For an October day in Pasadena, California, you’d hardly be surprised to find yourself met with a perfect cool fall day. Yet for Tiffani and Brett, college sweethearts, their nontraditional backyard bash was accompanied by a sky that ushered them into marriage with one of the oldest good luck omens – rain.
The two had never necessarily dreamed of finding their soulmate in college. With their similarly goth aesthetics and taste for travel, tradition certainly wasn’t up their alley. They both knew that when it came time to plan a wedding they wouldn’t be the type to plan something large and ultra classic; whether that meant Tiffani walking herself down the aisle alongside their pet corgi or having their ceremony officiated by their college professor.
Their day took place at the Lavender Marketplace, a converted 1890 historical estate nestled in the foothills of Sierra Madre, about a mile from the LA Arboretum and a few exits away from Downtown Pasadena. They handpicked a few family members and friends rather than filling up a long guest list. Because of the nature of the residence, the couple was able to get ready mostly off-site and come early to help assemble their reception tables. As designers themselves, they took the time to craft a custom zine telling their story to all of their assembled guests. Inspired by their favorite design choices, the two chose to invest in their floral designer to create a wedding tablescape that felt full of texture, vibrancy, and subtle nods to their culture (the oranges on the table, for example, were a nod to symbolism in Chinese culture wherein mandarin oranges symbolize good luck, prosperity, and wealth for the new couple and their families).
Tiffani and Brett specifically put together a detailed vision board for their day, including where on
the property they’d be hosting each individual part of their day and the style details they’d share. Both are a huge fan of Prada and chose to purchase a pair of loafers, with Brett sporting a matching Prada bolo tie. “We’re no strangers to design, but we want something comfortable.”
By the time twilight had fallen, a notably more dramatic time of day for their ceremony, the gatheringclouds had begun to let loose. Thought the guests were lucky enough to be under an awning, Tiffani walked herself down the aisle under an umbrella to ensure she stayed dry.
Once all of their guests had gathered, the brief ceremony commenced, witnessed by candlelit guests. Before the night was over and speeches could take place, they slipped away for a few moments to sign the license and just have a moment to share between them. Brett said, “I feel like we needed this, just a little bit of us time, that’s why we went small, you know?”
When it came down to it, for these two a wedding was about truly doing what they wanted: having an intimate dinner with the people who matter to them and capturing photos that felt more natural to them as a couple. Edgy, dark, and a little bit funky – THAT’S what made this couple tick and why they chose to bring us into the day.
Venue: @lavendermarketplaceworkshops
Floral: @nisabeesbouquets
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