Michael + Anna Costa might need to enter the SMP Hall of Fame. The weddings that they send us are pinned, favorited and commented on like crazy with brides and grooms that are always madly in love, flowers that scream romance and a photographic style that is all together kind of delicious. So when we spotted this beauty, we knew we had to have it. Something about the pretty pinks all in a row and the jaw droppingly gorgeous Los Olivios backdrop had us at hello. Throw in the photographs that Michael + Anna snapped…and well, you have the definition of wedding perfection.
From the bride… Brandon and I met five years ago through a setup by a mutual friend. I was living in San Francisco at the time but planning to re-locate to San Diego, where Brandon was currently living. We instantly hit it off and, because to the distance, we were able to develop a wonderful friendship over the phone for the first few months of dating. Upon moving to San Diego, our relationship grew even through two moves, including one to a new state for both of us: Arizona. When planning our wedding, we knew we wanted to have our wedding at a winery, not only because wineries offer such beautiful scenery and landscape, but because we both very much enjoy wine and wine tasting trips. With Brandon’s family and friends from Southern California and mine from Northern California, the Santa Ynez Valley and Firestone Winery offered us a central spot to host our big day. Firestone Winery has the most amazing vineyard mesa with an enormous oak tree that provided the perfect backdrop for a sunset wedding. The day couldn’t have been more perfect. While the early evening breezes did sweep my veil away a few times, it made for some wonderful photos and some laughs that eased wedding nerves!
While planning the wedding from Arizona did prove to be logistically challenging at times (flying into LA with a 1.5 hour rental car drive north to Santa Barbara), I was privileged to work with best-in-class vendors, including Michael and Anna Costa Photographers, Jessica Kuipers at Bijoux Events, Juniper Presence at Juniper Flowers, Matt Odom at Rock and Roll Hearts, Pure Joy Catering and Enjoy Cupcakes, among others. Their professionalism allowed us to truly enjoy the day stress-free. I can say without question that was the best day of my life — I married my best friend in the most beautiful setting.
Wedding Photography: Michael + Anna Costa Photographers / Wedding Venue: Firestone Vineyards in Los Olivos, California / Firestone Events Contact: Rachel Korrey (R4orrey@Firestonewine.com) / Flowers: Juniper Presence of Juniper Floral Designs / Planner: Jessica Kuipers of Bijoux Events / Catering: Pure Joy Catering / Cake + Cupcakes: Enjoy Cupcakes / DJ: Morgan William of AMS Entertainment / Transportation: EOS Transportation / Lighting: LBPS Lighting / Cinematography: Matt Odom of Rock & Roll Hearts / Hair + Makeup: LunaBella Makeup Art / Officiant: Rev. Barbara Laughray/ Bridal Suite: Hotel Corque Wedding Gown + Sash: Jim Hjelm via Destiny’s Bride / Bride’s Belt Brooch: 2007musarra / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jim Hjelm