Erika and Mitchell wanted to treat their guests to an unforgettable weekend in Santa Barbara, so they decided to host their wedding welcome party on the Santa Barbara Channel Cat! The luxury, recently redesigned catamaran departed from the Santa Barbara Harbor. The couple’s friends and family enjoyed a two-hour cruise down the California coast. After returning to dry land, everyone headed to Lama Dog for snacks and brews — wedding weekend festivities had officially begun!

Pre-party portraits

Before boarding the Channel Cat, Erika and Mitchell took some pre-wedding portraits around Palihouse, a boutique hotel in the heart of Santa Barbara. Erika’s welcome party dress was a lovely two-piece ensemble by designer AMUR for Anthropologie Weddings. The pleated, tiered skirt and ruffly top were the perfect complement for the hotel’s chic interiors; it was also a winning outfit for an afternoon of cocktails at sea! Her handsome groom-to-be dressed in light beige suiting to keep with the boat cruise’s all-white dress code.

The celebration

Slate Catering created a charcuterie spread that was as beautiful as it was delicious, and Simply Cocktails served signature libations alongside a fully-stocked bar. Breanna Jane Botanicals sprinkled minimalist floral arrangements throughout the space in shades of soft purples (as a little preview for their wedding color palette!)

A wedding welcome party aboard the Channel Cat is a fabulous way to kick off an extended weekend celebration in Santa Barbara.

—

Here are my favorite shots from Erika and Mitchell’s wedding day, too!

Planning + design: Array Creative Design
Floral design: Breanna Jane Botanicals
Venue: Santa Barbara Channel Cat
Hotel: Palihouse Santa Barbara
Grazing table: Slate Catering
Bar service: Simply Cocktails
Hair + makeup: Blushing Beauty
Dress: AMUR from Anthropologie Weddings