Susan and Telly’s Santa Barbara wedding was a celebration that blended Parisian garden romance with the moody essence of a chic European lounge. Planned and designed by Luck Eleven Events and captured by Hanna Walkowaik, the day flowed from sun-drenched florals and soft blush tones at Hotel Californian into candlelit tables, rich textures, and late-night dancing. Filled with thoughtful, personal touches, from Susan’s family-inspired bridal gown to a Parisian-inspired menu and treats honoring both of their heritages, every detail felt intentional and uniquely theirs.
The Venue
For their wedding, Susan and Telly chose Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara, California, taking advantage of its distinct architecture and waterfront views to create a celebration that felt like a European escape. The day moved from lush garden vibes for the ceremony to Parisian-inspired charm during cocktail hour, before transitioning into a nighttime lounge aesthetic for dinner and dancing.
The Details
Just as each space at the venue brought its own feel to the celebration, the wedding stationery struck a balance between soft romance and deeper, moodier tones. Ivory, espresso brown, inky black, and warm blush came together to hint at the Parisian-inspired garden setting, while offering the first glimpse at the details that would carry through the rest of the day.
For her gown, Susan wore a romantic long-sleeve Pronovias lace gown with a delicate floral appliqué that created a timeless, feminine look perfectly suited to the setting. It also carried a sweet family connection: Susan’s mom wore a long-sleeve lace dress to her own wedding 45 years ago in 1980, and Susan’s gown immediately reminded her of it, making it feel like the perfect tie-in.
The Couple
Susan and Telly met at NYU Stern after each noticing the other at different parties in the same week. They finally started talking, and well, the rest was history! Their wedding was the ultimate full-circle moment for a couple whose story started with a few serendipitous glances and one very well-timed conversation.
The Ceremony
Moving into the ceremony, this is where the Parisian garden romance truly came to life. Lush, garden-style arrangements by Knot Just Flowers, in soft blush and ivory, framed the ceremony with organic elegance. It was a romantic and effortless backdrop for the moment they said, “I do.”
The Cocktail Hour
With the ceremony behind them, guests transitioned into a daytime Parisian-inspired cocktail hour overflowing with abundance and personality. Multiple interactive stations, such as a sushi bar, kept everyone mingling as live music played into the sunset, while Polaroid-style escort cards featuring each guest created a personal, nostalgic touch to the day.
The Reception
As the sun went down, this Santa Barbara wedding took a moodier turn for dinner and dancing, inspired by some of Susan and Telly’s favorite restaurants, including Bar Cecil in Palm Springs and CouCou in LA. They leaned into the ballroom’s unique design with a black, white, and brown palette that paired beautifully with the walnut bars, while richly textured arrangements in rust, burgundy, and amber, luxe linens, sculptural centerpieces, and layered candlelight transformed the space into a moody, intimate European dining room.
The Celebration
Following dinner, Susan and Telly’s Santa Barbara wedding carried late into the night on the dance floor. And, of course, no celebration would be complete without the perfect soundtrack! Susan’s dad, a BIG music lover, worked with the band to curate the perfect selection of songs for each stage of the day, helping the energy evolve right along with the celebration. The evening ended on an equally thoughtful note, with guests heading home with boxes of baklava and rugelach, a sweet nod to Telly’s Greek heritage and Susan’s Jewish heritage, and a perfectly personal way to end the night.
From the sun-drenched garden ceremony to the candlelit dinner and packed dance floor, Susan and Telly’s Santa Barbara wedding was a celebration full of personality, thoughtful details, and plenty of joy. Every transition throughout the day felt intentional, creating an experience that was both effortlessly elegant and unmistakably theirs. If you loved this Santa Barbara wedding, keep the California wedding inspiration going by checking out An Italian-Inspired California Wedding at Tivoli Villa!
