Even The Couple's Guests Shared Vows at This Non-Traditional Wedding at Elysian in Los Angeles

Although Hetta Hansen and Joel Edelblute are originally from Oregon, they dreamed of flying down to Los Angeles with their closest friends and family members for a springtime wedding. They wanted the day to be relaxed, free of obligations and a truly joy-filled event, which is exactly what they got. Joined by 20 of their closest loved ones, Hetta and Joel didn't even let the rain spoil the celebratory feel of their big day. A first look at the old Los Angeles Zoo picnic area kicked off the wedding day before the couple exchanged vows at Elysian. The vow exchange took place in front of a backdrop of 1,000 origami cranes, a detail the couple included as a nod to Hetta's Japanese heritage. The tradition of 1,000 paper cranes is known as senbazuru and an ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by the gods. In keeping with the day's intimate focus on loved ones, each of Hetta and Joel's friends and family members read vows to the couple about their love for Hetta and Joel and their commitment to supporting their marriage, before the couple then exchanged vows with each other. Following the emotional vow exchange, Hetta's brother played his guitar while everyone gathered around Hetta and Joel, serenading them with "River" by Leon Bridges. "It was one of the most magical things we've ever been able to witness at a wedding," recalls the couple's photographer of the moment. To cap off the wedding at Elysian in Los Angeles, everyone enjoyed dinner at one big table, laughing and sharing stories as the night carried on.