Erika and Mitchell wanted their Santa Barbara rehearsal dinner to be just as special as the big day itself to mark the start of their wedding weekend! The couple opted for a family-style dinner at The Lark, a beloved Santa Barbara staple in the heart of the Funk Zone. The Lark is known for its seasonal, locally-driven menu and warm atmosphere (plus, their fried chicken is my absolute favorite!).
The dining experience encouraged conversation and connection, and there was so much excitement for the full weekend ahead. It was the perfect way to bring Erika and Mitchell’s loved ones together before the wedding day.
The Lark in Santa Barbara, California
The Lark is part of Acme Hospitality Group, which also includes the adjacent Santa Barbara Wine Collective and Pearl Social. As part of the larger wedding weekend celebration, the couple hosted additional events at Acme Hospitality’s locations; it was a delightfully-elevated experience for their guests. The patio and indoor dining room at Santa Barbara Wine Collective welcomed rehearsal dinner attendees with a design that felt intimate and thoughtfully-styled (because, of course, Erika herself is the designer!). The space was transformed with candlelight, velvet rust linens that matched Erika’s dress from Kamperett, and rentals from Found Rental Co. and Table Method. The event offered a chic vibe that’s just so very Santa Barbara, and reflected Erika and Mitchell’s personal style, too.
The first night of a festive weekend
As dinner service wrapped, guests shared heartfelt toasts and the room filled with easy laughter (plus some tears from the bride). Erika and Mitch were intentional about giving their friends and family a taste of Santa Barbara. They wanted their friends and family (especially those visiting from out of town) to experience the food, wine, and laid-back elegance of their town. Starting the weekend at The Lark felt like the right introduction! It was an evening that set the stage beautifully for the rest of the weekend’s events.
There’s more where that came from! You can see Erika and Mitchell’s welcome reception aboard the Channel Cat along the Santa Barbara Coast right over here. And I’m sorry, but have you SEEN their engagement photos?!
Finally, for their big finale, the wedding day at the Santa Barbara Courthouse!
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Planning + design: Array Creative Design
Venue: The Lark + Santa Barbara Wine Collective
Floral design: Breanna Jane Botanicals
Hair + makeup: Blushing Beauty
Erika’s dress: Kamperett
Stationery: Emily J. Snyder + Swell Press
Rentals: Table Method + Found Rental Co.
Meet your Santa Barbara rehearsal dinner photographer
I’m here for the feelings and the anticipation for the big event.
As your Santa Barbara rehearsal dinner photographer, my specialty is capturing effortless images without pulling you away from the moments that actually matter (the giddiness, happy tears, tiny details, and everything in between).
My approach is all about keeping you present, relaxed, and feeling like your very best self while I document your day from start to finish. If you want a photography experience that feels seamless, personal, and genuinely joyful, let’s create something unforgettable together.
