Los Angeles Backyard Wedding with Croatian Plum Brandy and Florals
Sonia and Kelsey got married in the place that mattered most to them: their own backyard in Los Angeles. With a floral-draped arbor, tacos on the grill, and a custom cocktail honoring Sonia’s dad, the day felt grounded, personal, and completely their own. They skipped the traditional stuff, leaned into cozy, and filled their home with the people and details they love most.
Why choose your Los Angeles home as the venue?
Most of our memories are tied to the outdoors at home, so hosting the ceremony on our deck felt right. Kindred Weddings & Events helped us turn the white arbor into an altar, and the backyard gave guests room to mingle without leaving the city.
What kind of atmosphere did you want to create, and how did that come to life?
We wanted it to feel like one of our backyard hangouts, just elevated a little. Casual, cozy, earthy. Brubaker Floral Co. dressed up our arbor with florals that felt wild but intentional, and we had arrangements tucked on bookshelves, the piano, even the bar. La Piñata Party Rentals brought in long wooden tables that fit right into the space, and once the sun set, all the candles made everything glow.
How did you land on what to wear?
Sonia: I knew I wanted something classic but not fussy. A family friend, Petra Vieira, made my off-shoulder dress, and the slit was perfect for showing off my lace-up heels.
Kelsey: I put together a wine-colored look with pieces from Banana Republic and Theory to match the day’s mood. It felt relaxed but still sharp enough for a ceremony. We both just wanted to feel like ourselves.
The cocktail in honor of Sonia’s dad was special. How did you craft it?
It was made with Croatian plum brandy with personalized signs, printed through Minted, explaining its special meaning. Smoking Gun Bar Staffing made sure every round was perfect.
Tips for couples planning a backyard wedding in Los Angeles?
Hire a planner who respects your space, invest in good rentals, and embrace the landscape you already have. Also stash extra blankets because even Los Angeles can get chilly after dark. We loaned nearly every jacket and blanket to keep our guests warm and still laugh about this every time we look back at our photos.
Photography Kellie Jane Creative
Bar & Staffing Smoking Gun Bar Staffing
Catering Kon-Tiki Taco
Dessert Little Dove Bakes
Dress Petra Vieira
Florals Brubaker Floral Co.
Hair & Makeup Emily Lynn & Co.
Invitations Paperless Post
Suit Banana Republic & Theory
Luxury Restrooms Major Event Trailers
Planning Kindred Weddings & Events
Rentals La Piñata Party Rentals
Rings David Yurman & Mejuri
Shoes Reformation & Vagabond
Signage & Paper Goods Minted
Sound & MC Second Song
