Leanne and Nick’s Backyard wedding in Santa Barbara

Leanne and Nick’s big day is a backyard wedding with a twang. Married in the backyard of their historic 1910 home known as “The Farmhouse” in downtown Santa Barbara, they wanted to keep with the theme of their favorite sentiment “Home is With You” and maintain the “backyard” welcome feeling throughout their celebration. Planned and designed by Rani Hoover Inspired Weddings & Events, everything from the curated craft cocktails, locally sourced ingredients, vendors all dressed in denim, the local entertainment and custom details all created an atmosphere of family, friends, and a truly beautiful love story. Florals are by Riley’s Flowers, event calligraphy and signage by Ranchera Letters, and metal signage by J. Woeste are stunning and all the details are captured beautifully by Rachel Solomon Photography.

Tell us how you met and became engaged!

From the bride: “Boy next door meets girl next door; after being neighbors for over two years on the Mesa in Santa Barbara, and multiple near misses with mailboxes while checking each other out while driving down our street, we were finally formally introduced by our dear friend Suzie Clark. She was convinced we would be the perfect pair. Following our first date (where we closed down the Boathouse restaurant), we both had the feeling that we might have just met “the one” (especially when Nick showed up in cowboy boots). Beyond just our general outlook on life we shared many similar interests including our love for Montana, running our own companies, country music, and best of all…fly fishing. Our instant connection was deep, natural, and real. Being around each other – even right from the start – felt like home. 6 months after we met we were engaged! Nick proposed in Montana on Whitefish Lake where we now have a little cabin together. Leave it to Nick to propose on his birthday, because he is the most giving and selfless man I know. He said ‘Marrying you was the greatest gift of all. That’s why I proposed on my birthday. And I knew I’d never forget the date!'”

Leanne and Nick spend a lot of time at their home in Montana where they love to fish, hike, bike and explore the great outdoors. But their true home is Santa Barbara and it is here where Leanne and Nick both run their businesses. Leanne has owned and operated a boutique, luxury, vacation rental company since 2005 and Nick owns and operates a Water Well drilling business in town – hence the handsome muddy cowboy boots! Leanne is very active in local philanthropy. Nick is an avid surfer, outdoorsman, successful business man, and is becoming a pilot.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal? 

Guests arrived to craft cocktails from the Good Lion Bar featuring honey from Montana (Leanne & Nick’s favorite summer getaway) and fresh herbs and citrus from their own garden. All served out of Leanne’s daughter Lila’s actual Lemonade Stand and the back of a vintage truck featuring their theme, “Home is with You.”

At the ceremony, the large 100+ year old oak tree served as a remembrance of Leanne’s father who has passed, complete with photos, prayer beads and his favorite fishing hat.

The Groom’s boutonniere featured “flies” from his favorite pastime, and made as a child fly fishing in Montana, the bridal bouquet featured a locket photo of her father. The Groom’s ring is vintage and belonged to Leanne’s father.

Leanne & Nick wrote personal vows to exchange under the eaves of their front porch.

The cocktail hour and reception were filled with twinkly lights and the warm glow of torches as guests sipped cocktails and dined on cuisine from the Catering Connection featuring locally sourced greens, pistachios, strawberries, locally baked artisanal breads, Watkins Ranch grass fed beef and cage free chicken, and McGrath Farms butternut squash.

“I Only Have Pies for You” Pie Station featured organic local ingredients in each homemade pie by the Bakery Farmstand in Los Olivos. The guests feasted on multiple slices insisting on trying every traditional flavor!

The invitations featured a hand illustration and watercolor by Moment Maps and were hand calligraphed by Ranchera Letters.  Ranchera Letters also created all of the custom paper and chalkboard signage including the bar menus, “Soulmates” runner and the beautiful dinner menus at each setting.

Leanne worked with Ranch Gear to create custom embroidered denim jackets for herself, Nick and Lila featuring the “Girl and Boy Next Door” sayings since they met as neighbors while living on the Mesa in Santa Barbara.

The Bryan Titus Trio and DJ Jon Harris kept the guests dancing all night under the stars and even planned a special bouquet toss where during the countdown, all of the ladies melted away so Leanne’s (single) grandmother could catch it!

The night ended with take away cold-pressed hangover-cure green juices from Leanne and Nick’s favorite juice guru, The Juicy Life.

Lila’s dress was created from Leanne’s old wedding dress from her wedding to Lila’s father.

Photography: Rachel Solomon Photography // Planning Coordination & Design: Rani Hoover Inspired Weddings & Events // Flowers: Riley’s Flowers // Invitation Design: Type A Creative // Letterpress: Folio Press & Paperie // Calligraphy & Calligraphed Signage: Ranchera Letters // Custom Watercolor Images & Map: Moment Maps // Dress Designer: Olvi’s // Wedding Dress Boutique: Panache Bridal // Hair & Makeup: Brianna Stewart // Lighting: Spark Creative Events // Vintage Truck: Vintage Truck Rental // Bar cocktails: The Good Lion Bar // Catering: The Catering Connection // Pies & Cobbler: The Bakery Farmstand // Custom Denim Jacket Embroidery: Ranch Gear // Custom Metal Signage: J. Woeste // Band: The Bryan Titus Band // DJ: JSH Music // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box // Rentals: Town & Country Event Rentals // Vintage Rentals: Otis & Pearl Vintage Rentals // Guest gifts “Hangover Cold Pressed Green Juice”: The Juicy Life  // Shuttles: SB Limos // Officiant: Randall Day // Rehearsal Dinner: Cold Spring Tavern