FOREVER FEST! Julie and Joe’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Wedding at the Bacara Ritz Carlton in Santa Barbara in May was quite the show!

I met Julie and Joe a couple years ago through – drum roll, please – Instagram! I was hired by Julie to do a photoshoot for Joe, who, by the way, is the ever-so-talented and charismatic Joe Romersa! He’s a multi-instrumentalist and voice actor. And Julie? Well, she’s a rock queen with a law degree! Can’t get any more bad ass than that.

Of course, their wedding would be ultra-classy with a rock n roll twist! Julie’s gown and custom-made matching shawls for her and her small bridal party were designed by Claire Pettibone. Completely chic and just one-of-kind. Little touches like that just added to what made this event so unique. The bold pops of color and subtle classic undertones were the perfect balance of rock-n-roll meets Martha Stewart…exactly what my brand is! How fitting. Having worked with these two on many occasions, I already understood their style and they understood mine.

It was a warm, sunny day at the Bacara in Santa Barbara. Stunning ocean views as far as the eye could see. Julie prepped for the big day in their villa right on the water, and Joe was downstairs getting ready with intermittent music and cigarette breaks, naturally. This couple could not be more laid back. Despite being in the same villa, we still pulled off a casual first look.

From the Ring Security (ring bearer) to the custom laminates, to the lighters and the t-shirts, the “festival” and “concert” touches on all the wedding details were created and designed by Julie herself. Forever Fest was an all-night live concert after their water-front ceremony. All the musicians are long-time friends of Julie and Joe and are all masters of their craft. They doubled as guests and the talent, including the groom, himself! From the beginning of the reception til the very end, the grooves flowed.

As soon as the reception kicked off, it was immediately an outdoor concert with several different musicians which was a nice treat, post-pandemic. It was nice to be able to see LIVE MUSIC once again, and photograph it! Holy shit! Joe has a large roster of fellow talented musician friends and they all showed up to lend their musical talents in the name of rock-n-roll love. It was an all-night fiesta of funky tunes about Sticky Rice to romantic numbers called Julie Romersa.

VENDORS

Photographer: Kelli Bee Photography

Event Planners: Sterling Social

Venue: Ritz Carlton Santa Barbara

Flowers: R. Jack Balthazar, Inc.

Tux: Ottavio Nuccio Gala

Gown: Claire Pettibone

Additional photography: Thank you to Samantha Klose-Diaz and Robin Randolph for your badassery!

MUSICIANS

T-Bear and Root 66

Richard “T-Bear” Gerstein

Paul Ill (bass)

Laurence Juber (guitar)

Jerry Vivino (Sax)

Tony Braunagal (drums)

Michael Be Holden (bass)

Jon Woodhead (guitar)

Joe Romersa (drums)

Greg Durschlag

Tim Long (guitar) 

Lex Lang (guitar)

Chuck Kavooras

Rick Reed (bass)

Mark Tabbert (bass)

Doug Mace (drums)

Preston Smith (guitar)

Vince Nicoletti (keyboard)