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Home > A Mira Zwillinger Bride for a Rustically Elegant Jewish Wedding at Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

A Mira Zwillinger Bride for a Rustically Elegant Jewish Wedding at Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

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Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Talk about a Jewish wedding with a view – we’re totally and completely obsessed with Laura and Danny’s dreamy day at Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm in Santa Barbara! With an outdoor chuppah on a meadowed bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a reception in the farm’s stunning glass greenhouse, and tons of greenery and wildflowers all around, this was one gorgeous celebration.

Laura and Danny made the wise decision to let the beauty of their location take the lead, opting for a natural and understated aesthetic featuring shades of wheat, beige and nude hues coupled with greens, as well as organic design elements like natural colored linens and textiles, exposed wood, burnished metal, and ceramic. Elena Berlo of Smashing The Glass Recommended vendor Once Upon a Paper designed the couple’s custom ketubah, translating our vision into a truly beautiful and meaningful piece.Don’t miss it all in the wonderful photos by Tara Johansen and video by Thomas Tikos-Kadji.

Now over to Laura, who looked so elegant in her gown by beloved Israeli designer Mira Zwillinger…

 

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

How We Met

Laura, the bride: Danny and I were set up through a mutual friend. Our first date was at a bar in Los Angeles, CA and what was supposed to be just drinks turned into dinner and over three hours of talking and laughing. We had an instant connection and both shared a love for Documentary films. Once the physical date ended, we continued texting for another four hours that evening.

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Venue with a View 

The ceremony site was situated on the Dos Pueblos bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean where the views are breathtaking! As we approached the end of the ceremony, the most beautiful sunset appeared, it was truly quite magical.

The reception took place in the farm’s beautiful glass greenhouse.  The 40’ ceilings and steel framed windows provided a perfect blank canvas to bring our vision to life. The rear wall of the greenhouse overlooks a 75 year old Moreton Bay Fig tree which was beautifully lit and provided a stunning backdrop to the reception venue.

I originally came across Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm on Instagram and instantly fell in love with the venue, there was something very magical and special about it. Beyond the natural beauty of the setting, Danny and I also loved that the venue was in Santa Barbara. Our first trip together as a couple was to Santa Barbara and Danny attended UCSB for undergrad, so the location also held significance for us.

With a quick engagement, we thought there would be no way that the venue would be available for our date, but to our surprise they had December 19th open. We drove up the following weekend to see it and it was even better in person, but since it was the first venue we saw, we felt we had to look at other venues. Given that we were having an intimate, 50-person wedding we were concerned that the greenhouse would be too large for our group and it would feel empty, so we decided to pivot and settled on a private estate in Ojai instead. 

Fast forward to two weeks prior to the wedding, our Ojai venue fell through and we were left scrambling to find a new location to hold the wedding weekend. We looked at a couple venues, but nothing felt right. I kept comparing everything to Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, and I knew it just had to be there. We reached out to the venue and shared what had happened and to our good fortune they were still available. It was perfect and absolutely meant to be.

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Rustic Elegance 

Aesthetically, we wanted to create an experience that would highlight the beauty of the location, while balancing our own personal touches and still respecting the surroundings and nature. We were going for rustic elegance – channeling nature in the design. This translated into lots of greenery, wildflowers and the use of organic and raw design elements like natural colored linens and textiles, exposed wood, burnished metal touches and ceramic dishes.

In terms of atmosphere, we wanted the evening to feel like the best dinner party you’ve ever been to with delicious food, great music and lots of dancing.

We loved the idea of creating a style that was organic and natural, without feeling too overly done or stylized. We designed  a natural color palette, with shades of wheat, beige and nude hues coupled with greens. I really wanted to play into a natural and understated elegance.

It was important to me to create something that felt truly special and personal.

Trisha Haner was our wedding planner and we quickly became close friends.

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Invitation/Stationery

We used Meret Makes.

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Hair + Makeup

Ashley Cornett did my makeup.

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

A Mira Zwillinger Dress

My wedding dress designer was Mira Zwillinger.

A low V-neck lace gown with a rich train and exposed back, fully adorned with embroidered flower detail.

