An Afternoon in August by Aura Elizabeth Photography

Aura Elizabeth PhotographyThe Santa Barbara ClubOnyx + RedwoodFlourish Design & Co.805 MakeupAndrea Villa HairAmora CinemaBright Rentals

Aug 6

Written By Megan Hageman

Bride and groom about to do a reveal with bridal party

There’s something undeniably magical about an August afternoon in Santa Barbara—especially when it’s the backdrop for a wedding as beautiful and heartfelt as this one. The day began slowly, wrapped in calm and sweetness as the bride spent her morning with her closest ladies, and the groom shared laughs and anticipation with his groomsmen. As the sun began its golden descent, excitement filled the air. The bride stunned in a sleek white gown paired with a flowing veil, while her bridesmaids wore charming pale yellow dresses adorned with a delicate blue floral pattern. The groom looked timeless in a black suit, contrasting perfectly with his groomsmen’s classic blue attire.

Before the ceremony, the bride shared touching first looks with both her father and her groom—moments full of emotion and quiet joy. One of the most memorable scenes of the day came when the entire bridal party gathered for a first look of their own, with the Pacific Ocean offering a breathtaking backdrop. From there, the full group headed to the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse for portraits before moving on to the elegant Santa Barbara Club for an unforgettable evening. Onyx & Redwood orchestrated the celebration to perfection, with pastel floral arrangements from Flourish Design & Co. softening the space and baby blue accents—courtesy of Bright Rentals—adding a touch of coastal charm.

But the detail that truly captured hearts? A custom seat assignment wall, where each guest found a handwritten letter waiting just for them. Between sips of Aperol Spritzes and spicy margaritas, laughter echoed through the historic venue, while photographer Aura Elizabeth captured every moment in luminous detail. From start to finish, it was a day that blended sentiment and celebration—equal parts heartfelt and joyful—under the California sun.