Love and Lemons Wedding
After a celebratory champagne bottle popped, you could hear bubbles fizzing as each glass was poured inside the Powder Room at Grand Gimeno. Emily was in the makeup chair and her bridal party in matching pajama sets sat close by chatting about the day ahead – How Jack would react to seeing Emily down the aisle, bachelorette party memories, and their planned reception entrances. One by one each girl took a turn at the beauty bar, then slipped into black wedding attire once complete. To ensure no one was left hungry on this special day, a breakfast of Bagels, a Fruit Tray, and Ellie’s Table Vegetarian Quiche were available to munch on, and for lunch, an assortment of Palm Sandwiches, a Vegetable Tray, and Cheese Tray. While Emily and her bridal party finished up in the suite, Jack and his groomsmen arrived just across the Foyer inside the Parlor. Suited up in black, each groomsman pinned on their white boutonnieres, folded and fitted their pocket squares, and were ready to go!
Friends and family arrived in the Olive Grove surprised and delighted by a champagne welcome and colorful florals. Guests were encouraged to sign Emily and Jack’s guestbook before taking a seat on either side of the aisle. Under the shade of olive trees stood a tall arbor covered in greenery and vibrant flowers. Matching arrangements lined aisle and filled tall vases near the back. Once each chair was filled, Jack led the processional followed by the rest of the wedding party. Then the moment everyone was waiting for. Guests stood as Emily made her walk down the aisle and Jack was all smiles as he locked eyes with his beautiful bride. In front of their nearest and dearest, Emily and Jack read handwritten vows that drew laughs and tears, exchanged rings, and sealed the ceremony with a sweet kiss. The crowd cheered as the newlyweds headed to the front of the venue for romantics just as cocktail hour began.
Everyone was eager for cocktail hour! They could smell the pizzas cooking in the wood-fired oven during the ceremony and lined up to enjoy one of our most popular offerings. At the front of the line, guests could watch as fresh pizzas were pulled from the oven and sliced. Two flavors were offered: Carnitas Chipotle and Burrata, both equally as delicious. Lemon Parmesan Artichoke Hearts, Mini Ahi Tacos, and Fried Chicken and Waffle Bites were also available and making their rounds on serving platters to hungry guests. Beer, wine, and cocktails were available at the bar to wash it all down - A Mai Tai and Skinny Margarita being the couple’s signature drinks. After golden hour photos, the newlyweds joined their guests in the Olive Grove for the remainder of cocktail hour, then invited everyone inside for dinner.
Neutral tables and chairs offered the perfect backdrop for colorful centerpieces and blue details. Everyone found their assigned seats via a lemon escort display and patiently awaited the wedding party entrances. A live band cued up the music and bridesmaids and groomsmen came dancing out in pairs. Emily and Jack ended the grand entrances with their first dance as guests oohed and aahed from their seats. As soon as the two lovebirds were seated, toasts and dinner began. First, Roasted Golden Beet Salad, then Classic Filet Mignon and Roasted Atlantic Salmon Fillet with Fingerling Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini appeared beautifully plated to each guest. The menu was selected by the bride and groom with help from our Event Specialist, Casey, during their planning process. In-between bites, guests clinked glasses when each speech came to an end, then the groom surprised Emily with a performance on stage with the band. Everyone got to their feet in excitement and rushed the stage to sing along. The beautiful evening ended with a private cake cutting, serving of dessert, and a lot more dancing.
Venue: Grand Gimeno // Catering: Jay’s Catering // Photographer: Jenna Rose Photography // Planning: Tessa Lyn Events // Florist: Flowers by Cina // Ceremony Music: Bob Gail Events // Cocktail Music: Brandt Jacobs // Band: West Coast Music Beverly Hills // Lighting: Soundwave Productions // Rentals: Premiere Party Rentals & Chiavari Chair Rentals // Escort Wall: Love This Way LA
