SmogShoppe Wedding in Los Angeles | Casual, Joyful, and Unapologetically Themselves

There’s something grounding about a wedding that doesn’t try to perform. No pressure to follow tradition, no need to impress, just people showing up and being present. That’s exactly what Cliff and Warin’s wedding at SmogShoppe felt like: relaxed, joyful, and deeply personal.

Set in the heart of Culver City, SmogShoppe offered the perfect backdrop. Lush greenery climbing every wall, warm textures throughout the space, and an atmosphere that feels private and inviting despite being right in Los Angeles. As gay LA wedding photographers, this is the kind of venue and energy we’re always excited to document.

Why We Love Photographing Weddings at SmogShoppe

SmogShoppe is one of those Los Angeles venues that feels effortlessly cool. Part urban garden, part art space, part hidden oasis. Cliff and Warin were drawn to the plant walls, the natural courtyard light, and the sense of calm the space creates.

They spent the morning getting ready together upstairs, side by side, easing into the day at their own pace. Right before the ceremony, a barber came through to give them fresh haircuts, one of those small, thoughtful moments that perfectly reflected their approach to the day.

Ceremony Highlights

Their celebration included both a Western ceremony and a Thai water ceremony, where each guest poured water over their hands and offered a blessing. It was emotional, community-centered, and quietly powerful. The kind of ritual that makes everyone in the room feel connected.

They skipped a traditional first dance and grand entrances entirely. Instead, the evening unfolded naturally with cocktails, laughter, and easy conversations that carried on well into the night.

With just 75 guests, no wedding party, and a clear focus on candid moments, it was exactly the type of wedding we love to photograph, one that feels like a true reflection of the couple.

Cliff + Warin

Cliff and Warin have a way of making everyone around them feel comfortable. Their humor, warmth, and ease with each other translated into photos that feel natural and unforced. No stiff posing, no over-directing. Just real smiles, real connection, and real joy.

Vendor Team

Coordinator: The Love Riot (Trista Bloom)
Catering + Bar: Guelaguetza
Florals: Designed by a close friend
Most details: Thoughtfully DIY

Inclusive Wedding Photography in Los Angeles

As queer, LGBTQ wedding photographers based in Los Angeles, days like this are exactly why we do what we do. SmogShoppe attracts couples who care more about connection than perfection, and that energy comes through in every part of the celebration.

If you’re planning a SmogShoppe wedding or searching for gay LA wedding photographers, LGBTQ wedding photography in Los Angeles, or a Los Angeles wedding photographer who prioritizes candid, joy-filled storytelling, we’d love to document your day exactly as it is.

We’re always excited to tell love stories that feel honest, relaxed, and entirely your own.