Travis and Sydney’s wedding day was one that was filled with love, laughter, and a strong connection to cinema. The location of the wedding was a perfect reflection of Travis and Sydney’s unique personalities and love for all things film and throwback films through the 90’s, all the way back to silent films of every possible movie genre.

The funky, retro cinema in downtown Los Angeles provided a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that perfectly complemented the couple’s eclectic taste. With its historic, exposed brick, English library corner, hidden rooms, eclectic charm, and vintage-framed film cover art hung everywhere, the venue added a very retro, alternative punk-rock feel of the wedding.

What Led to Their Wedding Day

Their love story began in an old movie theatre, where they had their first date watching “Jerry Maguire”. It was clear from the start that their shared love for movies would play a significant role in their relationship. When Travis proposed about this time last year, he got down on one knee to ask Sydney to be his partner for life, in front of the Long Beach Art Theatre. 

An Ode to Cinema Classics & Genres

The venue was decorated with vintage movie posters and marquee lights spelling out famous movie quotes about love. On their sweetheart table sat an old VHS tape of “Jerry Maguire”, framed as a nod to their first date and now a symbol of their everlasting love.

The couple had thought of every detail to tie in their shared passion for film. From the centerpieces that included not only florals, but also glass decanters filled with popcorn, to the box-office movie posters and personalized movie ticket-style invitations, and table numbers with movie album covers, every aspect of the wedding paid homage to iconic films.

Getting Ready

Both Travis and Sydney spent time separate before their first look. The anticipation was felt- and there was anticipation growing- they were both truly looking forward to sharing their personal vows to each other, privately, when they got to see each other for the first time, before ceremony!

Sydney was excited to have her mum and sis help with the finishing touches- buttoning her beautiful, timeless vintage-thrifted dress, along with securing her soft tulle veil in her Hollywood-style curls.

Travis had his best man, along with his father, helping him get ready. They played some foosball for a bit when they arrived, and then got ready to help Travis look and feel his best to see his babe for life. He was getting butterflies- the good kind- and it was so precious to document!

First Look Prank

On the wedding day, The groomsmen played a fun “first look prank” on Travis, by dressing up as Sydney to lighten the mood and prompt lots of laughter.

Travis and Sydney shortly after that actually got to have a true, meaningful, and emotional first look. They spent dedicated time to sharing personal vows, and afterwards took in the entire upstairs area to see their ceremony and reception spaces epically decorated. They intentionally took time to be with each other, along with their closest family and friends, well before ceremony.

First Look & Couples Romantic Portraits

Travis and Sydney shortly after that actually got to have a true, meaningful, and emotional first look. They spent dedicated time to sharing personal vows, and afterwards took in the entire upstairs area to see their ceremony and reception spaces epically decorated. They intentionally took time to be with each other, along with their closest family and friends, well before ceremony.

We love to see a perfect balance of lightly prompted moments, captured on digital! Travis and Sydney let me know that they definitely wanted to take their time, to both be present together, to see how their ceremony and reception spaces together, and to have a mix of funky, retro-pop, with editorial library-focused vibes- so we definitely delivered an awesome variety of moments, during our time together. Check out this cool balance of more posed, editorial moments, paired with candid, authentic, true-to-them moments that really show off their connection and dynamic:

Theatre-Style Ceremony

As guests entered the cinema, they were greeted with retro movie posters lining the walls and a vintage marquee announcing the newlyweds’ names. The ceremony took place on stage, with rows of velvet seats acting as pews for guests.

As the couple walked down the aisle, their guests were transported into a magical world of cinema. Their personal vows were shared again, and it made for a special ceremony service! they shared personal vows again in front of the entire gathering, and it was so heartfelt and emotional again! So special and intimate, too. They had an epic kiss with a dip to celebrate being officially married!

The group then moved to the lobby area for cocktail hour, where a concession stand served as the bar and classic movie snacks were available for guests to enjoy. It was truly a super fun experience for everyone involved, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Travis and Sydney’s determination to make their dream wedding come true at this unconventional venue.

Super Rad, Movie-Focused Reception

Through their creativity and resourcefulness, they transformed the cinema into a beautiful space for their special day. It was truly a testament to their love for each other and their willingness to embrace something new and different.

Dinner = Habit Burger Food Truck

During dinner, guests were treated to heartfelt toasts, more popcorn and snacks while they waited to have the Habit Burger dinner truck outside. 

Stellar Sendoff with a Car Rental – the Dolorian

Once the dance floor opened up, everyone danced together with super fun Stars Wars-themed light sabers. To take a break from al of the social fun for a few minutes, the couple got to take a test ride with their sendoff getaway car, from the classic action movie, “Back to the Future.”

Star Wars – Light Saber Dancefloor Reception & Sendoff

As the night came to an end, everyone gathered outside for a light saber send-off, reminiscent of a grand Hollywood premiere. Travis and Sydney shared heartfelt goodbyes, with everyone cheering on behind and around them- a perfect ending to a wedding that was straight out of a fun action movie.

What Made Their Day So Special & Unique

Travis and Sydney’s love for each other is deeply intertwined with their love for cinema, and their wedding day was a perfect, fun, and wonderful reflection of that. It was a celebration not only of their commitment to each other but also of their shared passion for the magic of the big screen, and so much more!