Rock the Wedding: Birdie & Matt in Santa Barbara, CA

Stephanie (Birdie) Cooley met Matt Fraser on karaoke night at a dive bar in Los Angeles—and she knew instantly that he was the man she’d marry. “It was truly love at first sight for both of us,” recalls the bride. Two and a half years later, Matt popped the question at a camp site in Big Sur. Birdie and Matt, who live in Santa Barbara, CA, decided to plan a rock-and-roll-inspired, nature-themed wedding in their hometown. “We wanted to get married near the beach, so we decided on the Montecito Country Club, located between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean,” says Birdie.

Rock the Wedding: Birdie & Matt in Santa Barbara, CA
The bridesmaids make a sunny appearance as they wait for the bride. Birdie chose an earthy palette of bright yellows and whites, accented by rich browns.
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Rock the Wedding: Birdie & Matt in Santa Barbara, CA

Stephanie (Birdie) Cooley met Matt Fraser on karaoke night at a dive bar in Los Angeles—and she knew instantly that he was the man she’d marry. “It was truly love at first sight for both of us,” recalls the bride. Two and a half years later, Matt popped the question at a camp site in Big Sur. Birdie and Matt, who live in Santa Barbara, CA, decided to plan a rock-and-roll-inspired, nature-themed wedding in their hometown. “We wanted to get married near the beach, so we decided on the Montecito Country Club, located between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean,” says Birdie.

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Rock the Wedding: Birdie & Matt in Santa Barbara, CA
A flower girl in a yellow tutu is the picture of happiness.
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Rock the Wedding: Birdie & Matt in Santa Barbara, CA
A flower girl’s pomander made of bright yellow chrysanthemums.
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Rock the Wedding: Birdie & Matt in Santa Barbara, CA
The couple went barefoot for the casual-chic ceremony.
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Rock the Wedding: Birdie & Matt in Santa Barbara, CA
The couple exchange vows beneath a floral arch. Birdie's elegant trumpet-style gown was personalized with feathers, daisies and vintage ribbons.
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Rock the Wedding: Birdie & Matt in Santa Barbara, CA
The bride and groom, with their wedding party, jump for joy.
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Rock the Wedding: Birdie & Matt in Santa Barbara, CA
The couple’s daughter, Willow (now three years old), was a flower girl. “The most important thing to us was involving our friends and family,” says Birdie. “Our little girl, Willow, was smiling as she was pulled down the aisle in a wagon—and that brought tears to my eyes.”
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Rock the Wedding: Birdie & Matt in Santa Barbara, CA
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, followed by a surf-and-turf meal and dancing in the ballroom. Handwritten place-card tags add a personal touch.
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