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A Fun and Modern Wedding in Downtown LA

Modern wedding in LA

If we could sum up this next wedding in just a few words, we’d end up with something along the lines of drag queens, an arcade bar, and tropical decor. But even that doesn’t come close to describing Terence and Nancy’s fun and modern wedding at the Millwick in Downtown LA.

Their unique day is just too good to sum up, so we’re going to let the beautiful images captured by Rachel Gulotta Photography, and a few words from the bride (shared below) do the talking instead. Oh, and if you want to see the full wedding, check out the entire gallery.

Tea ceremony set Tea ceremony before the ceremony

Traditional tea ceremony

From the bride: We began our wedding day with a small traditional Chinese tea ceremony. We had taken a trip to China earlier in the year in order to be fitted for our Chinese wedding outfits (a request of my mom’s that we were glad to do as we both love to travel). We had previously been resistant to adding this part into our day but it turned out to be such a fun and meaningful memory; it was such a grounding way to begin the whole day surrounded by our closest family.

Bridesmaids in neutral tones

Stylish wedding party

Giant protea bouquet

Mix and match groomsmen suits

Modern LA wedding

Custom neon sign Ceremony sign idea

Ceremony decor with tropical leaves

wedding pup in veil

Make your ceremony unique

For our wedding ceremony, we decided to compile a list of traditional ceremonies from around the world and perform them all in rapid succession just to really seal the deal. What started out as a silly idea that made us laugh turned out to actually be really nice.

Modern ceremony in LA

Mix and match bridesmaid dresses Just married!

Beautiful two piece wedding dress

Modern LA wedding Have an arcade bar at your wedding

DIY stamped escort cards

DIY Elements

Terence and I along with my bridesmaids used stamps to make our place cards, we got a letter-board for our no camera request to our guests. In a previous life, Terence did graphic art so he handled the menus. The most stressful part of the week was getting our neon sign with our last name made. I had ordered a sign from a different company that had been lost in the mail and eventually arrived broken and we didn’t have time to fix it. We found a woman who was kind enough to rush the order and got it done for us in two days.

Modern plant-filled reception Floral and greenery table arbor

Modern and simple table decor

Modern reception decor at Millwick, the perfect indoor/ outdoor urban loft venue in the arts district in Downtown LA Single rose centerpiece idea

White modern wedding cake

Favorite moments

Favorite memories of the day... kind of all of it, but in particular my Dad’s party starting speech with a glass of wine in hand, “Two words! Thank you for coming!” My dog jumping on us after the first kiss. Being able to wear my mom’s reception dress at my own reception. Our fabulous drag queens at the end of the reception. Playing arcade games with all of our guests in suits and gowns after dance party... It was the perfect day.

First dance in front a star screen Drag queen performance

Budget breakdown

Planned Budget: $45,000 

Actual Budget: $55,000 

Number of Guests: 125

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$55,000
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