Just when you thought Santa Barbara weddings were all about vineyards and beaches, you find the Canary Hotel, and a sophisticated city rooftop wedding emerges!
From the minute you walk in, the style of the hotel grabs you...it's stucco and Spanish tile, it's wrought iron and polished wood - it's eye candy architecture and old world charm. You may find yourself wondering if the hotel's channeling Casa Del Mar - it is (Santa Monica's Casa del Mar and Shutters are sister properties)...and then you go to the Rooftop.
Forgetting the details for a moment -- gazing out over the city toward the mountains, you imagination conjures images of swanky guests sipping mojitos, the maid of honor flirting with the best man near the fireplace, a slow dance in the moonlit breeze, and the bride and groom stealing a kiss on the staircase.
Then the question arises - can they make it happen? This is where the sales and catering staff comes in, of course, and having spent a lovely lunch with Alison Manna (associate director of catering), I'd say the Canary Hotel is up to the task!
Alison was not only knowledgeable about the hotel and its history, but also about the Santa Barbara wedding industry, the restaurant's lunch menu (take her advice, the tortilla soup is superb), and the details that need a little TLC to ensure a fantastic event.
With new ownership, they've revamped the look of the hotel (in particular the restaurant) and the quality of the food, trained the service staff and road-tested the changes. And (importantly from my perspective), the catering manager is experienced, youthful, open to creative ideas, and excited about making your imagined event a reality.
I have fallen in love with the Canary Hotel, and you just might too. Don't miss this gem during your wedding venue search!
