With my sister’s wedding on the docket, and me acting as wedding planner extraordinaire, I am particularly interested in all things matrimonial. Serendipitous that this project landed on my desk… Also a little surreal to see my model of a daughter in a wedding dress. Whoa.

Photography by Jody Lynn Photography, styling, hair & headpieces by Deena Von Yokes of Studio Savvy Salon, makeup by Eileen Haligowski of Mirror Mirror on the Wall, model is Lila Flowers of No Ties Management, vehicle is an original creation by local welder/creator, Vince Skandunas — photographed on location at Helix Brewing Co.

The New ‘I Do’

Couples are bucking traditional choices for the unconventional — in beauty, fashion, even location — in pursuit of creating a truly unique, personal affair that directly reflects their personalities. “Couples are aiming more for self-expression,” explains wardrobe and hair stylist Deena Von Yokes, of Studio Savvy, who captures the updated look of today’s bride, featuring bridal couture from The Bustle in Del Mar, at a spot that would have previously been an unexpected choice — Helix Brewing Co. — that exemplifies the new normal in wedding venues.

Bridal Beauty Notes

Beyond saying “yes” to the dress, hair and makeup styling play a major role in completing the final look for the big day.

An elegant bun and classic makeup play up the bride’s features and complement her Badgley Mischka silk organza gown; The Bustle, Del Mar

Behind the scenes:

The photo shoot came together under the creative direction of Deena Von Yokes, owner of Studio Savvy in Rancho Santa Fe. “I had a vision for a timeless, classic look that incorporated some of today’s new wedding trends,” she says of the “on location” shoot.

On a balmy afternoon, Von Yokes buttoned up a tulip wedding gown on model Lila Flowers. She put a couple finishing touches on Lila’s blond curled tresses and stood back to review her work. What she had created was a timeless look, something that could just as easily be considered beautiful in the 1920s as it is today. Photographer Jody Pinchin, owner of Jody Lynn Photography, took a behind-the-scenes shot as patrons of Helix Brewing Co. looked on with a mixture of nostalgia and curiosity. Not a typical Sunday at the brewery.

There was a time when weddings were a traditional affair, replete with ten-piece place settings, huge bridal parties in puffed sleeves, doilies, and Champagne towers. But today’s couples are opting to rewrite these traditions, utilizing a new spirit of organic whimsy and authenticity. Centerpieces have morphed from extravagant rose-filled crystal vases to wood-crated succulents; starched, linen tablecloths have been artfully replaced by burlap; wine glasses swapped out for mason jars.

Breweries are fast climbing the ranks of social couture, rubbing shoulders with wineries in terms of atmosphere and loyal clientele. Helix Brewing Co., which opened its doors in August of 2015, features industrial chic décor and is becoming a hub for couples with upcoming nuptials, both for the big event and for rehearsal dinners and bachelor/bachelorette parties.Von Yokes chose the location because it embodies the individualism and no-frills beauty she envisioned. “These new wedding trends are simple and elegant, but in a rustic, organic way.”

“Today’s couples are aiming more for self-expression than societal norm,” Von Yokes explains. “So I thought a brewery was the perfect palate for that kind of offbeat expression. I couldn’t wait to put this shoot together.”

Alison Pasiut, owner of The Bustle in Del Mar, provided three bridal gowns for the shoot, chosen for their romantic, almost whimsical, couture. And the classic car in the photos? It is actually an original creation by local welder/creator, Vince Skandunas. In a blitz of inspiration, Von Yokes hailed the car, which happened to be driving by, and asked the owner if he would mind lending it as a pivotal prop for the photos. “It was that kind of synchronicity that made the shoot so much fun,” Von Yokes says. “Everyone was local talent, and key to producing the kind of magic that we captured in these shots.”