Karen & Anthony’s Big Day
On a radiant August afternoon, the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara (USSB) welcomed Karen and Anthony’s family and friends into our Spanish-style courtyard for a wedding reception that was heartfelt, elegant, and filled with joy. As guests arrived, you could feel the energy—warm hugs, happy anticipation, and the kind of excitement that only comes when love is in the air.
A Ceremony Framed by History and Heart
Karen and Anthony chose to exchange vows at the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse earlier that afternoon, surrounded by sunshine, history, and the beauty of one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Before arriving at USSB, they took full advantage of Santa Barbara’s scenic charm, capturing timeless portraits around town and making their grand arrival to the reception aboard the Santa Barbara Trolley—adding a joyful, celebratory touch.
One of the many advantages of hosting a reception at USSB is its proximity and compatibility with Courthouse weddings. Guests can easily walk from the Courthouse to our campus, and couples have the option to use our Historic Sanctuary as a beautiful backup plan in case of inclement weather, especially during the cooler or rainier months. The flexibility of combining a Courthouse ceremony with a USSB reception allows couples to enjoy the best of both worlds—Santa Barbara’s stunning public architecture and the warmth, elegance, and privacy of our indoor and outdoor spaces.
From Vows to Celebration
After the ceremony, guests made their way—some by foot, others by trolley—to USSB, where the celebration continued in our sun-drenched Parish Courtyard. As the newlyweds arrived in style, greeted by cheers and clinking glasses, the space quickly filled with the warmth of reunion and the buzz of celebration. The transition from the historic courthouse to our inviting grounds was seamless, creating a beautiful flow from sacred vows to festive joy.
Courtyard Conversations & Clinking Glasses
As the ceremony flowed into cocktail hour, the Courtyard came alive. Under the canopy of our majestic palm tree, guests mingled over signature cocktails and mouthwatering bites from Pure Joy Catering. The courtyard’s layout naturally encourages conversation and connection, and its classic California charm—complete with red-tile roofs and stucco walls—offers endless photo opportunities. Family portraits taken under the trees captured both the grandeur and the intimacy of the moment.
A Reception to Remember
At 7:00 pm, guests were ushered into our Parish Hall, which had been transformed into a glowing reception space strung with market lights, delicate centerpieces, and flickering candles. Karen and Anthony’s grand entrance was met with applause and champagne toasts as loved ones shared heartfelt stories and hilarious memories. The versatility of the hall allowed their vision to shine, whether it was the family-style dinner, the sweet father-daughter dance to “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” or the full dance floor that kept the celebration going well into the evening.
Under the Stars, Together
After the cake (a lovely creation from Little Things Bakery) was cut, the celebration continued in true Santa Barbara style—dancing beneath the night sky. Our courtyard once again played host as guests gathered under twinkling lights, surrounded by laughter, music from DJ Flamezz, and the joy of connection.
A Team of Professionals
None of this would have come together so seamlessly without the expert guidance of wedding planner Tricia Dahlgren of Tricia Dahlgren Events. With her calm presence, impeccable organization, and eye for detail, Tricia wove all the moving parts of the day into one cohesive, joyful celebration. From managing the timeline to supporting the couple and their families throughout, her thoughtful touch could be felt in every moment. Working alongside Tricia was a true pleasure—her professionalism and warmth helped bring Karen and Anthony’s vision to life in the most beautiful way. And thanks to the talented Kameron Marie Photography, we get to witness the beauty and emotion of the celebration all over again through her stunning images.
Here is a quote of thanks from the couple:
“We couldn’t have done it without this fantastic crew:
- Tricia Dahlgren Events—our fearless day‑of guardian angel
- Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara—the dream venue, thanks to Joanie Bear and crew
- Pure Joy Catering—for food and drinks that kept bellies happy and spirits high
- Kameron Marie Photography—for capturing laughter, tears, and every candid glance
- Black Tie Kids—so parents could relax knowing little ones were in expert hands
- The Beauty Bar (Amanda)—hair and makeup pros who made everyone shine
- DJ Flamezz—spinning the perfect soundtrack to keep feet moving
- Our florist—whose centerpieces and candles set a warm, elegant mood
- Little Things Bakery—for a cake that was almost too beautiful to slice
- SB Trolly—for seamless shuttle service that felt straight out of a movie”
Grateful to Be Part of the Magic
Weddings like Karen and Anthony’s are why we love what we do at USSB. Our Spanish-style architecture offers a timeless elegance, while our adaptable indoor and outdoor spaces provide the flexibility needed to bring every couple’s unique vision to life. From the first look to the last dance, every part of the day felt intentional, personal, and full of love.
We’re so grateful to have hosted this unforgettable day—and to have partnered with such an incredible team of vendors to make it all possible.
