A Retro Wedding in Los Alamos Had Major Backyard Dinner Party Vibes (And We’re Obsessed)

neutral satin bridesmaid dresses

No matter how you choose to celebrate it, your wedding should be a true representation of yourself, your partner, and the love that you two share. In the case of Ian and Angie, a chilled-out, retro-inspired wedding at Bodega in Los Alamos, California was just that. 

We wanted our wedding day to feel like an elevated but hip backyard dinner party. Nothing stuffy or super traditional – something that felt like us!  

Angie, as the Art Director of ILIA Beauty, is a naturally artistic and creative person. She and Ian trusted the team behind Amanda Lauren & Co. to work with their vision and create the wedding of their dreams! Photographer Cambria Shelley was there to capture every gorgeous detail and loving moment between the excited bride and groom. Let’s break down the deets!

Yard of Wonders

Los Alamos California Wedding Invitation

Illustrations of your wedding venue are one of our favorite ways to invite your guests and gear them up for what’s to come! This adorable design of where guests can stay, eat, and play during Angie and Ian’s wedding travels is the perfect warmup.

Newhite Wedding Dress

Angie’s look was absolutely incredible! Though she self-identifies as a “non-girly girl”, Angie describes having tons of fun dressing up for the events around her wedding. 

Ultimately, I knew I wanted something minimal, but with a twist. And I had to feel comfortable! That’s exactly what I found in my dress from NEWHITE Bridal. A sleek, slip-style crepe dress with pearl straps AND A CAPE! It had exactly the kind of unexpected details I was looking for.

bride cape watteau

The pearl details and cape were effortlessly stunning, and oh-so fun!

neutral satin bridesmaid dresses

organic white wedding bouquet

Angie’s bouquet by Still Carnations was the perfect representation of her look and personality. Elegant, creative, and just a tad bit unexpected.

groom navy suit

navy and orange groomsmen attire

Ian and his friends looked incredibly handsome in their navy suits and burnt orange accessories. Ian stood out perfectly in his dapper floral tie.

Bride and groom reading wedding day letters

The couple exchanged love letters before their first look. Make sure to watch the video at the end to see their sweet reactions!

wedding first look in greenhouse

Getting Married

boho floral wedding ceremony circle

The ceremony space was gorgeously (and minimally) decorated with florals that looked as though they were growing out of the ground. We’ve mentioned it before, but this is one of our absolute favorite new wedding trends

Los Alamos California Wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Book of Love by The Magnetic Fields

Recessional: Real Love Baby by Father John Misty

First Dance: I Only Have Eyes For You by Tashaki Miyaki

Los Alamos California Wedding

Los Alamos California Wedding

Ian and Angie are finally husband and wife!

Los Alamos California Wedding

Bride and groom kissing in front of wedding party

The sweet, loving couple couldn’t keep their hands off each other after being pronounced husband and wife.

Los Alamos California Wedding

Los Alamos California Wedding

Angie and Ian took their wedding portraits at Skyview Motel, perfectly rounding out their retro aesthetic.

aesthetic motel wedding photography

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Angie: "For me it was at dinner, sitting next to my husband, and looking out to see everyone that I love sitting together under the string lights, all with smiles on their faces - it was simply the best feeling."

Ian: “The most memorable moment for me was seeing my soon-to-be wife walk down the aisle. She looked so incredibly beautiful; her dad looked so proud, and all of our family was there to experience it with me. I thought I would be too nervous at the moment to get outright emotional - it turns out I was very wrong [laughs]. I replay that moment in my head all the time. It was the best day of my life.”

Los Alamos California Wedding

Pop of Green(house)

Greenhouse wedding

Bodega’s greenhouse is a sweet slice of cottagecore in Los Alamos. Seasonal pumpkins added a welcome touch of fall vibes to this November wedding.

'our favorite people' seating chart

taper candle reception decor

We all know the saying ‘less is more’. In this case, it couldn’t be more true. This tablescape included repurposed flowers from the wedding ceremony, along with beautifully placed tapered candles. As a treat for guests, they were given candles of their own with customized matchboxes to take home.

simple french inspired wedding menu

The menu and matchboxes included small odes to chic French culture. Field to Table Events crafted a delicious meal for guests to enjoy – straight from a farmer’s cookbook.

wedding table number inspiration

greenhouse wedding

wedding charcuterie board

Besides being visually stunning, the greenhouse offered a selection of snacks for guests to munch on, including this beautiful cheese board.

wedding cake with polaroid photos

What’s more retro-chic than a wedding cake topped with polaroids?!

Los Alamos California Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Little things that you think are a big deal will not be remembered by guests! Figure out what’s most important to you on this day and put your money and time towards those details. Also, don’t forget what this day is really about—you and your partner! It’s so easy to get caught up in what everyone else wants, but do want us going to make you both the happiest.

Congratulations to Angie and Ian! Your wedding day was truly magical!

photography: Cambria Shelley Photography // venue name: Bodega Los Alamos, Los Alamos, California, USA // event design: Amanda Lauren & Co // planning: Amanda Lauren & Co // florals: Still Carnations // wedding dress: Newhite Bride // wedding dress boutique: LOHO Bride // hair stylist: Emily Lynn + Co // makeup artist: Emily Lynn + Co // groom attire: The Black Tux // videography: Regan Scaife // catering: Field To Table // cake: Golden Opal Baking // tabletop rentals: Santa Ynez Valley Elite Events // furniture rentals: Santa Ynez Valley Elite Events // linen rentals: Santa Ynez Valley Elite Events

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