Mya and Chris’s modern chic Ebell of Long Beach wedding married their love of intimate, intentional family-centric living with the simple statement of romantic beauty found in the historic Spanish-revival architecture. It was no easy task to downsize their original plan of a 175 person wedding to an intimate gathering of 20. But these two introverts decided to embrace the unique gift the pandemic was handing them.
With a love of the simple and minimalist, the couple leaned fully into the venue’s aesthetic to let its deep romance lead the way. This allowed for a more subtle decor need, minimal florals concentrated in statement pieces, and a guest experience accented with personalization at every step of the way.
Connection was absolutely at the forefront of the couple’s intention for their wedding day! Knowing that Mya’s family would not be able to make it in from Australia for their wedding day, the couple decided to intentionally include them in a special way through a special live stream just for them. It was so important for her to feel the closeness with her family, as Chris became a stronger and more rooted piece of that family story.
Mya and Chris decided that they were ready to not only take on the challenges of marriage together, but they were all in for the wild ride of planning a wedding together in just under 3 weeks AND during a pandemic!
This fun-loving, easy-going couple met at a local Santa Monica bar called The Bungalow and just knew that something amazing was beginning. The immediate closeness the two felt knitted them together through the ups and downs of life, work, and relationships.
They grew in new ways they never thought possible and were able to meet the other person in the places they felt most comfortable, vulnerable, and known. During their vows, Chris shared, “I wasn’t a monthly guy, I’m too macho to celebrate a monthly anniversary, and boy was I wrong!” While Mya felt “comfortable, at ease and at home. Even when it was obvious I wasn’t interested in watching football or soccer – you respect me. You allow me to be the person I wholly am!”
Their thoughtful and creative approach, and ability to know truly who they are at their core, made decision-making on a short time frame a breeze!
The purpose of their Ebell of Long Beach wedding was always at the forefront of their planning. And it shone through brightly on their wedding day.
As the two contemplated their options for moving forward with a small, micro-wedding they wanted to intentionally highlight pieces of their story. They decided to wed on their dating anniversary, August 16th to bring their story full circle. Although this created the quick 3-week planning turnaround, they knew with a professional and supportive vendor team, it could be done!
The couple incorporated their Shih Tzu’s into the Ebell of Long Beach wedding in a few different ways. Their cocktail drinks were named after them, aptly the Lola and the Suki. Their likeness was used on sweet cookie favors, which doubled as place cards at the guest tables. And they became honorary wedding party members escorting the groom’s sister down the aisle. All while wearing the cutest floral doggie collars. The two sweetly ended up napping on the bride’s train during the ceremony, never straying far from the love!
The couple wanted to be able to draw their guests into their love story to experience it with them. From the signature named cocktail drinks named after their puppies, to the intimate guest count under 20 that brought connections galore, and the guest book featuring an illustration of them each in their unique wedding attire to commemorate the wonderful day!
The couple’s meet-cute is such a tantamount piece of their love story. So much so, that the groom included it in a personalized gift he gave the bride just before the ceremony. Now the two have a beautiful framed map that details their love story to share with anyone who comes to visit!
Creativity knew no bounds for this Ebell of Long Beach wedding! We wouldn’t have been able to do it without the amazing artistic and passionate vendors that rallied around a couple dedicated to their love story (and dedicated to a non-traditional micro-wedding).
It wouldn’t have been the same without the perfect Facebook marketplace find of the modern black acrylic table numbers. Or the last-minute rentals that were the cherry on top for the tabletop design!
Their wedding wouldn’t have been complete without the dedicated loved ones that supported Mya and Chris. Through words of encouragement, unwavering support, and their presence!
Vendor List
Venue: The Ebell of Long Beach
Catering/Bartending: Tres LA Catering
Photographer: Abbi Cooley Photography
Videographer: Emma Lynn Cinema
Wedding Planner: Kindred Weddings and Events
Rentals: MTB Rentals
Napkins: borrowed Blu
Florist: Sweet Pea Floral Creations
Cake: Nicole Bakes Cakes
Name cards/Favors: Cookies – Sprinkled Sugar Cookies
Hair & Makeup: Rachelle Games Beauty
Bridal Gown: Lesley by Blue by Enzoani from Bella Wedding Bridal
Bridal veil cape: Let the Bride
Bride earrings: Cleo Designs New York
Bride hairpiece: Dare the Colburn Designs
Groom’s Attire & Accessories: Tux: The Black Tux
Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo
Invitations: Minted Weddings
Guest book: Pretty Timely
Welcome sign: Pearly Paper Designs
Seating chart: Easy Editable
Custom bar sign: Copper and Confetti Co
Shih-Tzu Cake topper: Upmood Shop
Wedding vow books: Print Smitten
Card box: Knot Write Designs
Custom face masks: By Sweet Nothing
Personalized hand sanitizer: Great Little Favor
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Sarah is a Los Angeles wedding planner ready to
elevate all your relationships through small and intimate weddings.
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