Laura of Docuvitae Photography has crafted some serious magic with these images that look like stills out of an old classic film. Every single photograph is beyond breath-taking and is the perfect compliment to this Old Hollywood glamour meets Los Angeles wedding coordinated by Tealight Events. And what better place for a soirée that included synchronized swimmers at cocktail hour than the historic Paramour Mansion? You almost need to go through the images more than once to catch all the loveliness. This is a sit and gaze for hours kind of affair. See it all here.
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From the Bride… When I found the location for our wedding, it became the inspiration for all that followed. I had been intrigued for some time with the Paramour, an iconic Old Hollywood estate from the 1920’s. Built by a silent film star, the house underwent several transformations over the years, including iterations as a school for girls and a convent. It had a history and charm that couldn’t be replicated in any modern-day setting. I was thrilled to learn that it was available. Our ceremony took place in the Paramour’s ballroom, which features an enormous fireplace and a hand-painted ceiling. The ceremony was performed by our great friends Sam and Lila, who my husband first met in graduate school at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. In lieu of traditional readings, we asked five close friends to each surprise us with a passage from one of their favorite works of literature. I was lucky to have inherited my grandmother’s hand-made lace dress from the 1940s. After some alterations and a simple satin bow from Monique Lhuillier, it looked as good as new.
The setting dictated the style of the entire evening. Although the Paramour has undergone numerous identity changes, its original essence has remained firmly intact. There was even taxidermy — a huge polar bear, a zebra, a peacock and several owls. The courtyard was the ideal setting for cocktail hour, but for some time we couldn’t think of an appropriate use for the courtyard’s large pool. And then we found the Aqua Lillies, a group of beautiful synchronized swimmers who arrived in vintage swimsuits and caps. They performed three numbers while our guests sipped our specialty cocktails: a “Penicillin” and champagne with elderflower and a white rose garnish. Dinner was served on the Paramour’s back lawn. Our caterers, The Kitchen For Exploring Foods, pulled off everything without a hitch. While dinner was being served, the ballroom was being transformed for the reception. Because we didn’t want a traditional wedding cake, the caterers created a beautiful dessert table in the Paramour’s original dining room. We asked our guests to write personal notes for us on an old Olivetti typewriter that we found one weekend in Palm Springs. After hours of dancing, posing for photos with the polar bear, and clacking away at the typewriter, we all finally said goodbye to the Paramour.
From Carina of Tealight Weddings and Events… Sarah initially brought up the idea of having her wedding at the Paramour mansion during our very first meeting. I had heard of the mysterious venue but had never actually been there, so to say I was excited to see it would be an understatement! The first time we visited together was on a bright, sunny, typical Southern California day, and I was absolutely stunned by the views and the absolute uniqueness of the estate. I knew that this would be a wedding that the guests would not soon forget. Sarah and Mark had such wonderful ideas, and I loved that they just wanted to enhance the existing beauty of the venue with décor and florals and not overwhelm it by doing too much. I have worked with Gilly on previous events and just knew that he was the perfect fit for the Paramour. Sarah’s bouquet was the perfect fit for her gorgeous vintage dress and the simple centerpieces looked amazing on the back lawn. The Kitchen for Exploring Foods did a wonderful job handling the event that was spread over several different areas of the estate, and the food was impeccable as always. Town and Country Event Rentals did a wonderful job with the lighting which of course was integral to setting the mood during dinner. Although the Paramour estate definitely poses a few challenges as an event venue, wonderful vendors and a couple truly in love made the whole day go smoothly. I am incredibly lucky to be blessed with such wonderful clients!
Wedding Photography: Laura and Hannah of Docuvitae Photography / Wedding Venue: The Paramour Mansion at the Canfield-Moreno Estate in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California / Wedding Coordination: Carina McLaughlin of Tealight Weddings and Events / Floral Design: Gilly Flowers & Events / Catering: The Kitchen for Exploring Foods / Lighting: Town & Country Event Rentals / Water Ballet: Aqualillies / Wedding Gown: 1940s Vintage from the Bride’s Grandmother / Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik