The Smog Shoppe is my next stopover in a planned series of introductory features on Los Angeles and Southern California wedding venues that we love for their distinct personality and style and that may not be on the radar of our current and future brides. (Click HERE to see Part 1, Marvimon House) I created a little movie and think I’ll continue to do this and even expand on it in the future. Video was shot using one of my new toys, the Digital Harinezumi. The tiny camera, made by Superheadz creates dreamy movies that feel akin to my parents Super 8mm movies from when I was a kid. Images shot on Fuji 400H film and scanned by the good folks at Richard Photo Lab. Enough of that, on to the venue…

Quick lowdown:
Location: Conveniently located at the heart of Culver City art/design district just minutes from Santa Monica, LAX, Beverly Hills and Downtown LA.
Price: Will update soon with ballpark estimate
Max Guests: 200 sit down dinner, 300 cocktail
Style: Vintage, Intimate, Indoor/Outdoor
Food: Commercial Kitchen build out available on request
Highlights: 20 foot digital cinema with surround sound, perfect for DJ/VJ and or slideshow presentations. 15 foot ceilings with stage quality lighting (hello awesome photographs and mood!)
Other Features: Valet parking, On Site Coordinator Available, Vintage Furnishing and Props available and one of the “Greenest” spaces in LA, so good for you, good for world.

Verdict: Great “canvas” on which to design a memorable and intimate wedding. With it’s transition from indoor to outdoor Smog Shoppe is the perfect looking to take full advantage of LA’s great weather. Highly recommended.

You can check out the Smog Shoppe by calling 310 837 3610 or by emailing Kara Haro at Kara@marvimon.com.

Getting married at the Smog Shoppe?
Email me for special JAC Photography rates for this venue:)

Here are some images from my visit to the Smog Shoppe.

Incidentally, Loop and Kara were married at Marvimon House a few years ago, such a stylish couple!

More information on Marvimon below.

The Mavimon House is such a stylish setting, definitely with a vintage flare that translates so well in wedding photography.

Marvimon can be used as a wedding reception venue but I love weddings I’ve seen that feature the outdoor area for the ceremony and then take advantage of the open floor plan for a reception the moves organically from outdoor to indoor space.  Brides, all that natural light spilling in will make for some truly gorgeous wedding photographs!

The large open space here is transformed into the dining area for sit down receptions, or can serve as more of a cocktail lounge for the less formal dining trends emerging for many weddings.

More info on Marvimon House as described on their web site.  Originally built by an Italian race car driver in 1924 as one of LA’s first automobile showrooms, Marvimon has reinvented itself as a stand alone, super-loft open to events, exhibitions, productions, and fine living. Features include:

· Flowing 7,000 square foot floor plan (4,000 sqft interior + 3,000 sqft private courtyard) melds interior and exterior areas. Accommodates up to 300 (guests & staff) for standing events and up to 120 (guests) for formal sit down dinners.

· Bistro style kitchen boasts 19 ft island/bar commanding 138 ft Grand Hall.

· Gracious Entry Vestibule offers three points of entry, easy access, grade level loading.

· Soaring 17 ft wooden bow trussed ceilings and 12 ft vintage brick walls throughout.

· Located near Chinatown, surrounded by Elysian and State Historic Parks, and with immediate access to the 110 Freeway, just minutes to Downtown, Silver Lake, and Hollywood.

· Cinefile quality 7.1 THX surround sound, 14 ft diagonal digital cinema ideal for film screenings, DJs, and VJs.

For more information on Marvimon House, here is Kara’s contact info:
Marvimon Productions
office 310-837-3610
fax 323-372-3678
email kara@marvimon.com

Definitely want to shoot this venue so once you’re all booked email me at chris at jacshoot dot com for a special Marvimon rate;)