After several years of dating, Rob Jaffe got down on one knee and proposed to his sweetheart Mary Tunnell. Nine months later, they said “I do” at the same location where she said yes.

The 1920s-era hotel in Downtown Los Angeles provided the perfect setting for the “casual party atmosphere” the bride desired for their nuptials. In particular, the colorful mural of tropical foliage that covers the back of the building made for an ideal backdrop for portraits captured beautifully by Maya Myers Photography. “I wanted to dance under the stars and city lights in the county I grew up in,” reflects Mary of their venue choice.

When the big day arrived, the bride walked down a candle-lined aisle dressed in a stunning blush gown. “I love candles,” Mary reveals. “I wanted more candles than flowers.” At last, she met her groom under the chuppah, which was embellished with ivory blooms and verdure created by Lilla Bello. “It looked like a beam of light shining down on us,” the bride says of the magical moment when they joined together beneath the structure.

“I wanted to dance under the stars and city lights in the county I grew up in.”

As Mary had recently converted to Judaism, she was excited to take part in the traditions of the faith she now shares with her husband. The crowd cheered “Mazel tov!” as Rob took part in the traditional breaking of the glass, and the newlyweds were all smiles as they recessed back up the aisle as husband and wife.

Throughout the alfresco reception, friends and family mingled with one another at uniquely designed tables and lounge areas. “Our guests loved that it wasn’t a sit-down dinner with seating assignments,” the bride confirms of the modern style. “I wanted guests to have fun and not worry about being put at a table where they don’t know anyone… Just have fun dancing under the city lights and stars.”

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, attendees enjoyed a variety of donuts – Mary’s favorite dessert. Following the newlyweds’ first dance to “Love Will Keep Us Alive” by the Eagles, revelers kept the party going until midnight under a canopy of twinkle lights.