Janna and Jess got married at Whitechapel Projects on July 7, 2025.

Their Story

From their first date at a coffee shop, Janna Bogan and Jess Carter could tell that love was brewing.

From there, Janna says, there were “hundreds of moments where I can vividly remember a feeling of being exactly where I was supposed to be.”

The Proposal

Seven years later, the lovebirds got engaged in San Diego. They raced to Sunset Cliffs to catch the gorgeous evening view.

“When we arrived, there were rose petals sprinkled all over,” Janna says. “This was no doubt the happiest moment of my life.”

Choosing the Venue

The couple wanted a venue with “a fun, laid-back vibe that was also trendy and modern,” Janna says.

The Whitechapel Projects in Long Branch, with its industrial-meets-garden aesthetic, fit the bill for their July 7, 2025, wedding. “The outdoor brick courtyard space was stunning and really sold us on our visit.”

Details of the Day

Both women got to have their special moment walking down the aisle with their parents. They incorporated the traditional breaking of the glass and the hora to celebrate Jess’ Jewish upbringing.

Most important on their big day was celebrating the start of their married life together. “This is not just the joining of two women in love—it’s a celebration of queer love, of chosen family,” says Janna.

Wedding Day Attire

Janna wore a gown from Seng Couture, and Jess went to Bindle & Keep for her custom maroon velvet suit.

Good Luck Showers

Just as their outdoor ceremony began, so did the rain.

“As soon as we exchanged vows, the sun came out,” Janna said. “Guests are still talking about the timing of the weather and how it was truly magical.”

Wedding Aesthetics

The couple’s florist advised that they go more minimal with the tablescapes instead of large floral arrangements.

By incorporating pink and green into the decor and florals plus touches like secondhand green glass candleholders and paper umbrellas, they pulled off their desired garden-inspired look.

First Dance

Just three weeks before the wedding, Jess had the idea to choreograph their first dance.

After consuming content by queer choreographers, they created their own first dance routine for the song “Speechless” by Dan and Shay featuring Tori Kelly.

“Every night for those three weeks before bed, we would practice our dance that we made,” Janna recalls.

Menu Highlights

The couple hosted an entirely plant-based wedding. From Thai sesame noodles, Mexican street corn and cauliflower tacos to veggie lasagna and eggplant caponata, guests enjoyed a variety of vegan options.

For dessert, there was a vegan donut bar, vegan cannolis by the Cannoli Guy and DiCosmo’s Italian ice. They finished the night with a to-go pizza station.

Honeymoon

The newlyweds vacationed in Italy, spending 12 nights across three different cities: Rome, Tuscany and Praiano.