A Laid-Back Luxury Elopement Editorial In A DTLA Hotel For The Metropolitan Bride + Groom

“What would it look like for a couple to spend their whole wedding day together—relax in a low key way, get ready, get married, and have a party of two together? What does a non-adventurous elopement look like? It looks a little like this.”

That’s how photographer Vanessa Todd frames this super-elegant elopement editorial shoot featuring WeddingTok and bridal social media all-star Sydney “Squid” Westra and her husband Ryan as models. 

“I have seen a trend of a lot more couples wanting to embrace a more low-key, budget friendly approach to a wedding day while still getting the full wedding day celebration,” says Vanessa. But she had trouble finding a ton of elopement inspiration online that didn’t include sunrise hikes or helicopters or epic waterfall “I do’s.” “Where do the city centric couples go? Where is the elopement inspiration for the couples who live in Manhattan or Los Angeles or those who don’t resonate with the great outdoors?”

So she pulled together a team of amazing LA-based vendors including coordinators from Simply Sweet Memories and florist Roobarb Studio and used the chic and luxurious DTLA Hotel Per La as a home base. The focus was on fashion and fun, and Vanessa’s gorgeous candid photos captured it all. 

Let’s get into it!!

Bright pink paper goods were a nod to the shoot’s colorful florals and celebratory energy.

We’ve rounded up this list of gorg invitations you can snag online if these precious pink ones have you inspired and you’re still hunting for the right invites.

Starting the shoot off right with some beautiful baked goods from iconic DTLA institution Bottega Louie.

The Morning Of

Sydney’s wearing the billowy puff-sleeve Lilith jacket by Alexandra Grecco over her mom’s silk slip dress.

We love the idea of spending the morning together! Who says you have to spend so much of your big day apart?

Getting Ready

Sydney’s simple-yet-bejeweled eye makeup look (and her lovely, wavy lob) were the work of stylist and makeup artist Emily from Emily Lynn & Co.

OBSESSED with the swoopy low-back details of the Alexandra Grecco Harriet gown that the masterminds behind this shoot found at Lovely.

Ryan’s Hugo Boss tuxedo is total timeless elegance.

Loving the classic-yet-modern silhouette of those pearl drop earrings by House of Aurum.

Sydney completed this bridal look with a pair of Dolce Vita shoes. We love the double strap pearly details on the Noel Heels.

Loving the drama of this cascading veil by Toni Federici.

Roobarb Studio brought out all the brightest and boldest blooms they could find for this bridal bouquet.

Stepping Into The Studio

Photographer Vanessa took a moment in a clean white space to capture the simple-yet-elegant magic of Sydney + Ryan’s elopement day looks.

Good to know: You don’t always need to shell out for a major floral installation. Compote-style arrangements on pedestals make for a super romantic ceremony setup.

Ranunculus, with its tight petal pattern, really is the wedding floral GOAT.

Adore the ruffle edge detail on this veil!!

Check out our list of the best veils for every bridal style to grab some more ideas.

Outfit shift! Love adding these stunning semi-sheer elbow length gloves by Cornelia James.

Ryan’s rocking a classic black bowtie from Dazi.

Sydney’s sparkly rhinestone headband is from Lelet New York. Take a peek at our list of the best bridal headbands!

After Party For Two

Aunt CC’s Cookies & Sweets created this decadent heart-shaped retro-inspired wedding cake.

“Even though it was a styled shoot, I wanted it to feel as real and authentic as possible at every fresh moment,” says photographer Vanessa. “Sydney + Ryan’s vibes and personalities were a perfect fit for the day.”

Grab a set of these silver streamer cannons to recreate this magic moment.

Weddings don’t have to be big to be spectacular! There’s always room for luxury. So glad this shoot exists as inspiration for all those city-loving couples looking for elegant elopement ideas!!