Erica and Mario arrived in Santa Barbara on December 31st. They had arranged to elope on New Year's Day in an intimate ceremony at the Santa Barbara courthouse. We met them outside the sunken garden on January 1st... Erica was simply stunning and Mario could not conceal his proud smile. The rain showers of the previous week subsided to puffy storm clouds, and the resulting soft light was a dream to photograph. The ceremony was so sweet.  There were a few tears... a small audience watched from the stairs above.  Mario's family hosted a wedding reception in Croatia and celebrated with the couple via cell phone throughout the afternoon. We followed the couple to the Biltmore, where they had reservations for a private dinner. We walked along Butterfly Beach and photographed them under the most beautiful sunset, bathed in warm light.  This is a happy new year...