Flora Chang Engagement Photos
Ari + Gabe’s Playful Flora Chang Engagement Photos in DTLA
Ari and Gabe wanted something fun for their engagement session. Not just fun, but a little offbeat, a little untraditional, and still sweet enough to be the kind of photos, as they joked, “our moms would be glad we took.” Flora Chang, a Marvimon venue tucked in the heart of the Arts District in DTLA, ended up being the perfect spot to bring all of that to life. Full of bold patterns, quirky decor, living plants, and colorful vintage-inspired touches, this intimate space is Marvimon’s smallest venue, but it is absolutely bursting with personality and made for an ideal backdrop for a playful, indie-inspired engagement shoot.
Ari and Gabe wanted their photos to feel like them. That meant a stack of their favorite records, Diet Coke on hand (their forever fave), and a couple of milkshakes to share. We even squeezed in a game of pool. They didn’t take the day too seriously, which is what made it all work. These photos are easy, joyful, a little retro, and totally authentic. To complement the vibe of Flora Chang and to capture all that energy in a way that felt timeless and a little nostalgic, I photographed most of this session on film using both 35mm and 120mm, with just a bit of digital mixed in. Shooting film always brings out those raw, candid moments in a way nothing else quite does, and it felt like the perfect choice for Ari and Gabe’s laid-back, editorial-leaning vision.
Next year, these two will keep the celebration going with their rehearsal dinner at another Marvimon property before tying the knot at the Ebell of Los Angeles. I cannot wait to continue this story with them. For now, scroll on for a peek into their DTLA engagement photo shoot, full of indie charm, untraditional details, and all the little things that make their love feel uniquely theirs.
Captured on digital, 35mm, and 120mm
Photo: Vanessa Todd
Venue: Flora Chang at Marvimon Productions
Planning: Chabeli at PS Plans
HMU: Diana from Emily Lynn and Company
Attire: Anthroplogie
