Jake and Christine were one of our Summer 2011 couples. I had a lot of fun doing their engagement session and their wedding was even more fun. Taking place at a beautiful venue and a separate portrait session at the ultra lounge SLS Hotel, their photos came out glamorous, dramatic and 

We wanted our wedding to be like our life together: fun, spontaneous and unique. White roses and a hotel ballroom weren’t for us, but we envisioned an eclectic wedding that was still classically elegant. We wound up with everything we dreamed of and so much more!

The Smog Shoppe, a converted auto body shop, set the tone for the everything to come. The centerpieces of coffee cans and milk bottles, vintage handkerchiefs handed out to the ladies pre-ceremony, and my bouquet of vintage flower brooches were culled from many Sundays at LA’s flea markets. Dolly Thicke of Dolly Couture designed a 1950′s inspired dress that made me feel indescribably beautiful, yet gave me freedom to dance all night in my sparkly Converse.

Charlie made three kinds of beer for our guests, as well as the invitations and slide show. I made our “guestbook” quilt, the table runners, my bouquet and other little touches. And imaginative florist Brad Austin put our vision together with gorgeous flowers and lighting.

I’m so grateful to have Duke’s photos to remember our day. He captured every memory and moment perfectly. My favorites are the candid shots of our guests dancing, smiling and acting silly. The people we love, laughing together — that’s the dream wedding of all time!