Photo ©markbrooke.com
When I met John & Stefan, they were very clear on what they wanted their wedding day to feel like. “We want it to feel like a fun party that just happens to be our wedding.”, they said. To that end, these dapper grooms made a number of intentional choices to help craft the wedding day they imagined at Millwick, in Downtown Los Angeles.
One of the traditional wedding rituals they eschewed was the walk down the aisle. John & Stefan didn’t want to process into the ceremony, instead we just organically began. The grooms were mingling with guests and then took their seats to the side of the ceremony area, the music faded out and we began. One moment seamlessly transitioned to the next.
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
John’s sister got things started, and then multiple friends and family members contributed to their heartfelt and unique ceremony.
“We are all here today at this wedding because Stefan & John chose, to be honest, and share themselves with us. We are all part of their community, John & Stefan’s family. By showing up with love and support today and throughout their lives, we have helped them thrive. We have helped make the world better. And that is meaningful to them. That is love.”
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Stefan’s brothers entertained and moved the guests with a recitation of “The Origin of Love” from Hedwig & the Angry Inch, complete with homemade artwork.
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
The grooms then shared their favorite memory of each other with their guests – a modern take on the personal vow tradition.
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
After their personal stories, they recited their vows, which I especially love.
“I come here today to join your life for years, I pledge to be true to you, to respect you, and to grow with you through the years. We are many things to each other, may only those best qualities continue to shine and may our bond continue to grow stronger. Time may pass, fortunes may smile, trials may come; no matter what we may encounter together, I vow here today that this love will be my only love. I will make my home in your heart from this day forward.”
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
And just like that, it was time to eat, drink, and be married!
Photo ©markbrooke.com
Stefan & John wanted to simply highlight the natural beauty of their venue, Millwick. They spent months before their wedding collecting vintage glass vessels for their centerpieces, and together with their family, they planted their own succulents the week of their wedding.
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
This one is my favorite – I love its quirkiness!
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Little Nelly served up an absolutely delicious spread of hors ‘d oeuvres and a fresh and abundant buffet. Guests raved about the wonderful food all night long!
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
After dinner, in lieu of a traditional wedding cake, John & Stefan treated their guests to scrumptious macarons from Bottega Louie and an old-fashioned candy buffet. No one can resist those macarons, so we had to keep them under wraps until it was time to serve them!
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
After dinner, the dance floor opened with the First Dance (complete with Nicole Kidman photobomb) and didn’t let up all night!
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
John & Stefan, Your love for one another is so apparent and so honest, it was a pleasure bearing witness to your wedding. I so loved getting to be a small part of your gorgeous day. And the dancing! Your friends and family turned it OUT on the dance floor! Much love to you all!
Photo by ©markbrooke.com
Creative Team: Wedding Management: Moxie Bright Events Venue: Millwick Photography: Mark Brooke Photography Catering & Bar: Little Nelly Dessert: Bottega Louie Rentals: Premiere Party Rents Suits: Caruso’s Menswear Custom Bow Ties & Pocket Squares: Pocket Square Clothing Shoes: Cole Haan
Oct 18, 2016
