Tracy + Sam

A wedding day at the Valentine DTLA with Tracy + Sam. <3

Tracy + Sam's Vibrant and Fun Wedding at Valentine DTLA

We had the joy of photographing Tracy and Sam’s wedding at the unique Valentine DTLA venue in Los Angeles. This vibrant and fun wedding was filled with love, laughter, and colorful moments that truly reflected the couple’s personality and style.

Originally built in the 1920s, Valentine DTLA has a rich history. Located in an area that has long served as the city's seafood market east of Downtown, the building has been a hotel, a brothel, a fish and oyster company, and a commercial site for everything from glass blowing to marijuana cultivation. This eclectic history makes it a fascinating and visually stunning venue for weddings.

Tracy and Sam have a deep love for color, fun, and their three beloved pets. They met on Tinder over five years ago and share a passion for great food and spending time with their animals. Tracy is a director and prop stylist, while Sam is a drummer and percussionist. They love their life together and are excited to celebrate their big day with family and friends.

The couple described their wedding style as colorful, fun, with good food and good music. With an estimated 200 guests, their wedding was a lively and joyous celebration. They chose Valentine DTLA for its lush, vibrant atmosphere, featuring murals and cool spots that added a unique touch to their special day.

Tracy and Sam preferred a mix of documentary-style and less posed photos, capturing the day as naturally as possible while also having some frame-worthy, artsy shots.

From the heartfelt ceremony to the lively reception, every moment was filled with energy and emotion. Tracy and Sam didn’t do a first look, wanting the moment Sam saw Tracy walking down the aisle to be captured with genuine reactions. The day was full of laughter, joy, and vibrant colors, perfectly reflecting their personalities.

The wedding was coordinated by Sarah Haworth of xoxo weddings, with beautiful floral arrangements by Gold Dust Florals. Kendall Bennewitz provided hair and makeup, and Gusto Funk kept the dance floor lively as the DJ. The couple’s attire was as unique as they are: Tracy wore a 1960s Gene Shelly dress from Happy Isles, and Sam wore a Todd Snyder tux.

As an LGBTQ-owned business, we are passionate about inclusivity and celebrating love. Whether you’re planning a queer or any other wedding near Los Angeles, our goal is to document your special day with warmth and acceptance. Explore our portfolio to see why couples trust us to create timeless memories. Contact us today to book your session and let us celebrate your love story together. <3