A new wedding venue, “The Garter Toss,” is redefining the Las Vegas wedding chapel experience, offering a unique blend of playful kitsch and heartfelt sentiment. The venue, conceptualized by owner Johnson, aims to provide a memorable setting for couples, moving beyond the stereotype of celebrity elopements.
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant aesthetics of las Vegas and Miami, The Garter Toss evokes the atmosphere of an 1980s hair salon or shopping mall, complete with unconventional decor. A standout piece is a vintage his-and-hers motorcycle, a testament to Johnson’s commitment to incorporating personal histories into the venue’s design.
The venue’s furnishings, including a tufted-vinyl bar and makeup-counter lighting, were sourced from various basements and garages. The motorcycle, in particular, was acquired from Ray and Mary, a couple whose names are still visible on the vehicle. Johnson explained that she specifically sought out the motorcycle as of it’s inscribed names, a detail that deterred other potential buyers.
“She picked me because everyone else was wondering how to get the names off,” Johnson stated, highlighting her vision to honor the couple’s legacy. “And I was like, ‘No, no, that’s why I want it.’ “
Complementing the venue’s offerings, Johnson has also dedicated a section of the space to Amanda Morell’s curated collection of secondhand bridal and formalwear, known as Fashion Club. This addition provides couples and guests with stylish and sustainable options for wedding attire.
johnson expressed her enthusiasm for the synergy between The Garter Toss and fashion Club, emphasizing the unique social dynamic created when diverse groups of family and friends gather for a wedding. “I love having yoru college friends and your uncle there together and seeing them interact,” she remarked.
