For Matt + Paul, it was important that their day felt very personal – and more like an elegant party than a commitment ceremony. I love that they handed out flasks after the ceremony for the walk from the church to house – along with colorful parasols. How fun! And speaking of fun, just love their bow ties + converse sneakers! :) They also choose to skip the traditional first dance and cake cutting in favor of spending more time with their guests. Thanks so much to Caroline Tran for the photos, LVL Events for the lovely event design and congrats to Matt + Paul!
Our pre-church music was a playlist created by us both that contained our favorite songs (suitable for such an event) and was timed to reach a crescendo as we entered the chapel. Our vows were a surprise to each other yet very specifically intimate – we knew we represented the other well by the laughs we each got at the joke lines (why do vows have to be JUST serious when we’re all combos of serious and silly in our day-to-day lives?). I (Paul) really wanted a retro recessional (and NOT the wedding march), so we opted for a portable turntable playing Love’s Theme.
Well, after the vows themselves, seeing the house transformed into such a lovely gathering space. Matt’s aunt has commented that, for her, the most memorable moment was when they were waiting in the church after family photos and it was pretty quiet and then, suddenly the back church doors opened and the sun streamed in and a parade of the colored parasols and folks in suits and dresses and bow ties and plaid shorts sauntered in with a palpable energy of excitement and merriment. Unfortunately, we missed seeing that.
Start as early as possible, but don’t get tied down to your initial wants – it’ll all change up to the minute it's over.

photography: Caroline Tran // venue name: Little Brown Church, Studio City, California and The Ethel House // event design: Courtney Caplin Cotter of LVL Events // planning: Courtney Caplin Cotter of LVL Events // bride's shoes: Custom Converse sneakers, color coordinated to our suits // groom attire: Brooks Brothers // paper goods: Paper Source // catering: Elements, Onil Chibas // cake: SusieCakes // music: Morganne Picard // rentals: LA Party Rentals and Classic Party Rentals // floral design: Meghan Fickling // invitations: Paper Source
What a lovely, fun looking wedding! I love backyard celebrations. Congratulations to Matt & Paul. :)
very beautifull Matt..
LOVE this table set up! I’m really loving the long table set up, more intimate than the usual 8-10 top circle tables. I just pinned a few of these! Congrats guys!
Beautiful people in a beautiful shoot. I like everything about it. The most important element is the warmth that we can feel through the pictures. As a wedding photographer this is what stands out most for me. Cheers! xo :)
Wonderful couple who has great style!!
The best day filled with love and a lot of laughs!! The whole team was amazing!
Love to Matt and Paul for having me as a part of it all.
Love this set up! So comfy and warm! Congrats! I wonder how much something like this would cost?
What a beautiful tablescape!
Love this couple! Beautiful wedding! Gorgeous color schemes! warms my heart!
Thank you for listing your venues and other resources! Soo helpful!
Gorgeous couple! It looks like a gorgeous day, so very personal and beautifully styled!