Los Angeles Wedding
Weeks leading up to Joe+Casey‘s wedding it was all gray, rainy weather. Come their wedding day though it was all sun and smiles. Well and a few tears from Joe.
When we did their session last year we had no idea what a soft teddy bear Joe is. There were so many happy tears shed this day and it was a wonderful celebration of love found.
What to think about for your Getting Ready space
We always like to advise our couples to think about the space that they’re getting ready at. Sure some venues offer spaces but sometimes it’s just a room that’s used as an office during the weekdays and usually it has no natural light, least of all style. With Joe+Casey’s wedding at the Women’s 20th Century Club not only did they not have a getting ready room but there isn’t many options for photos around the area. One of the first questions Casey had for us was suggestions on where they could do photos so we tied two issues together – their getting ready space and a cool area to do their first look, portraits and wedding party photos. We gave a few boutique hotel options that were near their venue, including the Freehand Hotel and they loved the idea.
It’s not just a hotel room you need look for – it’s also making sure the room has plenty of windows to allow natural light, enough space to hold you and your group to get ready in and style, style, style. And that’s why suggest looking at boutique hotels versus chain hotels. Think about it, you’re spending a good chunk of your morning and day spent in this space. Which means a lot of photos are happening during that time. You are not going to want photos in a room where you hate the decor and the lighting is casting dark circles on your face, ew.
Getting Ready at Freehand Hotel
They booked two rooms, one for her and one for him. The Freehand Hotel was a fun space to shoot at and if you book a corner room (which is advised) you’re surrounded by windows and great natural light. After everyone was dressed and ready to go we did their first look in the room, did a few portraits around the hotel and then heading outside where we just wandered close by finding little nooks and crannies to shoot at – our favorite thing.
First Look and wedding portraits inside Freehand Hotel
Wedding Party photos
Then we headed outside of Freehand and wandered close by for a few more portraits. Afterwards their wedding party joined in on the fun.
Wedding Ceremony and Reception at the Women’s 20th Century Club
This is actually our second time shooting a wedding at WTCC (apparently that’s what the cool kids call it) and it’s a cute simple little venue. There’s a garden in the back where you can hold the ceremony and afterwards it turns into the cocktail hour space. Inside the club is typically where the reception happens.
Look at these cuties. Mike+O’Ryan, we actually shot their London West Hollywood wedding a few years back and that’s how we got connected with Joe+Casey. So thankful for our couples and their support and the relationships we have created.
Photographers: Joe+Kathrina
Getting Ready Hotel: Freehand Downtown LA Hotel
Wedding Venue: Women’s 20th Century Club
Coordinator: Rebecca Rea Ross
Makeup: Tori Dixon
Hair: Joshua Mackey
Florals: My Wedding Blooms
Dress: Badgley Mischka / La Soie Bridal
