Comedian Naomi Ekperigin Weds in Laid-Back Nuptials at The Fig House in Los Angeles
Naomi Ekperigin and Andy Beckerman met over a decade ago while taking improv classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York City; the beginning of the perfect rom-com if we’ve ever heard one (and very fitting, as Naomi is a stand-up comedian in addition to being an actress, writer and producer and Andy is an actor and writer). Their connection deepened over three years, leading to a pivotal moment one evening at home. “Andy proposed while we were sitting in our apartment one night. It was a total surprise, even though we had been talking about it,” Naomi shares. The proposal reflected Andy’s straightforward nature, as “he wanted it to be direct and no-frills, so the moment itself would stand on its own without drama.”
Their wedding day, held on their thirteenth anniversary, was aptly and humorously nicknamed a “lovers bar mitzvah” by the couple. Naomi and Andy’s vision for their big day was a casual-meets-elevated affair with a vibe that reflected their laid-back personalities and professional comedic backgrounds. “Neither one of us are into loud, raucous parties, and we felt that, if we were getting everyone together, we wanted the chance to talk to people and catch up,” Naomi explained.
The inspiration behind their wedding was a sophisticated take on the classic backyard wedding. They wanted an outdoor ceremony and reception to ensure COVID safety and to enjoy the beauty of nature. The color palette was a unique mix of deep and bright colors, featuring reds, golden yellows, browns and pops of blues, creating an earthy yet vibrant atmosphere.
When it came to wedding decor, Naomi and Andy chose graphic wood signage for a modern look while creating their table numbers to lend a personal touch to the seating arrangements. “Our tables were named after some of our favorite TV shows,” the bride shares. They opted not to DIY their decor, instead placing their trust in professional vendors to execute their vision flawlessly. “It was so important to us to have vendors that we could hand it all over to and trust to execute our vision.”
Florals played a significant role in their wedding decor. “With our bright color palette, vibrant florals were a must,” Naomi outlines. The couple chose magenta roses and bougainvillea, dyed blue daisies and delphiniums and peach-toned roses, creating a stunning visual feast for their guests. As for their wedding attire, the pair made thoughtful choices that reflected their personalities and practical sensibilities. Naomi wore a dreamy blush-toned tulle ballgown by the Watters label, adorned with floral appliques and a unique lace-up back detail made from ribbons. “I purchased my dress online at StillWhite.com, as I’ve never wanted to spend thousands on a dress I would only wear for about eight hours,” Naomi explains. Andy, on the other hand, opted for a custom gray checkered suit, which fit him perfectly. “He picked the fabric and after measuring, Jimmy had the suit ready within three weeks, and it fit perfectly, and he looked so sharp, if I do say so myself,” Naomi says.
As guests gathered for the ceremony, they were greeted by a picturesque green space decorated with a golden altar, floral arrangements and the soft backdrop of a grand tree. “My favorite memory was when, after 24 hours of rain, the skies parted two hours before I was set to walk down the aisle!” Naomi exclaims. The ceremony was officiated by their close friend, Isaac Oliver, whose witty and heartfelt remarks made the event both personal and entertaining. “He’s a talented writer (he’s written for Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, among other shows). His remarks were perfect and made our ceremony so funny and personal,” Andy shares.
Following the ceremony, guests adjourned to enjoy the festivities in the verdant garden setting, featuring gorgeous stationery by Jillian Soprano of Studio Soprano. “She even did hand-drawn pictures of our pets to transfer onto the cocktail napkins, which was a nice touch,” Naomi mentions. The reception was a relaxed and welcoming affair, with wooden tables, minimalistic decor and luxe lounge spaces creating an inviting atmosphere. The seating chart’s television theme served as an excellent icebreaker for guests, and as the night progressed, the newlyweds and their guests continued the welcoming energy with good food and tons of laughter.
At the end of the night, Naomi and Andy returned to their apartment to medicate their sick cat. “Doing something so mundane after a whirlwind day was in a way very grounding, and sort of reminded us just what our day-to-day lives really are,” Andy reflects. Naomi’s advice to other couples planning their wedding is simple: “Pick three things that you know you absolutely must have and focus on those things. For me, it was about good food, a lovely ambiance and a brief-yet-fun ceremony. Then, let everything else just go. There’s no such thing as a perfect day, so I’d say the most important goal is to be present: soak in all the joy and fun, and don’t clutter your mind with the idea of perfection.”