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How To Have A Raging Wedding That Is Classy

Bride and groom sharing a kiss at their wedding ceremony

Chris and Allison knew they wanted to turn the very large space of 440 Seaton in Downtown L.A. into a classy, but raging party for their 200+ guests. They employed the creative powerhouses of Jesi Haack Design and Honey and Poppies to help create a space that felt intimate despite the size of the space. 

Jesi used white shiplap to create a East Coast style aisle runner in addition to a draped rope altar backdrop coated with lots of fresh wild foliage from Honey and Poppies. A hand dyed rope installation over the dance floor and dreamcatcher style rope pieces also adorned the walls of the space. All of this combined with West Coast Music's genius band made for one of the raddest dance party ever. All photographed by Steve Cowell.

Read on to learn about every last detail, the budget and take in this raging wedding. 

Beige Yves Saint Laurent Tribute sandals on dark surface

Beaded lace wedding dress hanging on ornate hanger

the wedding dress

Allison wore the Penelope by  Reem Acra wedding gown. A stunning gown with adorned with intricate details. You can buy a similar gown here. 

For her wedding shoes she wore Saint Laurent's beige patent leather Tribute sandals.  Notable for its substantial platform sole and caged T-strap styling. 

Elegant white wedding dress hanging in natural sunlight

must read: wedding dress fitting advice

Prior to the wedding, though, I had a wedding dress disaster. I purchased it from a store in Orange County that does not offer in-house alterations. They recommended that I purchase my dress 4 sizes larger than what I normally take. I ended up purchasing it in 3 sizes larger and even then, I was a bit skeptical (but they know best I thought!).

When I took the dress in for an alteration consultation with a few of their recommended tailors, all either declined or expressed hesitation in taking on the dress because of how large it was and how much work would have to be done. When I asked the bridal boutique to help remedy this, they responded that my measurements aligned with their initial recommendation (4 sizes larger) and that I had signed a waiver exempting them from any liability. 

The store representative's comment/insinuation about my weight - what a blow! I ended up taking my dress to a Reem Acra tailor -- my savior! -- in NY for fittings. If I could do things differently, since I already had a bad gut feeling about sizing, I would have asked more questions and perhaps gotten a second measurement/fitting prior to purchasing.

Mother helps bride into wedding dress before ceremony Bride getting ready with help adjusting her wedding dress details

Groom fastening cufflinks, getting ready for wedding

Pair of elegant black velvet loafers on marble surface Elegant navy suit with a floral boutonniere in the pocket

Groomsmen in black suits laughing before the wedding ceremony

Penelope by  Reem Acra wedding gown with red bouquet snippets of advice for future brides and grooms?

We separately ranked what was both most important and least important to us then came together to discuss. Thankfully our top 3 were the same

1. Music
2. Food
3. Booze

As well as our absolute bottom -- the invitation suite. This helped us keep perspective throughout the planning process (for example when I started looking at invitation suites that started at $1,000, I was quickly reminded of our checklist ranking.

But on the flip side, because the music was so important to us, we felt OK about splurging on a live band). Second would be to hire a wedding planner. You'll realize you have to pick and choose your battles during the wedding planning process, but this is definitely a fight worth having (if necessary). Hire a wedding planner! 

Third, we decided to write our own vows last minute, and we're so happy we did! We wrote them the day before our welcome dinner and heard each other's vows for the first time during the ceremony.

Bride and groom stand in industrial space before the wedding

Groom smiles as the bride walks towards him on their wedding day Groom wiping away tears during wedding ceremony with bride

Bride and groom share an emotional moment in a brick building

Elegant bride and groom walking in a rustic wedding venue, smiling

did disaster strike?

There's nothing I would have changed about our wedding day even though it didn't go perfectly. We were having so much fun that nothing really mattered. Which is a good segue into every bride and groom's piece of advice after the fact - if you're able, don't let anything take away from your day! It really does flies by, so be present for all of it. 

Bridesmaids and bride pose for a photo in front of a brick wall Bridesmaids holding beautiful bouquets of flowers in wedding ceremony

the bridesmaid dresses

Allison's bridesmaids wore a mix of Show Me Your Mumu Dresses in what looks like the Show Me The Ring color

Elegant wedding venue with crystal chandeliers and pink decorations Elegant chandeliers and exposed brick in a beautiful venue space

Coolest ceremony set up eva! Designed by  Jesi Haack and held at 440 Seaton. An is an urban warehouse offering a unique, rustic, eclectic charm in the heart of the Arts District in Downtown, Los Angeles.

This grand, 100 year old, urban interior space consists of a Cathedral like atrium, with soaring 50 ft. high ceilings, exposed brick walls, wooden beams, concrete and wooden floors and skylights. With 10,000 sq. ft., the Great Hall is very spacious, which can accommodate up to 1,700 standing guests, 1,400-chair seating and a 600 table seating capacity. 

Wedding backdrop with hanging white ribbons and greenery

Bride walking down the aisle with her parents at a wedding ceremony

Wedding ceremony in a rustic industrial building with guests

Newlyweds share a kiss during their romantic wedding ceremony

a vintage jewelry box is the perfect place for cards

Unique installation for guests to find their seats Unique installation for guests to find their seats

Elegant reception hall setup with string lights and decorated tables

brass, baby blue and pops of red wedding reception decor Elegant table setting with floral arrangement for a special occasion Elegant floral table setting with golden accents and decor

Elegant table setting with flowers and menu card for a wedding

Elegant wedding reception setup with long table setting

Wedding cake on a stand decorated with beautiful flowers

Cozy lounge seating in front of a rustic brick wall backdrop Red floral arrangement in a vase on a glass-topped table for decoration

Newlywed couple kissing at elegant wedding reception under chandelier

Joyful bride being lifted up at her wedding reception celebration Wedding guests dancing with joy at a celebration reception

Woman doing the splits on the dance floor at a party

Bride is lifted in the air by guests during wedding reception Wedding guests celebrating with joyful dance and raised hands

After the festivities, everyone enjoyed In N Out.  We're sure everyone was hungry after all that dancing. 

Couple embraces near an In-N-Out Burger food truck at night

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