1. Real Weddings

An Alfresco, Summer Wedding at Arnoldi's Cafe in Santa Barbara, California

Sarah Savino (27 and a social worker) met now-husband, Joshua Robert (32 and a surgical technician) in the most unlikely of places: Craigslist. “He po

Sarah Savino (27 and a social worker) met now-husband, Joshua Robert (32 and a surgical technician) in the most unlikely of places: Craigslist. “He posted an ad titled ‘Cookie Cutters Need Not Apply’ and I was hooked," Sarah laughs. "He was so funny, witty and charming!” When it came time to say “I do,” the California-based couple looked to the coastal city of Santa Barbara to house their vintage-meets-bohemian nuptials. Vows took place at the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse, where Sarah and Joshua sealed the deal in the venue’s sunken gardens surrounded by family, friends and a towering pair of palm trees. “Joshua proposed to me there, and my girlfriends and I have always ventured to Santa Barbara for my birthday,” Sarah explains of the sentimental space. Postceremony, partygoers retreated to Arnoldi’s Cafe, where the reception was dotted with locally sourced succulents and a sweet yellow and gray details. “With its market lights, outdoor space, bocce court and amazing food, there was no better place than Arnoldi’s for our reception,” Sarah says. “It was the perfect location to honor my Italian heritage while bringing both of our families together."

The couple said "I do" in the sunken garden of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Guests looked on from simple, white chairs while Sarah and Joshua sealed the deal under a pair of palm trees.
"The invitations were superaffordable and eco-friendly," Sarah says. That's because the invitations doubled as response cards and were sent as postcards. Her stationer incorporated the couple's engagement photos in the custom creation.
"The flowers and my bouquet were easy," Sarah says. "I told my childhood friend that I wanted local wildflowers and let her work her magic."
Sarah's hairpiece echoed her love of all things vintage. It was also a nod to her flowers, which were wild and sourced locally.
The couple said "I do" in the sunken garden of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Guests looked on from simple, white chairs while Sarah and Joshua sealed the deal under a pair of palm trees.
"We worked with the theme of vintage-rustic-bohemian and a color scheme base of gray and yellow," Sarah says. The wildflowers on the white folding chairs and the vintage Spanish tiles in the county courthouse added vibrant color to the celebration.
Burlap accents and potted succulents lent a rustic feel to the alfresco affair.
Plastic Lego's depicting a bride and groom were seen throughout the reception at Arnoldi's Cafe in Santa Barbara.
The couple used miniature succulent potted plants as escort cards. The plants, grown locally in Leucadia, California, doubled as take-home favors for guests.
Bridesmaids carried natural arrangements that included seeded eucalyptus, eucalyptus leaves and craspedia for an added pop of color.
Joshua dipped Sarah for a quick kiss and wedding guests created a tunnel around the newlyweds for their grand exit.