When you meet in high school, grow up together, and spend twelve years building a life side by side… your wedding doesn’t need to prove anything. It just needs to feel like you. That’s exactly what Sam and Masson created at Villa Verano in Santa Barbara — a wedding day that was intimate, meaningful, and soaked in golden California light.

Their celebration was a masterclass in doing things with intention. From the thoughtfully designed tablescapes to the late-night In-N-Out surprise, every piece of the day was there because it mattered. And the venue… don’t even get me started!

Why Villa Verano Was the Perfect Backdrop

Okay, well since we’re here, let’s take a minute to appreciate Villa Verano, aka, the Mediterranean dreamboat of Santa Barbara venues. Set on over 13 acres, this private estate is the perfect mix of old-world elegance with California soul. Think: ocean views, sunken gardens, Spanish-tiled patios, and architecture that feels more like a romantic getaway than a wedding venue.

There’s something about this place that invites you to slow down. It’s spacious but never overwhelming. Grand, but still intimate. Whether you’re wandering through fruit trees or dancing under twinkle lights in the courtyard, Villa Verano doesn’t just hold your wedding, it holds your people. And that’s what made it the perfect match for Sam and Masson’s day.

Small Guest List, Big Heart

Sam and Masson’s wedding was intentionally intimate — a smaller guest list, but no shortage of love. They skipped the stress of trying to greet 200 people and instead made space to connect, linger, laugh, and be with everyone who showed up for them.

From the start, they were focused on presence over perfection. They shared a heartfelt first look in the courtyard, then dove straight into portraits with their crew. Guests arrived to welcome drinks under the sun, and the ceremony that followed was simple, joyful, and bursting with warmth.

Cocktail hour flowed into a pizza dinner (yes, pizza), heartfelt toasts, and golden-hour first dances. The vibe was romantic but relaxed. Thoughtful but never stiff. Like a dinner party with the people who know you best, and a dance floor that just kept going.

Design That Felt Like Home

The decor was elevated without feeling overdone. Every detail (from the rentals to the florals) felt like it belonged there. Earthy tones, soft textures, and intentional layers played beautifully against the venue’s natural architecture. It was luxe, but not loud. Beautiful, but never trying too hard. Basically, the wedding equivalent of quiet luxury.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get better? Out came the late-night crepes and a surprise In-N-Out burger handoff from the couple to their guests!! The perfect mix of thoughtful and fun, which summed them up perfectly.

Why a Villa Wedding Just Hits Different

Sam and Masson are proof that when you choose a villa wedding, you’re choosing more than a venue, you’re choosing an experience. Here’s why it works so well:

Everything in one place. 

No shuttling guests around. Ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, it all happens on-site, which makes the whole day flow so much more naturally.

It feels like home. 

But a really, really fancy one. Villas offer both intimacy and grandeur. You can have 100 guests and still feel like you’re hosting a dinner party.

Built-in beauty.

With a location like Villa Verano, you don’t need to over-style. The architecture, views, and gardens do the heavy lifting, so you can keep your decor clean and intentional.

Flexibility. 

Villas give you room to move. Want a courtyard ceremony and a garden dinner? Go for it. Want pizza for dinner and crepes for dessert? Yes, chef.

Their Santa Barbara Villa Wedding Vendor Team

Venue: Villa Verano

Planner: Viva Planning Event & Design

Floral Designer: Felicidad En Flor

Catering + Bar: Pure Joy Catering

Food Truck: Lucca Truck

Rentals: Bright Event Rentals, Luxe Linen

Stationery: Luxe & Linen

DJ + Lighting: G Roy Presents

Transportation: Golden Rooster SB

I’m all about capturing the honest, intimate, in-between moments, the ones that happen when you’re surrounded by your people, in a place that feels like home. If Villa Verano (or somewhere like it) is calling your name, reach out and let’s start planning something beautiful!