Los Angeles DIY Wedding by Beaux Arts Photographie
I started reading Tabitha’s blog – Ms. Awesome – way back when I was a newly engaged little thing so I know how much hard work, love, sweat and (maybe a few) tears went into creating her and Cynthia’s amazing wedding celebration. Let me tell you two lovely ladies, all that work paid off because this is hands down the best DIY wedding I’ve ever seen! When Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photographie sent over the images I nearly fell off my chair. I mean, I knew it was going to be good but I was not prepared for this ridiculously awesome, sweet, love-filled extravaganza! There are so many smiling faces, little details and handcrafted elements that it couldn’t even be contained in one post. You’ll just have to go to the full gallery to really soak in this phenomenal day!
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It’s funny that I wrote about our wedding for nearly a year before it happened, and now that it’s over, I can barely string a sentence together that will accurately capture, contain, or recreate the magic of that September day. I just don’t have the skills. That said, I’ll try my best to give you the long version, but the short version is this: it was awesome!
We spent about 14 months planning, mostly so we’d have the time to save up enough money for our little shindig. We knew from the start that we wanted a casual and fun outdoor wedding with good food, good music, and good people. Basically we wanted to throw a really fun and extremely meaningful little party, and call it a wedding. Oh! And by good food we always meant the Kogi truck. After researching and visiting some very unimpressive (and expensive!) LA venues we really struck gold with Heritage Square Museum. It was the perfect mix of nature, architecture, chickens (and even a barn!) all right in the middle of LA! The gravel road leading down the center sealed the deal by making our dreams of a double truck food wedding a reality! And somewhere along the way I became obsessed with wedding blogs, so much so, that I started one to document all our crazy planning adventures and DIY endeavors. These included: hand-printed invitations, veils/fascinators, wedding flags, cranes, vintage milk-glass centerpieces, table-cloths, runners, napkins, signs and a million other wonderful things that we’ve already completely forgotten about. Luckily we have Kirsten’s amazing photos to remember it all!
The crafts were fun (and so worth it) but let’s talk about what mattered most: the ceremony and the community. I’ll be honest with you, for two ladies who just wanted to eat, drink, and dance, this was quite surprising. Our dear friend Stephanie officiated, and her husband Suneel sang our opening prayer in Sanskrit, a nod to Cynthia’s religious upbringing. It set the perfect tone, at once joyful and sacred. We had four of our lovely friends do readings (because we’re big book nerds like that!) and our guests, who were seated in a circle around us, passed our rings around and blessed them. I really wish I could have heard my mom’s blessing because it brought one of our bridesmaids to tears! It is incredibly powerful to be surrounded and supported by the people you love and really intensified the value and meaning of our vows, which we wrote ourselves. Then, at the end of our ceremony we jumped the broom. A quick history lesson: jumping the broom originated in Africa and later served as a public declaration for African Americans when NO form of marriage was available to them (i.e. during slavery). It symbolized settling into a “marriage-type arrangement.” An arrangement? Blech! Since our wedding was our public declaration of our desire to settle into a “marriage-type arrangement” legally supported by neither state nor country, well, we felt it was an appropriate tradition to incorporate. It doesn’t hurt that we’re fiercely competitive, and as the tradition goes, whoever jumps the highest gets to be head of household. There is (unfortunately for me) photographic evidence of the winner. Le sigh.
As a kuckoo-bananas planner and organizer I was able to remain remarkably calm and present on our wedding day. I give lots of credit to my lovely wife for this, as she is remarkably more calm and laid-back than I’ll ever be. Our day started with the two of us going to get coffee by ourselves, marveling over the fact that it was our wedding day, and actively deciding to be worry free. Looking back, I am so happy that we were able to just let go of all the planning, all the expectations, all the worry, and just be present for the most amazing day of our lives. It was an incredible gift, and I will be forever grateful to the amazing people who made it possible for us to just be. The community that rallied around our wedding was truly amazing. I borrowed my dress from a fellow blogger. My Larkspur and Hawk earrings were custom designed/created for me after I ranted (publicly. on my blog. of course.) about how my dream earrings were vastly overpriced, by which I really meant out of my price-range. Talk about humbling. Our friends and family cleaned our house, did our hair and make-up, hung lights and cranes in the trees, tended bar, DJ’d, and surrounded us with so much love and support that I still get chills thinking about it! To be surrounded by so much LOVE is some rare and strong magic and while I still don’t feel I’ve done it justice, I hope you’ve been able to catch even a tiny glimmer of it through these jumbled words and beautiful photos.
Wedding Photography: Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photographie / Wedding Venue: Heritage Square Museum / Catering: Kogi Truck / Ice Cream Sandwiches: Cool Haus / Floral Design: DIY / Invitations: DIY / Save-the-dates: Stinkerpants Designs / Day of Coordination: Just Wenderful / Tabitha’s Dress: Sarah Seven (borrowed from fellow blogger) / Tabitha’s Shoes: Miu Miu / Tabitha’s Earrings: Larkspur & Hawk / Tabitha’s veil: DIY / Cynthia’s Dress: Urban Outfitters / Cynthia’s Shoes: Melissa + Vivienne Westwood / Cynthia’s fascinator: DIY / Cynthia’s Suit: H&M
69 Comments about “Los Angeles DIY Wedding by Beaux Arts Photographie”
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February 17, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Such a cute wedding! So many perfect little details! Precious.
