Danica and Nick are professional musicians and friends with some of the best talent in Hollywood, so of course they had to have a wedding fit for the big stage. Held at the live music venue El Rey Theatre, their ceremony was held onstage next to drums and guitars. Many of their guests performed throughout the night while others danced with the couple’s dog (who did such a great job as ring bearer). The groom even joined the band to play base while the cellist bride took the night off from performing to stay on the dance floor. 

Their wedding also happened amidst the LA fires – family and friends were dealing with extreme loss, and the whole city has been mourning. Nick’s childhood home burned down just four days before the wedding. The uncertainty about whether to still move forward with the wedding turned into an unforgettable night, with loved ones thanking the couple for going through with it. Everyone was so happy to celebrate Danica and Nick in a way that was completely authentic to who they are as a couple, while also capturing so much of what they all love about LA.

“We had initially considered postponing the wedding, however our planner convinced us to continue anyway as it would be a bright spot in all the destruction and despair”, Danica said. “What we had was a room full of guests ready to cast aside the doom and gloom for the night, really let their hair down and celebrate with us. There was a sense of hope and togetherness that filled the room. As for the event itself: people could tell even pulling up to the venue that this was going to be a bit different than the usual wedding.”

Guests were greeted with posters designed by the bride in the venue’s display cases (think band flyers, not welcome signs), and the marquee lit up with their names like headliners for a night that no one would forget.

The ceremony was officiated by their friend, Jack, who delivered what Nick describes as “a 15-minute existential sermon on the Void.” The songs used throughout ranged from Stevie Wonder to Bobby Caldwell to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s theme tune.

After the formalities, there were musical performances all night and great food. Outside, artisan pizza from a 200-year-old sourdough starter was being served in custom boxes. Inside, guests were tearing up the dance floor to what was arguably the best wedding band in town. Cocktail names nodded to jazz standards and their dog (‘The Pawloma’). Even the favours were unique and a huge hit: jars of chili oil made by Danica herself. “People actually fought over the extras,” she laughed.

“Our favourite part of the wedding was watching all of the moving parts that we planned so carefully for so long come together in the most spectacular way”, she concluded. “We owe all of that to the tireless efforts of our planner Katie from Best Day Ever LA. It was a difficult time for us and many of our guests, but we could tell that it meant a lot to everybody to be able to come together to celebrate.”

“A wedding is supposed to be about you and your partner. Just because many couples before you celebrated a certain way, doesn’t mean you have to do the same. As long as you and your guests are safe, having fun, and are well taken care of, you should be able to do whatever you want.”