The latest edition of Noozhawk’s Santa Barbara Wedding Bliss: The Complete Guide is here! Whether you’re newly engaged or in the thick of planning, this guide is your go-to resource for creating a day that’s as seamless as it is unforgettable.
Weddings are deeply personal and filled with emotion — but organizing one doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This curated guide offers inspiration, insight, and helpful tips to walk you through each step of the planning journey.
To spotlight the vibrant wedding scene in Santa Barbara County, Noozhawk connected with local business owners and industry experts who help make dream weddings a reality.
In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Sara Skrinski, Business Owner/Event planner of Arnoldi’s Cafe, to learn more about their offerings and the role they play in turning special days into lasting memories.
Arnoldi’s Cafe
Question: Year the business was established.
Answer: Arnoldi’s Cafe was established in 1936 by Ilda and Joe Arnoldi.
Q: Tell us about your business and what you specialize in.
A: Established in 1936 by Ilda and Joe Arnoldi, our Italian restaurant has been a cherished part of the Santa Barbara community for generations. Whether you’re joining us for a cozy dinner, celebrating a milestone, or hosting a large event or wedding, we specialize in creating warm, memorable experiences.
Guests return time and again for our inviting atmosphere, delicious food, handcrafted cocktails, and genuine hospitality. From locals looking for a great meal to couples planning their dream day, we take pride in making every moment special
Q: What sets you apart from others in the wedding industry?
A: What sets us apart is the genuine care and attention we bring to every event, big or small. We’re a locally rooted, family-style team—not a large corporate operation—so our clients receive highly personalized service from start to finish.
Our pricing is fair, our food is consistently high quality (even in large quantities), and communication is a top priority. Whether working directly with a bride or a planner, we’re hands-on, responsive, and fully invested in making sure each event is seamless and special
Q: What’s your approach to working with couples during the planning process?
A: Our approach is all about making the planning process feel easy, personal, and enjoyable. We understand that every couple is different, so we listen closely to your vision and work with you to bring it to life. We’re hands-on, responsive, and genuinely excited to be part of your celebration.
From the first conversation to the last bite of dessert, we’re here to guide, support, and help make the day feel uniquely yours—without stress or surprises. It’s an honor to be part of such a special moment, and we treat it with the care it deserves
Q: Do you have a favorite wedding moment or memory that stands out?
A: Honestly, my favorite moment happens at almost every event—it’s that pause when I step back and see the vision come to life. The candles are glowing, the food is coming out beautifully, and my incredible team is in motion, executing every detail with care. It always starts with me, but it’s the team that brings it all together seamlessly.
That moment of quiet pride never gets old. And yes, doing Demi Lovato’s rehearsal dinner recently was definitely a cool highlight—we treat every event like a big deal, but that one was a fun reminder of how far we’ve come
Q: What trends or ideas are you excited about in the upcoming wedding season?
A: I’m really excited about the rise of micro weddings. More couples are choosing smaller, more meaningful gatherings, and our space is ideal for that. We can privately section off our trellis area for an intimate outdoor celebration, or host a cozy dinner in our charming Lake Como Room. With fewer guests, couples can focus on quality—elevated food, a relaxed flow, and a truly memorable atmosphere
Q: What advice do you have for couples planning their big day?
A: My biggest advice is to enjoy the process—this is such a special time, and planning your wedding should be fun and memorable. We try to make things as easy and stress-free as possible. With us, you don’t need to overthink the details—we provide everything you need, from tables and linens to a beautiful space that’s already decorated.
Of course, you can bring in your own touches if you’d like, but you truly don’t have to. Keep it simple, focus on the experience, and let it be joyful
Q: How far in advance should couples book with you?
A: I always recommend booking about a year in advance, especially if you have a specific date in mind—but we can often make things work with less notice, too. We’ve planned some beautiful events on shorter timelines, so don’t hesitate to reach out even if your date is coming up soon. The sooner we connect, the better we can help you bring your vision to life.
Q: What’s one thing you wish every couple knew before booking your service?
A: I wish every couple knew how beautifully simple—and great value—it can be to host their wedding with us. We offer a stunning setting, delicious food, and everything you need to create an unforgettable day, without the high costs of many other venues in town (meaning more savings for your honeymoon!).
You can even hold your ceremony right on our bocce courts for a fun and unique touch. It’s truly a hidden gem for couples who want something special and seamless
Q: Where can people learn more or get in touch with you?
A: You can email us at arnoldisevents@gmail.com
Q: How do you personalize your services to reflect each couple’s unique style and vision?
A: We start by getting a good feel for each couple’s style and vision to understand what makes their day unique. From there, we tailor every detail—whether it’s menu choices, seating arrangements, or ambiance—to fit their preferences.
Because we’re a smaller, hands-on team, we can be flexible and creative, making sure the wedding truly feels like their celebration. Our goal is to bring their dreams to life while keeping the experience smooth and enjoyable
Q: What inspires your work and keeps you passionate about weddings?
A: I’ve spent 20 years in the wedding industry working with Arnoldi’s Café—where my dad was the owner before me and gave me the freedom to creatively build up the event side of the business. Now that it’s my own, I’ve been able to expand even more, adding lush plants, flowers, lanterns, and vineyard chairs to create a truly special atmosphere.
This hands-on experience and creative expression help me connect deeply with each couple, ensuring their wedding reflects their vision and runs smoothly. Being part of such meaningful days keeps my passion for weddings strong every single time
Q: Can you share a recent success story or client testimonial that meant a lot to you?
A: A fabulous venue for our wedding rehearsal dinner and welcome reception!
Arnoldi’s is an amazing restaurant and event venue! It was the ideal spot for our wedding rehearsal dinner and welcome reception. Booking the patio and bocce courts for a private event was incredibly easy, and we had a great experience working with Sara. She was extremely helpful, addressing all our questions and ensuring everything was taken care of smoothly.
Initially, we had some concerns when the restaurant briefly closed after we booked, following the passing of one of the long-time owners. However, Sara stepped up and has been running everything without a hitch.
Highlights: Ambiance: The atmosphere and location are superb.
The restaurant is nestled in a charming, classic Santa Barbara building, and the patio feels like an Italian backyard. The bocce courts add an extra element of fun! Décor: The newly updated chairs and decorations are lovely and complement the space perfectly.
Food: The food is phenomenal—authentic Italian at its finest!
From the bread and salads to the pasta and sauces, everything was delicious. My personal favorites were the chicken parm and Tuscan chicken. For the reception, we went with heavy appetizers and desserts, and both the cannoli and tiramisu were exceptional.
Drinks: Sara’s wine recommendations were a big hit, and for a fun touch, don’t miss out on a classic Hamm’s after enjoying a Negroni.
Lastly, the staff (especially Guillermo!) was fantastic—super attentive, helpful, and on top of everything the entire evening. We can’t recommend Arnoldi’s enough! If you can’t host your event here, do yourself a favor and at least come for dinner. You won’t regret it!
To learn more about Arnoldi’s Cafe, click HERE!