Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Wedding

For Tori and Scott, the beach became an integral part of their relationship. These two started their relationship in the sand and sun. So it’s only perfect they say their “I do’s” sans shoes in the most gorgeous Hilton Santa Barbara beachfront wedding.

The Characters

These two ooze a genuinely playful and adventurous zest for life. They wanted an event that embodied who the two of them had become together. Introducing nerd + chic – it’s the perfect marriage! For the couple that’s a little bit whimsical while still being able to have the heartfelt. This color palette featuring ocean tones blended seamlessly with the perfect beach venue. This allowed the unique personalized details to really pop, grabbing the guest’s attention and drawing them into a story bigger than themselves.

When it came to personalization, they didn’t shy away from showing their love of numerous TV shows, movies, and characters! Lego Boutonnieres, fantasy travel poster table numbers, hidden Survivor immunity idols, and a Disneyland-themed card box each shone a light on their fun life. Even their sweet bulldog Minnie walked down the aisle sporting her Captain America leash! We made sure these elements would blend in with their beach-formal affair (and not overtake it) by leaning into color and simplicity.

The Couple Style

The couple knew that they wanted to include many of the wedding traditions in their day so they could add their personal spark to them! A groovy choreographed father-daughter dance. A donut-cutting instead of cake. A joyous receiving line in the beach sand. It all came together beautifully because the two remained grounded in who they were. Instead of trying to emulate something they had seen!

I received the best compliment ever at their Hilton Santa Barbara beachfront wedding, “this wedding feels just like them!” As a planner who invests many many hours dreaming, finagling logistics, and uncovering options I could have cried! JK I did cry a little. Firstly, this meant that Tori and Scott were able to be their authentic selves on their wedding day. Fandom flags flying, beach hair waving, and surprise choreographed dances swaying! Secondly, this meant that the time we spent together uncovering their couple style was well worth it!

The Choice

Tori and Scott “decided certain things weren’t worth the time or money during the planning process.” They shared, “We had many other activities and decor plans mapped out for our Santa Barbara beachfront wedding, but as we got closer to the day we streamlined and simplified by cutting some of those things that didn’t matter as much to us. We also felt, with the time we had left, it was better to give 100% to the things that really mattered instead of having things that weren’t totally thought out or finished.”

The Compliment

Here’s what Tori had to share about working together:

“I totally felt like a guest at my own wedding! Before we hired Sarah as our wedding planner, planning a wedding seemed pretty daunting. But once Sarah was on board, she helped us make a plan and made all of the planning much easier and less stressful. Our favorite part about working with her was her calm, yet focused energy. Because of her expertise, we knew our wedding day logistics were taken care of, which allowed us to enjoy the day. Sarah was the perfect planner for us because she truly listened to our vision of our wedding and helped us make that vision a reality.”

Congrats to the Tingley-Ryan’s!

---

Let me tell you, before becoming a Los Angeles wedding planner, I knew I was being drawn to a creative work that emphasized relationships! Becoming engaged, navigating the planning process, and maintaining a healthy marriage go hand-in-hand with all of the other relationships in your life. Marriage is the reason I work in the wedding industry. I don’t do it for that one special wedding day. I do it for every day that follows after I do! 

And if you’d like to have someone like me on your vendor team to help you navigate designing a wedding that feels like you and who will keep things in step on the wedding day so you can relax like a guest, check out my small wedding planning services!

---

Venue + Catering: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Planning + Design: Kindred Weddings and Events

Photographer: Peterson Design and Photography

Florist: The Twisted Twig Florals

Videographer: The Byrd Sisters

Donuts: Annas Bakery

DJ: Music by Bonnie

Photo Booth: Foto Spark

Dress: BHLDN

Shoes: Custom HP Converse from ARBears on Etsy

Custom Dyed Veil: Julie Harris Designs

Suit: Indochino

Custom Cake Topper: TinyLittleGeeks on Etsy

Custom Cocktail Napkins: For Your Party

Programs: Zazzle