On May 21, 2016, Adam Winkleman and Whitney Leigh Morris got married at their Venice Beach, California home. What's interesting about that? Well, for starters, the house — which has its own blog — is just 362 square feet.
Whitney, a creative director and small-space living consultant, and Adam, who works in digital advertising, have lived in the so-called Tiny Canal Cottage for most of their six-year relationship. Taking their vows on the front stoop of the home, which they share with their two rescue dogs — and, come October, a baby boy! — just made sense.
After the ceremony, which was attended by 60 of their nearest and dearest, the couple and their crew headed to The Butcher's Daughter on Abbot Kinney, where they were joined by another 40 guests for a wedding reception.
The event was utterly gorgeous — and thanks to Whitney's professional expertise, it was also incredibly low-budget. See the amazing pics (and get some MAJOR inspiration), ahead.
Though most of the decor for the day was minimalist and DIY, the couple commissioned this 26’-long live garland of greenery and florals, which was assembled on-site by Viva Voce, and served as the backdrop for their ceremony.
Photographed by Whitney Leigh Morris.
The ceremony was officiated by a close friend, and guests (both seated and standing) looked on from either side of the stoop, the garden, and from inside the house.
"We said 'I do' as the sun set, so that the SoCal light and temperature were just right for our attendees," says Whitney.
Photographed by Monica Wang.
A serve-yourself mimosa bar was set up in the backyard.
"Compact entertaining spots positioned wisely around a small space will naturally break up large clumps of guests, and allow them to move around with greater ease," Whitney says.
Photographed by Whitney Leigh Morris.
Inside, the cottage is bright and airy, swathed in summery whites and lush green moments.
Photographed by Monica Wang.
The couple saved money by using beaker vases from CB2 ($2.95 each) and simple branches they scored at the market to transform a plain shingled wall into a festive floral scene.
Photographed by Monica Wang.
Whitney and Adam asked guests to leave a note in this exquisite handmade guestbook, and also enlisted the help of a friend to create “family vine” charts for guests who were meeting each other for the first time at the wedding.
Photographed by Monica Wang.
Whitney's closest pals help her into her stunning handmade wedding gown. She was 20 weeks pregnant, and found the custom maternity bridal dress on Etsy for under $250!
Photographed by Monica Wang.
A bar was erected in the garden and staffed with workers sourced through TaskRabbit. Tunes were supplied via portable record player.
Photographed by Whitney Leigh Morris.
Instead of buying vases, Whitney and Adam upcycled small-batch liquor bottles (the contents of which were used for cocktails) into these super-chic flower vessels.
Photographed by Monica Wang.
The guest list featured some familiar faces, including actresses Cassidy Freeman (second from left) and Brooke Lyons (far right).
Photographed by Monica Wang.
Speaking of familiar faces, friend of the bride actress Amy Adams was also in attendance (and even co-hosted Whitney's L.A. bridal shower!).
Photographed by Monica Wang.
After the ceremony, the party moved over to The Butcher's Daughter in Venice.
"The restaurant looks like a larger version of the cottage, with its white walls, overflowing greenery, and simple yet detailed decor," Whitney says.
Photo: Courtesy of The Butcher's Daughter.
VIP members of the "bride's tribe" received gorgeous gift boxes containing a variety of goods, including a Lula & Georgia sheepskin throw, True & Co panties, chocolate from Nohmad Snack Co., Urban Decay NAKED products, and fresh market bread, fruit, and flowers.
Photographed by Whitney Leigh Morris.
Meanwhile, the gents went home with This Is Ground dopp kits, ties from Combatant Gentlemen, OOLA whiskey, and other treats.
Photographed by Whitney Leigh Morris.
"In lieu of a rehearsal dinner (to help contain spending and to make it more personal), we did a day-after brunch stroll, starting at the Cottage and leading through the Venice Beach Canals towards the Pacific Ocean," Whitney says.
Sounds like the picture-perfect end to a picture-perfect event. Let's hear it for the bride and groom!
Photographed by Monica Wang.
As #StanleeStubs (the couple's elder dog) can confirm, hosting a wedding at home can be tiring. But so worth it!
Photographed by Whitney Leigh Morris.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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