As the saying goes, marriage is all about compromise. But with a venue that offers everything from dreamy ocean views to a century-old wood barn to an estate with perfectly manicured grounds, no one has to settle on a thing! We love the bicoastal vibes that the dream team of Sterling Social and JL Designs created for this gorgeous Dos Pueblos Ranch wedding.
The Story
When East Coast couple Julie and Paul set their sights on a destination wedding in California, they wanted to combine their love of the beach with Julie’s desire for a barn reception. The design pros at Sterling Social knew Dos Pueblos Ranch was just the spot to host a beachy, rustic, glamorous affair.
“The property is a hidden gem in the Santa Barbara area and met the bride’s and groom’s needs with both rustic and seaside settings.” – Sterling Social
The Ceremony
A perfectly sunny California afternoon and sweeping ocean views were the backdrop for the couple’s bluff top ceremony.
As guests sipped champagne, Julie and her father made a grand entrance in a 1951 Ford Woodie. The bride walked down an aisle lined with potted lavender plants and met her groom under a simple wooden structure fitted with ornate glass bulbs hanging from garlands.
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed lawn games, libations and oysters on the half shell at the beachfront cocktail reception.
“As a nod to Paul's East Coast upbringing and the couple's summer home on Fire Island, they wanted their cocktail reception to be playful with a preppy flair.”
The Reception
“At sunset, guests were transported to a candlelit reception in a charming barn originally built in 1917.”
“The naturally rustic setting was transformed into an elegant retreat filled with ethereal drapery and chandeliers strung with bay leaf garland.”
“After finding their names scrolled on vintage doors, guests found their seats for the family-style dinner at tables adorned with herb and floral collections in combinations of weathered stone pots and cut crystal decanters.”
“To make the barn feel like home, various eclectic vignettes were set for guests to relax and enjoy late night treats.”
Hosting Events at Dos Pueblos Ranch
With so many event spaces to choose from, Dos Pueblos Ranch is an ideal celebration spot for as few as 10 people to more than 500. Just keep in mind that each area of the property must be rented separately, and virtually all elements from décor to seating to a mobile catering kitchen must be brought in to bring your event to life.
“The venue allowed us to … completely customize the spaces for our clients’ aesthetic. We were able to make their vision become a reality as we had beautiful outdoor backdrops to begin with and we were able to enhance the naturally beautiful setting.”
“Our favorite design element is the rustic barn, but the residence on the property has a stunning tree-lined backyard with a large open grass area ideal for tenting, large dinners, etc.”
Inside Scoop
- Dos Pueblos Ranchhas almost too many photo-worthy spots to count! “The property has incredible bridges that make for great photos; and if you are feeling daring, there is a canoe that you can hop in on one of the lagoons.”
- Bacara Resort and Spa is less than 10 minutes from the property; making it the ideal spot for your guests to stay.
Around Town for your Guests
The proximity to Santa Barbara makes this location a perfect destination for a longer getaway: “You get the best of all worlds … in a completely private environment … while still [allowing your guests] to experience what Santa Barbara has to offer on days leading up to and after the event.”
- State Street and the Pier offer plenty in the way of dining, shopping and exploring.
- For wine lovers: a 45 minute drive will bring you to the Santa Ynez Wine Valley.
- While you’re in the valley, take a day trip to historic Solvang for some authentic Dutch pastries and more than a dash of Old World charm.
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