Megan & Vince’s Elegant Ritz-Carlton Bacara Wedding in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA – A breathtaking coastal Ritz Carlton Bacara wedding with timeless elegance

Newlyweds walking hand in hand along the beach at sunset, with the stunning Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara as the backdrop, capturing the perfect romantic moment on their luxury wedding day.

A Luxury Wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

Megan and Vince’s wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara was nothing short of magical. Nestled along the stunning California coastline, this luxury resort set the stage for an unforgettable celebration filled with romance, elegance, and heartfelt moments.

Breathtaking Santa Barbara coastline with ocean waves, sandy beaches, and coastal cliffs—perfect for a romantic California wedding backdrop

As a Santa Barbara wedding photographer, I’ve captured countless love stories, but this one was truly special. From the emotional first look to the sunlit beach portraits, every moment reflected the deep love Megan and Vince share.

Elegant Details & Unforgettable Moments

Elegant wedding invitation suite with modern type and calligraphy, delicate floral details, and soft neutral tones, styled with fresh blooms—perfect inspiration for a Santa Barbara luxury wedding.
Birds flying in a gloomy sky in Santa Barbara

The day began in a private suite at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, where Megan and her bridesmaids enjoyed a relaxed morning with champagne and beauty by Team Hair and Makeup. The air was filled with excitement as Megan stepped into her striking wedding gown, glowing with joy. Meg did a first look for her bridal party and it was such a special moment to capture.

Bride shows off her wedding dress to her bridal party in a private suite at the Bacara Resort

Meanwhile, Vince and his groomsmen prepped for the big moment, sharing laughs and adjusting their classic black tuxedos.

The First Look

One of my favorite moments was Megan and Vince’s first look. The way Vince’s face lit up when he saw Megan for the first time was pure magic. We captured this intimate moment in a secluded garden on the Ritz Carlton Bacara property—a truly breathtaking backdrop.

Emotional black and white photo of a groom's first look at his bride, capturing a timeless and heartfelt moment before their Santa Barbara wedding ceremony
Portrait of bride and groom in a secluded area of the Bacara Resort that showcases the brides gorgeous while floral bouquet
Fun moment of bride and groom kissing while their bridal party cheers them on, capturing joy and celebration at a Santa Barbara wedding at the Ritz Carlton Bacara Resort
Stunning bridal portrait of Megan, radiating elegance and beauty in her wedding gown at the Ritz Carlton Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara, captured by Jen Rodriguez Photography.
A timeless black and white photo full of joy as the bride looks into the eyes of her future husband before their Santa Barbara wedding.

Ceremony with Coastal Views

Guests were greeted into the ceremony space with champagne and iconic views of the Santa Barbara coastline.

Waiter holding a tray of champagne for guests to enjoy before the ceremony at a wedding in Santa Barbara, captured by Jen Rodriguez Photography.
Black and white photo of guests entering the ceremony lawn at the Bacara Resort.
Scenic landscape view of the Santa Barbara coastline from the ceremony lawn at the Bacara Resort, showcasing the stunning ocean and sky, captured by Jen Rodriguez Photography.

The couple exchanged vows in an elegant outdoor ceremony framed by luxurious floral arrangements by Alexis Ireland Florals. With the Pacific Ocean shimmering in the background, their heartfelt promises made for an unforgettable moment.

A bride walking down the aisle with her father towards her future husband on the ceremony lawn at the Bacara Resort.
Joyful black and white photo of newlyweds, bride and groom, celebrating their first moments as husband and wife at their wedding ceremony at the Bacara Resort, Santa Barbara.
Stunning portrait of a bride and groom under a lush white and green floral arch at their wedding ceremony at the Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara, capturing a romantic and elegant moment.
A striking black and white photograph as the newlyweds walk back down the aisle after being pronounced husband and wife at the Ritz Carlton Bacara.
Guests enjoy cocktail hour on the upper lawn at the Ritz Carlton Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara.
A joyful moment between a bride and her bridesmaid during cocktail hour.
Timeless and classic signature drink signage on display during cocktail hour on the upper lawn at the Ritz Carlton.
A fun moment with a bride and her bridesmaids as they celebrate holding their drinks in the air.

A Chic and Sophisticated Reception

The reception was an absolute showstopper, thanks to the talented team at Tres Chic Affairs and Bright Event Rentals. The candlelit tables, soft neutral tones, and elegant floral arrangements created a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere.

Elegant reception space at the Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara, decorated with timeless white floral arrangements and soft neutral tones, creating a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere for the newlyweds and their guests.
Elegant individual place setting at a wedding reception, featuring a beautifully arranged white floral centerpiece, soft neutral tones, and a refined, timeless design for a sophisticated dining experience.
Full wedding reception table set with soft neutral tones, classic white floral arrangements, light wooden chairs, and flickering candles, creating an elegant and timeless atmosphere for guests to enjoy at the Ritz Carlton Bacara Resort.
A joyful black and white photo of the newlyweds during their grand entrance at their Santa Barbara wedding.
Newlyweds sharing their first dance at the wedding reception, surrounded by guests, as they embrace in a heartfelt moment of joy and celebration.

Sunset Portraits on the Beach

We took full advantage of the golden Santa Barbara sunset for some romantic beach portraits. The way the light wrapped around them as they walked along the shore was nothing short of cinematic.

A groom kisses his bride during a romantic sunset photo session on the beach at the Ritz Carlton Bacara Resort, capturing a moment of love and tranquility.
A fun black and white photo of the newlyweds walking hand in hand along the beach, with the bride's veil flowing gracefully in the breeze, capturing a moment of joy and love.
A sun-drenched moment capturing the newlyweds enjoying a peaceful and intimate moment during their sunset photo session on the beach at the Bacara Resort, with the golden light creating a romantic atmosphere.
A striking black and white photo a groom as his wife looks towards him.

The evening continued with heartfelt toasts, cake, and music by Just Dance Events.

The bride listens with joy and emotion during her wedding toasts, smiling through tears as she takes in the heartfelt words from her loved ones.

A Dream Team of Wedding Vendors

Planning a wedding at a premier venue like the Ritz-Carlton Bacara takes a talented team, and Megan and Vince worked with some of the best in the industry. Follow Megan and Vince’s talented team on Instagram!

Planning a Ritz-Carlton Bacara Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a luxury Santa Barbara wedding, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara offers an unparalleled coastal experience. As a Santa Barbara wedding photographer, I would love to help you capture your love story in the most beautiful and authentic way.

A stunning portrait of the bride in her flowing dress and veil as she gracefully poses on the stairs at the Ritz Carlton Bacara Resort.

Ready to book your wedding photography? Let’s connect—contact me here!

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