Relaxed & Unconventional Multi-Day Beverly Hills Wedding that Prioritized Connection and Gourmet Cuisine
Photographed by Michelle Elyse Photography
A beautiful wedding in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Venice Beach. Unconcerned with tradition, these two prioritized simply being present and connecting with their loved ones over various events over the course of the weekend. Incredible food was enjoyed. And wonderful memories were made. Captured in a documentary wedding photography style by Michelle.
“Michelle thank you for being so amazing to work with. I love these photos so much”
– Melissa, the bride
A few favorites above…now onto the full experience of this incredible wedding.
This couple chose to plan their wedding over two full days of coverage – starting with an intimate Ceremony at the Beverly Hills Courthouse. This was followed by a tight knit private dinner at the artisan asian-american fusion restaurant, Hinoki and the Bird. The next day, a laid back gathering at Venice Beach was planned with several of their friends. Followed later that evening by a gorgeous 12 course gourmet sushi and caviar meal at Uchi with a larger group of guests. After dinner, the party continued in West Hollywood at the EP&LP Rooftop bar. All of this will be shared in detail below. I’m sharing this full wedding weekend in reverse.
THE ROOFTOP WEDDING AFTER PARTY IN WEST HOLLYWOOD
This event capped off an incredible weekend of memories. But I wanted to lead with it because it was just such a gorgeous ending. Melissa changed into a sparkling cutout gown for this final event. The weather was absolutely perfect as we danced under the dark blue skies in their private booth. The shimmer of the city lights surrounding us really added to the festive vibe – and perfectly matched Melissa’s dress!
ABOVE: Sequins and city lights mix so beautifully- especially under the twinkling stars!
BELOW: Even the elevator ride up to the rooftop was fun! I hitched a ride with Casey’s family. After enjoying various events together over the past couple of days, we all just felt like family to be honest. Love this group!
AN INCREDIBLE 12 COURSE SUSHI & CAVIAR DINNER CELEBRATION
This beautiful celebration of Melissa and Casey’s marriage took pace at the elegant Uchi Restaurant. They rented out a private indoor-outdoor section for their cocktail hour and dinner for their guests. Every single course was artfully presented. As each of the courses came out, it spurred new shared experiences and great conversation across the tables. And of course Sake and beautiful cocktails freely flowed. It was just lovely. Even I- the non-fish-eater – couldn’t turn down the chance to try some of the beautiful courses. And I can report back that I did enjoy the black caviar and white fish sushi!
ABOVE: Melissa’s sister pointed out that it was a full moon, so we snuck outside for a few pics between courses.
BELOW: The sake was passed around and it was gooooood
THE COCKTAIL HOUR
Melissa and Casey arrived at Uchi to kick off their dinner celebration with a beautiful outdoor cocktail hour. Their guests dressed as artfully as the beautiful design of the restaurant.
BEACH DAY IN VENICE
The morning after they got married, the newlyweds invited their friends and family out to Venice Beach for a beach day. The gathering was laid back and go with the flow. Delicious food was supplied- along with some thoughtful gift bags for their guests. Some people went for a dip in the ocean. Others sunbathed. And many played beach volleyball.
AN INTIMATE PRIVATE DINNER AT HINOKI & THE BIRD
Celebrating their marriage, Melissa and Casey held a beautiful dinner for those who joined them at their ceremony at the Beverly Hills Courthouse. It was a delicious dinner of gourmet asian-american fushion.
INTIMATE CEREMONY AND NEWLYWED PHOTOS AT THE BEVERLY HILLS CITY HALL AND COURTHOUSE
This beautiful weekend kicked off in Beverly Hills, where Melissa and Casey got married at the courthouse. After their short ceremony, we headed to the gorgeous Beverly Hills City Hall next door to capture some photos with family and bask in that newlywed glow.
So many congratulations to you Melissa and Casey! You are truly beautiful both inside and out, and I am incredibly grateful and honored to have been able to insert myself like part of your family for these beautiful memories. I will cherish these times forever.
credits:
Beverly Hills Courthouse
Beverly Hills City Hall
Hinoki & The Bird
Venice Beach
Uchi
E.P. & L.P.
A Nontraditional Two-Day Wedding in Beverly Hills & West Hollywood
When Melissa and Casey set out to plan their wedding, they knew they wanted something far from ordinary. Instead of a single-day event, they curated a modern, multi-day celebration that blended intimacy, style, and a little bit of LA magic—captured in my editorial, cinematic, and documentary style wedding photography.
From exchanging vows at the Beverly Hills Courthouse to beach volleyball in Venice, to sushi and caviar in West Hollywood, every moment reflected their personality and taste.
Day One a Beverly Hills Wedding Celebration
The first day began with a quiet, intimate ceremony at the Beverly Hills Courthouse, a space that perfectly suited Melissa and Casey’s understated yet chic vision. Thereafter, we the ceremony with newlywed portraits outside Beverly Hills City Hall, where the iconic architecture framed the couple’s joy in a way that felt straight out of a classic film.
Later that evening, they gathered again for a private dinner at Hinoki & The Bird, a stylish Asian-American fusion restaurant in Century City. The warm lighting, modern décor, and cozy atmosphere made it the perfect setting to celebrate with their closest family and friends over creative small plates.
Wedding Weekend day 2 in Venice Beach and West Hollywood
The second day embraced pure California vibes. Friends met at Venice Beach for a laid-back beach party, complete with sunbathing, ocean dips, and a lively game of beach volleyball. The scene was relaxed, joyful, and full of the kind of candid, unscripted moments I love capturing.
After the beach, everyone refreshed and dressed up for an unforgettable dinner at Uchi in West Hollywood. Starting with a 12-course tasting menu, the evening featured exquisite sushi, caviar. And a refined dining experience that elevated the day from casual to glamorous.
A Rooftop After Party to Remember
After dinner, Melissa changed into a sparkling cutout gown—ready to close the weekend in style. The group headed to EP & LP, a chic West Hollywood rooftop bar, where they had a private booth for the night. Against the glittering LA skyline, the celebration shifted into high-energy dancing, toasts, and laughter that lasted into the early hours.
Photographing a Multi-Day Celebration
As a destination wedding photographer specializing in editorial, cinematic, and documentary storytelling, I loved how this two-day celebration allowed for a mix of moods and settings. I.e. from architectural elegance to playful beach scenes to luxe rooftop nightlife, Melissa and Casey’s wedding was a dream to photograph.
Altogether, each moment was approached with an artistic eye. Capturing not only the beauty of the spaces but also the connections between people, the movement of the day, and the feeling of being there.
Why a Multi-Day Wedding Works
Melissa and Casey’s wedding is a perfect example of how couples can create a celebration that reflects their lifestyle. For example, by spreading the events over two days, they were able to Spend meaningful time with their guests in different settings. Therefore, they were able to capture a variety of looks, moods, and environments. Additionally, they were able to enjoy both relaxed and high-energy celebrations without feeling rushed
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, this Beverly Hills and West Hollywood wedding was modern, nontraditional, and filled with thoughtful details at every turn. From courthouse vows to Venice Beach sunshine to rooftop glamour, Melissa and Casey proved that the best weddings are the ones that reflect who you truly are.
If you’re planning your own multi-day wedding and want it photographed with an editorial, cinematic, and documentary style, I’d love to hear your vision.