Bohemian Los Angeles Wedding

Does it come as any surprise that the wedding of stylist and designer extraordinaire Justina Blakeney would be anything less than complete perfection? Her wedding to beau Jason is teeming with pops of yellow, crafted details, and, of course, bohemian chic realness. Thanks to Jennifer Young for sharing her images with us!

From the bride, Justina: We didn’t really have a theme to our wedding — we just really wanted it to feel like ‘us’ – so we wanted it to be laid back, fun, whimsical, creative, colorful, natural, green, lot’s of vintage elements and very playful. We didn’t so much as decide on a theme—just the colors really. We went for grey and marigold in all different shades—but we didn’t adhere too strictly to that. I wanted the party to have a visual coherence without being too matchy-matchy, and I really wanted everyone to feel comfortable and like themselves—so we told our wedding party (mostly all creative types anyways) that they could wear whatever they wanted in the chosen colors—we just encouraged everyone to have fun with it.

The runner was a big bolt of 1960’s of fabric I came upon in the fashion district. At $1/yard—I couldn’t resist! The day-of-coordinators just taped it down and that was that! Instead of a guestbook, we had a guest painting. We had a large canvas, aprons, paints and brushes for people to leave their mark in an artsy way. When Jason and I first started dating, I modeled for him for a series of paintings—so we thought it would be fitting to bring art to the wedding as a nod to our early days.

For favors, guests took home planted flower arrangements of succulents and ranunculus and other living centerpieces all in recycled receptacles. I had family and friends collect jars and tins for the three months leading up to the wedding and then the week leading up to the wedding friends and family came over to our garden to help us plant everything. Now when I go over to the homes of friends and family they all show me their plants—and how they’re still thriving.

My gown and bolero were custom made for me by Argentine Couturier Stella Alberti. We went fabric shopping together and I went to weekly fittings — we designed it together as we went along. I wanted something comfortable, flowy, romantic and whimsical. The French lace and the bell-sleeves from the bolero and the pom-pom trim and tiny vintage jewel appliques were my favorite parts. I couldn’t believe she made the dress so quickly. It fit me (and belly!) so comfortably and got me out of a jam—because anyone who as ever been shopping for a maternity wedding gown knows that it ain’t easy.

See Also

A Tuscan Inspired Wedding with Pastel Hues at California’s Filoli Gardens

All of my bridesmaids were in shades of marigold and yellow. Like I mentioned earlier—they all chose their own outfits and there were no prerequisites for their attire besides that they be dressed in the marigold family and that their dresses be knee-length or shorter. My sister Faith (the maid of honor) was wearing all vintage with shoes by Marni (she’s the stylish one with the furry coat). The two women who were in grey (Amy and Tigra) were not, in fact bridesmaids, but rather, part of Jason’s Groomsmen (we jokingly called them ‘breastmen’)—they are close friends of Jason’s and so we did not see why they shouldn’t be in the Groom’s party! Guests got a kick out of them!

Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? Have fun. Enjoy your family, your friends, and your new husband. I was really glad that we did all of portraits before the wedding ceremony–even though that meant we say each other before the ceremony. I really got to BE at my wedding.

Wedding Music:
Processional: “Corcovado,” Antonio Carlos Jobim
Bride’s Processional: “Turn Your Lights Down Low,” Bob Marley
First Dance: “I Only Have Eyes For You,” The Flamingos

Wedding Location: Los Angeles, CA / Wedding Photographer: Jennifer Young / Second Shooter: Connie Lyu / Event Styling and Design: Justina Blakeney / Wedding Flowers and Day-Of Coordination: Kelly Cuadra of Viva Voce / Floral Wreath: Britni Wood / Wedding Venue: Grace E. Simons Lodge / Wedding Dress: Stella Alberti / Wedding Shoes: Kate Spade / Engagement Ring: Artisan LA / Makeup: Soledad Alberti / Flower Girls’ Dresses: Jet Rag, LA / Wedding Caterer: Contemporary Catering / Wedding Cake: Sweet Catastrophe Cakes / Gelato Bar: Pazza Gelato / Chuppah: Shauna Nepp and Dabito / Wedding Music: Fabiano do Nascimento / DJ: DJ Adam Twelve / Officiant: Bride’s brother / Rentals: Town and Country Rentals / Wedding Stationery: Justina Blakeney / Videographer: Kira Lillie