Tracy + Sam
A wedding day at the Valentine DTLA with Tracy + Sam. <3
Vibrant Wedding at Valentine DTLA in Los Angeles | Tracy + Sam
Tracy and Sam’s wedding at Valentine DTLA was bold, joyful, and completely full of life. From the color palette to the music to the energy on the dance floor, every part of the day reflected who they are together: creative, playful, and deeply connected.
As Los Angeles wedding photographers, Valentine DTLA is one of those venues we love returning to. It attracts couples who want their wedding to feel expressive and alive rather than overly formal, and Tracy and Sam leaned into that fully.
A Venue with History and Personality
Originally built in the 1920s, Valentine DTLA has lived many lives over the years. The building has served as a hotel, a brothel, a fish and oyster company, and later housed a range of creative and industrial uses. That layered history gives the space its unmistakable character.
Today, Valentine DTLA blends that past with vibrant murals, lush greenery, and unexpected architectural details. It’s visually rich without feeling overwhelming and offers countless opportunities for frame-worthy moments throughout the day.
Tracy + Sam
Tracy and Sam met on Tinder more than five years ago and quickly bonded over their shared love of great food, creativity, and their three beloved pets. Tracy works as a director and prop stylist, while Sam is a drummer and percussionist, and their artistic backgrounds were evident in every choice they made.
They described their wedding style as colorful, fun, with good food and good music, and with around 200 guests, the celebration felt energetic and expansive while still deeply personal.
A Day Focused on Real Moments
Rather than prioritizing heavy posing, Tracy and Sam wanted their photos to feel natural and documentary-driven, with a few intentional, artsy images mixed in. They skipped a first look, choosing instead to experience that moment during the ceremony, letting Sam’s first glimpse of Tracy walking down the aisle unfold organically.
From the ceremony through the reception, the day was filled with laughter, movement, and genuine emotion. Every moment felt lived-in and expressive, exactly the kind of energy Valentine DTLA holds so well.
Style, Music, and Thoughtful Details
Their style choices were just as distinctive as they are. Tracy wore a stunning 1960s Gene Shelly dress from Happy Isles, while Sam wore a sharp tux by Todd Snyder. The music kept the night moving, and the dance floor stayed full well into the evening.
Vendor Team
Coordination: xoxo weddings (Sarah Haworth)
Florals: Gold Dust Florals
Hair + Makeup: Kendall Bennewitz
DJ: Gusto Funk
Inclusive Wedding Photography in Los Angeles
We’re proud to be an LGBTQ-owned wedding photography team, and we care deeply about creating space for couples to celebrate exactly who they are. Weddings like Tracy and Sam’s are a reminder that the most powerful images come from days that prioritize joy, creativity, and real connection.
If you’re planning a wedding at Valentine DTLA or searching for a Los Angeles wedding photographer who values candid moments, bold color, and inclusive storytelling, we’d love to hear what you’re planning.
We’re always excited to document love stories that feel honest, vibrant, and fully lived.
