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ESTD. 2007

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Real Weddings Feature: Francesca + AJ 

Overview: Family and food were very important to both Francesca and AJ, who celebrated their love with a modern-meets-classic style wedding, featuring a primarily all-white wedding theme with small pops of greenery. Francesca designed all the wedding details with a strong California touch to give guests—many of whom are traveling from across the country—a sense of warmth, comfort, and the laid-back beauty of the West Coast. The weather for their summer wedding was gorgeous; being 78° F during the day, 67°F at night, with sunset at 7:52pm. Even with the simple white and green floral palette, she envisioned something more elevated: airy, detailed, and full of character, not too plain, with plenty of candlelight to enhance the atmosphere. 

Francesca’s Testimonial: “Post-wedding life has been wonderful, and we’re still basking in the magic of our day. We’re so grateful to have chosen La Venta Inn and Made by Meg Catering—the food was incredible, and our guests raved about it! Everything came together beautifully, and we couldn’t have been happier.”

As seen on Instagram, “Married” has a nice ring to it! 💍

Instagram screenshot of bride wearing white dress holding bouquet with her new wedding band on her ring finger next to her groom holding up his left hand in a black suit with a new wedding band. Blue skies and palm trees in the background.

Custom Watercolor Stationery & Menus: Artist Brogan Scott handled the invitations and all the custom signage for the wedding, including the welcome sign, invitation, bar sign, menus with guests’ names at the top, and table numbers. The bride requested that the artist incorporate a venue illustration into the invitation design, along with California vibes—specifically elements like palm trees and the ocean.

Invitations and Gucci Shoes and Perfume and Wedding Rings with Flat Lay of Wedding Items on Wedding Day
A table with a welcome sign. Table filled with the bride and groom with old pictures of their parents wedding pictures. Book on table with markers to sign the pages.
Table set up of a wedding plate with the food menu. Glasses and candles around the white plates. White and green colors. Palm spring and beach themed food menu.

Getting Ready: On the morning of the wedding, the bride Francesca wanted to spend peaceful, meaningful time getting ready in the Ocean Cottage bridal suite with her mother and sister before other guests arrived, creating a calm and intimate start to the day.

Solo picture of the bride wearing a white dress. La Venta in the background. Purple flowers and blue skies in the background.
Bride and two of her friends sitting and hugging on a white bench inside their room posing for a picture. Wearing white pajamas and a white night gown.
Bridesmaids helping bride put on high heels. Brides' friends are wearing different color of purple dresses.
Black and white picture of bride getting her veil adjusted during her makeover.

With a day full of positive emotions at La Venta, the bride also gifted her mother and the mother of the groom their own personalized embroidered handkerchiefs for the ceremony.

Bride hugging her mom while giving her mom a gift. Mom is wearing a yellow dress.
Bride leans in to hug her mother while the mom reads the custom gift her daughter gave her. Mom is wearing a purple dress.
The mom is reading what is written on the handkerchief the bride got for her. Mom is wearing a yellow dress while the brides wears a white beautiful dress.
A close up shot of what was written on the handkerchief. Message on the handkerchief reads " Mom. to dry your happy tears on my wedding day. Thank you for your infinite love and support, All that I am, I owe to you. Love Francesca 8.2.24" Bride is wearing her wedding read and a gold bracelet.

While there wasn’t a formal bridal party, she invited her close girlfriends to arrive early and take photos together before the ceremony began.

Bride poses with her bridesmaids. Group picture. The bridesmaids are wearing different color dresses ranging from blue, yellow, pink, green, cream, torquise and orange. Floral background.
The bride does a first look with her close friends. Bride is holding a beautiful bouquet.
Bride with 3 of her close friends pose for the picture. Pink, light blue and turquoise dresses are being worn by her three close friends. Bride is holding a beautiful bouquet.

On the other side of the property, the groom AJ got ready for the big day in the private Hideaway Suite. 

Groom looks to the side posing for a solo picture. Green background with many trees and leaves. Wearing a black and white suit with a black bowtie while having his hands on his pockets.
Black and white picture of the groom. Man is sitting down on a chair wearing a black and white suit, bowtie and a watch. He is reading a book.
Groom poses for the pictures. He is fixing his arm sleeve. Wearing suspenders. His coat is hanging on a dresser.
Groom poses for the picture. He is wearing a black and white suit with suspenders and a gold watch while holding his coat on his shoulder. Floral background
Groom and his friend pose for a picture in front of a door with a small blue tent over it. They are both wearing a black and white suit with flower boutonnieres.

