This Artistic Wedding Campout Had Disco Potties And A Rubber Duck Regatta

The stunning celebration of love was captured by the talented Elli Lauren Weddings. The offbeat couple at the heart of this romantic tale is Madison and her partner Myke. Their special day took place on June 4th, 2022, against the breathtaking backdrop of Camp Wasewagen in Angelus Oaks, California.

Our wedding campout at a glance:

Our unconventional wedding celebration took place over a weekend at a summer camp in Southern California, where we both drew inspiration from our artistic backgrounds. Seeking an atmosphere that felt like stepping into a surreal forest space, we incorporated elements of set design and puppet fabrication to create an immersive experience.

To foster community involvement, we encouraged friends to contribute unique gifts, such as elaborate flower arrangements, a multi-tier hammock installation, and even a wooden deer sculpture suspended in mid-air. The result was a truly collaborative celebration that reflected our values of radical self-expression, community gifting, and ‘leave no trace’ principles. Activities like a rubber ducky regatta and group yoga, led by our officiant, added to the whimsical nature of the event.

As guests slept over, we designed camping mugs together as a team, filling them with goodies and soaps, although some were unfortunately pilfered by a curious bear. Despite this mishap, we still had enough left to share with our loved ones.

Tell us about the wedding campout ceremony:

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Tell us about the wedding campout reception:

Our reception was an unforgettable celebration of love, friendship, and community. The dancing was nonstop, and our friends really outdid themselves in making it a special night. With no budget for a florist, we got creative and bought $500 worth of flowers from the flower district, which our talented guests transformed into beautiful decorations. We even repurposed some chicken wire to add to the ambiance.

Myke’s Armenian heritage brought a unique touch to the party, with traditional music and cognac flowing like water. His family brought the authentic banquet hall vibe to the woods, complete with delicious Armenian food and desserts baked by his mom.

Madison’s Italian-American roots were also celebrated in style, with her Uncle Bob’s Frank Sinatra CDs getting a spin during happy hour. We indulged in pasta and vegan ‘chicken’ parmesan for dinner, accompanied by plenty of wine.

The mother-son dance between Myke and his mom was especially touching.

The surprise outfit change really got the party started! Instead of breaking the bank on a wedding dress, Madison learned to sew and created a stunning party dress for the reception. As night fell, we made another switch into our fringy disco outfits, which Madison had made herself. The reaction was pure pandemonium – everyone went wild on that dance floor!

What was the most important lesson you learned from your wedding?

Planning a wedding is far more complex than any other event. Madison, an experienced event planner, initially thought this would be a breeze and a fun project, but soon realized that every decision carries immense emotional weight. The guest list, for instance, becomes a minefield of sensitive choices, with parents’ opinions, vendor expectations, and logistical challenges all playing a role.

Then there are the distant guests who expect plus ones, friends you’d like to invite but can’t afford, and societal pressure to consider. Amidst these complexities, maintaining your composure is crucial.

Wedding Campout Vendors

Elli Lauren, a talented photographer at @ellilaurenweddings, was behind the lens capturing every special moment. Lauren Mueller of @lovebug_pictures brought the wedding to life with her stunning videography skills. The beautiful bride looked radiant in her custom Mac Duggal dress, tailored by Yamileth. With Abby from Rule DD (@rule. la) offering sewing lessons, it’s no wonder the gown was perfect. Camp Wasewagen served as the picturesque backdrop for the celebration.

As guests danced the night away to DJ REŸES’ (@_iamreyes) beats and the ceremony featured CC Nobody’s (@cc_nobody_) soulful sounds, Christopher Sims from InkWellYoga officiated with love and care. A unique deer sculpture by Danny Scannapieco (@gertsgertsgerts) added a touch of whimsy to the proceedings. The couple exchanged vows over rings crafted by Artisan LA Jewelry and an engagement ring from Trademark Antiques (@trademarkantiques).