About Onyx & Redwood
Hi, I’m Jess - owner, founder, and inventive wedding planner based in Santa Barbara, California.
I specialize in designing high-end luxury weddings that aren’t boring or stuffy, but bold and exciting.
Most of my clients are destination clients. Whether they are coming to the Santa Barbara area, or traveling to the destination of their dreams, I make it all happen.
My Philosophy
Permission to Be Yourself
My whole business motto revolves around this simple concept that your wedding is 100% about you and your partner. You have my absolute support to do things your way and no one else’s.
If that means forgoing all traditions and having your dog-children walk you down the aisle—then go for it.
If that means hiring a tattoo artist to give tattoos at your reception—then do it (‘cause that actually happened!).
And if that means you want to get married in a château in France, with 300 of your closest friends with the most epic party ever—consider me there.
I promise to not only pull together the wedding of your dreams, but I promise to be your biggest supporter in creating a wedding that exceeds all of your expectations. I’ll bring in all of the little details about your life, from your personalities, to your lifestyle, to your cultures, and weave them throughout the fabric of your wedding in a seamless and natural way.
Meet Jess
Hi, Jess here. I was born to be an event planner—just ask my mom.
But when you talk to her, maybe don’t mention to her the time I planned and threw my first party for over 200 of my closest friends … when I was 14. (Sorry, mom).
I’m sure she didn’t think it was funny at the time (ok, she definitely didn’t think it was) but I can say with certainty that it was a pretty epic party and it quickly instilled in me my love of planning and hosting events.
I’ve come a long way since my 14-year old self. However, it is safe to say your wedding won’t be Beastie Boys-themed, unless that’s what you really want. What hasn’t changed, is my fundamental desire to bend the rules and push the boundaries within the wedding industry.
When it comes to your wedding, I believe:
Luxury doesn’t have to be pretentious and boring.
Edgy can still be elegant.
Bold is definitely beautiful.
Luxury doesn’t have to be pretentious and boring.
Edgy can still be elegant.
Bold is definitely beautiful.
And being authentic to yourself within your wedding is the best gift you can give yourself and your partner on your wedding day,
A Bit About Me
20 years in the event planning space
Married with 2 kids and 1 dog. They are my heartbeat and humble me daily.
Tropical Country: Costa Rica
European Destination: Italy
Country girl with an affinity for culture and travel
Met my husband the old-fashioned way—in a bar!
Detail-obsessed and service-oriented
Wild-spirited with impeccable tastes
It's in my DNA...
Growing up in the East Bay, I was taught grit and hard work from an early age. My parents were extremely hardworking. They built our adobe home in the country themselves, on the weekends, and after work, so I could spend my free time as a child climbing old oak trees and riding horses bareback through the valley. I grew up camping, driving fast down long gravel roads, and dreaming of traveling the world.
In a complete juxtaposition to this country upbringing, my mom instilled in me an appreciation and love of entertaining. She adored nothing more than breaking out the fine china and crystal to entertain and she always had a stunning seasonal tablescape.
THESE ARE THE NUANCES AND CONTRASTS THAT MAKE ME WHO I AM: WILD AND FREE WITH A LOVE OF FINE DETAILS AND A DEVOTION TO HARD WORK.
I spent my free time as a child climbing old oak trees and riding horses bareback through the valley. I grew up camping in the mountains and fishing streams with my father, driving fast down long gravel roads, and jumping at any opportunity to experience a new place, a new food, and a new culture.
In a complete juxtaposition to this country upbringing, my mom instilled in me an appreciation and love of entertaining. She always enjoyed breaking out the fine china and crystal to entertain and she always had a stunning seasonal tablescape.
These are the nuances and contrasts that make me who I am: wild and free with a love of fine details and a devotion to hard work.
Always Loving
Upbeat couples who trust my expertise
Getting to know my couples
Unique and exciting ideas that help create unforgettable events
Interweaving my couple’s love story into the guest experience
Weddings that break the mold
Your Perfect Planner
Choosing your wedding planner is the biggest decision you’ll make in regards to your wedding. You spend more time with them than anyone else. It’s important that you can trust them, that you can confide in them, and that you enjoy being around them.
Let’s chat to see if we would be a good fit.
Let's talk
