Mary and Alex’s cozy restaurant wedding, held at the unique Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery in Pasadena, California, perfectly combined their love for fine food with the intimacy of a small gathering. There were so many key moments that made their celebration so distinct and deeply personal! 

Choosing Agnes

The couple wanted to have their ceremony and reception at a beloved restaurant that they frequently visit together. These two love intricate and tasty meals. Together, they’ve shared many dinners out and have even framed and hung a collection of menus in their kitchen from their favorite spots. Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery, known for its standout cheese selection and inviting atmosphere, was an obvious yes for them! I loved that  Mary and Alex chose a place that resonated with their culinary passion. This choice underscored the entire celebration’s theme—making the unconventional, conventional!

Intimate Ceremony

The couple worked with a wonderful planner named Sarah from Kindred Wed Events who helped craft their intimate wedding. Sarah is an expert at making couples feel like guests at their own weddings. You need to check out her work if you’re planning an intimate wedding in Los Angeles! Alex and Mary invited 50 people  to their wedding, and the couple shared that all were VIP’s in their books!! Being that it was so tight-knit, all of those individuals that joined them were all very close and special to the couple. During the ceremony, everyone stood around them as they exchanged their vows– it was so incredibly simple yet special. You could sense the love in the room. Being surrounded by their loved ones and sharing this moment was a gesture that really highlighted personal connection. 

In a way, this wedding felt like we all went back in time. Weddings used to be simpler affairs, celebrating with the nearest and dearest, less frills and more focus on being together. What a reflection of a timeless desire: to be married, to be loved, to be warmly embraced around a dinner table.

Reception for Culinary Aficionados! 

The couple worked with Thomas, the head chef of Agnes to curate their multi-course menu for the meal. The collaborative effort highlighted their love for cuisine and sharing it with the people that mean the most to them. In particular, Alex adamantly chose cheese curds as one of the appetizers. Initially, there was discussion around how this comfort food would be prepared and presented beautifully- but without question, Thomas delivered! I think everyone could taste the love!!! 

Personalized Details

The wedding was peppered with personal touches that narrated Mary and Alex’s story—from their shared history in New York to their life in Los Angeles, highlighting their adventures in dog fostering and becoming homeowners. Together, they reflected so many parts of their lives into their big day. I love that they wanted their wedding photos to embrace texture and color. Opting for wedding photography  focused on the raw, joyful moments, the couple ensured that the spirit of the day was about the people and the shared laughter, not just the aesthetics.

Cocktails and Karaoke

Highlights from the wedding included kicking off the celebration with a cocktail party! This felt like an extension of their home– having everyone together to enjoy a drink and start the festivities. I loved how relaxed and natural the environment was. It was so warm and inviting. The couple also had the wonderful idea of having karaoke as a form of entertainment for the evening. Years prior, Alex and his college friends sang karaoke several nights a week together. Of course it made sense to bring those memories to the wedding day. It was so FUN to see almost everyone of their guests get up to sing. People performed their little hearts out. It was so memorable! Everyone could truly sense the joy around them! 

A Day to Remember 

Mary and Alex’s cozy restaurant wedding at Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery in Pasadena, California stood out not just for its location but for how every element— from the venue to the very last detail of the night—was a reflection of them, their tastes, and the close-knit community they cherish. I loved how they embraced their non-traditional details and highlighted the heart of a wedding, which is celebrating love. Enjoying the simple joys of life and sharing it with loved ones!

Loving this cozy restaurant wedding at Agnes in Pasadena, California? Check out this romantic renaissance wedding at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. Please feel free to reach out to see the full gallery from this intimate wedding day! I’d be thrilled to document your own wedding celebration in 2025 & beyond.