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Colorful Coastal Destination Wedding with Unique Touches in Santa Barbara

Newlyweds share a kiss on their wedding day, embracing love and joy

With friends and family living all over the world, this fun couple decided to have a destination wedding in a location that would be a nice vacation for all of their guests. The experts at VP Events helped Edward and Gloria put together a bright, colorful wedding that was full of personal touches. Check out all of the gorgeous details from this colorful coastal destination wedding in the full gallery here, all fabulously captured by the ever-so talented Mi Belle Photography.

Elegant bride in white wedding dress smiling, holding bouquet

Bride's silver peep-toe shoes peeking out from under her wedding dress

Beautiful bride smiling holding a flower bouquet at her wedding

Bride holding a beautiful white and green wedding bouquet of flowers

From Mi Belle Photography:Edward proposed to Gloria in January of 2012 on the second anniversary of their first date. As LA transplants and with family and friends coming from the Mid-West, East Coast, England, Canada, Australia, and Ghana, they wanted to have a wedding in a destination that would be a vacation for their guests and give them a taste of California. They chose Santa Barbara (where they enjoyed their first weekend getaway together) and the Bacara Resort.

Bride with bridesmaids in purple dresses smiling for a photo

small colorful bridesmaid bouquet by NLC Productions

Groom in a gray suit and a bow tie outdoors smiling at the wedding

The cliff top setting for the ceremony was the perfect site to cap off their beachside wedding week that included a beach barbecue, wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley, croquet and champagne, and golf at nearby Sandpiper. Gloria and Edward wanted their ceremony and reception to be a celebration with bright colors, a fun atmosphere and some personal touches.

Wedding ceremony venue with ocean view and floral decorations

Wedding arch decorated with vibrant flowers on a grassy lawn

Wedding invitation on white stones, celebrating Gloria and Edward

Outdoor wedding ceremony with flower arch and purple accents

Newlyweds walking down the aisle showered with rose petals

Their signature cocktail was Pimm's Cup — a nod to the half-British groom; they had a caricature artist sketching portraits of their guests throughout the night; they cut the cake with Edward's grandfather's West Point sword; and they served mini versions of their favorite desserts late into the night — crème brulee, peanut butter & chocolate tortes, and macaroons.

Elegant wedding reception setup with floral centerpieces

Elegant wedding table setting with champagne and floral decorations

Elegant table setting with pink floral centerpiece decorations

Elegant wedding reception table setting with orange flowers

Wedding table setting with orange flowers and place card

Bride and groom at a wedding reception, looking towards something

From the Bride:I guess I would have wanted one more hour on the dance floor! In retrospect, I am really glad we had all of the pre and post wedding activities so we really had a chance to talk with all of our guests, many of whom had traveled from all over the globe!We love the idea of having a caricature artist at your wedding reception. Not only is it something fun and original for your guests to enjoy, but also a unique wedding favor.

Artist sketching a portrait at an event, capturing people

Elegant lights and disco balls hanging from the ceiling at an event

pink floral ombre wedding cake by Bacara Resort and Spa

One of the personal touches in Edward and Gloria's wedding celebration was using the West Point sword that belonged to Edward's grandfather to cut their gorgeous wedding cake — which is so much more fun than a traditional cake knife and a great way to incorporate a unique part of your family history into your special day!

Bride and groom cutting wedding cake with orchid decorations

Wedding reception with bride and groom dancing, guests celebrating

You simply must watch the entire video The Cana Family created of this colorful coastal destination wedding! A breathtaking and memorable wedding film that we could watch over and over.

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