There are weddings that feel like a celebration, and then there are weddings that feel like a moment in time you never want to end. Murphy and Jesse’s Oviatt Penthouse wedding in downtown Los Angeles was the second kind — a day so full of joy, surprise, and personality that it later caught the attention of national television. Our team had the honor of capturing every frame of it, on both 35mm film and digital, and we still smile every time we look back through these photographs.
A Rooftop Wedding Above Downtown Los Angeles
Murphy and Jesse were married on July 19, 2025, surrounded by 150 of their favorite people, high above the streets of downtown Los Angeles. From the moment guests stepped onto the rooftop, the energy was electric — the kind of warm, easy happiness that comes when two people are completely themselves and completely in love. The whole day felt like a party thrown by close friends, with the LA skyline as the backdrop and not a single dull moment from morning to last dance.
What we love most about photographing a wedding like this is that the couple let the day be theirs. Nothing felt borrowed or staged. Everyone was present, everyone was laughing, and the celebration unfolded with a natural rhythm that made our documentary approach feel right at home.
Why Couples Choose the Oviatt Penthouse
If you love historical venues with genuine character, the Oviatt Penthouse is hard to beat. As a historic Los Angeles wedding venue and one of the city’s most striking Art Deco wedding venues, it gives every celebration a built-in sense of place. Set atop the 1928 Oviatt Building on South Olive Street, it is one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Los Angeles — originally built by haberdasher James Oviatt, who fell in love with the design world of 1920s Paris and brought it home with him. The building is famous for its imported French detailing, including one of the largest installations of Lalique glass in the United States, and the penthouse itself was once Oviatt’s private residence.
Today it is a rooftop event space full of charm: open-air terraces, sweeping views of the downtown skyline, and that unmistakable vintage glamour that makes every photograph feel timeless. For couples who want a stylish, design-forward wedding with a real sense of place, few downtown LA wedding venues deliver like the Oviatt. It sits right in the heart of downtown LA, walkable to historic theaters, rooftop bars, and some of the most photogenic streets in the city — which means out-of-town guests get a true LA weekend, not just a single evening.
Getting Ready
The day began quietly, with all the small, tender details that come before a wedding — the dress hanging by the window, rings and heirlooms laid out, and the happy nervous energy of getting ready. Murphy looked effortless and radiant, and you could already feel the anticipation building. These early moments are some of our favorites to capture, because they are where the story really starts.
The Ceremony
When it was time, Murphy and Jesse exchanged vows in front of everyone they love, with the city stretched out behind them. There were happy tears, knowing smiles, and that beautiful hush that falls over a crowd when two people promise each other forever. The rooftop setting gave the ceremony an open, golden, larger-than-life feeling — intimate and grand at the same time.
Cocktail Hour and an Unforgettable Surprise
And then came the moment no one saw coming. During cocktail hour, Murphy quietly slipped away and did something she had been secretly planning all along — she cut off her long hair, right there at her own wedding. When she reappeared with a bold new look, the entire celebration erupted. It was joyful, daring, completely her, and exactly the kind of spontaneous, real moment we live to photograph. We caught the whole thing as it happened, and the reaction from guests was pure magic.
It turned out to be a moment worth sharing far beyond the rooftop: Murphy and Jesse’s wedding was later featured by Access Hollywood on NBC. We could not have been prouder to see their day — and that unforgettable surprise — celebrated on a national stage.
The Reception
After that, the party only got better. Toasts were heartfelt and funny, the dance floor stayed full, and the night glowed under the Art Deco rooftop lights with the skyline twinkling beyond. Joanie & Leigh’s Cakes provided a gorgeous centerpiece dessert, and every detail — thoughtfully planned by the couple’s team — came together into a celebration that felt both elevated and completely heartfelt.
Photographed and Filmed on 35mm Film and Digital
As a downtown Los Angeles wedding photographer and videographer team, we photographed and filmed Murphy and Jesse’s wedding using a blend of 35mm film and digital. We love what film brings to a day like this — a softness, a warmth, and a timeless quality that suits a vintage venue like the Oviatt perfectly — while digital lets us move quickly and never miss a fast, fleeting moment (like a surprise haircut during cocktail hour). Together, the two formats give couples a gallery that feels both classic and alive.
The Vendor Team
A celebration this seamless is always the work of a wonderful team. We were grateful to create alongside these talented vendors:
- Venue: The Oviatt Penthouse, Downtown Los Angeles
- Planning: Moments 2 Memories Events
- Venue event planning: Oviatt Event Planning
- Cake: Joanie & Leigh’s Cakes
- Photography & Videography: Rivelle Media
Best Photo Locations Around the Oviatt Penthouse
One of the reasons we love documenting an Oviatt Penthouse wedding is that beautiful backdrops are everywhere. A few of our favorite spots:
- The rooftop terrace — the open-air deck and its sweeping skyline make for unforgettable Los Angeles rooftop wedding portraits, especially at golden hour.
- The Art Deco lobby and staircase — the building’s famous Lalique glass and 1920s detailing make for timeless, editorial Oviatt Penthouse wedding photography.
- The getting-ready suite — soft natural light and vintage character for the quiet morning moments.
- The streets of downtown LA — historic theaters, ornate facades, and some of the most photogenic blocks in the city, all just steps away.
Shooting on a blend of 35mm film and digital, we lean into the warm, nostalgic mood these spaces already have.
How Much Does an Oviatt Penthouse Wedding Cost?
Every wedding is different, but here is a general sense of what to expect. Venue-only rental at a historic space like the Oviatt Penthouse typically ranges from roughly $3,500 to $7,000 for exclusive use of the penthouse and rooftop terrace, with the lower end often available in the off-season (the winter months). That usually covers the space, tables, and chairs — your full budget will also include catering, florals, photography and videography, and other details. For an exact, current quote we recommend reaching out to the Oviatt’s events team directly, since pricing shifts with date, season, and guest count.
If you are budgeting for photography and videography, our team would be glad to walk you through options as your Oviatt Penthouse wedding photographer and videographer — just get in touch.
Planning Your Own Oviatt Penthouse Wedding
If you are dreaming of a wedding with history, skyline views, and timeless style, downtown Los Angeles — and the Oviatt Penthouse in particular — is a stunning place to say “I do.” It is ideal for couples who love character-rich, design-driven celebrations and want their photographs to feel like art. As a Los Angeles and Southern California wedding photographer and videographer team, we photograph weddings across the region, and we would love to help you tell your story with the same care we brought to Murphy and Jesse’s day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Oviatt Penthouse located?
The Oviatt Penthouse sits atop the historic 1928 Oviatt Building in downtown Los Angeles, offering open-air rooftop terraces and sweeping views of the city skyline.
What makes the Oviatt Penthouse a good wedding venue?
It combines genuine Art Deco history, vintage glamour, and panoramic downtown LA views, making it a stylish, photogenic choice for couples who love character-rich, design-forward celebrations.
Do you photograph weddings on film?
Yes. Our team shoots a blend of 35mm film and digital, which gives couples a gallery that feels both timeless and true to the energy of the day.
Does Rivelle Media offer both photography and videography?
Yes — we offer photography and videography, and for many weddings, including Murphy and Jesse’s, we capture the full day in both.
How do we inquire with Rivelle Media?
We would love to hear from you. Visit our contact page to share your date and details, and our team will reach out to talk through photography and videography for your Oviatt Penthouse wedding.
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Ready to start planning? We would love to hear your story — get in touch with our team.
