Life had a funny way of making sure Kate and Andrew stayed in one another’s orbit. They studied at the same college, and after graduating a year apart, reconnected at an alumni party where they discovered they were neighbors in NYC. “We were inseparable for nearly two years,” says Kate, but then, Andrew moved back to the west coast. Three years elapsed during which they were not together, but always found a reason to see each other every time Andrew visited New York. “I had always known Andrew was ‘The One,'” admits Kate, “because our relationship is truly one of great friendship.” It had always been quite clear to Andrew that Kate was special, too. “When we we got back together after being apart for three years, it was like having a part of me back.”
What parts of planning your wedding did you most enjoy?
Kate: Santa Barbara is a very special place. Apart from its physical beauty, it holds many happy memories of an enchanting childhood. It was the perfect trifecta – an exquisite location, childhood memories, and now, starting my life with Andrew. The ultimate dream come true. Making trips to the Four Seasons Biltmore/Butterfly Beach, San Ysidro, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Hogue & Co. Florist and visiting Father Mel at Serra Retreat in Malibu were mini vacations in themselves each weekend. While California is a large part of my childhood and current home, I am a true east coast girl at heart. I jumped at any opportunity to fly back to New York/Connecticut to do in-person wedding planning with my mom, such as dress fittings at Saks or popping into J. Papers in Greenwich to “go over a few things” regarding stationery. An easy and enjoyable excuse to fly home!
Andrew: I most enjoyed spending time in Santa Barbara at the various venues with our families. I knew it was going to become a place near and dear to us for the rest of our lives.
What planning decisions were the most challenging?
Kate: There was nothing overwhelmingly stressful about it. All of the pieces, such as location and having the best “characters” in play, made the day and year and a half of planning, happen seamlessly.
Andrew: Managing the seating arrangements.
Santa Barbara is a very special place. Apart from its physical beauty, it holds many happy memories of an enchanting childhood.
Kate
As I walked down the aisle with my dad... Andrew gave our little peace sign. As it always does, it reminded me that it was just us two in the midst of it all.
Kate
What was on your wedding day wish list? What things were most important to you?
Kate: We wanted the weekend and wedding to be fun, bold, bright, elegant and unforgettable not just for us but our guests…which it was!
Andrew: To be able to spend quality time with my dad, groomsmen, friends and family and mostly my wife. All accomplished.
Was there anything in particular you were most looking forward to on your day?
Kate: Everything coming together! Our relationship first and foremost, and celebrating that with all of our closest friends and family. Secondly, my “vision” of it all. My sisters used to jokingly ask what my “theme” was exactly but my mom and I knew it would all come together once we had it in place and it did. Garlands of green leaves and lemons, pink peonies, white bridesmaids dresses, green engraving on the classic yet contemporary invitations, statement earrings, fairytale dress…
Andrew: Driving away from the Church in a 1983 Rolls Royce.
Did anything surprise you?
Kate: I know this is cliché, but it really does go by so quickly, too quickly.
Andrew: Yes, how much all the guests who didn’t know each other intermingled and became fast friends.
Take your time and find someone who makes you a better person, pushing you always while being supportive.
Andrew
What memory of each other on your day stands out most in your mind?
Kate: Seeing Andrew when I entered the church. I had always dreamed of walking into the wedding ceremony with a real trumpet and organ playing ”Trumpets Voluntary,” which I did. Yet looking back I can’t even remember hearing it all because I was so excited that the day was beginning. Andrew and I always use a little peace sign as our way of letting each other know we have noticed one another across a crowded room or street. As I walked down the aisle with my dad, towards the beginning of my life with Andrew by my side as my husband, Andrew gave our little peace sign. As it always does, it reminded me that it was just us two in the midst of it all.
Andrew: Taking a random set of photos along the beach and the waves crashing on us soaking us mid-shoot.
Is there anything you would do differently?
Kate: Maybe not stage dive? No, not at thing.
Andrew: No.
I knew it would all come together once we had it in place – and it did.
Kate
What is the best relationship advice you’ve ever received?
Kate: As I’ve been told by the strong women before me, “If it’s meant to be it will be, and it will all work out.” I find that things always do and nothing should ever be forced.
Andrew: Take your time and find someone who makes you a better person, pushing you always while being supportive.
What advice would you give to a couple in the throes of wedding planning?
Kate: Do what you want to do. Don’t focus on trends, stiff traditions or what you think you should be doing – focus on what you both want to include and how you want it to feel. All will happen naturally and beautifully.
Andrew: Relax, remember it’s your day and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Do what you want to do. Don't focus on trends, stiff traditions or what you think you should be doing – focus on what you both want to include and how you want it to feel.
Kate
It was the perfect trifecta - an exquisite location, childhood memories, and now, starting my life with Andrew. The ultimate dream come true.
Kate
Credits
- Second Photographer Jessica Onesto
- Venue, Ceremony Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
- Venue, Reception The Biltmore Santa Barbara
- Planning Wedding Kate
- Design Hogue Floral
- Dress Naeem Khan
- Cake & Catering The Biltmore Santa Barbara
- Hair & Makeup Kirstabelle Marks for Jose Eber
- Lighting Ambient Lighting
- Music VIPs Entertainment
- Stationery JPapers
As the founder and creative force behind The Day, Ira Lippke brings 20-plus years of experience creating compelling images to every wedding he documents. “One of the best compliments I’ve ever received,” he says, “was from a planner who said I was the only photographer she knew who had so much experience but whose heart and soul was still so strongly in their work.”
