A Chic, Modern, Black-and-White Wedding in DTLA Full of Priceless Musical Moments

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Drew + Ben’s sophisticated, black-and-white wedding in downtown Los Angeles was about more than just venue Grass Room’s opulent urban oasis vibes or their sleek and stunning color palette. Beyond all the stylish touches and modern details, this bride + groom wanted their day to be about the friends and loved ones in their lives who were gathering to celebrate their marriage.

“Our biggest inspiration,” they say, “was our close-knit community and the intimate role they play in shaping our lives as a couple.” 

In Drew + Ben’s case, that close-knit community happens to include Grammy-Award-winning musical artists who filled their day from start to finish with unforgettable performances.

Drew + Ben’s classy-yet-organic dinner-party-style celebration was brought to life by planner Layne Kula at Penny Layne Creative and captured perfectly by photographer Kayla Lilli, and the whole thing is music to our ears!!

Obsessed with the pearl strap details on Drew’s wedding shoes like we are? Check out these Dolce Vita block heels with a similar vibe!

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Florist Storylines Floral Co. added romance to the all-white roses and laceleaf in Drew’s monochrome bridal bouquet by including organic dangling details in soft pink.

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Drew’s show-stopping hair and makeup combo was brought to you by stylist Greg Gilmore and makeup artist KG Beauty.

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Drew’s dress decision came about once she and Ben honed in on their venue. Until then she’d been leaning towards intricate, embellished bridal looks. But the bold color and organic texture of Grass Room had Drew wanting something sleek and classic.

“I wanted my dress to be an elegant and simple juxtaposition to the lush greenery, bright murals and unique design of the space. The Katie May “Athens” dress (with an extended train) was just that! From the removable cape to the mesh back detail, I really appreciated the simple versatility from ceremony to reception.”

And how excellent are the pearl details on the veil?! (A perfect match for those stunning shoes!)

Check out this one from BHLDN if you’re feeling inspired!

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA
Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

We love how this champagne bridal party palette pops against the venue’s colorful murals.

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

A Ceremony in the Heart of The City of Angels

The black-and-white hanging floral installation fits perfectly with the leafy greenery of the space.

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA
Our Musical Choices

Processional: "Can’t Take my Eyes Off You" by Frank Valli (string quartet).

Recessional: String quartet performace.

First Dance: "Drifting Away," a personal song written by the bride and performed by Lalah Hathaway.

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Beaming bridesmaids!!

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA
Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Five-time GRAMMY award-winning singer/songwriter and producer Lalah Hathaway serenading you before you exchange your vows? Not too shabby!!

Not to mention the most awarded a cappella group in history, Take 6! Even better when one of the members is the bride’s father!!

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA
Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA
Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Those delicate elbow-length sheer fingerless gloves 😍

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Music is such a huge part of our lives, and that was reflected on our wedding day. The father of the bride made the musical arrangements for the ceremony and it was incredible, start to finish. We are blessed to have Grammy award winning artists Take 6 and Lalah Hathaway as family — both serenaded us before personal vows were exchanged. Sharing that moment with our guests was something we will never forget!

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Ben’s black-and-white dried flower boutonniere is the perfect touch.

Dinner Partying the Night Away

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Love the drama of this black seating chart signage.

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Spotted Hen Catering covered the evening’s food and drink including this bubbly topped with edible flowers!

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Furniture and tabletop rentals from Bright Event Rentals and linens by BBJ La Tavola turned Grass Room’s indoor-outdoor Ocean Dining Room into a festive family-style dinner party!

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Drew + Ben kept things stunning-yet-simple with ikebana-style bud vase arrangements and minimalistic tablescapes.

Who doesn’t love a mini mushroom moment?! Organic details brought even more life to the monochromatic yet textured reception tabletop florals.

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA
Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA
Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Planner Layne Kula was behind the day’s paper goods including these excellent square menus with concentric circle text.

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA
Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Find a team you can trust! This seems like a no brainer, but I cannot stress enough how much I leaned into the talents and support of those around me. From our incredible planner, to our florist — we put full faith in their vision. In turn, we had the privilege of watching it come to life without any of the coordinating stress.

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Can’t get enough of these festive fungi!

Modern, Black and White Wedding in DTLA

Wanting to take reception libations a step further than signature cocktails? Drew + Ben opted for an after dinner sake bar!

Take 6 singing their hearts out for the bride + groom!

Congratulations, Drew + Ben, on this spectacular DTLA day!! Wishing you two nothing but perfect harmony!

photography: Kayla Lilli // venue name: Grass Room DTLA, Los Angeles, California, United States // event design: Penny Layne // planning: Penny Layne // florals: Storylines Floral Co. // hair stylist: Greg Gilmore // makeup artist: KG Beauty // paper goods: Penny Layne // catering: Spotted Hen Catering // desserts: Los Angeles Churros Catering // tabletop rentals: Bright Event Rentals // furniture rentals: Bright Event Rentals // linen rentals: BBJ La Tavola // music: DJ Spark // cocktails: Spotted Hen Catering // sheer gloves: Kerry Parker

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