In a city like Los Angeles that is often defined by grand celebrations, celebrities, and high-end glamour- there is something revolutionary about a wedding that prioritizes authentic presence over performance. For Xanthe and Dexter, their Los Angeles celebration was built entirely around actually experiencing their own day rather than performing for social media. This included sitting in the back row of a historic cultural landmark theater to watch a private puppet show with their guests, followed by an unhurried evening at a Highland Park brewery.
As a documentary focused film photographer, my approach centers on first and foremost, capturing the real moments. This Bob Baker Marionette Theater wedding was a perfect example of anti-wedding industry philosophy: an intentional blend of unscripted moments, mid-century Los Angeles nostalgia, and a relaxed energy that felt like a family party.
Direct-Flash 35mm Point-and-Shoot Film
Xanthe and Dexter explicitly requested a raw, point-and-shoot 35mm film aesthetic for their gallery. Utilizing compact analog cameras with direct flash brings a distinctive look that I remember well from my childhood in the early 2000's. To many Millennials and older Gen Z couples who grew up with film photography, something about a point-and-shoot film camera just feels like a warm hug, and this couple felt the same way. Choosing 35mm film and digital was a deliberate artistic decision for this wedding at Bob Baker Marionette Theater. It also proves that documentary photography work isn't always about perfection—it's about selecting the medium that honors the true spirit of the wedding couple and event.
What's an Anti-Wedding?
The terms "Anti-Bride" and "Anti-Wedding" are not a rejection of romance or formal celebration—they are instead an intentional departure from performative industry pressure. It is a choice made by couples who look at a standard wedding timeline and choose personal meaning over strict tradition instead. That is not to say that traditions in weddings and in the modern wedding industry are wrong- they just don't fit everyone the same way.
Some examples might be: choosing to be fully present with guests during cocktail hour rather than using the whole time for portraits, completely skipping a parent dance or even a first dance if it doesn't feel right, trading a heavy white gown for a silken pantsuit and comfortable footwear, or partnering with a documentary photographer who understands how to find those real moments and execute capturing them in a meaningful way.
Xanthe embraced a completely modern bridal look, selecting a white silken two-piece set paired with white Birkenstocks. The look brought such an ease to the theater, where it felt like the couple was just there to watch a beloved puppet show. And honestly, they were- since they sat in the back of the theater with their dog to watch the show before they ever exchanged vows. Bob Baker Marionettes had curated a show to numbers that the couple was familiar with and had selected personally, and they enjoyed the iconic theater the same as their guests before becoming "the main act". Following the show, Xanthe and Dexter held their wedding ceremony on the red stage, incorporating the Seven Jewish blessings shared by friends and family, and a traditional smashing of the glass by both the bride and groom.
During the ceremony, Xanthe had carried a super fun floral trend: a bouquet encased in a clear bubble balloon. When passed to her nieces and nephews mid-vows, the balloon inevitably... popped. Rather than breaking the flow of the day or being upsetting to the bride in any way, it became part of the narrative—a reminder that the most memorable weddings are those allowed to happen naturally. After the official "I do's," Caleb from Bob Baker Theater suggested a location for the marriage license signing that was truly special: the theater’s workshop. Hidden behind the stage amongst puppet strings, and decades of history, they made it officially official. It was especially cool to see puppets being made: some half formed, some decades old, and some brand new! I feel so honored as a photographer to get to witness these moments and explore locations that most people don't get to see.
Tacos, Beer, and Highland Park Vibes
Following family portraits, the celebration transitioned down the street to The Hermosillo, a beloved Highland Park neighborhood staple. Free from assigned seating or formal events, the evening unfolded naturally with craft beer, street tacos, and lively conversation under the patio lights.
This kind of dark setting is where direct-flash film excels. Beyond the rich texture and high-contrast color palette, film alters the energy of a room. Without the constant interruption of checking a digital screen, perfectionism fades away. Guests remain fully in the moment, allowing for true documentary coverage that captures how the night actually felt. It allows me as a documentary photographer to be fully present as well! I can often get caught up in making sure I got "the shot", when I actually want to be fully present in finding and capturing the small imperfect moments instead.
Unique Los Angeles Wedding Venues to Consider
If the Bob Baker Marionette Theater is booked, or if you’re looking for a venue with a similar "alternative" soul, here are a few spots I’m currently scouting:
- Huron Substation: A historic 1906 power station with massive arched windows and industrial charm.
- Highland Park Bowl: A 1927 bowling alley with a moody, dark-wood aesthetic—perfect for flash photography on film.
- Heritage Square Museum: A collection of Victorian mansions for a surreal, beautiful "old LA" garden party.
- Old Brown House: Just down the street in Highland Park, Old Brown House is a remodeled Los Angeles house that hosts intimate weddings.
Planning a weird, wonderful, or totally unconventional LA wedding? I’d love to bring my film cameras along!
