So they elected to have their first look on the Prado bridge in Balboa Park. It was important to them because this was their dog’s (who had recently passed) favorite spot, and it added an emotional importance to the experience for them. All the feelings!
Okay, so when they first reached out and told me their dress code is Liberace meets Bowie, I knew this wedding day would be incredible. But truth be told, I’m not sure I still had a full appreciation for the wild and wonderful adventure that lay ahead. Whimsy and playfulness and color and joy were the name of the game for this incredible wedding at The Sinclair on G St (formerly known as the Pannikin Building).
Molly & Peter kicked off the day getting ready with friends. When I walked in, I was gobsmacked by pretty much everything. Molly donned an emerald green lace cape and a crown. She had big bold stompin’ doc marten lace-up boots. Her I-do-crew wore jewel-toned satin dresses. Peter donned a throwback velvet green tux. I mean. But know that there were MULTIPLE outfit changes to come. Colossal ones. lemme share some photos before I continue the rest of the story. For now, just know that they had such big vision for this day and it didn’t disappoint for a second, start-to-finish. Feast your eyes. It’s magic.
As you can see, this one was a team effort—we traipsed about several familiar spots at Balboa that these two were all about, with a definite focus on the architecture and impressive natural features. Though I normally encourage couples to avoid trying to squeeze in multiple locations so as to ensure their day is laid back and stress-free, I absolutely understand when a place has meaning and importance to you, and am happy to work out a timeline with you that can accommodate your goals!
Hot tip: if you’re bringing your wedding party as well, I emphatically recommend that you book a shuttle to move you and your team from place to place. It’s SO much simpler and easier and you don’t have to work out parking or coordinating with multiple cars or the missing person who couldn’t find parking or someone having too walk too far in uncomfortable shoes, and so on. Especially when visiting such a popular tourism destination as Balboa Park.
Now, on to the ceremony and party! This building used to be called the Pannikin Building, but recently became the Sinclair on G Street, I’m loving the new name! This spot is kind of a weird and wonderful layout: it has several interesting nooks and sections. This couple used the back section as their dance floor, the front room as both the ceremony space and later flipped to their reception feast, and the lower level (aka basement) as their cocktail hour zone.
The ceremony was all laughs all the time, with references literally in their I-Dos to Labyrinth (yes, the film), and it was amazing.
Like I said, their dress code for the wedding was Liberace meets Cher meets Bowie. Obviously, not everyone took it to the extreme, but a few folks really did, and it was truly the best wedding gift these two could fathom. Yes, their epic friend shaved their names into his head. Wow. Also, did you notice that we’ve arrived at the 2nd outfit of the day? This dress and shoe change plan was so that Molly could more easily perform their very elaborate first dance. Peter just took off his jacket, of course, however a more colossal outfit change awaits a little later, stay tuned.
Y’all may have noticed, but I love suggesting to a couple who has done all their portraits in advance to still consider leaving a little time for some golden hour portraits. A. Because the light is by far the loveliest shortly before sunset and it makes for dreamy photos. And B. Because by this point y’all are SO relaxed and chill and just soaking in the good vibes. The hard part is over, the anxiety has mellowed out, and I get to capture those good time fun and silly vibes that really reflect who you are. If you can swing 10-15 mins for this either during cocktail hour or if the timing works out, during dinner, it’s worthwhile.
The feels, the sweets (homemade goodies and sweet treats were paired with delightful whimsical cotton candy and that was a smash-hit! But it was really the epic dance party that really knocked my socks off.
Aaaaaaand that brings us to outfit change #3 (with more to come! for real!). This was an unplanned outfit change. The friend that shaved their names into his head? he and his partner brought yet another smash-hit of a gift with them. Love angel costumes, I believe, they threw those wings onto our bride and she LIVED every minute for it.
Okay, now for the big finish. Our couple had a major outfit change planned just for their last dance and their send-off. Matching custom jackets with Bowie messaging on them, matching converse. The rock and roll transformation was all the things. But I think the win for me was that they had Peter’s hair shaved into a mohawk for their departure. Literally, I capture the shave underway while the dance party raged upstairs. Of course, their guests just about lost their minds over it as they dance their way out the door. This day was a nonstop wow-fest and I hope it delighted you, dear readers, as much as it did me!
vendor roll call
Photography: Let’s Frolic Together / Getting Ready Location: Hotel Solamar / Venue: The Pannikin Building / Bar Service: Hops & Grain Mobile Bartending / Catering: The Wild Thyme Company / Desserts: Extraordinary Desserts and Swoonful / Florals: Rielly’s Florals / Beauty: Mobile Beauty Team / Brewery: New English Brewing / Bride’s Attire: Lulu’s / Bridesmaid Attire: David’s Bridal / Groom’s Attire: Klein, Epstein & Parker / Groomsmen Attire: Stitch & Tie / Photo Booth: Jerry’s Photo Booth / Rentals: Wonder Event Rentals
