A Casual Backyard Wedding in Santa Barbara, California

Louis Andrade (32 and a graphic designer) and Pamela Blood (29 and a store manager) began their relationship as friends when they worked together at the same store in their hometown of Solvang, California. They spent years as friends while Louis was away at college in Los Angeles, spending time together on his breaks from school. It wasn't until after Pamela also moved to LA that the two began dating and were engaged 6 years later when Louis proposed with the assistance of their rescue pug, Opie Von Wrinkles. With the help of friends and family, the couple put together a casual outdoor wedding at the home of a family Pamela had babysat for as a teenager. The couple kept their theme laid back from the beginning, going barefoot for the ceremony and allowing the wedding party to choose their own attire. Blue, grey and pink floral arrangements put together by the grooms sister could be seen on the tables at dinner as guests drank personalized wine designed by the grooms brother. Louis was born in Mexico so the couple wanted to include his culture in parts of their reception. His parents provided a Mariachi band and homemade salsa for guests to take home as favors. The decorations and activities were a tribute to the bride and grooms fun personalities. Louis' cousin and uncle performed a dance during dinner and a photo booth built by the couple provided entertainment throughout the night. "We like to have fun and not be stuffy. We had a photo booth that we made with a fence that had fallen down and some shutters we got for free!" says Pamela.