Chic Wedding at Smog Shoppe with Southwestern Flair

Smog Shoppe LA Wedding

It’s hard to imagine a wedding at Smog Shoppe that isn’t utterly enchanting, thanks to its vertical live walls and adorable vintage decor. But we can safely say that today’s couple turned that enchantment WAY up! Alex + Christina infused design details that were meaningful to their relationship, specifically based on their travels and where they’re from. Their clever DIY elements made the day uniquely personal, and their chic style totally sealed the deal: we love this wedding. Let’s hear about the inspiration from Christina!

Alex and I have a strong admiration for camping and the outdoors and we felt that Smog Shoppe had the perfect balance of city meets desert and mountains. Our first out of town trip together was to Desert Hot Springs and boulder climbing in Joshua Tree. And shortly thereafter, Alex took me camping in the mountains above Ojai where we had fallen in love. From that point on, the desert and the mountains remained fixture in our relationship. I am from New Mexico and Alex proposed to me in Joshua Tree so it only felt natural to incorporate southwestern flair into the wedding featuring cactus, juniper and pine into the decor. We also included birch branches that came from my childhood home in New Mexico. We tried to hand make as much as possible. Alex made over 100 jars of prickly pear jam and I hand dyed over 100 napkins. I am also a designer so I designed all of the paper goods, signage and escort display. We wanted all of the decor to have meaning behind it to best represent our relationship. We both had a blast working together to create such a memorable day.

Ready to see how it turned out? Love Tribe Weddings was there to capture every little detail!

Smog Shoppe LA Wedding

Christina got ready at the fabulous Palihouse West Hollywood before Alex showed up for a first look and some time together before heading to the ceremony. Look at them—so sweet!

The Bridal Party

Smog Shoppe LA Wedding

red bridesmaids

The Little Branch had an incredible backdrop to work with when it came to the florals, and these bouquets totally elevate the look with those burgundy pops!

hi-lo wedding dress

Christina’s high-low gown by Delphine Manivet is utterly dreamy! An excellent opportunity to showcase those lace + gold Bella Belle Shoes!

Smog Shoppe LA Wedding

The Living Wall Backdrop at Smog Shoppe

Smog Shoppe LA Wedding

Smog Shoppe,once a 1980s smog-check center, is now a 100% solar-powered haven for desert plants and dreamy vertical gardens like this…the ULTIMATE ceremony backdrop!

Smog Shoppe LA Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Christina: There are two moments that stand out to me. When I first put my dress on, I became overwhelmed with emotions. My mother passed away a few years ago and in that particular moment I wished she was there. My friends and brother immediately wrapped their arms around me. I felt so loved and supported on the most important day of my life. Second, the first look between Alex and me. I cherished being able to have that time alone before walking down the aisle.

Alex: When Clint, our officiant, rapped our life story to the tune of Fresh Prince of Bel Air. The idea came about when I gave Clint a pair of Fresh Prince socks.

Smog Shoppe LA Wedding

Smog Shoppe LA Wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Bridesmaids: Stand by Me by  Ben E. King; Bride: At Last by Etta James

Recessional: Always Forever by Cults

First Dance: Prettiest Star by David Bowie

The Reception

acrylic seating chart

This acrylic escort display designed by Christina is GOALS.

Smog Shoppe LA Wedding

Tell ’em.

Smog Shoppe LA Wedding

dinner menu

We love that Christina designed all the paper goods for the day! That extra personality comes through in all the little details!

Smog Shoppe LA Wedding

Is this not the most dramatic dessert table you’ve ever seen?!

drip cake

Well done, M Cakes Sweets, well done.

Smog Shoppe LA Wedding

invitation suite

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

When planning, use lots of spreadsheets and be organized! And hiring the best day of planner is worth every penny. On your wedding day, savor every moment because it goes by very fast. Even if you have a sweetheart table, make every effort to make the rounds to each table because they will likely not come up to you during the reception. We wished we would have done that. Lastly, don't be afraid of letting your style shine through--after all, the day is about you and your love for one another.

And take dance lessons. Totally worth it and a great way to bond with your future spouse!

bridal jumpsuit

Christina danced through the night in a statement jumpsuit by Fame and Partners—yes, girl!

Everstory captured C + A’s adorable personalities and tear-worthy moments in this sweet video of the day:

We are just so happy for you too! Here’s to lots of fun adventures ahead from all of us at GWS!

photography: Love Tribe Weddings // venue name: Smog Shoppe, Culver City, California, USA // event design: The Bride // planning: So Smitten // florals: The Little Branch // wedding dress: Delphine Manivet // wedding dress boutique: Love and Lace Bridal Salon (Formerly Bride) // hairpiece: Cassandra Lynne // bride's shoes: Bella Belle Shoes // bride's ring: Liza Shtromberg Jewelry // bridesmaid dresses: BCBG, Lulu's, New York and Co. and Betsey Johnson // hair stylist: Lauren Knoche // makeup artist: Megan McDaniel // groom attire: J.Crew // videography: Everstory // paper goods: HD Creative Studio // catering: Kogi BBQ // cake: M Cakes Sweets // furniture rentals: La Pinata // linen rentals: Hand dyed by Christina // specialty rentals: Nineteen27Vintage // music: Dart Collective // officiant: Bride and Groom's friend, Clint Schaff // reception jumpsuit: Fame and Partners // groomsmen: The Black Tux // jam favors: Handmade by Alex // dessert backdrop: etsy // bartending: Bear and Stone // invitation printing: Laughing Owl Press‌ // invitation printing: LCI Paper // catering: Wheel House Cheese and Wine

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