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February 17, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I was so confused at first, because I was so drawn in by the first photos that I hadn't read the lead in. I totally thought this was a photo shoot because this wedding is so amazing! I absolutely love the fact that they incorporated jumping the broom into their ceremony. Congrats to the lovely ladies!
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February 17, 2011 at 2:23 pm
I cannot get over how adorable the save the dates are!! Priceless!!
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February 17, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Just precious!!
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February 17, 2011 at 2:25 pm
My daughter wants a fun wedding like this!
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February 17, 2011 at 2:34 pm
oh my godddd, this is probably my favorite wedding i've seen. <3
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February 17, 2011 at 2:36 pm
This is WAY too much fun! We love every lovely, little detail.
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February 17, 2011 at 2:41 pm
I agree with niko, this wedding looks like a photoshoot! It's absolutely GORGEOUS!
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February 17, 2011 at 2:42 pm
i love that they invited the president and the first lady, hahaha!
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February 17, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Love it!! They look so happy.
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February 17, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Absolutely love it! So real and beautiful. I love that there was thought behind everything and all of the little touches made this day adorable. I am so glad the bride wrote so much, so that I know the story behind the beautiful photos. I really love the brides' and bridesmaids' outfits and the colors are beautiful! Congratulations! Thanks so much for sharing!
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February 17, 2011 at 3:01 pm
LOOOOOOVEEE THIS!
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February 17, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Pretty awesome, indeed! Love the vintage tub photo!!! How adorable.
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February 17, 2011 at 3:26 pm
It was such an absolutely wonderful event to be a part of...the kind most vendors dream of! Congrats again!
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February 17, 2011 at 4:00 pm
There is so much love in this wedding!
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February 17, 2011 at 4:18 pm
this wedding is seriously rendering me speechless. details, details, details. they completely nailed it! that shot of the brides with their bouquets, darling short dresses, and insane shoes is just perfection. one for the scrapbook!
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February 17, 2011 at 4:38 pm
wow. Freaking awesome. And the photographs are beautiful!
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February 17, 2011 at 5:14 pm
If anyone wants to read more about the planning of this wedding, one of the brides was a featured blogger on weddingbee: http://www.weddingbee.com/author/stripes/
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February 17, 2011 at 5:52 pm
Ummmm... wow. I am in awe of this wedding - the details are incredible, the mixy-matchiness of it is swoon-worthy, and the flowers are adorable! I love absolutely everything about this wedding. And the best part? Everyone looks liek they're having a BLAST! I cannot believe this was not a shoot. Perfect!
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February 17, 2011 at 5:54 pm
Awesome! So full of fun and love! The images really show how much everyone supported and loved it each other (fabulous)!! Congrats and many, many years of happiness! :)
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February 17, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Most stylish brides ever? I think so! What a gorgeous wedding.
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February 17, 2011 at 6:51 pm
Awww! Thank you so much for all of your lovely comments! *Blush. It's so much fun to see our wedding featured here and absolutely wonderful to relive all the joy of that day again!
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February 17, 2011 at 7:20 pm
You lovely ladies did a great job - I especially like the bathtub shot. Thanks for posting. Karen
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February 17, 2011 at 7:46 pm
I loved being at this wedding. Everything was perfect. I remember being in such awe walking around at all the lovely details and color that surrounded us.
I was so honored to watch Tabitha and Cyn get married!
Love is grand. -
February 17, 2011 at 8:15 pm
Brides - what is that fabric? I love it!
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February 17, 2011 at 9:20 pm
I love Kirsten (I'm actually working with her this weekend) and this wedding is too sweet!
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February 17, 2011 at 9:51 pm
Props to featuring a not-straight, bi-racial couple, SMP! How refreshing!
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February 17, 2011 at 10:44 pm
Yay Mrs Stripes! You're one of my favorite bloggers and I'm loving seeing your how your gorgeous wedding came together.
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February 17, 2011 at 10:51 pm
I loved Mrs. Stripes on weddingbee, all of her DIY details are so amazing. So happy for her and her love! Congrats ladies on an amazing wedding, an amazing marriage, and being featured!
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February 17, 2011 at 11:59 pm
Every detail about this wedding makes me smile...it really looks like a photo shoot. Their smiles...PRICELESS!
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February 18, 2011 at 12:17 am
Beautiful wedding and gorgeous brides! Congrats!!
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February 18, 2011 at 12:32 am
Can you get any more adorable? Love the tub! And the ice cream truck! I love it all!
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February 18, 2011 at 1:45 am
the details are so adorable! the whole wedding really...
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February 18, 2011 at 3:00 am
What fun! Everything is so adorable. I love the handwritten hearts!
