tom + clarissa :: saúde

around this time of year, we're reminded of the things we have to be grateful for. after coordinating the wedding this weekend for my dear friends clarissa and tom, i was given a clear cue that good friends are one thing i'm so thankful to have in my life. isn't everything just better when those friends you love dearly are involved? there were so many events that occurred leading up to the nuptials that could have thrown some into a whirlwhind, but not with those participating saturday. all worked out the way it was supposed to and resulted in nothing short of a fabulous celebration. 

the ceremony and reception took place at el capitan state beach. you may think it a risky location for december knot-tying, but this bride and groom are lovers of the ocean (one an avid sailor and the other a marine scientist) and the location was too perfect to pass up. on this chilly and blustery day the guests, appropriately dressed in fashionable knee high boots and long textured coats, warmed up before the ceremony with passed caipirinhas, butternut squash soup and  pumpkin empanadas.  the vows were taken seaside, just past the pre-ceremony reception. we all intimately huddled together to keenly listen in on the sweet words carefully prepared by the bride and groom.  after the i do's, the guests headed up to a group camp site, on cliffs edge, that was transformed into a rustic-chic dinner party. animal print blankets and pillows were positioned just-so on picnic tables that surrounded fire pits...for late night cozying up by the fire. bare bulbs were strung to create a canopy over the dinner tables and bossa nova played live. pure joy put together a delicious meal, jessica foster, a guest and well known santa barbara confectioner, provided the delectable after dinner treats and dj fab provided the non-stop brazilian beats. clarissa performed a special flamenco tribute to her new husband and more than one talented dancer took center stage to showcase their samba moves...

saúde to tom and clarissa as you sail off into the sunset.
a shout out to chantal, alec, diegas, amy, mike, shawn, vanessa and dawna!