As seen on Carats + Cake

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Molly and Max managed to choose the most perfect autumn day for their Montecito Club wedding in November. The weather was sunny, but not too warm, with a stunning, clear view of the ocean behind the ceremony.

Set on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Montecito Club offers a refined but relaxed backdrop. The venue’s Spanish-style architecture, manicured grounds, and sweeping terraces made a perfect backdrop for this couple’s wedding celebration. The elevated position makes the ocean feel present without overpowering the moment; it frames the ceremony in a way that is both polished and effortless.

Montecito Club wedding design

The modern, whimsical design by Erika Bellitt of Array Creative was also a fabulous match for fall in California. Both ceremony and reception were infused with a colorful palette and rich, textural elements. The custom chuppah was overflowing with orange marigolds and peach roses for the ceremony, complemented by grounded floral pieces lining the aisle. Lounges of natural cane and rattan textures and a 360-degree fern green statement bar gave cocktail hour its own personality. Bronze velvet linens set with autumnal arrangements and Casa de Perrin place settings at the reception were the perfect design finale to this delightful celebration for Molly and Max!

They made it personal

One of the most fun details was the personalized invitation suite by the bride’s friend Aidan Romick. One of the watercolor illustrations at the bottom of the main invitation card (and on various other paper goods throughout the wedding, like cocktail napkins and menus) included chickens. Max and Molly’s nickname for each other is “chicken.”

How adorable is that? I’m obsessed! I even included vintage postage stamps featuring chickens when I photographed their invitation suite.

Mid-reception haircut

This Montecito Club wedding was a little EXTRA special thanks to a surprise that no one saw coming (including the groom!). The bride, Molly, decided to debut a dramatic transformation and surprise her now-husband Max with a shorter haircut during the reception! Max had once casually told Molly that while he loved her hair at any length, he thought a shorter cut would suit her beautifully.

So, Molly quietly enlisted the help of her hairdresser friend, who was more than happy to step in. They chopped several inches off Molly’s signature wavy-blonde locks after sneaking away in the middle of the reception. Molly also slipped out of her Katherine Tash Jules gown into a dance floor-ready two-piece corseted maxi-dress ensemble (complete with patent white Prada loafers). She then made her grand return to the party, hitting the dance floor to the delight and shock of Max! The couple’s cheering friends and family helped further turn the moment into an instant highlight of the night.

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For more Montecito Club wedding goodness, here is Bailey and Brendan’s October wedding!

Planner + designer: Array Creative Design
Venue + catering: Montecito Club
Photography: Emily Loeppke
Videography: West Imagery
Floral design: Best Day Ever Floral Design
Hair + makeup: Samara Beauty
Wedding dress: Katherine Tash
Entertainment: Dart Collective
Stationery: Aidan Romick
Rentals: Casa De Perrin, Found Rental Co, Theoni Collection
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Lighting: Bella Vista Designs
Cake: Lele Patisserie