Banksy Inspired Wedding: Mary + Clay

banksy wedding

Mary + Clay really wanted to have a wedding “on their own terms” and although it may have seemed insignificant, the street artist Banksy was a good reminder for them to not get caught up in the institution. Since they knew they wanted to design the invitations themselves, Mary wrote the text and Clay found the perfect Banksy design to bring it together – his famous Balloon Girl. :) They even continued the red balloon element throughout their wedding day and I just love that Mary wore bright red lipstick with her white dress – which was her mother’s handmade japanese gown.

From Mary, “People say that planning a wedding is stressful for the couple, but I felt like it brought us closer together and fostered trust in our relationship in a way we hadn’t been through before. I loved it!” So great to hear Mary + congrats to you and Clay! Big thanks to Morgan Trinker for the lovely photos.

banksy wedding invitations

silver bridal shoes

banksy wedding tote

bride getting ready

bride wearing red lipstick

bride wearing red lipstick

first look

bride and groom

white and green bouquet

bridesmaids wearing blue dresses

green and white bouquet

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Bridal Party: Which Way Your Heart Will Go by Mason Jennings; Bride: Cupid by Otis Redding

Recessional: Just Like Heaven by The Cure

First Dance: Only You by Yazoo

smog shoppe ceremony

smog shoppe ceremony

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Neither of us likes to be the center of attention, so walking down the aisle and reading our vows in front of a whole lot of people, on top of the build up from the whole morning made me pretty nervous. I remember not being able to look at anyone but clay as i walked down the aisle. I just wanted it to be him and me. But the moment it was over, we ran outside together to take a few photos and i just remember being SO HAPPY. I was with my husband. We relaxed for the first time. It was truly the best moment of the day.

bride and groom banksy wedding

banksy inspired wedding

wedding menu

banksy wedding red balloons


We tried to make each thing personal to us or handmade. We took things we love, like the san bitter bottles, and added lavender to make the name place cards. The gifts we gave were peanuts from Clay’s hometown and maple syrup from mine.

wedding favors, peanuts

first dance banksy wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

My advice would be to figure out what's most important to you. We cared A LOT about the venue, the food, and the photographer so this is where we wanted to spend our resources. We knew that we'd have to cut corners in other places, but luckily it worked with what we wanted...hand making a lot of things, doing a DIY photobooth, using recycled wine & perrier bottles for vases, and not spending a lot on decor (although the venue was so beautiful we didn't have to).

Also, take the time to remember the little things. It's easy to get wrapped up in all of the many things you have to do when planning a wedding. Clay and I made a point to check in and ask ourselves if we were getting caught up in the madness and series of check lists, or if WE really wanted something. (*PS we were THRILLED to discover that our FIRST CHOICE photographer was not only affordable but more affordable to fly in than hiring local. that's what you get when you live in LA...)

photography: Morgan Trinker Photography // venue: Smog Shoppe // floral design: Saint Germain Flowers // wedding dress: vintage (mom’s handmade japanese gown) // shoes: vera wang lavender // hair + makeup: Melissa Christine // groom suit: Ralph Lauren black label suit // invitations + paper goods: design by the couple, printed by Cards and Pockets // catering: Loteria! Grill // cake: homemade by our moms! (wakako’s cheesecake with blueberry jam & lynda’s brownies) // music: david azzoni AKA dj tkat from brooklyn, NY

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