O & J

With our whole hearts, from Ojai

Olivia& James

September 14, 2026 · Ojai, California

First Wash

Painted from life.

We met at a plein-air class in the Arbolada — Olivia painting the oaks, James accidentally painting Olivia's easel into his sky. When the light went pink over the Topatopas, we traded pages, and neither of us ever gave ours back.

The couple where their story began
Study I · the first trail

Six years on, our kitchen table is still half studio — jars of brushes, clay and eucalyptus pigment drying on cool paper. James proposed under the olive trees at dusk, paint still on his hands. So that's where we'll marry, with all of you close.

A quiet moment between the couple
Study II · the road here
“A wedding like a watercolor: loose at the edges, luminous, impossible to repeat.”

Color enters by the hour.

  1. Ceremony

    Paloma Grove · The Olive Rows

    Vows in the open air between the olive rows, just as the light begins to soften. Arrive by 4.

  2. Cocktail Hour

    The Eucalyptus Walk

    Pixie tangerine spritzes, olives cured from these trees, and a slow guitar while we steal photos.

  3. Dinner

    The Long Studio Table

    One long table under the oaks, dressed in linen we dyed ourselves. Toasts warmly invited.

  4. Dancing

    The Lantern Lawn

    Paper lanterns, bare feet on cool grass, and dancing until the last lantern gutters out.

Field notes

For the journey there.

Places to arrive, settle in, and find your way back from the dance floor.

Venue

Paloma Grove

Ceremony in the olives, dinner under the oaks, dancing on the lawn — park once and stay.

1180 McNell Rd · ceremony in The Olive RowsOpen directions ↗
Stay

The Oakhaven Inn

Our room block is held under Olivia & James through August 14 — mention the wedding for the rate.

8 min from the grove
Stay

The Lavender Bungalows

Little garden cottages an easy walk from the arcade and the Sunday farmers' market.

12 min from the grove
Travel

Getting there

Fly into Santa Barbara (SBA), about 45 minutes over the pass, or Burbank (BUR) for a slower coastal drive. Shuttles run from both inns.

SBA · BUR

Left to dry in the afternoon light.

The couple among the olive rows
01The Arbolada, 2020
Paint-stained hands held tight
02The first wash
A quiet hour at the easels
03Lake Casitas
Walking out at the pink moment
04The proposal dusk
Laughing under eucalyptus
05Early October
Tea on the studio porch
06Slow mornings

Presence first. Everything else, lightly.

Notes in the margin

The useful details.

Everything worth knowing before the paint dries.

What should I wear?

Garden attire in soft colors — the evening cools once the pink moment fades, so bring a layer. The ceremony is on orchard grass; leave the stilettos at home.

Can I bring a plus-one?

Your invitation names everyone we've painted a place card for. If anything about your party looks off, write to us — we'll sort it out.

Are kids welcome?

We adore your small people, but this evening is adults only — let someone else do bedtime while you linger over dessert.

What's the plan for weather?

Ojai in September is kind, but the barn studio is a few steps away if the sky turns. Watercolor loves a little rain anyway.

When should I RSVP by?

Please reply by August 1, 2026 — we're lettering the seating chart by hand and need time to let the ink dry.

Reply sheet

Send a painted word.

Will you join us?
Food, stay, access