There was just something special about it. It was one of the first dresses I tried on and every dress I tried on after couldn’t compare.

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Accessories

My shoes were Christian Louboutin.

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Bridesmaids

I chose to allow my bridesmaids to wear whatever they felt best in. It was more important to me that they felt beautiful than having them all match. In the end, I think all of their outfits played really nicely together.  In fact, two of my bridesmaids ended up in stunning emerald green outfits!  They didn’t plan it ahead of time but, yet the bold color really gave an incredible pop to the bridal party!

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Ceremony & Chuppah

The ceremony site was situated on a meadowed bluff overlooking the ocean. Overall the floral design was organic and wild, mimicking the surrounding plants and enhancing their natural beauty. We added textural floral arrangements, made up of wildflowers and greenery, along aisle pathways  leading up to the chuppah. The pieces were designed to feel like a running garden on each side of the aisle.

As guests arrived at the ceremony they were offered a welcome beverage of prosecco or infused water and then seated on natural wood benches

For the ceremony we created a lush chuppah for the couple to marry under. White, wildflower blooms felt both classic but also played a nice contrast against the beautiful ocean backdrop.

We were married under a chuppah that was covered by my grandfather’s talit.

Of all the incredible moments of the weekend, the ceremony stands out as the most special since it was the moment in which we became husband and wife…family.The ceremony was incredibly moving and felt so beautifully honest and real. We were surrounded by so many of our closests friends and family who all offered us their most genuine and beautiful energy. My heart is still so full from that moment.

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Ketubah

Elena Berlo of Once Upon a Paper designed our custom ketubah, translating our vision into a truly beautiful and meaningful piece.

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Our music choice

Our Groom and Bridal Party Processional Music was All you Need is Love by The Beatles. My Bride Processional Music was 8 (Circle) by Bon Iver. Our Recessional Music was Here Comes the Sun by Beatles

The Ceremony music was performed live by a string trio (LA Curbside Entertainment), who performed at the ceremony & cocktail hour.

We hired DJ Tendaji Lathan, who was incredible! I had originally wanted a band, but we opted for a DJ as the acoustics in the greenhouse were not conducive to a band. Tendaji far surpassed all expectations! We told him our goal was to create such a great vibe that no one wanted to leave the dance floor because they were having too good a time and he fully delivered.

Grand Entrance: Sign, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder

First dance song: No Love Dying by Gregory Porter

Father-daughter dance song: You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder

Mother-son dance song: Lovely Day by Bill Withers

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Flowers

Quote from Kristen of Moon Canyon, our florist: keeping with our organic naturally growing garden theme, the centerpieces were garden boxes composed of wispy wild blooms including sweetpea, scabiosa,  larkspur, herbs and vines.

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USALaura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USALaura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Photographer and videographer

Our photographer was Tara Johansen and our videographer was Thomas Tikos-Kadji.

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Food and cake

Our wedding cake was lemon olive oil cake with cream cheese Swiss meringue buttercream from Mama Souls.

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Advice to couples currently planning their wedding

Be present and really soak it all in. Make a conscious effort to savor every moment, you’ll want these memories to last you a lifetime.

Your energy is contagious – if you’re carefree, dancing and having a good time, your guests will too.

Laura and Danny, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, California, USA

LAURA & DANNY’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Photography – Tara Johansen
Videography – Thomas Tikos-Kadji
Ketubah – Once Upon a Paper {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Venue – Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm
Planner – Trisha Haner 
Bride’s dress – Mira Zwillinger
Bride’s shoes – Christian Louboutin
Makeup – Ashley Cornett
Flowers – Moon Canyon
DJ – LA Curbside Entertainment, DJ Tendaji Lathan
Cake – Mama Souls
Stationery/Invitation – Meret Makes

If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, you’ll want to join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club. Guided by the world’s number 1 Jewish wedding expert, Karen Cinnamon, Brides Club is the private community for Jewish and Jew-ish brides that removes wedstress and indecision and gives you what you need to plan with confidence during these uncertain times. Join our Brides Club here.