Leslie and Scott’s wedding at Riviera Mansion

Next up we’re sharing another wedding from the talented team over at Michael Costa + Anna Costa Photography. It’s fun to see how a photographer shoot different styles and this classic country club wedding is totally different from the relaxed Hawaiian vibe of the previous post captured by the same photographers. Leslie and Scott were married at Riviera Mansion/University Club in Santa Barbara. The ceremony had to be moved indoors due to weather, but the resulting vows in front of the fireplace just added to the overall vibe. We’re loving the classic details like the bride’s lace Matthew Christopher gown and all the gorgeous florals by Anna Le Pley Taylor. Check out these details and more in the lovely images by Michael Costa + Anna Costa Photography.

What made the wedding special and unique?

Scott and I live in San Diego, but we always talked about having our wedding in Santa Barbara. We wanted our wedding to have a small–town intimate feeling, where everyone would feel like one big family. My mom was the one who actually found our venue online and after viewing it in person, we knew it was the perfect place for us to get married. Even when my plans for an outside ceremony were canceled due to rain, we moved it into the living room in front of the fireplace which turned out more perfect than I could have ever imagined.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

My gown was Matthew Christopher, and I found it at Mon Amie Bridal Salon in Costa Mesa. I was set on finding a dress with cap sleeves and after trying on a few that just weren’t right for me, my dress stylist at Mon Amie asked me to try on a dress she had picked out for me. After trying it on, she said she initially hid it from me because she didn’t want me to dismiss it automatically as it was strapless. Not only did it fit me like a glove, but it made me feel sexy and elegant. The paisley lace was unlike anything I had ever seen and stood out beautifully against the mocha underlay. I also fell in love with the buttons that went all the way down my train.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We created an area in the foyer to pay homage to our parents. Both couples are still married – a rarity these days. Our parents mean a great deal to us, and we wanted to thank them for always being supportive, loving, and a great example of what a successful marriage looks like. Another personal touch for me was the bear charm I sewed onto my garter. Scott and my step daughter Leigha’s nickname for me is Bear, so having the charm made it feel like I had them close to me all day.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

There were many memorable moments throughout the day, but the one that stands out is our ‘first look.’ It was an amazing moment to have with Scott, and I think we were more emotional here than we were at the actual ceremony!

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We were introduced by a mutual friend. We laugh now because we can remember parties we were both at and never met!

Scott proposed to me at Basic, a restaurant in downtown San Diego. This restaurant has a special meaning in both of our hearts because it is where I told Scott I loved him for the first time. After dinner, he took me to the exact spot in front of the restaurant where I had told him I loved him and got down on one knee. I was so surprised – it was such a wonderful, surreal moment. Because no one else was around at the time, it truly felt like we were the only two people in the world at that moment. In fact, we ended up taking a photo in front of a firehouse because the firemen were the only people around!

Photographer: Michael Costa + Anna Costa Photography // Florals: Anna Le Pley Taylor // Paper Goods: Smitten on Paper, Amy Gonzales // Venue: Riviera Mansion/University Club // Rentals: Classic Party Rentals SB – Tables & Chairs // Linens: La Tavola // Videographer: Shark Pig Weddings, Wade Koch // Officiant: Jono Shaffer // Acoustic Guitarist for Ceremony: Christopher Wooley  // DJ: Nik Bordokoff // Hair/Makeup: Feathers and Fox // Hair & Makeup Design by Peggy Busch // Cake: Christine Dahl Pastries // Brides Dress: Matthew Christopher // Bridal Shop: Mon Amie Bridal Salon, Costa Mesa // Brides Shoes: Schutz // Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo // Grooms/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse