Set against the Kimpton Canary Hotel’s Spanish-style architecture, Madeline and Kurt’s rehearsal dinner and welcome party leaned into color, fruit, and florals, a vibrant contrast to the timeless, romantic wedding day that followed.
Designed for the Space
Instead of repeating the wedding’s classic look, Madeline wanted the rehearsal dinner to embrace its setting.
“We wanted to embrace the hotel’s beautiful Spanish-style architecture. The vibrant blues, warm oranges, and florals complemented the space perfectly and created such a fun and different atmosphere.”
Her planner, Caroline of Caroline Events, says each event in the weekend was designed by leaning into its venue.
“For the rehearsal dinner, we leaned into the Santa Barbara feel with the Spanish-style rooftop design. We took a more masculine approach with blues and rust colors, so it felt casual yet elegant.”
The rooftop tablescape followed the same idea: let the setting guide everything.
“We wanted everything to feel natural to the setting. The fresh fruit, colorful florals, and Spanish inspired details gave the evening a beautiful Mediterranean feel.”
The couple loved the Spanish-style influence found throughout California, and it gave the weekend a bit of range.
“It was a fun contrast to the more traditional, romantic feel of our wedding day.”
That contrast was intentional. Each event had its own personality, with the bridal luncheon leaning soft and pink and the wedding itself leaning French and ornate.
Caroline shares, “They wanted a different feel for Friday night, so the wedding would stand out on its own.”
The SpaceX Surprise in the Sky
Some details can’t be planned. As the welcome party was underway, the sky offered up a surprise of its own.
“SpaceX actually had a launch that was perfectly timed with our welcome party! It was such an unexpected and memorable surprise for everyone.”
Sweet Moments and Sappy Speeches
Caroline has planned her share of rehearsal dinners, but this one stood out for the speeches.
“The rehearsal dinner was so sweet! So many of the groomsmen cried in their speeches, which I rarely see. It was a laugh-and-cry situation. You don’t see that every day and it spoke to the love everyone has for Madeline and Kurt.”
