Capturing Love in Santa Barbara: A Wedding Inspiration Shoot at Hotel Californian

If you’re looking for wedding inspiration, look no further than this stunning styled shoot. Renae and Pat were the perfect couple to showcase the breathtaking Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara, CA.

The team behind this wedding inspiration shoot was nothing short of amazing. It was a privilege to work with such a talented group of people. Tyler Speier handled all of the planning, design, and flowers. Without a doubt, the hosts, James Witty, Jess Fairchild, and the staff at Thrive Photo Conference, did an incredible job of bringing everything together.

The Hotel Californian was the perfect venue for this shoot, providing a stunning backdrop for the photos. With its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and beautiful gardens, it’s no wonder that so many couples choose to get married here.

Seriously, this session couldn’t have happened without the help of some amazing vendors. Lacey Maxwell handled all of the makeup, and Under The Veils worked magic with hair. The dress was from Lovely Bride’s Louvienne collection, and it was a dream come true. Pat’s striking red tux was from ASOS and was the perfect complement to the roses.

But of course, the real stars of the show were the models themselves. Renae and Pat were celebrating their one-year anniversary, and they were the perfect couple to bring this shoot to life. 

They live half of the year in Seattle and the other in Santa Barbara. Their adventurous spirits are so inspiring, and their love and chemistry was everything and more!

During this session, Renae and Pat were front and center, surrounded by a bunch of photographers. It can be challenging to get the perfect shots when a group of photographers is all trying to get the same photos. But this challenge forced me to get creative and find new angles and perspectives. The results were truly breathtaking!

One of the things that really stood out to me about this shoot was the use of red flowers. As a child, I always dreamed of having red flowers everywhere at my wedding. People told me I was crazy, so I forgot the idea. Years later, when I was planning my wedding, it didn’t even cross my mind. 

But now, as a photographer, I know that you should always follow your dreams. Even if that idea seems wild to others. The red flowers in this shoot were absolutely stunning, showing that no matter what people say, your way is a perfect way, especially on your wedding day. It’s your wedding!! Do whatever you want.

Overall, this styled shoot was such a treasure, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it. The amount of teamwork to bring this session to life was unreal, but we worked together seamlessly to create some truly enchanting images. If you’re planning your own wedding, I hope that this shoot inspires you to think outside the box and create something that reflects your own unique style and personality.

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While I’m no longer photographing weddings, I’m still here to capture beautiful moments for families and business owners! Whether you’re looking for heartfelt family photos or branding images that truly reflect you, I’d love to help. Let’s create a session that feels natural, fun, and uniquely you—get in touch today to start planning!

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