A Pink Vintage-Meets-Tropical Wedding in Los Angeles
Jonika and Hans' eclectic celebration at Valentine DTLA
January 6, 2023
Jonika Kelso took a unique approach to designing her and Hans VanBrill’s wedding. Instead of picking one style to be carried throughout the celebration, she looked at each component of their big day individually, curating distinctive atmospheres for every moment. “Italian Summer” was the theme for the bridesmaids’ looks, while the tablescapes were defined by a sense of minimalism. Yet despite this seeming disparity, there was a definite sense of cohesion throughout the whole affair. Jonika has a penchant for all things vintage, which was evident during the event. Jonika’s brother, who officiated the ceremony, wore an antique coral brooch set with matching earrings. The bride herself wore a collection of her mother’s handkerchiefs, which served as both her something borrowed and something blue. Jonika and Hans’ love for Hawaii also was on show throughout. Valentine, in downtown Los Angeles, is known for its vintage tropical look, seamlessly tying together the couple’s aesthetics. It was very important to the couple that their menu was exciting and fresh for their guests, including both the physical menu, which was designed by Jonika’s friend Kara, as well as the food itself. A raw bar at cocktail hour invited guests to indulge in the island vibe, while dinner was a family-style feast that included sweet corn pasta, braised short ribs and other delectables. Jonika says, “I have never been privy to wedding trends myself, but I wanted to do what felt fun and right for us as a couple.”
