When choosing a wedding venue, a church may not be your first option if you aren’t very religious. While visually stunning and rich with history and spiritual meaning, many churches don’t offer the stylistic freedom that many modern couples are looking for. Except for this one. The Assembly in San Francisco is a renovated church that has been transformed into a women’s “wellbeing club”. For Aleksandra and Antrom, it was taken one step further and transformed into a dream wedding venue!
The happy couple was heavily inspired by the concept of modern elegance with artistic touches. Their theme can be seen in the form of art installations, wine choices, florals, and everything in between. With the help of photographer D. Lillian, their dreams of modern romance came alive both in person and on camera.
All the Little Details
In accordance with the couple’s minimalist style, chic black and white wedding invitations were an easy choice.
Aleksandra and Antrom elected to purchase non-traditional wedding rings from Young in the Mountains. These custom rings are destined to be a topic of conversation for years to come.
Aleksandra and her bridesmaids wore matching custom robes by Luna Zorro. They’re absolutely chic, and look so comfortable!
This stunning silk slip gown by Pronovias was only one of three amazing looks Aleksandra wore on her wedding day! Just wait until you see the other two!
Antrom looked exceptionally dashing in his traditional black-tie attire by Calvin Klein.
Old Is New Again
This renovated church is truly a sight to behold! We absolutely adore the couple’s decision to use wooden chairs for their guests. The color perfectly matched the trim of the room’s stained glass windows.
Processional: Antrom walked down the aisle to 'Albatross' by Fleetwood Mac. I [Aleksandra] walked down to 'Sleepwalk' by Santo and Johnny Recessional: 'So in Love' by Curtis Mayfield First Dance: 'I Got You Babe' by Sonny & Cher
Aleksandra and her family were all smiles as she walked down the aisle to her soon-to-be husband.
The couple requested that guests be dressed in all-black. Meanwhile, the bridal party wore earth tones.
Congratulations to the newly married couple!
Aleksandra and Antrom are lucky enough to be friends with many creative and artistic people. Being able to have a wedding that was largely curated by people who know them personally added an extra special touch that helped create an unforgettable event.
This stunning art installation was an integral part of Aleksandra and Antrom’s wedding. Artist and friend to the couple, Katie Gong, custom-made this wooden sculpture for their nuptials.
The most memorable part of the day was locking eyes with my love as I walked down the aisle. Everything just melted away for a moment and it was just him and I. A close second was the beautiful melding of our family’s diverse cultures coming together for the first time. It was magical to see my friends and family join in on my husband's beautiful middle-eastern traditions and dancing.
Friends and Family
The loving couple looked effortlessly beautiful in every photo. Aleksandra’s bouquet crafted by Siren Floral Co was the perfect accessory to this simple and elegant look.
When describing their ideal wedding the couple said,
We are so deeply inspired by our community and they have helped us become who we are today. We knew we wanted all of our favorite [vendors and friends] to just go wild with their craft and make our wedding also feel like an interactive art experience.
Let’s Party!
Winemaker friends of the couple provided a curated selection of drinks for guests to enjoy all night long.
The reception space was both minimalistic and inviting. The sight of warm-toned browns gave off an incredibly homey effect, while simple designs and floral arrangements elevated the space.
Baby’s breath and dried flowers were the perfect combination to create an endlessly chic arrangement above the sweetheart table.
Each table setting was kept clean and simple. Modern elements like metallic candle holders and wooden knot napkin rings brought together different colors and textures in a refreshing way.
The art exhibit theme was maintained all throughout the wedding. This includes these beautiful clay sculptures repurposed as flower vases on each table.
Try not to take yourself too seriously, and hire a planner (I didn’t and I really really wish I did). The biggest piece of advice I have is to stay true to yourself, trust your intuition, and make it personal to you - not what anyone else thinks you should do.
Congratulations to Aleksandra and Antrom! Your wedding was absolutely beautiful and inspires us all to rethink what a church wedding can be. Cheers!
photography: D. Lillian Photography // venue name: The Assembly, San Francisco, California, USA // florals: Siren Floral Co // wedding dress: Pronovias 'Ribelia' // wedding dress boutique: LOHO Bride // bride's ring: Young in the Mountains // getting ready robes: Luna Zorro (custom) // hair stylist: Brian Belier of Population Salon SF // groom attire: Calvin Klein (tux) // groom's ring: Young in the Mountains // catering: Stag Dining Group // music: Som Siren // officiant: Katie Gong // wine: Sophie James Wine // beer: Fort Point Bee // artwork install: Katie Gong // dinner + first dance dress: Cortana 'Rogue' // reception dress: Odylyne the Ceremony
