Family comes first for Rachel and Jason, so it’s no small coincidence that the two met through a familial connection. Jason is the cousin of Rachel’s best friend, and after a few months, he finally worked up the nerve to ask Rachel out on a date. Unfortunately, time wasn’t on this couple’s side and after being inseparable for weeks, Rachel left Utah for college in Hawaii. Thankfully, the saying “Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” rang true for these two and after one semester, Rachel was back in Utah and ready to walk down the aisle.

When it came time to say “I do,” the couple knew they wouldn’t get the wedding they wanted by staying in Utah. Instead, they chose to host their destination wedding at Rachel’s grandparents’ home in Santa Barbara, California. Her parents had also gotten married at the beautiful home, so not only was it historically significant, but it was beautiful to boot. Come W-day, the couple was married at the Los Angeles LDS Temple and was joined by 150 family and friends for their outdoor reception.

For Rachel and Jason, keeping their wedding as small as possible was key in executing their vision of a beautiful sit-down dinner with their friends and families. “Being that it was a smaller wedding…we were able to enjoy [everything] and feel a part of the party,” says the bride. “Some couples [have said] they don’t remember eating at their wedding or talking with certain people, but I loved our wedding because we felt a part of it all and didn’t miss out on anything.”

Both the bride and groom are the middle of five children, so it’s easy to understand why family was such an integral part in the planning of their destination wedding. While some of their friends were unable to make the trek to Santa Barbara, Rachel and Jason are confident they celebrated their union perfectly – as one big, happy family.

Vendors: Ceremony and Reception Site: Los Angeles, California LDS Temple & Private home in Santa Barbara, California, Photography: Gideon Photography, Wedding Coordination: Party Pleasers, Catering: Palazzio, Cake: Bread Basket Cake Company & homemade by family members, Wedding Gown: Allure Bridals, Groom’s Attire: Vacano Tailor Made Suits, Bridesmaids’ Attire: Blouses from Cotton On and skirts from Urban Outfitters, Groomsmens’ Attire: Vacano Tailor Made Suits, DJ: Don Henry with Music Memories and More, Invitation Suite: Laura Ashley, Rentals/Linens: Andrew Evans with Party Pleasers. 

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Spring/Summer 2014 issue. You can order a copy here.