and did scuba diving.

The Reception Venue

Birnam Wood Golf Club is a private golf club in Montecito, California. Membership is by invitation only. It is located on East Valley Road.

“THE BEST SHORT COURSE I HAVE EVER BUILT”: —ROBERT TRENT JONES, 1968

Event Planner Information

Felici Events offers full top-tier services. Packages include wedding design and coordination. Felici Events is committed to providing the utmost in service to its clients. Expect expert advice, harmonious design, and the opportunity to discuss all aspects of wedding planning.

Felici Event featured in 'Be Minked' article, Flawless Hollister Ranch California Wedding

Read the article on Be Minked.

Zohe Felici on Party Time with Scott Topper

International Event Planner Zohe Felici shares what three things she would bring if stranded on a deserted island with a party to plan.

Here is entertainment guru Scott Topper, hosting his show "Party Time with Scott Topper".

Zohe, is owner and founder of Felici Events and co-masterminder (with Scott) of Southern California Mitzvahs. She is also a longtime friend of his and his beautiful wife Angelina. (Felici Events produced their wedding in 2011),  Zohe is honored to be his very first guest (on the début) of the very first show.

There is a three person panel (the talented Kristine, charming Michelle, and myself) whom Scott interviews in order to provide the public with a glimpse inside la creme de la creme of Southern California's vendors' wild world of events.

Grab some popcorn and enjoy the show!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=yEHQB0FP-o0

PS - What a great group of gals to have on the panel with!  This is the AAA team!

Felici Events + Valentine's Day = AMORE!

image by @kristinrenee.com

Wishing everyone a Happy St. Valentine's Day!  Share the love. Receive the love. Just love!

Thank you to:

images: Kristin Renee Photography

Location: Sogno del Fiore

Hair and Make Up - About Face Hair and Make Up

Floral: Rincon Floral

and a congratulatory MILLE GRAZIE to my dear friends Jen & Sam Picotte who are now expecting their 2nd little nugget!

Danielle and Matt - Wedding Video

Ceremony-160

This sweet Santa Barbara Wine Country wedding video captures it all...

…watch as the wedding  day unfolds….and how Harlow steals the show!

Danielle and Matt's Fall 2013 Wedding at Fess Parker Winery was sweet and significant for Zohe.  Danielle was Zohe's very first intern back in 2006.  To watch her plan her BIG day and interact with her on a client / consultant basis was special.  Getting to know the family (Danielle's mom is the best, and dad a barrel of laughs) on an intimate level the icing on the cake.

A Special Mille Grazie to: Robert Schwieger for this www.reellifepictures.com  clip

Planner - Felici Events

Flowers - NLC Productions

Venue - Fess Parker Winery

Lighting - Bella Vista Designs

Rentals - Ventura Party Rentals

Linens - La Tavola Linens

Cake / Dessert Bar - Enjoy Cupcakes

Catering - Omni Catering

Music (ceremony and cocktails) - Chris Wooley

Music (reception and dancing) - DJ Akorn

Caricaturist - James Malia

Transportation - Jump on the Schoolbus

Intimate Santa Barbara Beach Wedding with Gold and Ocean Decor

"Goldie but Goodie".

This intimate destination wedding Felici Events produced with a team of amazing wedding vendors, was a classic, elegant, beach-flaired and bonafide celebration.

The couple met on a set in Hollywood.  Both movie buffs, their save the dates were re-creations of their favourite movies, including Sixteen Candles and The Rear Window.

The absolutely talented Jessica Lewis got to know the couple so well during their engagement shoot and planning process, that they all had fun playing with the pre ceremony photos. They got to relax and incorporate the decor and  design of the ocean front rental home, to re-create more movie scenes, and have some fun with the textures and breath-taking views.

The soft and tropical light blue, gold and ivory decor was the mastermind of Nico from NLC Productions.  The ceremony location sits on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean which is landscaped with sand, perfect for a 'toes in the sand nuptial experience'. The bride wanted to incorporate ocean-themed decor with gold and light blue.  Nico created a royal feasting table with gold accents, soft hydrangea centerpieces, gold shells and place card holders with orchid touches.

Location: The Santa Barbara Beach Club

Cake: Jana's Creative Cakes

Catering: Seasons's Catering

Decor: NLC Productions

Lighting: LBPS Events

Photography: Jessica Lewis

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Chairs: Town and Country Event Rentals

Linens: La Tavola Linens