When Christina and Jake said “I do,” it wasn’t just any wedding; it was a celebration filled with bold choices, offbeat style, and unforgettable moments—all at the unique SmogShoppe in Los Angeles. As a photographer, capturing this alternative love story was a dream come true.

Christina and Jake’s wedding was nothing short of 90s grunge magic. Hosted at the incredible SmogShoppe in Los Angeles, their day was the epitome of bold, offbeat FUN. As a true-to-life photographer for bold offbeat weddings, capturing their authentic love story against the backdrop of such a unique venue like SmogShoppe LA was a dream come true. I truly wish I could copy/paste them over and over because photographing bold, offbeat, alt weddings like these make all my grunge 90’s wedding dreams come true.

A grungy, alternative kinda love

Christina and Jake first met on their love of weed and the 420 lifestyle and their friendship grew into love. Their couple portraits around SmogShoppe gave that grungy, alternative, offbeat vibe that they love so much. No need to fit the norm for what you think photos should be, stand out. You do you.

A Day with Goth-Inspired Elegance and Offbeat Details

From the moment I arrived, the vibe was unmistakably them. It was one of those rare Los Angeles days where the sky sprinkled light rain on and off, giving us the kind of soft, even lighting photographers dream about. SmogShoppe, with its industrial-chic design and lush greenery, provided the perfect canvas for their goth-inspired wedding colors—dark, dramatic, and vibrant all at once.

A Venue with Character

SmogShoppe’s urban charm and lush greenery set the tone for Christina and Jake’s celebration. Known for its eco-friendly design and eclectic vibe, the venue perfectly complemented their bold wedding aesthetic. The contrast of industrial chic and lush plant life made every detail pop in photos.

Bold Choices and Unforgettable Moments at SmogShoppe LA

Christina and Jake decided to go against the status quo with many of their wedding decisions, which I’m always a HUGE fan of. For instance, instead of a bouquet toss, they opted for a t-shirt toss with custom wedding merch they made for the big day.

They had classic 90’s movies playing on the big screen during their reception. Giving their guests a fun nostalgic touch while eating their tacos.

They had a skateboard for a guest book and a temporary tattoo station during cocktail hour.

A reception to end all receptions

Christina and Jake did not miss a beat when planning the details of their reception. The classic wood tables with beautiful florals. They had liquid death water at every seat at the reception, since it’s their favorite drink and definitely fit the goth alt vibe. It was moody, bold, offbeat, alternative dreams come true.

The Details: A Collaboration of Talented Vendors for this Bold and Offbeat Wedding at SmogShoppe LA

Christina and Jake’s wedding came to life thanks to an incredible team of vendors:

• Hair & Makeup: Shannon (@shanrbeauty) and Pink Dust Cosmetics worked their magic, creating Christina’s flawless and bold bridal look.
• The Dress: Christina’s stunning gown from Layah’s Bridal Boutique (@layahsbridalboutique) was a showstopper, with intricate details that perfectly matched her vibrant personality.
• The Suits: Jake and his crew looked dapper in outfits from Nordstrom.
• Ceremony Magic: Officiant Nico (@romcomweddings) crafted a heartfelt and personal ceremony that had everyone laughing.
• Florals: The Scarlet Flower Shop (@thescarletflowershop) transformed the space with bold blooms that added a touch of romance to every corner.
• Catering: Border Grill (@bordergrill) served up delicious tacos and sides that were truly delicious.
• Cake: Bake Shoppe Boutique (@bakeshoppeboutique) created a perfect vintage cake for the couple to cut.
• Music: VOX DJs (@voxdjs) and VOX Strings filled the day with a perfect blend of live music and high-energy DJ sets.
• Bar Services: Mia Bartending (@miabartending) kept the drinks flowing, including signature cocktails named after the couple.
• Stationery: Scarlet Grace Prints designed the most beautiful invitations and signage, setting the tone from the first RSVP to the day-of details.
• Coordinating Excellence: Pop the Champagne (@popthechampagne) ensured every detail came together seamlessly, seriously, they were incredible to work with.
• Photographer: Me! Hailey Williams of Archer Inspired, (@Archer_inspired) who loves to photograph the bold, offbeat, alt bride and couples who do things differently than others. Photographer for bold weddings at SmogShoppe LA.

A Quick Night Time Smoke Break

Once it was dark, I went out to the parking lot with the couple for a 420 smoke break and got the best offbeat high flash photos of them sharing a joint. Something that bonded them when they first met and have continued to love since. So it only made sense to document it for them. If you’re looking for a 420 friendly photographer, than look no further, hi, its me.

A Celebration of True Love

Christina and Jake’s wedding was more than a celebration; it was a testament to their unique and unapologetic love. Photographing their day reminded me why I do what I do—capturing real moments for incredible couples who dare to be different.

Thank you, Christina and Jake, for letting me be part of your unforgettable day at SmogShoppe. It was a day as bold, fun, and unique as the two of you.

Looking for a bold photographer to document your alt, offbeat wedding in LA?

Ready to dream about the decisions that YOU really want to make not just what you see on Pinterest? Then contact me here, so we can start creating something unforgettable together. Documenting your real, authentic, bold choices is truly what I love photographing. Because the offbeat, different, the weird, the all of it, is my fucking JAM. So let’s get you badass images you can love forever. And if you’re looking for a photographer for your bold wedding at SmogShoppe in LA, then I’m your girl.

Photographer bold weddings SmogShoppe LA

Start your journey to get badass photos here.