A Kooky + Colorful Highland Park Elopement…Officiated by a Puppet!

During the pandemic, UK-based couple Jenna + Adam fell down a fanciful internet rabbit hole. Bob Baker Marionette Theater—an iconic Eastside Los Angeles institution—has a Youtube channel full of their charming + virtuosic puppet shows that helped Jenna + Adam survive the long hours in lockdown.

When it became clear that an enigmatic elopement was definitely their speed, the couple got to planning and discovered that their beloved Bob Baker Marionette Theater does indeed hold weddings + elopements! That was all Jenna + Adam needed to pack a suitcase and hop a flight across the pond to tie the knot.

They orchestrated an exciting + romantic day exploring Highland Park (their fave LA neighborhood) with wedding photographer extraordinaire, Mary Costa. Then they said “I do” at Bob Baker where all the couple’s favorite puppets were in attendance with a host of skilled puppeteers pulling the strings.

The joy is palpable in the rich + colorful photos of Jenna + Adam’s day, and we are so excited to show you a glimpse of this delightful LA elopement, the likes of which we can honestly say we’ve never seen before.

Highland Park, a hip Eastside LA neighborhood clustered around fun + funky stretches of Figueroa Street + York Boulevard, was the perfect setting for Jenna + Adam’s pre-elopement stroll.

The historic and now-closed Highland Theater, a Figueroa Street landmark, even put news of Jenna + Adam’s big day up on their marquee!

This vibrant pink, orange, and yellow bridal bouquet from Shindig Chic absolutely matched the bright + playful energy of the day.

“I never thought I would be bothered about getting married so never had a ‘dream dress,'” says Jenna of her approach to dress shopping. “The thought of setting foot in a bridal store also broke me out in a cold sweat, so after much searching online (and buying 4 other dresses – all returned, don’t worry!) I found a Rachel Burke collaboration with Label Rail on ASOS and it was perfect! It was also important that the dress would fit into hand luggage as we were traveling very lightly, and the material meant it could be coerced into my suitcase without much trouble!” 

Adam rocked a breezy seersucker wedding suit, an excellent mix of sophisticated and casual vibes.

Snag this bright orange textured polkadot Olive + Shea necktie to replicate Adam’s pop of color!

Check out our list of 11 major benefits you didn’t know come with eloping if a private wedding adventure like Jenna + Adam’s is starting to sound interesting.

Eloping in sunny Southern California means you’ve *got* to be rocking a fierce pair of bridal sunglasses like Jenna did. Love those oversized frames!

Puppet Theater “I Do’s”

“Neither of us like organized attention,” say Jenna + Adam, “so eloping to Bob Baker was a no brainer. We watched a lot of their puppet shoes during lockdown and it was featured in Adam’s proposal, so we made some inquiries and booked a two hour daytime slot to get hitched!”

When it came to invites, the Bob Baker crew helped Jenna + Adam out: “The team were super helpful in accommodating our requests for our favourite puppets to be guests.”

“We knew Mary Costa would be the perfect photographer after seeing her work on Instagram,” say Jenna + Adam. “From the moment we found her we knew she would capture our fun sides without making us work for it too much!”

How fabulous are Jenna’s metallic jelly sandal wedding shoes from JuJu footwear?!

A Starry Ceremony

 “The ceremony was officiated by Demetrius Nova Twinkle Star III, aka Demi Star,” remembers photographer Mary. “It was incredibly special!”

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Being serenaded by glow in the dark burlesque skeletons mid ceremony!

Marching to the beat of your own drum like Jenna + Adam did is the best way to make sure your wedding, big or small, feels like an authentic expression of your relationship. Take a look through our list of unique wedding themes and ideas for every style to start brainstorming!

We can’t get over how beautifully Mary Costa captured the unique + impulsive energy of Jenna + Adam’s day. Check out our tips for finding your perfect wedding photographer to find someone behind the camera you’ll definitely click with.

Here’s To The Newlyweds!

Head straight to our collection of the best puff sleeve wedding dresses if you’re as in love with Jenna’s sparkly tea length look as we are.

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

It can seem a bit of a daunting time, especially when you're trying to consider the feelings of your family who might be put out about your decision. Stick with it though, the wedding is ultimately about you both being true to yourselves and each other. The people who love you will get over it eventually! You're only going to do this once (hopefully) so do it properly! Also, have fun!!

So into the way Jenna’s coffin-shaped wedding ring from Margaret Cross matches her hair!

Congratulations, Jenna + Adam! SO glad you made the trip all the way to Cali for this unforgettably unique elopement! GWS wishes you both nothing but the very best!

photography: Mary Costa Photography // venue name: Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Highland Park, Los Angeles, CA, USA // florals: Shindig Chic // wedding dress: ASOS Labelrail x Rachel Burke // bride's shoes: Juju Jellies // bride's ring: Margaret Cross

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