We are always so happy when a couple chooses the Santa Barbara Historical Museum as their wedding venue. It is a cultural landmark in the heart of the Santa Barbara historic district. There are two private, connected courtyards and historic adobes. The top level courtyard is great if you need to fit a lot of tables. And the bottom courtyard is a lovely cocktail hour space. But with Courtney and Jackson's November 4, 2016 wedding, we saw the lower area transformed in a completely new and beautiful way.

The ceremony was held on-site, under a lantern-filled tree. Directly behind the sea of chairs, we set up our bar and a few cocktail tables for drinks and nibbles. Dinner was served under the plant-covered trellis. And beyond the dinner tables was a dance floor and lounge area! The bunches of little bouquets an hanging lanterns made for a gorgeous backdrop. Add into the mix a rich color scheme of burgandy and gold tones, extraordinary linens, cute guest gifts, and some tasty food and you've got one stunner of a wedding. A perfect use of the second level at the SB Historical Museum, if you ask us - especially if you're looking to have an intimate and romantic event!

Scroll through the photos below, by Melissa Musgrove, for more inspiration!

Curious what we served?

Hors d'ouevres:

Mini brie quesadillas with jalapeno/mango salsa
Alsatian caramelized onion and bacon tarts
Crab cakes with sweet pepper sauce

On the dinner menu:

Soup Course: Creamy Potato Leek Soup with frizzled leeks and crostini toasts
Salad Course: Roasted Pear and Arugula Salad with toasted pecans, goat cheese, and port fig vinaigrette
Entree: Red Wine Braised Short Ribs served with polenta and roasted winter vegetables
or Braised Chicken with Figs and Olives served with mashed potatoes and roasted winter vegetables
or Pappardelle Pasta with wild mushrooms, broccolini, and toasted bread crumbs