City weddings always draw from a unique pool of potential problems, namely PARKING. Good GOD, parking can be a real fricken bitch.

Not only do you need to concern yourself with where you are going to park along with your bridal party and your dad who is bringing the morning bagels, but where are your guests going to park (valet? parking ramp?? street parking???), and where (and how) are your vendors going to park and unload all of their necessary shit.

I mean, even your photographer has gear that can’t just be offloaded onto the sidewalk and then left unattended.

Lauren and Peter opted for an intimate guest list and convenient ceremony and reception locations, almost completely eliminating those stressors. They are smart.

Their hotel has a drop off loop, which meant guests could leave their car there for a bit - I found a premo spot right out front with a meter, perfect for my bit (stop in, pin bouts, grab signs, head to ceremony). And the hotel was technically walking distance for both venues, but definitely an easy uber ride.

The only obstacle that was really sticking out like a sore thumb: figuring out where to park their rented classic car (assumedly, 1 of a few key reasons they hired me). In these scenarios I always suggest having a friend be your “driver” and as you can see from their timeline, they had just that. Someone to grab the car (and the keys) and to maintain it in the interim when they weren’t using it.

The best case scenario is that said friend picks up the vehicle, picks you up (punctually), drops you off and handles parking downtown. This might mean a parking lot (careful to watch for events that coincide with your wedding day which will hike up prices significantly) or you can pay to hood a meter, which equals a guaranteed parking spot.

6 THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM LAUREN + PETER

Sometimes getting a family photo with your fur baby will only work if you go back home for it, and then only if you can guarantee that they won’t jump up on your dress and maul you with love and excitement.
Having a restaurant reception and multiple courses can be an amazing way to wow guests (especially if it’s at an amazing restaurant like Octo Fish bar).
Having your vendors scope out unfamiliar and non-traditional venues means better and quicker execution on the day of.
Meltdowns might feel major on your wedding day, but guess what, they aren’t.
If you want the socks with no shoes look get below the ankle socks and try out your shoes… a lot. Nobody likes bloody ankles.
It’s never a bad idea to assign guest to tables, no matter how informal you want to be.