Luxurious Autumn Kestrel Park Editorial

Kestrel Park is a picturesque estate that is tucked back within the rolling hills of Santa Barbara, California. A magnificent 100-acre property encompassing a 19th-century style English country house, gardens, European-inspired architecture, and sea of golden grass that was the perfect backdrop.

This editorial was styled and designed by JANNA BROWN. She curated the most stunning editorial filled with romantic details that would make any heart flutter. She set up the reception space under a canopy of trees with the golden tones of the rolling hills at KESTREL PARK in the background. Our editorial concept was inspired by the golden tones of the rolling hills at Kestrel Park, and the change of seasons as autumn slowly creeps upon us. The tables were set with barley-colored linen paired with cream china, etched glassware, and wildly lettered menus by Shasta Bell Calligraphy. Atop the tables sat untamed floral arrangements in cream, blush, and mauve tones, which complimented the bride’s bouquet.

My second favorite detail (after the florals) was the olive oil favors adorned with soft, silk ribbons. Maybe it was because I saw my name written in calligraphy on one of them, or maybe it was because it took me back to my Italy vacation with Wayne from a few years back. Either way, I am on board with olive oil as a favor… for any occasion.

The ceremony took place in what Janna described as a “sea of golden grass.” This is what I love most about California and the reason it’s coined the golden state. This is what I think of when someone asks me if I could re-do our wedding day. I imagine Wayne and me under a tree like this, on a field like this, with just our parents and siblings. Maybe a vow renewal?

The highlight of this editorial was meeting a photographer I have admired for many years, Jen Huang. I have followed her work before I started shooting film for myself and I’ve purchased her educational courses. During the shoot, I was chatting about pumping at weddings with another photographer who shared she was a mom. I shared all of my tips on wireless pumping and walked away not knowing I was just talking to THE Jen Huang. Later, the planner mentioned her name and directed our attention to the mom I had been talking with!! I maybe had a small (not that small) fangirl freak out. See our selfie below!