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.
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
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.
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.
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
beautiful! that dress is amazing!
Great!
Wow. Such a pretty wedding and the bride looks adorable! I actually love her dress, hair, lip colour, shoes…everything. I also love the decor. I think if/when I marry, I would opt for a similar theme. Lovely shots.
Where did she get that dress!!!!?
Oh her mother made it:) No wonder I am having such a hard time finding the perfect dress. I may just have mine custom made too
Actually, her mother didn’t make the dress, but it was made in Japan for our wedding in Kyoto in 1976. And Mary’s older sister also wore it 5 years ago for her wedding. It is indeed a lovely dress.
Tom (Mary’s father)
I LOVE your wedding and your thoughts on what to do for those planning now. I would love to hear more about the DIY photobooth if you have a minute.
where was the first look at? love that blue sofa!
@Kristen: The bride and groom got ready and did their first look at the Culver Hotel. It was absolutely STUNNING! :)
p.s. Thanks Jen for the feature! It was honor to shoot this wedding, and so exciting to see it here!
Love this wedding! The bridesmaids babies breath bouquets, the bridal bouquet wrapped in burlap with those organic feeling flowers, the brides dress, love the brides bangs, the grooms succulent boutonniere, the red balloons…this is a very pretty wedding!
I completely agree with the bride that wedding planning has brought my fiance and I closer together. Last night he helped me fix a mistake I made while assembling our invitations and instead of complaining about it, he had a lot of fun! Wedding planning has definitely been stressful but it has become something for us to bond over and unite about.
May I ask where you got the custom tote bags made? Thanks!
Thanks for all the love people!
Lauren – tote bags are from http://onewayscreenprinting.com. Paul Fisher runs the place and he is a huge help.
Kym F. – the DIY photobooth was located in a coat closet at our venue. I used a Canon 60D camera on a tripod, bought a wireless remote, and rented a 10-20mm wide angle lens because the space was so tight. The results are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25180638@N05/sets/72157629686190503/
I’m glad people like the style. It was a big task, but Mary and I had a blast. Also, it doesn’t hurt that Morgan, our photog, makes everything look so good!
Clay (the groom)
Clay,
I am really interested in getting note cards printed with a Banksy print on them (either just the red balloon or the I love NY print). I noticed you guys had a variety of Banksy themed print items. Can you tell me the vendor you used? Thank you so much!
Very creative and the dress is amazing!!! We at AgooBiz.com are wishing all the best!!!
Wow that dress is AMAZING! I wish there were more pictures of her blue dress too cause I love that color!
thanks tim! i LOVE that dress…FYI, the dress is badgley mischka:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Badgley-Mischka-Platinum-Label-Strapless-Ruffle-Bottom-Gown-Evening/prod132280091/?ecid=NMCIGoogleBaseFeed&003=5840816&010=T3K90&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=prod132280091skuBLUBERRY
Amazing shoot!…Love the bride´s look!
http://www.fotoestudio.es
They are nuptial rock stars! How cool to base your theme off of socio-political graffiti?! LOVE!
thank you so much for the post and for all of the kind words!
more of @morgantrinker’s photos are here: http://morgantrinker.com/2012/03/28/mary-clay-a-modern-chic-smog-shoppe-wedding-in-sunny-california/
First of all, couples look very beautiful with the beautiful dress up of wedding clothes.
Secondly, All of flower arrangement and decoration is good as compared to others wedding.
Thank you for share this Banksy Inspired Wedding blog with us.
I am extremely keen on getting note cards printed with a Banksy print on them I seen you all had an assortment of Banksy themed print things. Would you be able to reveal to me the merchant you utilized? Much obliged to you to such an extent!