Set along the California coastline, Scott and Gentry’s destination wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara was the perfect blend of relaxed luxury and thoughtful design. With sweeping ocean views, iconic white arches, and palm trees framing every moment, the couple leaned into the natural beauty of Santa Barbara to create a wedding that felt elevated, personal, and effortlessly coastal. From meaningful family-made details to modern monochromatic design, their celebration was equal parts refined and fun.
Dream Team
Wedding Planner: @eventsbypinsandpetals
Venue: @ritzcarltonbacarasb
Photo: @michellerollerphoto
Video: @noirfilmco, @blancbynoir
Specialty Lighting: @bellavistadesigns
Rentals: @brighteventrentals
Florals: @byrequestus
DJ: @epicentertainmentinc
Hair & Makeup: @hair_by_rena
Glass Etching: @writingserendipity
Scott and Gentry approached their wedding with a clear vision: create a celebration that felt beautiful, intentional, and deeply personal for the guests who traveled to celebrate with them. Family played a huge role throughout the weekend, from handmade details to sentimental moments that made the day uniquely theirs. The result was a wedding that felt warm, welcoming, and full of joy.
THE VENUE: Perched along the coast, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara offered the ultimate Santa Barbara backdrop. With its white arches, palm-lined pathways, and uninterrupted ocean views, the venue felt timeless and distinctly Californian. The setting itself became a central design element, allowing the couple to keep decor minimal and let the scenery shine.
THE INSPIRATION: Inspired by the venue’s architecture and coastal surroundings, Scott and Gentry opted for a modern, all-white design palette accented with natural textures and greenery. The goal was to work with the location rather than compete with it — creating a wedding that felt clean, elevated, and perfectly at home by the sea.
FLORALS & DECOR: The ceremony design was intentionally understated and breathtaking. The aisle was lined with all-white florals, leading guests toward an altar that skipped a traditional arch or overhead installation entirely. Instead, florals were kept low and organic, designed to look as though they were growing naturally from the grass — allowing uninterrupted views of the ocean beyond.
For the reception, the couple continued the monochromatic vision with white linens, plates, chairs, and florals. This all-white foundation created the perfect canvas to layer in lighting and hanging elements that added depth and movement to the space.
Above the dance floor, a dreamy installation of baby’s breath chandeliers and disco balls reflected light throughout the night, creating a magical, energetic atmosphere. Guests were invited to grab shiny cowboy and cowgirl hats for the dance floor, bringing a playful twist to the elegant setting. Behind the sweetheart table, a custom neon sign with the couple’s initials added a bold, modern statement.
SPECIAL TOUCHES: Many of the most memorable details came directly from family. The bride and her family created a seating chart wall featuring individual jars of homemade cold brew, giving guests a sweet (and caffeinated) welcome. As a personalized favor, each guest received a custom-etched coupe glass, engraved on-site with names or sayings — a keepsake both thoughtful and functional.
One of the most sentimental moments of the day came courtesy of the bride’s father, who brought down one of his vintage cars for the couple. Not only did they take portraits with it, but they also drove off in it, creating a truly unforgettable exit.
THE CEREMONY: With the ocean as their backdrop, Scott and Gentry exchanged vows in a ceremony that felt intimate, romantic, and serene. The simplicity of the design allowed the natural surroundings — the coast, the breeze, and the light — to take center stage.
THE RECEPTION: As the sun set, guests transitioned into the reception space where the modern white design came to life under glowing specialty lighting. The dance floor quickly became the heart of the celebration, filled with movement, laughter, and disco-ball reflections that carried the energy late into the night.
Scott and Gentry’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that when you trust your setting and focus on meaningful details, the result is something truly special. From family-made touches to unforgettable design moments, this day was a joy to bring to life.
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding that feels elevated, personal, and effortlessly you, we’d love to help make it happen.
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