Our Story
A Train Ride Away
Taylor and Chris met as colleagues at Achievement First. Taylor recruited Chris to work at a high school in Brooklyn and they became fast friends. Soon that friendship became something more, and now they're ready to make it official!
Save the Date
November 4, 2017
Our Wedding
When we discussed the kind of wedding we wanted to have, the first words that came to mind were "an intimate, backyard party under the lights with friends and family." We found the perfect location in Taylor's hometown of Santa Barbara, California at the Santa Barbara Club.
Wedding Details
The Tick-Tock
4:30p - 5:00p
Ceremony
5:00p - 6:00p
Cocktail Hour
6:00p - 10:00p
Dinner & Dancing
10:00p - 11:00p
After Party
Attire
Garden Party Attire
Summer Suits and Summer Dresses
Wedges or flats advised for ladies as heels will get caught in the grass.
Outdoor heaters will be on-site, but if you get cold easily, bring a sweater!
Weather
Southern California is known worldwide for its incredible climate.
Expect sunshine and zero humidity every day you're here!
Temperatures run High 70, Low 50
ThE Location
The Santa Barbara Club
1105 Chapala St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
United States
Parking
Parking is available on-site the day of the wedding.
Happy Hour
Arriving early and want to catch up? We'll be hosting a Happy Hour at Bar 29 from 5:30-8:00 PM on Friday!
There will be snacks, music, and (of course) our wonderful company!
Traveling to Santa Barbara
FiRst, Get yourself in the Spirit of Things
A huge part of our relationship is music - we often spend hours listening to music and talking about the points in our lives that led us to love certain songs. Since we've been together, we've made dozens of Spotify playlists for one another, and now we've put one together for your trip to our wedding. Spanning artists from Tom Petty to Kendrick Lamar, these songs capture our collective tastes and love for the Golden State.
Click below to access the Spotify Playlist we've made for you!
California Locals
The easiest way to get to Santa Barbara is to take the 101.
Travel from Los Angeles is approximately 2 hours.
Travel from San Francisco is approximately 5 hours.
Flights to California
We recommend flying to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
It's a massive airport that serves as a hub for pretty much everyone,
but if you're looking for a good balance of price and comfort for a long flight,
we recommend American Airlines or Delta.
Trust us - we spend a lot of time on planes.
Getting Around
If Renting a car
Once arriving in California, rent a car at LAX and drive
to Santa Barbara by taking I405 N to CA 101 North for 97 miles.
Travel time is approximately 2 hours.
Please note that if you plan to arrive on Friday
during rush hour this can significantly extend your drive.
If Taking the Shuttle
You can take the Santa Barbara Airbus shuttle from LAX to Santa Barbara.
Once in town, Ubers and Lyfts are readily available to help you get around!
Taylor and Chris' Favorite Things in SB
Santa Barbara is a world-renowned tourist destination knick-named "the American Rivera" for its stunning simultaneous views of both the Pacific ocean and the California mountains.
We know you'll have a fantastic time while you're here!
Los Arroyos
If you're interested in incredible Mexican food, we recommend Los Arroyos. For East-Coasters, this is a must-do! When Chris first visited Taylor's family in California, he couldn't stop eating Mexican food. When Taylor asked him why, he said that he'd felt lied to his whole life about what Mexican food was!
Hike Inspiration Point
Feeling like you need to burn a few calories before you feast at the wedding? Our favorite hike in Santa Barbara is at Inspiration Point. Park on the side of the road (this is normal out here - seriously) and make sure you store your valuables. The first half of the trail is paved and then turns to dirt as it winds up the hills and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
The Mission
Widely referred to as the "Queen of Missions," this is one of the most beautiful and frequently photographed buildings in coastal California. Mission Santa Barbara has a splendid Spanish/Mexican colonial art collection, as well as Chumash sculptures and the only Native American–made altar and tabernacle left in the California missions. Make sure to check out the stunning rose gardens across the street - they're some of Taylor's favorites! Take a drive over Alameda Padre Serra ("the APS") to see some stunning houses and views on the way home!
SUNSET Cruise
When Taylor and Chris first visited Santa Barbara together, Taylor insisted and arranged for the two of them to take a sunset cruise around the harbor. Apart from the stunning views, there were so many seals! You might even see a whale! Drinks are available on board and merriment abounds.
State Street Shopping
Between Cabrillo Boulevard and Sola Street, State Street is a shopper's paradise. Chic malls, quirky storefronts, antiques emporia, elegant boutiques, and funky thrift shops abound. You can shop on foot or ride a battery-powered trolley (50¢) that runs between the waterfront and the 1300 block. Nordstrom and Macy's anchor Paseo Nuevo, an open-air mall in the 700 block. Shops, restaurants, galleries, and fountains line the tiled walkways of La Arcada, a small complex of landscaped courtyards in the 1100 block designed by architect Myron Hunt in 192.
The French Press
Sure, you could be like everyone else and go to Starbucks in the morning. There's, like, twenty in Santa Barbara on State Street. However, if you want to be cool and hip like the rest of the millennials, go to the French Press. Local Santa Barbara coffee company Dune Coffee powers this awesome breakfast spot. It's our favorite, and totally worth making where you grab coffee.
Accomodations
We recommend staying at any of the following excellent hotels in the
Santa Barbara area
The Canary Hotel
The Canary Hotel is one of Santa Barbara's most fashionable and hip hotels. A Kimpton Hotel, it offers fashionable rooms and a rooftop pool. It is also located only one block from the wedding and reception venue.
The Goodland
The Goodland Hotel is located in Goleta, CA, about 20 minutes from the wedding venue. A former Best Western, it has been converted into a modern hotel featuring an on-site bar and restaurant and spacious, stylish rooms.
Hotel Milo
The Hotel Milo is located on beachfront Cabrillo Blvd. in Santa Barbara, within walking distance to the pier. It is a beautiful and affordable option with stunning views and a beach vibe.
Photos
Thanks to Shannon McMillen for taking these beautiful photos!