There are some weddings where you can feel the personality the second you walk in. Carly and Tavis’ Audubon Center at Debs Park wedding was one of those days. From the embroidered sign that read “Carly & Tavis’ Excellent Wedding” to the inflatable guitars on the dance floor, every detail was a little wink at who they are as people. Fun. Colorful. A bit nostalgic. And absolutely in love.
As a Los Angeles wedding photographer who specializes in capturing vibrant, non-traditional celebrations, I get to see a lot of venues, but Debs Park will always have my heart. It feels like someone carved a nature retreat into the middle of the city. For an 80s inspired, casual wedding like this one, it was the perfect backdrop for a couple who wanted their personalities to shine through every moment.
At Trista Maja Photography, I thrive on documenting love stories that break the mold. Carly and Tavis’ celebration was exactly the kind of colorful, authentic wedding that makes my photographer heart sing. Let’s walk through their incredible day and explore why the Audubon Center at Debs Park is such a magical venue for couples who want something different.
Getting Ready In A Hidden Hilltop Haven
The Audubon Center at Debs Park sits high above the city, wrapped in native plants and dusty trails. The buildings are a warm terracotta color that glow in the afternoon sun. When I arrived on October 21st, the light had that soft, almost-October-golden quality and there was a little breeze moving through the trees.
Inside, Carly was finishing up hair and makeup, floating around in a robe with her bouquet waiting nearby. Her flowers were pure joy – peach and orange ranunculus, big fluffy roses, and pops of bright yellow that perfectly captured their vibrant vision. As someone who loves photographing couples who embrace bold choices, I was immediately excited about how these colors would pop against the natural backdrop.
The getting-ready moments are always special, but there’s something about the relaxed atmosphere at Debs Park that makes couples feel instantly comfortable. Carly was laughing with her bridesmaids, completely at ease, and I could already tell this was going to be one of those weddings where genuine joy takes center stage.
First Look Magic Among The Trees
One of the things I love most about working as a Los Angeles wedding photographer is capturing those quiet, intimate moments before the celebration begins. Carly and Tavis chose to do a first look in a secluded spot surrounded by native plants and dappled sunlight.
The moment Tavis turned around and saw Carly in her dress, his face lit up with the biggest smile. These are the moments that remind me why I’m passionate about creating comfortable, inclusive environments where couples can be completely themselves. There was no pressure to pose or perform – just pure, authentic emotion.
We spent time wandering the grounds, letting them soak in the fact that their wedding day was finally here. Carly’s dress moved beautifully in the breeze, and the way Tavis looked at her throughout our portrait session was absolutely heart-melting.
Vibrant Portraits That Celebrate Their Style
I always tell my couples that portrait time is basically a date with a photographer third-wheeling. Carly and Tavis took that to heart. They stepped onto the small bridge, looked at each other, and immediately started cracking up. Whatever nerves were left just melted away.
We played with the light, letting it stream through the leaves and into my lens. Carly’s dress moved so beautifully every time she shifted. The tulle skirt caught the breeze and made these soft, romantic shapes around her. Tavis held her hand, spun her around, and every once in a while pulled her in close with this look like he could not believe it was finally here.
One of my favorite shots is them standing under a canopy of vine-covered beams, with the pond in the background. She is turned slightly toward him, and he is smiling right at the camera. It feels like a still from their own indie film.
Portraits like this are why I love shooting at Debs Park. The greenery, the water, the warm colored walls nearby all work together to create something that feels soft and natural, even when the color palette is bright and bold. For couples who want their photos to reflect their unique personalities, this venue provides the perfect canvas.
A Forest Ceremony At The Audubon Center At Debs Park
The ceremony setup was pure magic. Rows of wooden chairs faced a simple arch adorned with the same vibrant flowers from Carly’s bouquet. With towering trees as their backdrop and the gentle sound of birds chirping overhead, it felt like they were getting married in an enchanted forest right in the heart of Los Angeles.
As guests began to arrive, I could see the joy on everyone’s faces. This wasn’t just any wedding – it was a celebration that perfectly captured who Carly and Tavis are as a couple. The 80s-inspired details, the relaxed atmosphere, and the genuine happiness radiating from everyone present created the kind of energy that makes my job as a photographer feel less like work and more like documenting a beautiful love story.
When Carly walked down the aisle, Tavis’ reaction was everything. The way his eyes lit up, the huge smile that spread across his face – these are the candid moments that make each wedding unique and special.
