1. Real Weddings

An Elegant, West Coast Wedding at a Private Residence in Montecito, California

Bradley Schnedl (27 and a physician) and Michael Kane (28 and a director of marketing) headed north from Los Angeles to Michael's family home along th

Bradley Schnedl (27 and a physician) and Michael Kane (28 and a director of marketing) headed north from Los Angeles to Michael's family home along the beach in Montecito, California, for their wedding. "We love that we have such a pesonal connection to the location," Brad says, noting the couple's numerous weekend getaways to the central coast. Inviting friends and family members from around the world, the grooms hosted a glamorous backyard affair filled with olive trees and succulents, California-inspired bites, a welcome gifting lounge and plenty of Fleetwood Mac tunes. "For the majority of our guests, our wedding was the first same-sex marriage celebration they attended," Brad says. "We enjoyed the opportunity and freedom to create new traditions." —Stephanie Cain

Brad wore a black tuexedo and bow tie, while Michael donned a black three-piece suit.
Local items included pistachios and fresh fruits, bottles of red and white Santa Barbara County wine, hangover kits, Boxed Water and Karen Kane fedoras (Michael's mother's company). "The greatest part is the lounge can be elaborate or simple," Kolvet says. "We received rave reviews from guests."
"We loved that our guests looked out over the Pacific Ocean as we said our vows," Brad says of the ceremony spot. Wooden folding chairs lined the perimeter of the pool, and a cabana-like structure served as the altar.
Brad and Michael started the day together and put on their designer suits with each other. They even helped perfect each other's bow ties.
Brad and Michael's female attendants added texture to the wedding party with dresses in metallic shades, while the groomsmen sported gunmetal-hued ties.
The oceanside pool became the focal point for the grooms' cabana-style altar. Both of them walked in together to Fleetwood Mac's "Silver Springs." The grooms exchanged personalized vows.
During cocktail hour, guests sipped spicy margaritas and noshed on tempura avocado and mini tacos under palm trees and draped cabanas.
The one long feasting table featured 150 seats, so all the guests could sit together.
Although the 150 guests sat at one long table, escort cards noted where on the table they should look for their seats. The long feasting table was sectioned with markers named after central California beaches.
Silver-beaded chargers, china, classic flatware and bunches of succulents and gardenias greeted guests as they arrived to the feasting table.
Looking for an organic arrangement that would echo the California environment, Brad and Michael turned to succulents. "Since California was in the fourth year of a drought, we decided to use as many succulents as possible," Brad says. The couple also noted that succulents could be taken home and reused.
Brad and Michael shared a first dance to Fleetwood Mac's "Songbird." "While it’s somewhat vague, the lyrics have often been interpreted as a commentary on the rocky relationships within the band and how they affected each member’s life," Brad says. "You can hear the emotion behind the words and the message of staying together no matter how challenging life can be is important to us."
Guests dined on a menu of Santa Barbara-inspired dishes, including a salad featuring fresh fruits and vegetables with a lemon vinaigrette and herb-roasted branzino.
Brad and Michael made a point to stick together all night instead of splitting up. "One of our fondest memories was peeking out of a window, high above the crowd, and watching our guests enjoy themselves," Brad says. "We were overcome with emotion when we realized it was our love that brought everyone together to celebrate with us."