A Review of the Très L.A. Italian 1920s Rustic Brick Intimate Wedding Venue in Downtown Los Angeles

There could not have been a more fitting setting for the wedding of author Daphne Woolsoncroft than at Carondelet House in Los Angeles, California. A direct descendant of literary icon Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, Daphne Woolsoncroft has continued her family's storytelling legacy through her novels Night Watcher and The Season of Sinking, while she and husband Heath Merryman host the acclaimed true crime podcast Going West. And rather than leaning into the extravagant, they both chose an intimate celebration centered around friends and family — proof that even those who spend their lives telling complex stories, want the simplest one to be their own.

A Wedding Day at Carondelet House

Photographed by The Drunk Wedding Photographer, the day unfolded inside one of Los Angeles' most sought-after venues, where exposed brick walls, vintage chandeliers and candlelit interiors created a warm, elegant backdrop that felt romantic without feeling overly formal. From the beginning of their planning, Daphne and Heath knew exactly what they wanted. And a small guest list allowed them to spend meaningful time with everyone who had gathered to celebrate, creating a wedding that felt relaxed from start to finish. Photography was equally important, making The Drunk Wedding Photographer the first vendor they booked after securing their date.

Getting Ready, First Look and Wedding Portraits at Carondelet House

The day began with a playful take on getting-ready photos. Rather than documenting hours of getting ready, Heath opted for a handful of lighthearted faux getting-ready portraits that reflected his personality and set the tone for everything that followed. Their first look took place inside the venue's North Studio, before Daphne shared an emotional first look with her father. Portraits followed throughout Carondelet House, making the most of its character-filled interiors before guests entered the ceremony space. The Main Dining Room, with its soaring chandeliers and historic brick walls, provided an elegant setting before later transforming into the ceremony and reception space. Afterwards, the celebration flowed into the Rear Courtyard, where family portraits and photographs outside the front of the venue embraced the building's distinctive architecture.

With portraits complete, the pace slowed. Guests arrived to glasses of champagne, catching up with one another while pianist Paulina Simkin, whose regular performances at Chateau Marmont have made her one of Los Angeles' most sought-after musicians, filled the house with beautifully understated live piano. It was the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon that never felt rushed.

A Ceremony in the Main Dining Room with Cocktails in the North and South Studios

The ceremony itself was wonderfully uncomplicated. Held inside the Main Dining Room, it focused almost entirely on the couple's vows, allowing the emotion of the moment to take centre stage without unnecessary production or lengthy formalities. Following the ceremony, guests wandered between the North and South Studio spaces for cocktails while Paulina Simkin continued to perform, creating an atmosphere that felt more like an intimate dinner party than a traditional wedding. Hospitality throughout the day was curated by Trés LA Group, whose exclusive partnership with Carondelet House allowed everyone present to enjoy exceptional food, elegant styling and thoughtful service without overshadowing the venue's historic character. Drinks were provided by Sweet Water Cocktails, whose cocktails, wine and beer kept glasses full well into the evening.

Dinner Beneath the Crystal Chandeliers

Dinner brought everyone back together beneath the glow of crystal chandeliers, where heartfelt speeches, playful family banter, and plenty of laughter filled the candlelit room before the evening naturally flowed into what could only be described as cocktail hour 2 electric boogaloo. Guests lingered over conversations, wandered between rooms and soaked in every corner of the beautifully restored house before making their way back to the dance floor. Family remained at the heart of the evening. Daphne shared her first dance with her father before Heath took to the floor with his mother, creating two genuinely touching moments before the newlyweds came together for their own first dance. The atmosphere then quickly shifted from sentimental to celebratory as guests packed the dance floor and the party truly began.

Dancing, Cake & the Bouquet Toss

Cake cutting followed, but one of the evening's most memorable moments happened during the bouquet toss. The first attempt took an unexpected turn when the bouquet got stuck in a ceiling fan, prompting a second toss. This time, Daphne's cousin, actress Emma Roberts, caught the bouquet while celebrating alongside Cody John. The pair announced their engagement not long afterwards, giving everyone one more story to talk about from an already unforgettable day.

As the music continued and guests danced late into the evening beneath Carondelet House's glowing chandeliers, the celebration remained exactly what Daphne and Heath had envisioned from the start: intimate, joyful and completely centered around the people they love most. Quietly documented by The Drunk Wedding Photographer, the wedding never relied on over-the-top details or elaborate traditions to make an impression. Instead, it reflected the couple themselves — two lifelong storytellers beginning a new chapter together. And for a descendant of Mary Shelley whose own novels and Going West podcast continue that family tradition of captivating audiences, it felt like the perfect way to start the next story.