This Bi-Coastal Couple Hosted an “East Meets West”-Themed Wedding at Villa Sevillano in Santa Barbara, California
Grace Shelton was raised a true Los Angeleno. As the daughter of an entertainment executive and an actress, she spent her childhood summers in Montecito in Santa Barbara County. “I grew up there and have so many fond memories: I got my ears pierced in downtown Santa Barbara as a young teen, and I had my first margarita on [our cottage’s] back patio to celebrate turning 21. I cherish so many memories in this magical place that, as soon as I met Caleb, I couldn’t wait to share it with him—I knew he'd couldn’t help but fall in love with it, too,” Grace explains. Grace and Caleb Piltch-Loeb first laid eyes on one another during a freshman seminar at the start of their college careers at Vanderbilt University. After three scrapped proposal plans, Caleb popped the question inside the couple’s new (and empty) house just moments after signing the purchase papers.
Much like the proposal, the bride and groom had to make some wedding-planning pivots due to the pandemic. Fortunately, the end result was more magical than they could have dreamed. So, on a sunny Southern California day in July, set against an elegant, private estate backdrop, the lovebirds said their “I dos.” The end result was a stunning "East Meets West" affair—"We knew that if we were going to ask our friends and family to travel from Boston and Virginia and Nashville for our wedding, we could at least take them to our most special and meaningful place," explains Grace.
Punchy pink blooms accented with blush-, terra cotta-, fuchsia- and cream-colored flowers took centerstage in bouquets and decor throughout the spacious grounds. Guests entered the ceremony and were immediately struck by the breathtaking contrast of the sophisticated gardens before them paired with the views of rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean in the background. Bridesmaids walked down the aisle sporting soft blue dresses before the stunning bride floated in behind them wearing a chic A-line gown featuring intricate floral patterns, baby pearls and ivory crystals cascading from the bodice through the skirt.
Traveling into cocktail hour, attendees explored the upper garden level while nibbling on passed appetizers and sipping refreshing signature cocktails—including a California-inspired Paloma (the bride’s drink) and a Southern bourbon mint julep (the groom’s beverage). “Hundreds of brightly colored rose blooms floated in the pool, mirroring the beautiful cascade of fuchsia Bougainvillea growing across the mansion and around the garden walls,” explains the couple’s photographer. “Fabulous, large bars featuring a Ralph Lauren wallpaper in varying tones of blues and ivory, which had been flown in from England, lined the panels of the custom gray bars.”
The reception was set at the end of a cedar-lined pathway and boasted lush greenery and circular glass lighting bedecking the champagne-hued pergolas. A mix of round and long tables displayed bold, vibrant arrangements, Ralph Lauren-themed table numbers, silver-rimmed chargers and crisp white linens. Of the aesthetic, the bride explained: “We wanted a muted color palette for our linens and a pop of color with our florals. So many weddings recently have had all-white palettes, so this was a refreshing take on things. I think the colorful contrast was particularly beautiful and unique set in the sumptuous gardens of the estate.”
Though the wedding weekend was infused with countless moments of joy and fun, Grace and Caleb note a few stand-out experiences from their nuptials. “Our first look was a special moment for us both, having spent the day apart. When we finally got to see each other, it was like all the nerves and anticipation just disappeared,” the bride remembers. In contrast, “after our first dance, our incredible band kicked it up a notch and got all our guests on the dance floor to kick off the reception. In fact, the band said they had never seen a wedding when every single guest jumped up to dance immediately. The energy was electrifying!”