STORIES
Lian + Colin
Katie + Scotty
Hannah + George
Hannah and George’s intimate rooftop wedding at the whimsical El Zapato House in Santa Barbara was a celebration of love, beautifully captured by Divine Day Photography. With sweeping views of the Santa Ynez mountains and a culinary experience curated by Central Coast Catering, this enchanting evening featured lush floral arrangements by Events by Maxi, vibrant music by Teresa Russell, and the meticulous coordination of Coastal Rose Events. The day was a true reflection of California’s Central Coast elegance, blending natural beauty, seasonal flavors, and heartfelt moments into an unforgettable experience.
Kyle + Megan
Kyle and Megan’s wedding at Foxen Canyon Ranch was a celebration steeped in the natural beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley. Under the vast, serene sky, their love story unfolded amidst rolling hills, ancient oaks, and fields of wildflowers. With elegant cuisine crafted by Central Coast Catering and an atmosphere that blended simplicity with splendor, the day was a perfect reflection of the timeless charm of California’s Central Coast. Discover how this historic ranch provided the ideal setting for a wedding where every moment was cherished and every detail thoughtfully woven into the fabric of their story.
The Rich History of Santa Maria-Style Barbecue: A Culinary Tradition of California’s Central Coast
The history of Santa Maria-style barbecue dates back to the mid-19th century when the sprawling ranches of the Santa Maria Valley were home to Californio ranchers and their vaqueros, the skilled cowboys of the time. Each spring, these ranchers would host grand Spanish-style feasts, gathering family, friends, and vaqueros to enjoy a communal meal that highlighted the bounty of the region. The centerpiece of these feasts was the barbecue—large cuts of beef, seasoned simply with salt, black pepper, and garlic, and cooked slowly over earthen pits filled with hot coals of coast live oak, a hardwood native to the area, often referred to as "red oak."
The Legacy of Santa Barbara Tri-Tip: A Central Coast Culinary Tradition
Santa Barbara tri-tip is more than just a local delicacy; it’s a celebrated icon of California’s Central Coast culinary heritage. This unique triangular cut of beef, sourced from the bottom sirloin, was largely unknown outside California until the mid-20th century. Once considered a lesser cut, often relegated to ground beef or stew meat, tri-tip has since risen to prominence as a signature dish of Santa Maria-style barbecue.
Secret Supper with Le Creuset
Le Creuset x Barbareño | Central Coast Catering