Kelsey Whittaker Connor Bitzer)

JUNE 4, 2022

NOTES ON THE DAY…

IS THERE A MOMENT FROM YOUR WEDDING THAT STANDS OUT?

Walking into the empty venue before any guests arrived and seeing everything I was anticipating come to life was so incredible to see! Of course, having my mom, Anne, walk me down the aisle and seeing Connor’s reaction was absolutely priceless. I know this is up for debate, but the traditional first look down the aisle (instead of a pre ceremony first look) is so worth it.

The reception was also so, so fun for us all. My sister – my maid of honor – performed a beautiful hula, that basically brought everyone to tears. It was so special!

Ending the night on the dance floor having a big, giant party with all of our closest friends and family was definitely a highlight as well!

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUES?

It was a really easy choice for us! I grew up here in the Santa Barbara area and knew about Elings Park and knew how beautiful and simple it was. We went and checked it out one day and booked it a few days after! Connor was sold from the minute we walked up there, too. We had the ceremony on the grass field overlooking Santa Barbara, and the reception out on the deck under the stars!

DISCUSS YOUR ATTIRES, COLORS AND WEDDING THEMES.

The theme of the wedding was very classy and simple. My bridesmaids wore a sort of rust orange, very simple, flattering dress. Connor was in all black, and the groomsmen were in all black with a white shirt under. I wore one dress the whole night. Very simple and form fitting. Low back, with pearls down the entire back.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON WHAT CAKE AND FOOD YOU WERE GOING TO SERVE? DID YOUR GUESTS ENJOY YOUR CHOICES?

We decided on a small cake to cut and then cupcakes for guests. We went this route because realistically not many people eat the actual cake, and cupcakes were easy and bite sized. Some people even ate them out on the dance floor! For food we had tacos and apps by El Zarape. Raul is a family friend and my sister actually had Zarape cater her wedding, so we knew we wanted something so delicious! Who doesn’t love tacos?

THE MAGIC MAKERS…

Wedding planner or coordinator: Crowned Events

Cake/Dessert: Sunny Dawn (Sunnysdlights)

Photographer: Gin & July

Videographer: SoHi Productions

Invitations, signage Invitations: Zazzle Signage

One of my best friends designed and printed the signs for me!

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Elings Park

Caterer: El Zarape

Makeup: Rose Jones

Hair: Caitlyn Damron

Dress Shop: Revolve

Dress Tailoring: Maria at Design Studio MZ

Tux: Panoyan Tailoring

Flowers: PacWest Blooms

Music: Jerry Rodriguez

Officiant: Jon Woodcock

Rentals: Amigo Party Rentals

Honeymoon: Italy

Rehearsal Dinner Location: Arnoldi’s Cafe

DID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC CHANGE HOW YOU PLANNED YOUR WEDDING OR INFLUENCE THE DATE YOU CHOSE?

Covid wasn’t really a factor for our wedding! We kind of had it at the perfect time!

HOW DID YOU INCORPORATE YOUR OWN PERSONALITIES INTO THE WEDDING DAY?

We wanted to make sure the music was fun and lively since that’s the kind of music we love. We love spicy, delicious food, so we made sure to have our favorite salsa at everyone’s tables. All the decor was very neutral and simple which we also loved. We really kept the day simple and were able to enjoy the day with all of our favorite people!

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART FOR YOU IN PLANNING A WEDDING? WERE THERE ANY HICCUPS? IF SO, WHAT WERE THEY, AND HOW COULD THEY HAVE BEEN PREVENTED?

Surprisingly we didn’t run into many hiccups. I don’t feel that any part was particularly difficult – we just had a lot of fun with it!

ANY ADVICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING A WEDDING?

Definitely start planning early. I got most of the really important stuff out of the way early, that way we could enjoy the process and not be too stressed. I think a good way to look at it is act like you’re planning a big party! You want everybody – includ ing you and the groom – to just have the best, most fun day with everyone you love!