It's so funny how we're all preconditioned with an idea of what a wedding should be; the white dress, bridesmaids, crisp linens and centrepieces.
And it's silly because I (a wedding blog editor and dedicated searcher for weddings that are a little bit different) still find myself looking for those things, the centrepieces, the table plan and the escort cards, just like I did with today's real wedding.
But there aren't any. One, because today's bride and groom, Sandy and Chris, are so much cooler than me, and two, because their downtown LA wedding was all about leaving all the fuss behind, and celebrating their nuptials with one awesome party.
And we're so excited to share their gorgeous pictures by Alexandra Wallace.
We could gush about how great this wedding is all day, the food truck catering, the warehouse-style venue, and the awesome photobooth.
But we figured, instead of us telling you more about it, we'd leave you in the safe hands of someone who was there instead.
Before you scroll down to swoon over the shots and hear from the bride and groom themselves, it's over to the lady who captured it all, Alexandra Wallace…
From the Photographer
As soon as Sandy emailed me photos of her wedding venue, I was absolutely sold.
An airy warehouse, in perfectly white-washed brick. Nestled in downtown Los Angeles, the HNYPT creative space serves as an alternative wedding venue and, essentially, a blank canvas.
For their wedding, Chris and Sandy created some beautiful fern installations, unique seating lounges with Circa Vintage Rentals, and added plenty of personal touches.
Chris and his best friend, Jon, prepared for the day at the ACE Hotel, and we followed them from their hotel room, to the rooftop pool, and to the elevators for a few groomsman photos.
Meanwhile, Sandy and her best girl friends were getting ready at an incredibly chic apartment, and definitely set the bar for the coolest girl-gang group photos.
Oh, I forgot to mention – Sandy designed and MADE her own wedding dress! It's a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Her bouquet and flower crown were from a local downtown street vendor, and she made sure Pony, a sentimental gift, made it into her final look down the aisle, as well.
After a sweet ceremony, guests ordered dinner options from the award-winning Los Lobos Truck, known from Food Truck Wars on the Food Network.
Wedding Day Snapshot
Our Love Story
It is your typical love story, we met a sleazy college bar.
Three words to describe our wedding? Modern, classic and fun.
The Attire
We had no bridesmaids in the traditional sense. My best gal pals wore complimentary color dresses.
The bride designed and made her own dress.
Our Wedding
We had no color or theme. If I had to describe it, it was modern with a classic twist or flair.
The venue, booze and food were our priority. We really wanted a party and not a stuffy wedding.
The Venue
We loved the venue because of the exposed whitewashed brick walls. The owners are also great people and easy to work with too.
The Ceremony
As a child I loved My Little Pony, my dad carried a toy My Little Pony in his hand as he walked me down the aisle.
Our friend Matt, played guitar and sang a song as I walked down the aisle.
Favourite Moments
The My Little Pony walking me down the aisle. Our officiant really set the mood for a great wedding. We had the GREATEST DJ EVER also.
The Music
“How Long will I love you” Jon Boden
“Walking on the Sun” Empire of the Sun
“Words Cannot Describe” Mirah
The Refreshments
We has a specially curated cocktail menu based upon our favorite bar names/hang outs. Non-traditional food/menu.
We had a food truck roll up and everyone lined up for sliders, chicken wings, waffle fries and mac-n-cheese!
We had a lovely wedding cake along with chocolate cookies, pastry puffs, tarts etc.
The Decor & Details
It was all DIY.
We strung awesome bistro lights inside and we made a GIANT coffee filter “worm”. It was a labor of love.
The furniture from Circa Vintage really made the place look good. I didn’t have to do much.
The Honeymoon
We went to Belize!
So cool, right? How incredible that Sandy made her own dress – wow! And I love adore the idea of the My Little Pony joining her dad to walk her down the aisle (she must have a very sweet dad!).
That venue is such a fab space too.
Thanks so much to Alexandra Wallace, and of course, Chris & Sandy for sharing their fun food truck LA wedding with us.
Be inspired by more awesome real weddings.