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February 18, 2011 at 10:06 am
So funky! I love this! All the fab details, the bouquets, mason jars, balloons, hand-written notes... simply adorable!!!
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February 18, 2011 at 12:42 pm
love love love everything about this wedding. all your hard work definitely paid off. looks like you threw a fabulous party.
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February 18, 2011 at 1:13 pm
love the mason jar/place cards! such a beautiful celebration with fabulous detail. Congrats!
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February 18, 2011 at 3:53 pm
This entire wedding is so unbelievable beautiful! What a lovely couple and such great details!
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February 18, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Love. Love. Love... Such a gorgeous wedding. All the efforts to make DIY look so chic and lovely. The photography is incredible and I love that everything is so colorful and vintage. Lovely wedding.
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February 18, 2011 at 8:58 pm
C+T = utter darlingness at every turn.
jumping the broom in white-hot minis and sexy heels? favorite picture i've ever seen on SMP.
kisses!
pdog -
February 20, 2011 at 4:46 pm
This is gorgeous. Simply gorgeous.
xox,
http://buttercupbuttons.blogspot.com/ " rel="nofollow">buttercup buttons ♡ -
February 21, 2011 at 3:09 pm
This has got to be a top 2011 feature - one of the most moving and truly wonderfully executed weddings that I have had the pleasure to read and look at!
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February 22, 2011 at 4:45 pm
Such a bright, and vibrant fun wedding! I love the save the dates, the cartoon versions of them is amazing!
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February 25, 2011 at 8:51 am
Such a beautiful wedding, I love everything about it, adore all the little details and you both look amazing.
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February 26, 2011 at 3:02 pm
I absolutely LOVE your wedding design...fantastic job!! I wanted to ask where you purchased the material for the white and yellow striped table runners.. My Mom and I are making table runners for my wedding and our colors are navy, yellow, and white... I WANT, I MUST HAVE, your fabric!! Thanks!
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February 26, 2011 at 10:23 pm
this...is...fabulous! such love, color, and life! what a beautiful celebration!
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March 1, 2011 at 6:06 pm
I absolutely LOVE the jar/escort card/drinking vessels! This I will be adapting to my wedding.
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March 1, 2011 at 9:48 pm
@Christine: The cabana striped fabric is from Ikea! :) I hope they still have it!
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March 4, 2011 at 1:22 am
Beautiful wedding--down to the very last detail. I love that Sarah Seven dress! I am curious about her products and what kinds of experiences other brides have had. Any thoughts? I love her dresses so much...
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March 5, 2011 at 11:14 am
I adore everything about your wedding, from the way it looks to your stories of how it felt. I am excitedly planning my own and am feeling more inspired than ever thanks to the inspiration you've shared! Thank you!
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March 8, 2011 at 9:12 pm
what a wonderful wedding, i love everything! especially those miu miu shoes. and where did you get the mason jars?
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March 10, 2011 at 12:43 pm
This wedding is so amazing and full of inspiration. Thanks for sharing! I've linked to this post in my post with a roundup of bow ties popping up everywhere: http://www.daydreamincolor.com/?p=348
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March 21, 2011 at 1:44 pm
I love this veil...
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April 13, 2011 at 9:59 pm
Oh my goodness, everything is perfect. :)
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January 9, 2012 at 10:35 pm
I regularly read this site and there aren't very many same-sex couples featured. But the ones that are fortunate to make the cut, they always seem to go above and beyond. I must have skipped over this back in February, but I'm overjoyed that I found it today! This wedding wasn't about the gorgeous Vera Wang gown or killer red bottom Louboutin (though I did love Cynthia's Vivienne Westwood's)! As Tabitha stated, it was about the love that they shared and the love that encompassed them on that day. When you really break it all down, isn't that what all weddings revolve around???
Alas, as a young woman who has had her own wedding fantasy for as long as I can remember these two, illustrious women have show me just a glimpse of what I hope to display on the day I marry my beloved wife.
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January 13, 2012 at 12:43 am
As a queer woman, I really LOVE that you post same-sex weddings. Not only does it make your site my favorite but it gives me additional inspiration for what my wedding might look like. Thank you.
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[...] -type arrangement” legally supported by neither state nor country, .... Read the original here: DIY Los Angeles Wedding by Beaux Arts Photographie | Style Me ... The Marriage | English Wedding BlogWorst Bridal Party stories? | Wedding Questions.net Tags: [...]
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[...] Mar I love the wedding of Tabitha and Cynthia featured on Style Me Pretty a few weeks ago by photographer Beaux Arts Photographie … (and not just because I share a [...]
[...] Ms. Awesome. My good friend at work turned me onto her blog after reading about her DIY wedding on Style Me Pretty. Ever since, it has been one of my daily blog stops (see my frequent reads for the other ones). [...]
[...] been falling deeply in love with almost every vintage look and photography. I came across this DIY Los Angeles Wedding of Tabitha and Cynthia at work. I used to see myself as a wedding planner in future for the joy I can share with people all around [...]
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