The vastness of the desert meets the lushness of an Italian garden at Ojai’s newest open-air venue, Topa Vista. Located just a few minutes from downtown, the intimate family-owned property is set on 1.8 acres of land dotted with agave plants, olive trees, rocky outcrops and sweeping views of the Topatopa Mountains. In the evening as the sun dips behind the horizon, the mountains and surrounding valley are bathed in pink-tinged light.
Thus, nature and lighting became the muse for Kristin Banta Events who set about to create a free-standing structure that is architectural yet demure. “The inspiration behind the ceremony design is a marriage of hard and soft,” explains Banta of the airy rosewater-hued structure. Orla Floral shaped the billowing fabric into a breezy asymmetrical altar that frames the mountain vista.
What makes Topa Vista special is that it feels like events are PAINTED right onto nature’s canvas. The mountains, the light, the landscaping...it all creates this ORGANIC, connected-to-nature backdrop that sets the tone.
–Vai Tiare, Topa Vista Venue Manager
To achieve movement and depth, Orla Floral shaped stems of allium, textured grasses, calla lilies and agapantha pods into organically sculpted arrangements. “We wanted everything to feel sculptural, tonal and modern,” explains Ortega. Deep shades of green meld with notes of eggplant, creating depth and a masculine partner to the gentle rosewater fabric.
We wanted the altar structure to feel like fabric gently BLOWING in the wind, which dictated the choice of the TRANSLUCENT textile and the asymmetrical manipulation of its form.
–Kristin Banta, Kristin Banta Events
The bride’s avant-garde “Flowerbomb” gown by Viktor & Rolf complements the design with a voluminous tulle skirt and contoured top adorned with a dramatic ribbon fashioned into a bow.
For a truly luxurious guest experience, a champagne and caviar bar is an exceptional start to the wedding. Golden Reserve Caviar’s tins of Ossetra are presented in crystal goblets with mother-of-pearl spoons.
Fashion meets form in Amsale’s “Orchid” gown, a taffeta confection with a bodice adorned with an oversized three-dimensional flower, a fitting match for the uniquely structured calla lily and agapantha bouquet. “My aesthetic is best described as unique, organic and luxurious,” explains Ortega. “I love creating arrangements that feel natural yet elevated with a focus on beautiful textures inspired by sculpture.”
I love how the TEXTURES and colors came together to create an ETHEREAL feel; we really wanted it to look otherworldly.
–Renata Ortega, Orla Floral
