Prepare yourselves for the non-stop sophistication that is Larry + Inguss’s black tie wedding in Northern California.
“We wanted simple, timeless elegance with a black-and-white with gold accent theme,” say these two handsome grooms of their outdoor celebration on a sprawling private estate in Lodi. “We wanted to utilize nature’s beauty while pulling inspiration from The Great Gatsby with enchanted touches of Romeo and Juliet.”
Hair stylist and makeup artist Larry + real estate agent Inguss’s goal was to avoid anything too boring, stagnant, or “painfully traditional” while still keeping things classic + beautiful to honor the importance of the commitment that they were making to one another. With the help of planner Sarah Sullivan they totally threaded that needle, maintaining a celebratory vibe that was “classy but also a lil sassy.”
There were angel wings. There were outfit changes. There was a Britney Spears impersonator. And Katherine Elyse Media was there taking stunning photos, so let’s get into it!
Question: is there anything classier than an all-black wedding party look??
Larry + Inguss both rocked white jacket tuxedos from Banana Republic to say “I do.” Isn’t there just something so romantic about getting married in matching looks?
An Elegant Reception
Your guests’ names + a full length mirror = a chic, timeless seating chart! It really is just that simple. Get into our list of receptions eating charts we love for even more inspo!
We love a charcuterie moment! Larry + Inguss’s adorable charcuterie cups were put together by Pickled and Cured.
OMG. An *actual* cheese cake.
Snag a pair of massive angel wings and capture some Victoria’s Secret-inspired magic in your wedding day look like Larry did.
These grooms are literally glowing ✨
“Being a hairstylist, I have been part of many weddings that were very standard cookie cutter and dare I say boring,” says Larry. “We wanted our guests to enjoy themselves and to reflect our personality and taste.”
Larry + Inguss’s classic celebration reminds us of this black tie California estate wedding that also brought tons of elegant b+w energy to a private home in California.
Larry + Inguss set the bar very high with their wedding day looks. Dig into our A to Z men’s formalwear guide if you need some help with the ins and outs of groom fashion.
Decor like this vintage-inspired seating banquette from Party Kit Rentals helped create the day’s Great Gatsby-esque vibe.
Grab this set of black handle metallic gold flatware from West Elm and some glossy black reef charger plates to recreate this sleek place setting on your own.
Our Advice To Those Planning Now The best parts of a wedding are where the couple’s personality showcases through the event. Be you! Seriously, it’s YOUR WEDDING. The day is about you and those loving you celebrating your commitment to one another. If you’re a beer and tacos kind of couple, don’t splurge on some fancy dinner—keep it real. If you are white tablecloth and luxury dining: baby, amp it up. Little bit of both?! Then choose what is important to you and put your money there.
You don’t have to spend 100k + because that’s what it costs these days to put together a basic wedding. We put a limit and stayed within budget prioritizing entertainment, drinks, food, and photography. Being surrounded by all of your loved ones will surely be the best part of your day if you choose the right people, so don’t over invite taking away from your special moments by having an enormous crowd of unfamiliar faces creating stress and anxiety. Remember to take breaks with your partner and take a step back to see all your hard work pay off.
Never stop dating, just because it’s forever doesn’t mean it can’t be even better.
Our Musical Choices Processional: "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elves Presley (performed by Inguss's sister!)
Recessional:
First Dance: "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra
An appearance by famed Britney Spears impersonator Allegra “Pi” DuVal had Larry + Inguss’s guests saying “Gimme gimme more!!”
These two gorgeous gents look beyond classy toasting with those gold rimmed ribbed champagne coupes.
We’re so glad that Katherine Elyse Media captured this incredible video, too!!
Congratulations, Larry + Inguss! Your b+w black tie wedding was beyond beautiful. So happy for you two!
photography: Katherine Elyse Media // venue name: private home, Lodi, California, USA // event design: Party Kit Rentals // planning: Sarah Sullivan // florals: Bahar Hajian // groom attire: Banana Republic // videography: Katherine Elyse Media // catering: Pickled and Cured // rentals: Party Kit Rentals // Britney Spears impersonator: Allegra “Pi” DuVal