Adam and Karen’s wedding at the Ritz Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara was a romantic and unforgettable celebration. They met as students at UC Santa Barbara and spent six wonderful years together before this beautiful winter wedding. Their love for traveling the world, enjoying culinary delights, and spending time with their furball, Andy, is evident in every part of their life. Let me take you through their stunning day at this luxurious venue.
Adam proposed in one of their favorite places: Lake Tahoe. It was an intimate and romantic moment, one they will cherish forever. After the proposal, they began planning their Santa Barbara wedding at The Ritz Carlton Bacara, booking me as their photographer in January 2021 for their December 2022 wedding.
Their engagement session took place at two very special locations: the Santa Barbara Courthouse and Elwood Bluffs in Goleta. Both locations hold sentimental value, and their love for each other radiated through the images.
Adam and Karen are incredibly lucky—not just because they have each other, but also because of how the weather turned out. Despite expecting cold, rainy weather, the rain stopped just in time for the first look, portraits, and bridal party photos. We had planned to go indoors for family formals to keep everyone warm, and it started pouring as soon as we stepped inside!
Thankfully, the Ritz Carlton Bacara offers excellent backup locations in case of rain. We had to adjust the ceremony and reception sites, but everything turned out beautifully. The planner, Jill Remy, the venue coordinator Andrea Girardello, and the florist Haute Blossoms Floral did a fantastic job adapting to the backup plan, and the day was perfect. Despite the rain, we still captured beautiful photos!
Adam and Karen are such a sweet, calm, and easygoing couple. They made my job as their photographer so much easier. Karen’s dress from Bo Lee Bridal was a standout—an elegant, long-sleeved gown with a dramatic feel that I absolutely loved!
The wedding featured a traditional Jewish hora dance, and the dance floor was packed all night. The band, “The Class,” traveled all the way from Orange County, and they were incredible!
It was an unforgettable experience to capture Adam and Karen’s love story. They’re such a lovely couple, and I feel honored to have been part of their special day. If you’re looking for a passionate and professional photographer for your wedding, feel free to inquire or follow me on Instagram (@sarahvgphotography).