East Coast transplants to sunny California, Nneka and Thomas (Tommy) couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate their new life together than to invite their closest friends and family to enjoy the beautiful weather and grand sights of the mountains juxtaposed with the Pacific Ocean. Their Santa Barbara destination wedding at Hotel Californian not only achieved their goal, but it also offered the perfect balance between Tommy’s affinity for art deco vibes and Nneka’s desire to be surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors.

From the start of wedding planning, Santa Barbara jumped out to the couple, who had visited the city a few years before for a wine tasting trip. “[We] never forgot how the experience made us feel,” the bride says. “The food, the history, the wine, and the way the ocean and mountains exist side by side created a sense of joy and calm that stayed with us.”

The next step? Find a venue that could evoke the same emotions as that wine tasting trip. Enter: Hotel Californian.

“Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the hotel blends Spanish Colonial foundations with Moroccan influences, rich tilework, and layered textures,” Nneka says, “while its rooftop spaces overlook both the Pacific Ocean and the mountains.”

Naturally, the decor for Nneka and Tommy’s event would follow their chosen venue’s lead. In collaboration with the couple’s planner, Katelin of La Vie Events, a palette of soft sage, sun-kissed peach, and navy blue informed the overall design of the event. Rooftop florals, succulent accents, velvet navy napkins, and sleek navy and rose-gold paper goods would pop against the hotel’s black-and-white Moroccan tile. 

One of Nneka and Tommy’s most personal DIY details was the escort card display. “I searched through years of photos, selected and printed images for each guest,” Nneka tells us, “and hand-assembled them into champagne cork holders for all 100 guests, turning seating assignments into instant conversation starters.”

Armed with Katelin’s deep knowledge of the location and a trusted network of vendors, the couple’s decision-making process from afar was breezy. Nneka also made multiple site visits ahead of the wedding to finalize details and feel extra confident in their choices!

“If it’s possible, I would absolutely recommend visiting in person, as it made the entire experience feel more grounded and enjoyable,” the bride advises.

When the wedding day approached, Nneka and Tommy fully relaxed into their roles as bride and groom. Blending tradition and personalization, the couple’s Episcopalian rooftop ceremony at Hotel Californian beautifully encapsulated who they are as a modern, multicultural couple. 

Accompanied by a live harpist, Nneka stepped out in a lovely sheath dress by Jenny Yoo and walked down the aisle to “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” A former stand-up comedian, Tommy’s vows had guests cracking up, balancing the emotional weight of making official what the couple always knew in their hearts; they were made for each other. 

“We also jumped the broom to honor my African American heritage,” Nneka adds, “symbolizing unity and the beginning of our life together, and later celebrated with a Nigerian money dance surrounded by family and friends.”

During cocktail hour, guests connected under the Santa Barbara sky over a custom bean bag toss game labeled with the couple’s last name, while a roving saxophonist serenaded them into the evening.

The reception invited folks indoors to a ballroom transformed by moody, modern elegance. Against the hotel’s signature tile, tables were set with matte black fluted chargers, plush navy velvet, and sleek circular menus. Warmth radiated from taper candles in glass chimneys, while low-profile white florals allowed the architecture to shine. Seated in black Bentwood chairs, guests welcomed Nneka and Tommy in as they began their first dance as man and wife, choreographed to perfection. The bride stunned in her second look of the day: a silky, high-neck halter-topped gown by Khanum’s featuring two strings of pearls across an open back. A champagne tour of brut rose brought the celebration to its final stage of dinner and joyous dancing into the night.

Looking back at that dazzling day in sunny Santa Barbara, Nneka and Tommy have some wisdom they’d like to impart to other couples about to begin their destination wedding planning journey. 

“Start early and trust your gut,” Nneka says. “The earlier you begin, the more space you have to make thoughtful decisions rather than reactive ones. If something feels right, lean into it, and if it doesn’t, pay attention to that too. Being clear on your priorities and trusting your instincts makes the logistics easier and helps the entire process stay joyful instead of overwhelming!”

Vendors: Planning & Design: La Vie Events; Photographers: James & Jess; Venue + Catering: Hotel Californian; Florist: Alexis Ireland Florals; Stationery: Formed and Fabled; Rentals: Ventura Rental, Theoni Collection, BBJ La Tavola, and Bella Vista Designs; Music: Party Proper Productions; Hair & Makeup: NV Glam Team; Cake: Lele Patisserie; Bride Ceremony Dress: Jenny Yoo; Bride Reception Dress: Khanum’s; Bridesmaids Dresses: Revelry; Men’s Attire: State & Liberty