We’re so excited to share Duc and Dachelle’s Santa Monica Proper Hotel wedding in today’s post. Their day was truly unique and special, and we couldn’t be more excited for them. We’re so grateful they asked us to be there to photograph it! If you’re planning a wedding and looking for some non-traditional ideas, this post is for you.
A Santa Monica Proper Hotel Wedding
Duc and Dachelle knew from the start that they didn’t want a traditional wedding. They value design, aesthetics, and connection with each other and their guests, and they wanted a celebration that reflected all of that. So instead of a conventional wedding, they planned an intimate, elevated gathering with their closest friends and family at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel.
They were actually married previously, so their day did not include a ceremony. Instead, we were able to start the day with an extended editorial portrait session throughout the hotel, which has so many stunning spaces and backdrops to work with. Some of our favorite images from this time with them were the shots we captured while they were getting ready together in their hotel room. That moment felt especially intimate and romantic, and we loved getting to document it for them.
After exploring the property and taking portraits, they joined their guests and sat down for a beautiful dinner with everyone. It was relaxed and warm, but still felt so elevated and intentional, which was exactly the vibe Duc and Dachelle were going for. They were able to celebrate in a very intentional way with their closest family and friends.
In a note to us after their wedding, they mentioned that there were so many moments throughout the evening they didn’t get to fully take in at the time, and so many details they had poured so much time into, so having Chris’s images allowed them to finally get to soak it all in. We were so happy to give them those memories on film.
[For more intimate wedding inspiration, check out Jordan and Jeff’s day at Five Crowns in Corona Del Mar.]
About the Santa Monica Proper Hotel
The Proper in Santa Monica is a stunning boutique hotel designed by renowned interior designer Kelly Wearstler. Every space, from the lobby to the guest rooms, is thoughtfully and beautifully designed, which makes it an incredible setting for a unique and design-forward wedding like this one. There’s a gorgeous backdrop everywhere you turn.
The hotel is located just a few blocks from Santa Monica Beach, and in addition to its stunning interiors, the restaurant is great too. There’s also a full spa on site, which makes it a really nice option if you’re thinking about hosting a wedding or celebration there. You and your guests can start the day with a relaxing spa experience before the festivities begin.
Why We Love a Santa Monica Proper Hotel Wedding
We really loved the Proper as a venue for this kind of celebration, and definitely recommend it if you’re planning an intimate wedding in the LA area. One of the things we loved most about Duc and Dachelle’s day was how intentional everything was. They did things their own way, from the venue choice to the design details to the way they chose to celebrate. Your wedding definitely doesn’t have to follow the traditional rules to be beautiful and meaningful.
If you’re thinking about something smaller and more intimate, a hotel wedding like this one is such a great option. You get an elevated setting, a great experience, and the flexibility to make the day your own.
Los Angeles Wedding Photographers
We love working with couples like Duc and Dachelle who prioritize authentic moments and real connection on their wedding day. Whether you’re hoping for something intimate and editorial or a larger celebration, we’d love to be there to capture it for you.
If you’re planning a wedding or celebration in Los Angeles or anywhere else in Southern California and still searching for your photographer, we’d love to meet you. Reach out to us through our contact page, and we’ll be in touch to hear all about your vision!
Thank you to these wonderful vendors:
Venue: Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Planner: @angietrann
Photographer: Christopher Brown Weddings
Florist: Felicidad en Flor
Hair Stylist: @melvinhairstudio
Makeup Artist: Hannah Jaclyn Makeup
