Smog Shoppe might be the coolest venue I’ve ever got to shoot at. And for my first time getting to travel across the country for a wedding… it didn’t disappoint! I was over the moon excited when Melinda Leal of Celina Gomez Associates asked if I’d want to go to California to shoot a speakeasy-themed wedding with her in LA. I think my exact reaction was “uh..YEAH!” And so we made plans… The weather was beautiful in July. One of my favorite parts was eating at the restaurants overlooking Manhattan Beach. The view was beautiful, the sun was shining, and the ocean breeze was heavenly. And the drives along the coast were the best. In fact, I probably need to do a separate blog post with travel photos!

Moving onto the wedding day… this couple had a truly fun wedding. To start it off, they chose an eco-friendly venue with an incredible succulent wall on both the outside of the building facing La Cienaga Boulevard in Culver City, and another wall forming a ceremony backdrop. I loved it. It was such a statement feature. There were so many little details to photograph, and to top it off, the bride wore a gorgeous and intricate flapper-style beaded dress. The couple even invited all of their guests to dress within the theme too. When guests arrived, the DJ played songs from The Great Gatsby soundtrack, the bartender served signature cocktails and there were beads and fringe and feathers everywhere. It was fab-u-lous.

Ok. The cutest thing ever? When the bride started coming down the stairs toward the aisle, the groom left his spot at the end of the aisle and ran toward her to walk her the rest of the way down. I guess he just couldn’t take being without her for another second. The crowd loved it. They were SO excited. Like, giddy. They smiled and laughed and cried, which is everything we hope to photograph during a wedding ceremony. At the end, the officiant had the bride’s sons join them, and after they recessed, the younger son was moved to tears with happiness for his mom.

Vegan dinner AND desserts were on the wedding menu that evening, and I couldn’t even tell you how many desserts Melinda and I delightfully devoured. Vi, the baker at Se’La Vi Sweets was so awesome. She and the catering staff (Eco Caters) were so much fun. I loved getting to chit chat with the wait staff and even met an aspiring actor from Houston. We bonded on Texas things and our love for California weather. ;) Traveling for this LA wedding was the best experience. I am so grateful to Melinda for trusting me to be her sidekick and to Melissa and Seth for being gracious hosts!