I cannot recommend eloping enough. Especially in Santa Barbara. Being an elopement videographer allows me to be completely present for the true meaning of the day—LOVE.

Cici and Nat are undeniably in love and adorable and kind and fun, and their day of marriage perfectly reflected that. Please enjoy their super 8 film. If you haven’t visited the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, please do, it is magical. We started at the garens and ended at the Santa Barbara Courthouse right in downtown Santa Barbara.

Cici and I connected through instagram and our Sicilian American roots. She is a multi-talented woman and even has her own cookbook! Check out her work here.

All footage is always and only super 8mm film processed and scanned by Pro8mm in Los Angeles.

All the beautiful photos below are by Leyna of Yellow Heart Photography. Check out her family and commercial work on her site.

This summer felt like an escape from monotony and one big step into feeling like myself as an individual and not just a mom of a toddler. I recently decided to go all in with my super 8 business, quit my full time teaching job and get back to my wilder and more free spirited ways. Going to Santa Barbara for Audrey and BJ’s intimate, rooftop wedding at the Kimpton Canary in Santa Barbara was a major part of this!

I was beyond thrilled when Audrey reached out to me about filming their wedding. It sounded like a dream, and in reality it was even better. Under twenty people, everyone was warm, relaxed and ready to have fun, and we were all celebrating under the Santa Barbara sun.

Music:

Slow Up by Jacob Banks

Burn Me Up by Big Haunt

Another reason I was so excited to be a part of Audrey and BJ’s day, was the fact that they had hired Malorie Kerouac to photograph their wedding. Malorie’s photos are stunning and timeless, and she shoots film and digital. I was actually intimidated by her and her gorgeous work, until I met her and immediately felt like we were kindred spirits.

All photos by the talented Malorie Kerouac

As anyone can see in the film, or the photos, Audrey is gorgeous. She has a quiet magnetism about her and it is easy to see why BJ loves her. They told us that they were not doing vows during the ceremony, and I assumed it was because they weren’t sentimental, but it turned out it was really because they KNEW they would cry the whole time if they did. They were so obviously in love. It was an honor to witness it.

Being able to travel a few hours from home and feel like I was a million miles away was exhilarating and and affirming. My sister and nieces road tripped down with me and my daughter and we had four glorious days of swimming, EATING, strolling in the warm night time air, and exploring.

Here are the amazing people that made the day possible. Kendalyn was a hilarious angel who I want to hire to organize my life and crack jokes while she does it. She is Audrey’s friend and a professional event planner and a delightful person.

Venue: @canaryhotel

Photography: @maloriekerouac

Music: @Brandirosemusic

Cake: @posiesandsugar

Florals: @fleurderye

Rentals: @otisandpearl

Hair: @megan.paints.ventura

Makeup: @805makeup

Dress: @davidsbridal

Tux: @friartux

Coordination: @kendalyniscool