Modern Feminist Wedding at Hotel Figueroa - Los Angeles, CA - Will + Laurel

 

Will and Laurel’s modern feminist wedding at Hotel Figueroa was so original and so FUN. As a former Joshua Tree elopement bride (who is just now-- 2 years later-- planning a reception back on the East Coast to celebrate) I’m ALL about making your wedding the blend of uniqueness and tradition that perfectly embodies YOUR relationship. These two did exactly that, and the result was incredible. Hotel Figueroa is a downtown Los Angeles historical venue with charm and elegance for days. The Hotel was originally founded in 1926 with the mission to create a safe, accessible space for women travelers. In the decades since, Hotel Figueroa has served as a place for rallies, press conferences, and meetings in the name of progress. The spirit of activism is one reason that this venue really resonated with Will and Laurel! 

Throughout the wedding day, many traditions were reimagined for this modern, equality-driven, feminist couple. Will and Laurel’s co-ed wedding party got ready together -- it created such a fun, relaxed environment. Will was able to ask Laurel if his tie was fixed just right, and you could tell that for these two, being together on the morning of the wedding was the only way! This couple - like many of the couples I work with - was much more interested in candids and “people shots” rather than flatlays of invitations, rings, and other details. In fact, the couple did not exchange rings at all! I insisted on getting a few shots of Laurel’s custom silver dress hanging though because, WOW. It was incredible. One of her bridesmaids’ mothers, a seamstress, helped customize the gown by adding in layers of sequin-star patterned fabric. This went perfectly with her bold, glamourous Anthony Wang Super Galore Platform Sandals!

After everyone was ready, we went downstairs to the lobby of Hotel Figueroa for the family photos, followed by couples’ portraits of Will and Laurel. Here, you can see that although the couple didn’t exchange rings, Laurel still brought a rad, glamourous, badass touch with her “Fuck the Patriarchy” ring. 

Rather than Laurel walk into the ceremony alone, Will and Laurel walked in together, representing their commitment to each other and equality. The ceremony was held in the Gran Sala room of the hotel, situated between Bar Figueroa and an open-air lounge called The Veranda. A close friend officiated for the couple, and Will’s sister read an excerpt from Pablo Neruda’s Sonnet XIV (coincidentally, the same excerpt I included in my vows at my own elopement!)

The wedding party portraits were extremely important to Will and Laurel. As adults, it’s not often that we get professional photos taken with our best friends! There are few occasions that give us that chance (not many people seem to book “best friend” photoshoots). For these, we went to the rooftop above The Veranda and took photos in front of the gorgeous mural created by English artist, Bella Gomez. The mural was inspired by the hotel’s Spanish Colonial architecture and design in creating this contemporary botanical facade. For these shots, I made sure to capture the entire wedding party together, then Laurel’s side and Will’s side individually, along with a photo of each member of the wedding party with Will or Laurel. Of course, I made sure to get candids of these close friends throughout the day as well, but I wanted to get a few focused shots during the wedding party photo time. 

Cocktail hour took place in The Veranda -- a beautiful spot that feels quintessentially Californian. The patio looks out onto the Hotel Figueroa pool and Rick’s Bar- the restaurant where the couples’ wedding rehearsal dinner was held the night before. During cocktail hour, guests played trivia customized to Will and Laurel’s history! They absolutely love trivia and games, so bringing this element of their personality to their wedding was only fitting. The couple joined cocktail hour after the wedding party portraits completed -- for some wedding timelines, we schedule couple portraits at this time, while others use it for wedding party photos, or simply join cocktail hour for the full duration! In this case, the newlyweds had friends and family from all across the country (and beyond!), so spending time with their guests was a super high priority. The night ended with toasts, an incredible dinner, and a killer dance party in the Gran Sala! 

Vendors

Venue | Catering | Bar www.hotelfigueroa.com @hotelfigueroa

Day-Of Coordinator http://www.dayofgal.com/ @dayofgal

Makeup Artist www.jennybouton.com @jennybouton

Florals https://www.flowersbyladybuggs.com/

Hair Diana Valencia @deevinedos

DJ @kjmproductions

Dress: Custom

Fuck The Patriarchy ring: Snash Jewelry


 
Weddings, PortfolioMorgan Pirklehotel figueroaComment