Chris and Allison knew they wanted to turn the very large space of 440 Seaton in Downtown L.A. into a classy, but raging party for their 200+ guests. They employed the creative powerhouses of Jesi Haack Design and Honey and Poppies to help create a space that felt intimate despite the size of the space.
Jesi used white shiplap to create a East Coast style aisle runner in addition to a draped rope altar backdrop coated with lots of fresh wild foliage from Honey and Poppies. A hand dyed rope installation over the dance floor and dreamcatcher style rope pieces also adorned the walls of the space. All of this combined with West Coast Music’s genius band made for one of the raddest dance party ever. All photographed by Steve Cowell.
Read on to learn about every last detail, the budget and take in this raging wedding.
the wedding dress
Allison wore the Penelope by Reem Acra wedding gown. A stunning gown with adorned with intricate details. You can buy a similar gown here.
For her wedding shoes she wore Saint Laurent’s beige patent leather Tribute sandals. Notable for its substantial platform sole and caged T-strap styling.
must read: wedding dress fitting advice
Prior to the wedding, though, I had a wedding dress disaster. I purchased it from a store in Orange County that does not offer in-house alterations. They recommended that I purchase my dress 4 sizes larger than what I normally take. I ended up purchasing it in 3 sizes larger and even then, I was a bit skeptical (but they know best I thought!).
When I took the dress in for an alteration consultation with a few of their recommended tailors, all either declined or expressed hesitation in taking on the dress because of how large it was and how much work would have to be done. When I asked the bridal boutique to help remedy this, they responded that my measurements aligned with their initial recommendation (4 sizes larger) and that I had signed a waiver exempting them from any liability.
The store representative’s comment/insinuation about my weight – what a blow! I ended up taking my dress to a Reem Acra tailor — my savior! — in NY for fittings. If I could do things differently, since I already had a bad gut feeling about sizing, I would have asked more questions and perhaps gotten a second measurement/fitting prior to purchasing.
snippets of advice for future brides and grooms?
We separately ranked what was both most important and least important to us then came together to discuss. Thankfully our top 3 were the same
1. Music
2. Food
3. Booze
As well as our absolute bottom — the invitation suite. This helped us keep perspective throughout the planning process (for example when I started looking at invitation suites that started at $1,000, I was quickly reminded of our checklist ranking.
But on the flip side, because the music was so important to us, we felt OK about splurging on a live band). Second would be to hire a wedding planner. You’ll realize you have to pick and choose your battles during the wedding planning process, but this is definitely a fight worth having (if necessary). Hire a wedding planner!
Third, we decided to write our own vows last minute, and we’re so happy we did! We wrote them the day before our welcome dinner and heard each other’s vows for the first time during the ceremony.
did disaster strike?
There’s nothing I would have changed about our wedding day even though it didn’t go perfectly. We were having so much fun that nothing really mattered. Which is a good segue into every bride and groom’s piece of advice after the fact – if you’re able, don’t let anything take away from your day! It really does flies by, so be present for all of it.
the bridesmaid dresses
Allison’s bridesmaids wore a mix of Show Me Your Mumu Dresses in what looks like the Show Me The Ring color.
Coolest ceremony set up eva! Designed by Jesi Haack and held at 440 Seaton. An is an urban warehouse offering a unique, rustic, eclectic charm in the heart of the Arts District in Downtown, Los Angeles.
This grand, 100 year old, urban interior space consists of a Cathedral like atrium, with soaring 50 ft. high ceilings, exposed brick walls, wooden beams, concrete and wooden floors and skylights. With 10,000 sq. ft., the Great Hall is very spacious, which can accommodate up to 1,700 standing guests, 1,400-chair seating and a 600 table seating capacity.
After the festivities, everyone enjoyed In N Out. We’re sure everyone was hungry after all that dancing.
