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A Bespoke French-Inspired Los Angeles Wedding at République Café & Bakery

As an LA wedding photographer, I have the privilege of documenting some of this vibrant city’s most beautiful, creative, and meaningful celebrations. But every so often, a wedding comes along that feels like pure magic—a seamless blend of intentional design, nontraditional choices, and deeply personal touches. Paige and Aidan’s wedding at République Café & Bakery in Los Angeles was precisely that.

Getting Ready at an LA Spanish-Style Villa

Paige and Aidan began their wedding day in one of the most stunning Airbnb homes I’ve seen. It was a modern Spanish-style villa that could rival any design magazine spread. The home’s neutral-toned architecture, elegant arches, lush greenery, and perfectly placed succulents set the tone for a sophisticated yet relaxed day. Add in a sparkling pool and sun-drenched interiors, and you have a dream backdrop for pre-ceremony portraits.

Romantic, Editorial Portraits with a Contemporary Twist

Paige looked absolutely breathtaking in her satin gown with a cowl neckline—a timeless choice that felt effortlessly chic. Meanwhile, Aidan’s sharp suit echoed the same polished yet relaxed vibe, completing the aesthetic. Together, they looked like they had stepped out of the pages of a luxury wedding magazine. The images we captured during their private portrait session are among my favorites of the year.

Paige and Aidan’s getting-ready portraits took on a decidedly editorial vibe thanks to the villa’s minimalist design and soft, neutral palette. We created a mix of intimate, romantic moments and bold, fashion-forward imagery that felt straight out of a luxury magazine. It was a photographer’s dream—proof that choosing a space that complements your wedding aesthetic is always worth the effort.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning your wedding and considering a vacation rental for your getting-ready moments, it’s a fantastic option. Airbnbs often provide more character and charm than traditional hotels and offer functional options, such as hosting your rehearsal dinner the night before, as Paige and Aidan did.

Think about how its design will complement your overall wedding aesthetic. Look for spaces with plenty of natural light and clean, cohesive interiors. This particular home was as photogenic as it was practical, perfectly complementing their wedding’s understated elegance. A win-win for couples and photographers alike.

République Café & Bakery: French Dinner Party Wedding

Speaking of understated elegance, Paige and Aidan’s venue, République, was the epitome of nontraditional romance. This iconic French-inspired restaurant and bakery in Los Angeles served as both the ceremony and reception location. I loved the blend of countryside charm and modern sophistication. Paige and Aidan’s choice of venue spoke volumes about their style and intentionality. The café is one of their favorite date-night spots, a space that holds personal significance.

The beloved restaurant provided a warm and inviting backdrop, with its stunning double arches beautifully framing their ceremony. The decor was minimal yet impactful, with florals that enhanced the restaurant’s ambiance rather than overpowering it. One of my favorite details was the fridge full of artisanal cheeses and pastries, visible to guests as they sipped cocktails and mingled before dinner. It added a playful touch of anticipation to the evening.

A Parisian Dinner Party by Amber Alyse Events

Amber Alyse Events, their incredibly talented wedding planner, transformed the space into a bespoke scene straight from a Parisian dinner party. The simplicity of baguettes, family-style dishes, and candlelight created an intimate, celebratory atmosphere. Dinner lasted three hours—a leisurely, joy-filled experience where guests wandered about, clinking glasses and sharing stories.

République was a dream for photography. I used a mix of documentary-style shots and artistic editorial imagery, fully embracing the moody, textural lighting and unique architecture. Every corner of République offered something special, whether it was the light filtering through the windows, the bustling kitchen in the background, or the warm, earthy tones of the space.

Documenting the Details That Matter

Weddings like Paige and Aidan’s remind me why I love storytelling through photography. It’s not just about the big moments—though we captured those, too. (Shoutout to my second photographer for grabbing incredible alternative angles of their first kiss, the stomping of the glass, and their triumphant walk back down the aisle!)

But it’s the small, quiet details that often take my breath away: the florals arranged just so on a windowsill, a chef placing the final garnish on a dish, the way the flash hits the cut cake, or the candid smiles exchanged between guests during toasts. These are the moments that become fine art, the ones that you’ll want to frame and hang in your home.

That’s also why I always recommend having a second photographer at your wedding. When I’m capturing one perspective—like the joyous first dance—my second photographer is elevated above, photographing the entire room. Together, we can provide a more comprehensive story, preserving both the big picture and the intimate details.

A Celebration to Remember

There are weddings, and then there are weddings—the kind that linger in your memory long after the last guest has left, the kind that make you fall in love with love all over again. Paige and Aidan’s exquisite celebration at the iconic République Café & Bakery in Los Angeles did just that. It was a day brimming with intentional details, effortless style, and a sprinkle of magic, blending documentary authenticity with editorial artistry. As an LA wedding photographer, I’ve been lucky to capture some breathtaking weddings, but this one? This one is in a league of its own.

Los Angeles Editorial Wedding Photographer

Engaged? Congratulations! If you’re planning your own wedding and are drawn to a blend of intimate storytelling and editorial-style artistry, I’d love to connect. My approach focuses on capturing the essence of your relationship while highlighting the beauty and details that make your day uniquely yours. Whether you’re envisioning a chic city celebration, a sun-drenched outdoor soirée, or something entirely unexpected, I’m here to help you relive those moments for years to come. Let’s create something timeless together—because your love story deserves nothing less than extraordinary.

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