When a wedding at The Garland Hotel transforms its lush gardens into a sacred space, magic happens. For Alisha and Anna, this magic unfolded beneath a stunning floral arch with a subtle rainbow gradient, surrounded by the venue’s natural greenery and the love of their chosen family.
When Modern Style Meets Tradition
This wedding at The Garland Hotel beautifully wove together contemporary style and timeless Jewish traditions. The ceremony centered around the Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings), where seven cherished mentors stepped forward to offer wisdom and blessings to the couple. Each blessing carried deep meaning, from celebrating the couple’s love to honoring their future together. When Alisha and Anna broke the glass at the ceremony’s end – a tradition symbolizing life’s complexity and permanence of their bond – the cheers echoed through the garden.
Two Brides, Two Unique Styles
Every detail of their wedding at The Garland Hotel spoke to personal style and creative expression. Anna stunned in a dress adorned with floral appliques, her veil catching the garden light, while Alisha commanded attention in a gorgeous two-piece ensemble with an equally magnificent veil. Their makeup artist brought an unexpected element of artistry – delicate face decals of butterflies and natural elements that added a touch of whimsy to their naturally radiant looks. The wedding party created a gorgeous gradient in shades of purple and cream, a testament to intentional design that felt both modern and timeless.
Documenting Pure Emotion
In Alisha’s vows, she spoke of their love being “warm and quiet, like coming home.” That feeling of home radiated throughout their wedding at The Garland Hotel – from the tears during their Seven Blessings to the proud smiles of supportive family members. As a queer photographer, these moments of pure acceptance and celebration always make my heart soar. The way their chosen blessing-givers spoke about their love, their journey, and their future together created waves of emotion that rippled through every guest.
The Garland’s Garden Paradise
The natural beauty of the venue’s gardens provided the perfect backdrop for both documentary moments and editorial portraits. While the couple preferred a documentary approach to their day, we captured some stunning editorial shots of each bride individually and creative group photos with their wedding party. The lush greenery created an atmosphere of intimacy and privacy, making every moment feel like it was unfolding in their own secret garden.
Reception Details That Shine
While the space remained open and airy, carefully chosen details brought everything together. The showstopper? A beautiful cake adorned with fresh flowers that perfectly complemented their ceremony arch. Delicate bud vases and elegant table numbers added subtle touches of refinement to the celebration.
Inspired Garden Venues for Los Angeles Love Stories
Their wedding at The Garland Hotel reminded me of other magical garden spaces where love stories bloom in Los Angeles. Each venue offers its own unique backdrop for couples seeking that perfect blend of nature and elegance. The Gardens at Malibou Lake Lodge creates a dreamy atmosphere with its lakeside setting and ancient oaks. Descanso Gardens transforms from a public botanical wonder by day into an intimate evening venue, where twinkle lights dance among camellias and rose gardens. The Houdini Estate brings Hollywood history and mystery with its terraced gardens and hidden pathways, while The Victorian Santa Monica offers a secret garden vibe right by the beach.
For couples dreaming of a garden celebration, Los Angeles offers endless possibilities. From the manicured grounds of The Huntington Library to the whimsical spaces at SmogShoppe (where desert gardens meet industrial chic), each venue brings its own character to your story. These spaces remind us that sometimes the most unforgettable celebrations happen when we let nature set the stage – just as Alisha and Anna did with their perfect garden celebration.
Here are a few other LGBTQ+ weddings I have had the pleasure of documenting!
How to Plan a Dreamy Micro-Wedding at Sunset Cliffs in San Diego, CA
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