When Kameron Allen became happily engaged to boyfriend Court Westcott after over a year of dating, the California bride immediately envisioned a lush garden wedding with an outdoor reception in her hometown of Montecito. “We also both wanted [to have] all of our loved ones extremely close to us over a special weekend,” says Kameron. San Ysidro Ranch was the perfect venue for keeping guests in close proximity, with private cottages available to accommodate family and friends. “We had all the rooms reserved so the entire weekend was extremely private,” reveals Kameron.

The bride’s vision of a “secret garden” ceremony came to life amid wrought iron stands strung with velvety roses, frothy white orchids, fluffy hydrangea, and textural foliage accented with luxuriant figs and baby artichokes. Shades of cream, blush, champagne, lily green, and antique gold created the perfect palette against the luxurious environment of the ranch. As her attendants began their procession, the bride took her father’s arm for her own walk down the aisle – a moment that stands out vividly in her memory. “He looked at me through tears,” remembers Kameron, “and smiled at me.” A traditional vow exchange was followed by a notso- traditional kiss during which gospel singer Oren Waters stood and serenaded the couple with an unexpected rendition of “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles, a surprise gift from Court’s parents. Arranged by Los Angeles composer (and Westcott family friend) Roger Bellon, the special entertainment continued with an original song written expressly for the wedding couple. “Everyone freaked out,” remembers Court, “including Kameron and I!” After the ceremony ended on a perfect note, guests made their way down Oak Tree Drive for dinner and the night’s events. “It was a dramatic scene… the seduction began!” exclaims the bride.

When planning the reception, the couple and their respective mothers had been intent on packing plenty of interesting and entertaining details into the event. “I am very much a kid at heart,” explains Court, “so I wanted to make sure everyone had fun and that it would be a wedding I would have enjoyed as a guest.” They especially wanted to add elements that were different from those of other weddings. “Everything we picked was according to our personalities,” says Kameron. First, the evening soiree was set up to appear like an outdoor residence, with chandeliers suspended from a large oak tree and a striking variety of table shapes and centerpiece designs coordinated by theme. A collection of square tables inspired a vintage feel with antique ceramics and other period pieces, while a group of round tables featured pottery filled with hydrangea mixed with roses. Rectangular tables arranged to replicate a long, residential dining table featured custom linens, silver flutes, and vintage china, while dramatic lighting dazzled. “We wanted the décor to continually arouse the senses,” says Kameron.

After a sit-down dinner accompanied by the soulful sounds of the Voodoo Lounge jazz band, guests enjoyed slices of the white chocolate-mousse wedding cake designed by Kameron while a magician playfully made the rounds to each table. When the bride and groom were ready to hit the dance floor, an a capella group led the way to the estate’s nearby Stone House Restaurant for a late night of fun.

Kameron and Court were most proud of having stayed true to their desire for a unique, personal, and intimate event that was beautifully captured for future generations. “Spend a lot of time researching photographers,” they both exhort. “Pictures are the only thing you have left after the wedding – and it goes by in a blur!” From a magical setting to amazing entertainment, the couple was elated to see their big-day dreams become a romantic reality.