top of page

GREYSTONE MANSION BEVERLY HILLS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY | TIMELESS, EDITORIAL ELEGANCE

  • Writer: Ally Majka
    Ally Majka
  • Apr 25
  • 5 min read

Updated: Aug 13

ree

Nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, Greystone Mansion and Gardens is one of Southern California’s most breathtaking wedding venues—and it was the perfect setting for Lauren and Gary’s romantic, sun-soaked celebration. With its storied past, grand architecture, and sprawling formal gardens, Greystone offered us a stunning canvas for every part of their wedding day—from intimate getting ready moments to a joyous courtyard reception under the stars.



As a wedding photographer in Beverly Hills, I’m always inspired by venues that bring elegance and character to every frame—and Greystone truly delivers at every turn. Every stone pathway, cypress-lined terrace, and ornate fountain provided a timeless backdrop for Lauren and Gary’s celebration, allowing us to capture the kind of editorial yet emotional images they were dreaming of.



Getting Ready | Personality & Playfulness

The day began with a mix of excitement and laughter as the wedding parties got ready at the Sofitel Beverly Hills hotel. The groomsmen brought their A-game for candids—pulling out a stash of Pokémon cards that instantly set the tone for fun, personality-filled portraits. It’s always a joy to photograph these authentic, spontaneous moments that show off who a couple really is.



Meanwhile, Lauren got ready surrounded by her bridesmaids in soft blue gowns, a perfect complement to the classic tones of the estate’s stone and greenery. We took some sweet photos outside near the iconic cypress trees—her dress flowing as her bridesmaids helped arrange the train, laughing and twirling around her. There was something magical about capturing that quiet pre-ceremony excitement under the trees, with golden morning light filtering through the branches.



First Look Among the Cypress Trees

One of my favorite parts of the day was Lauren and Gary’s first look, held in the shaded cypress walkway behind the mansion. The moment was soft and emotional—just the two of them, tucked into a secluded corner of the estate. We preserved the intimacy of the moment while also capturing the grand, sculptural beauty of the landscape around them.



As their photographer, I always look for ways to enhance the emotional arc of the day while also leaning into editorial composition. For their first look, I guided them gently into a pocket of light between the trees to catch the glow on their faces—one of those quiet touches that made all the difference in how this part of the day felt and looked.



Photographing this moment, I focused not just on their reactions, but on the way the space held them. The towering trees, the quiet symmetry, the way the wind picked up just slightly—Greystone makes everything feel a little more cinematic. And that’s something I always try to reflect in my work: not just capturing what happened, but how it felt to be there.



Ceremony in the Upper Garden | Classic Romance in Full Bloom

Their ceremony took place in the upper garden, with white florals framing the stone fountain and lush hedges surrounding the scene. With sunlight spilling across the lawn, the setting felt like a European garden retreat tucked into the middle of Los Angeles.



One of the most personal touches? Lauren and Gary created custom “Getting Married” newspapers for their guests—complete with photos, stories, and the sweet details of their love story. It was such a fun and thoughtful way to welcome everyone into their day.



Guests flipped through them before the ceremony began, sipping champagne and getting to know the couple through their own words. It set a tone of intimacy and connection that carried all the way through the vows. It was honest and beautiful, and so perfectly Greystone.



The ceremony was heartfelt and personal, with joyful tears and tender vows exchanged as their families looked on. The light in the garden was dreamy—perfect for capturing emotion with softness and clarity. The symmetry of the garden paths and architecture offered endless framing opportunities, and the soft white florals elevated the already breathtaking surroundings.



Couple Portraits | Reflections, Veils, and Cinematic Elegance

After the ceremony, we wandered the estate for portraits—my favorite time to slow things down and really explore the visual storytelling of the day. We took full advantage of Greystone Mansion’s regal textures and dramatic symmetry.



From romantic dips and veil play to sweeping staircases and golden light filtering through the trees, these portraits blend classic romance with a clean, editorial edge. Greystone offers so many vignettes—from secret garden paths to imposing stone archways—and we made use of them all.



As their photographer, one unique thing I brought to the day was a deep understanding of how to use the venue’s geometry and light to create layered, timeless images. It’s not just about the background—it’s about how a couple feels within it.



Golden Hour & Sunset on the Terrace

As the sun dipped behind the trees, we returned to the terrace for golden hour portraits. The light at Greystone Mansion during sunset is truly unmatched—classic, crisp, and cinematic.



The couple shared a quiet moment in front of the reflecting pool, and I captured one of my favorite images of the day: their kiss mirrored perfectly in the still water beneath the grand stone backdrop.




We captured soft kisses, stolen laughs, and quiet joy as the stone turned honey-toned in the fading light. The editorial elegance of this venue is never more apparent than at golden hour, and these terrace photos are a dreamy highlight of their gallery.



Reception in the Courtyard | Glamour Meets Celebration

The reception was held in the main outdoor courtyard—a breathtaking setting surrounded by Greystone’s stately façade.



Lauren and Gary made their grand entrance with feather boas and sunglasses, setting a playful tone for the rest of the evening. It was the perfect contrast to the classic elegance of the mansion, reminding everyone that while the day was polished, it was also about pure celebration.



After sweet parent dances and a romantic first dance, guests were treated to a champagne tower and cake cutting under the stars.



The champagne tower sparkled in the evening light, adding a touch of old-Hollywood glamour to the festivities. The couple poured the first glasses together, laughing as bubbles overflowed in all directions. Later in the evening, they cut into their tiered wedding cake—classic, romantic, and beautifully styled—before heading into more reception fun.



They also reimagined a few traditions in a way that felt completely their own. Lauren tossed her bouquet, followed by a hilarious “basketball toss” instead of a garter—a nod to Gary’s love of the game and a fun twist that had everyone cheering. It's a reminder that your wedding should be a reflection of you. You can personalize, reinvent, or skip traditions altogether—whatever makes the moment feel right and meaningful for you.



One of the most fun additions? A late-night ramen bar—complete with chopsticks and cozy bowls, perfect for photos of the couple giggling and sharing noodles under twinkle lights. We even snuck away for a few portraits of them eating ramen together—candid, sweet, and entirely them.


Dancing Under the Stars | Ending the Night with Joy

As music filled the courtyard, open dancing brought the night to life. The mansion’s glow, combined with string lights and joyful movement, made for dreamy motion-filled shots. I love incorporating lens drag techniques for these moments to capture the energy and emotion of the dance floor—those streaks of light and motion that feel like memory in motion.



Planning Your Wedding at Greystone Mansion

If you’re dreaming of an elegant Beverly Hills wedding with European garden vibes and cinematic architecture, Greystone Mansion is a venue that offers history, beauty, and versatility. As a Southern California wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing timeless, emotive images that blend documentary moments with editorial artistry—especially in iconic venues like this one.

Whether you're planning an intimate garden ceremony or a full-scale celebration at one of Beverly Hills' most iconic venues, I’d love to help you preserve your day in a way that feels both effortlessly chic and deeply personal.



Interested in wedding photography at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills?

Let’s connect! Greystone Mansion & Gardens is one of my all time favorite venues to photograph weddings at, and I’d love to hear about your vision and create something beautiful together.



Comments


Ally Majka Studios Professional Photographer Southern California

© 2025 AllyMajkaStudios |

Los Angeles, CA

Professional Wedding, Portrait & Event Photographer in Los Angeles & Palm Springs

bottom of page