Laid-back California Wedding: Lolo + Brandon

bride and groom with a view

You know what they say, Don’t judge a book by its cover. But if we could tweak that saying just a bit for today, and agree that it’s ok to judge this wedding by the photo above, I think it’s pretty clear we’re in for something incredible! You might recognize Lolo + Brandon from their super amazing engagement session with a blue piano, captured by the lovely Priscila Valentina. Priscila is also the talent behind their beautiful, laid-back Ahlswede House wedding, which we’re willing to bet you’re going to love! Let’s hear a bit more about it from Lolo:

Brandon + I wanted our wedding to be a casual and relaxing experience for everyone involved. The type of wedding that we would enjoy going to ourselves. We wanted it to feel like a backyard party that just happened to include a wedding ceremony too!

Read on to see more great photos, lots of playful + colorful details and a better look at that gorgeous, gorgeous Vintage Priscilla of Boston gown!

rings on succulent

gold glitter shoes

bride getting ready


The dress is stunning, right? Truly a one-of-a-kind find! Just starting your dress hunt? Check the GWS shop for some super gorge, vintage-inspired options!

bride by window

long sleeved lace bride

navy blue bridesmaids

felt flower boutonniere

bow tie groom


Love the fabric floret bouts!

felt flower boutonniere

groomsmen

first look

bride and groom

bride and groom

pom pom garland

pom pom garland

outdoor ceremony

outdoor ceremony

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

I think Brandon and I can say without any reservation that the most special and memorable moment was the entire ceremony! As soon as we got engaged, we knew we wanted to have my brother officiate the marriage. It made the exchanging of vows even more special to have someone we care for and who cares so much for us be such an important part of our wedding.

outdoor ceremony

emotional groom

outdoor ceremony

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing – Sufjan Stevens

Recessional: Morning Star Rise – The Followers

First Dance: Living of Love – The Avett Brothers

outdoor ceremony

bride and groom with pom pom garland

wedding party

bride and groom vintage store

vintage store portraits


Priscila has a knack for finding super rad photo backdrops wherever she goes! Love these shots of Lolo, Brandon + their bridal party amongst pretty piles of vintage paraphernalia!

vintage store portraits

vintage store portraits

vintage store portraits

vintage store portraits

orange and navy tablescape

wooden letters

reception


The TK Burger truck worked perfectly with Lolo + Brandon’s vision for a relaxed backyard-inspired affair and kept guests full and happy! You can never go wrong with serving your guests a trusty stand-by that you know they’re going to love!

wedding food truck

origami crane cake toppers

first dance

bride and groom with a view

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

My advice for couples planning their wedding now is to plan and book as much as you can as soon as you can, because you never know what problems can arise. I booked the venue, photographer, & catering within a month or two of being engaged and was so thankful I did. Three months before our wedding I broke my wrist in a car accident and had to have surgery. So between the recovery time and all the physical therapy I was so glad I had taken care of all the big details months before and just had the smaller details to worry about.

photography: Priscila Valentina Photography // venue: The Ahlswede House Signal Hill, California // event planner: Diana Hutchinson // wedding dress: Vintage Priscilla of Boston // hairpieces: Made by a friend of the Bride, heirloom brooch // shoes: Modcloth // bridesmaid dresses: Fleet Collection // hair: Jessica Wheel // makeup: Allison Escalante // groom suit: Levi’s and H&M // invitation design: Isaiah Coughran // paper goods: Paper Source // catering: TK Burger // cake and pastries: Babette Bakery // macarons + fruit tarts: Doly’s Delectable’s // music: Andy Nation

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