Reception Fun That Went All Night
After the ceremony, guests moved to the reception area where the real party began. The dance floor was decorated with those infamous inflatable guitars, string lights twinkled overhead, and the DJ was ready to take everyone on a nostalgic journey through the best of the 80s.
As a photographer who loves capturing fun, silly moments, this reception was a dream. Guests were on the dance floor from the moment dinner ended, and the energy never let up. Carly and Tavis were right in the middle of it all, dancing with their friends and family, completely immersed in the celebration.
The uplighting in the trees created this magical ambiance as the sun set, and I was able to capture some incredible shots of the couple against the twinkling backdrop. These are the kinds of moments that remind me why I’m passionate about documenting weddings that feel authentic and joyful.
Why I Loved This Audubon Center At Debs Park Wedding
Carly and Tavis’ wedding is such a perfect example of what can happen when you let a venue’s natural beauty meet your personal style. They didn’t try to turn the Audubon Center at Debs Park into something it wasn’t. They worked with the trees, the warm walls, and the outdoor spaces, then layered their personalities on top with an 80s-inspired palette, playful details, and a priority on fun.
As a Los Angeles wedding photographer who specializes in non-traditional celebrations, this is exactly the sweet spot I love. Weddings that are thoughtful, but not overproduced. Stylish, but not stiff. Rooted in who you are as a couple.
What made this day particularly special was how comfortable and celebrated Carly and Tavis felt throughout the entire process. From our first consultation to the last dance, they knew they could be completely themselves. This is exactly the kind of inclusive, stress-free experience I strive to provide for all my couples.
Planning Tips For Your Audubon Center At Debs Park Wedding
If you’re planning an Audubon Center at Debs Park wedding, here are a few things I recommend after photographing this incredible day:
Lean into the nature. Use the trees and pond for portraits. Let your ceremony feel like a forest gathering. The natural beauty of this venue is unmatched in Los Angeles.
Play with color. The warm tones of the buildings look incredible with bright flowers and bold outfits. Don’t be afraid to embrace vibrant choices that reflect your personalities.
Plan for portraits in the afternoon light. The sun here can be intense. Giving yourself time when it’s a bit softer makes a huge difference for photos that feel warm and romantic.
Keep your timeline relaxed. This venue shines when guests can wander and enjoy being outside. Build in time for people to explore and soak in the beautiful surroundings.
Make the dance floor a priority. With string lights and uplighting in the trees, the evening atmosphere is too good not to take advantage of.
Embrace your unique style. Like Carly and Tavis, don’t be afraid to incorporate details that feel authentically you. Whether it’s inflatable guitars or vintage signage, personal touches make your wedding memorable.
Creating Comfortable, Inclusive Celebrations
One of the things that made Carly and Tavis’ wedding so special was the atmosphere of acceptance and celebration. As a photographer who works with many LGBTQ+ couples and non-traditional weddings, I understand how important it is to feel seen and celebrated for who you truly are.
From the moment we first connected, I made sure Carly and Tavis knew they could trust me to capture their day authentically. We talked about their vision, their hopes for their photos, and how they wanted their love story to be told. This personalized approach ensures that every couple I work with feels comfortable and confident on their wedding day.
The result? Photos that genuinely reflect their personalities, their love for each other, and the joy of their celebration. When couples feel comfortable with their photographer, it shows in every single image.
Planning Your Own Debs Park Or LA Wedding?
If you’re dreaming up your own Audubon Center at Debs Park wedding, or any fun, colorful celebration in Los Angeles, I would love to be the one third-wheeling with a camera.
I’m Trista McCracken, the photographer behind Trista Maja Photography. I specialize in weddings that feel like you – the silly faces, the happy tears, the big dance floor moments, and the quiet seconds where you squeeze each other’s hands because you can’t believe you get to do life together.
At Trista Maja Photography, I celebrate love in all its colorful, quirky forms. My passion lies in capturing the true essence of non-traditional, nerdy, and queer weddings. I’m not just a photographer; I’m someone who wants you to feel comfortable and celebrated on your big day.
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a big party, incorporating your pets into the celebration, or highlighting your love for each other’s quirks, I’m here to make sure your wedding photos reflect your true selves. With a deep understanding of diverse identities and a commitment to creating a stress-free experience, I’m dedicated to delivering a photo collection that celebrates you.
You can see more from Carly & Tavis’ day and other LA weddings over here. I’m now booking couples for fun weddings in Los Angeles and beyond. If you’d like to find out more about Debbs Park look here.
If that sounds like your kind of party, reach out and tell me all about your vision. I can’t wait to hear your ideas and help bring your colorful love story to life through photography that feels authentically you.
