It was the hottest day of the year so far – but absolutely beautiful and perfect for this Trinity Tree Farm Lodge Wedding.
When we arrived for their Lodge wedding, Caitlin was calm and collected – relaxing in the air conditioned bridal suite while her bridesmaids and mom prepared for the day ahead. David and his groomsmen got in a round of pool prior to getting dressed, and shared stories and laughter throughout the afternoon. There was activity everywhere – friends and family setting up and even helping take care of Finch, the couple’s beloved dog.
We were definitely excited for this wedding. They met with Kate a few times prior to the wedding day, and she could tell they were a special couple with a definite vision for their event and how they hoped it would go. From the start, they wanted the day to be about celebration and relaxation and joy – and it couldn’t have gone better.
We know you want to hear all the fun details from this Lodge wedding – so straight from the bride, Caitlin, herself:
We want to hear all of the awesome proposal details!
Dave proposed to me on my birthday last year, May 18 2017. In his telling, I had been pressuring him for a while… haha. And I was pretty sad after we went out to our 5th anniversary dinner (one month earlier, April 20) and he didn’t pop the question. We have looked at rings together in Jan or Feb, and I was pretty sure he had bought one!
On the morning of my birthday, we went to the beach with our dog, Finch. I assumed that if he was going to propose that day, the most Santa Barbara way to do it would be at the beach. But one again my hopes were dashed! So I figured we would just have a fun birthday ahead, and I had planned a get together that evening with friends at a local brewery (Third Window). After the beach, Dave and I went to fancy brunch at Scarlett Begonia and then he asked if I wanted to go check out the flowers at the Courthouse in town. I said I didn’t think there were any flowers but sure, why not! (I am oblivious and did not put all the pieces together about what was about to happen).
Once we arrived at the courthouse, we walked down to the sunken gardens. I saw a dog that looked a LOT like Finch running towards us, and told Dave that dog looked a lot like ours. And then, I realized it was Finch with a big red bow around his neck and an envelope. In the envelope was a very nice pop-up card of a horsedrawn carriage, and inside was printed “Happily Ever After.” Dave had written the question “Will you marry me?” and attached my engagement ring to part of the carriage. We did not exchange any words out loud, just looked at each other, and I immediately started crying and kissed him and then after that said yes out loud.
While we were at brunch, a mutual friend had gone to our apartment to get Finch, and brought him to the courthouse, and then Dave had brought in another friend to hide in the bushes and take pictures. It was all very sweet!
How did the two of you meet?
Dave and I met in our Ph.D. program at UCSB. We both started in Fall 2011 in the History program! Apparently we talked during the new student orientation those first few days (I sat next to him and made small talk, but I don’t remember this!). We then started hanging out with the same group of friends around March of our first year of grad school, and were dating by the end of April 🙂
Is there anything special about your Trinity Tree Farm Lodge wedding venue that is the reason you chose it?
We chose to get married in Washington near Issaquah because I grew up close by in Preston (and went to high school just down the road at Issauqah High!). Dave is from rural Connecticut. We both grew up in the woods, so were really drawn to the scenic location with all the trees. We also decided to get married in Seattle (even though we have lived in Santa Barbara our whole relationship) so that my grandpa would be able to attend the ceremony. However, he passed away one month after we got engaged. But he’ll be in Issaquah with us in spirit!
Tell us about what you’re both wearing for your Lodge wedding.
Boho-lace off white dress with a very cool back opening! Designed by Sofie of Tulip Bridal in Issaquah, Wa. I was the first to try on and choose this design! Which was very cool. I am wearing pearl drop earrings that my mom wore on her wedding, one of my grandma’s pearl earrings that I had turned into a pendant, and Bella Belle sandals from BHLDN that are flat, rhinestone-y, and blue on the bottom. And a 12′ veil with a few lace flower appliques.
David is wearing a 3-piece gray suit, black tie, black shoes, with a black belt (all rented from The Black Tux).
Are there any special parts to your wedding?
We ordered a cake from Borracchini’s, the same place my parents got their cake from for their wedding. And, the unity candle my dad’s parents used at their wedding will be on display. We have also borrowed a jaguar for our exit, which we plan to do with lace ribbons.
What is your most anticipated moment from your wedding day?
Dave- Ceremony, first dance, fun dancing with everyone
Caitlin- first look, seeing everyone that is at our ceremony while we’re up there!
If we were to bump in to you on a relaxed weekend, what would you be doing?
We would start the day with a beach walk with Finch, grab yummy lunch (likely Mexican food) in town with friends, and then see a movie. Maybe pals would come over for a drink or two after.
Trinity Tree Farm Lodge Wedding Vendor Team
Venue
Trinity Tree Farm Lodge Weddings
Photographer
GSquared Weddings
Wedding Gown
Tulip Bridal
Groom’s Attire
The Black Tux
Hair Stylist
Rosa, family friend
Makeup Artist
Lis Krebs
Invitations/Stationery
Minted
Officiant
Tara McLauchlan, Caitlin’s big sister from sorority
Event Planner/Coordinator
Town & Country Wedding
Floral
Countryside Floral
Decor
Vintage Ambiance
DJ
Anatronic Productions
Catering
The Tall Chef
Bartending
Spectrum Event Services
Cake
Borracchini’s Bakery
“You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes, to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or during long walks – all those conversations that began with, “When we’re married”, and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” – all those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” – and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.
The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things that we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word.”
Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years. Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same.
For after today you shall say to the world –
This is my husband. This is my wife.”
— Robert Fulghum, Union
Trinity Tree Farm Lodge Wedding Vendor Team
Venue
Trinity Tree Farm Lodge Weddings
Photographer
GSquared Weddings
Wedding Gown
Tulip Bridal
Groom’s Attire
The Black Tux
Hair Stylist
Rosa, family friend
Makeup Artist
Lis Krebs
Invitations/Stationery
Minted
Officiant
Tara McLauchlan, Caitlin’s big sister from sorority
Event Planner/Coordinator
Town & Country Wedding
Floral
Countryside Floral
Decor
Vintage Ambiance
DJ
Anatronic Productions
Catering
The Tall Chef
Bartending
Spectrum Event Services
Cake
Borracchini’s Bakery
