WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE — ORPET PARK by the EL ENCANTO — SANTA BARBARA
Intimate weddings are a very sweet way to begin married life. Elopements to Montecito, Santa Barbara, Ojai and the Santa Ynez Valley are becoming a popular option for couples who wish for a stress-free experience. This darling couple was thrilled to hear about a little "pocket park" — off the beaten track — just steps away from the Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara. Their ceremony was customized to reflect the vision of the future they share. The tender moments when they exchanged personal vows were completely private — not one other person was at the park. They were staying at the hotel and had noticed that other guests would constantly be walking by all the small grassy places where they had hoped to have a private ceremony. When we told them about the tiny park just below the hotel, they ventured down the hill and were surprised at its wonderful vibe. We felt like fairies were hiding in the trees! Because we’re local, we love to share our “inside” knowledge of the unique places for a marriage ceremony that are often overlooked — leading to one-of-a-kind weddings. On the afternoon of a perfect day, we met at the park where they had earlier scoped out the greatest place to have their ceremony — a shady spot nestled in the trees. The bride paid a special tribute to her grandmother by wearing the glittering pumps she had worn in the 50's — a lovely spiritual connection, for sure! And as a special aspect of this "secret space" that Santa Barbara Classic Weddings officiant, Patrice Handley, knew about: the couple could bring their little dog! Now they have their own hidden place to come back to in years to come that will always be special for them!