Featuring Pre-Wedding Food for the Bride & Groom: In the two separate getting-ready areas on property, the Hideaway Suite and Ocean Cottage, the bride and groom were able to leisurely snack as they got ready with their loved ones. They chose to enjoy an assortment of Gourmet Mini Sandwiches on Brioche Buns: House Roasted Turkey with Brie, Garlic & Walnut Aioli with Baby Arugula + Mesquite Grilled Shredded Chicken with Baby Spinach & Basil Lemon Pesto + Roast Beef with Aged White Cheddar, Garlic Aioli and Pickled Red Onion with Baby Arugula.

Two First Looks, first with the Father of the Bride & then with the Groom.

First Look with FOTB: For her first look with her father, she surprised her very proud dad in front of the keyhole lookout connected to the Oceanview Cottage. You can basically hear the love and positive words exchanged upon this warm embrace.

The bride is wearing a white dress with a long veil. She is hugging her father. Father of the bride is holding a letter while he hugs her.
The bride and her father excitedly look at each other. Bride is wearing a white dress with a long veil while holding a letter on her right hand. The father of the bride is wearing a black and white suit with a black bow and black loafers.

First Look for the Bride & Groom: The dreamiest first look on the Cottage Lawn, just South of the Ocean Cottage with serene views of the Pacific Ocean, the happiness expressed with the groom’s very first look at his bride on their wedding day melts hearts around the globe.

The bride and groom look at each other while holding hands from a far. There is palm trees and green scenery around them.
The bride and groom look at each other in a close up shot. The bride is wearing a white dress with a long white veil. She is also wearing pearl earrings and a silver bracelet. Groom is wearing a black and white suit with a black bow.
The groom looks with admiration of his bride for their first look.
The groom turns around for the first look of his bride.
The bride and groom hug each other in a faraway shot.
The groom looks at his bride with a huge smile. Bride and groom are leaning to hug each other. Groom is wearing a black and white suit with a black bow and white floral boutonniere. In the picture, bride is wearing a white veil clipped to her hair.
Candid shot of bride and groom. Bride is wearing a white dress and a long white veil. She is holding a white floral bouquet. Groom is wearing a black and white suit. There is a big palm tree in the back. They are surrounded by a green scenery.

Sentimental Florals: The most sentimental bouquet we’ve ever seen, with two gold-framed portraits carried with the bride, attached with classic pearls for an extra touch of elegance, beauty, and grace.


White and green isn’t just simple, it’s elevated. A soft whisper of elegance through layered textures, garden-picked blooms, and candlelight that feels like a gentle exhale. Clean. Romantic. Intentional. This is minimalism with a heartbeat. Their florals included a bouquet, centerpieces, bar florals, and five halfmoon grounded arch floor florals at the altar to be repurposed at the sweetheart table.

Picture of a table layout for Table 3. There is a white and green floral bouquet. Many clear and light green glasses are the table.
Picture of the signature cocktail menus. The menu consists of spiked lemonade, beer, wine and other drinks. There is a napkin next to the sign with a custom message printed by the bride. Black small straws are provided in the table as well. Behind the sign is a floral bouquet with a green and white color themed.
Table layout of the plated dinner with a white and green color themed. There is a bouquet in the middle of the table with light green glasses and a small candle. The layout consists of one plate with the menu on top and includes 1 gold knife on the left and 2 gold forks on the right.
Another angle of the table layout of the plated dinner. There is a small vase with a white floral bouquet with green stems. The table consists of 2 candles, light green glasses and clear wine glasses. The plate has a napkin and menu inside. There is 2 gold forks on the side.
Overview of the ceremony. Overlooking a water view. In the middle of the ceremony is a white and green floral arrangement. On the left and right side contains brown seats for the guests. Blue skies and green bushes on the background.
Close up shot of the white and green floral arrangement of the ceremony stage. Blue skies and green bushes in the background while overlooking an oceanside view.
Close up shot of the bride and her bouquet. Bride is wearing a white dress and white veil. Her accessories contains a gold ring. Brides' nails are neutral colored. The bouquet of the bride contains two gold pendants with two pictures of different ladies.
Another close up shot of the bride's bouquet. White and green themed bouquet. She is wearing two gold rings, one on each of her hand with a gold bracelet. The bouquet is tied by a white clear ribbon.

Ceremony: Guests arrived at 4pm, with the ceremony starting at 4:20pm. For the processional of the groom and the wedding party, including parents, MOH & Best Man, flower girl, and ring bearers, an instrumental cover of “Accidentally In Love” by Paul Hankinson played. For the beautiful processional of the bride and her father, a violin instrumental of “A Million Dreams” by Taylor Davis played as they walked down the stone aisle to views of the Pacific Ocean and their loved ones smiling back at them.

The ceremony was officiated by their friend Jessica in a formal green dress that was the perfect choice to match with the lush green hedges and trees. The couple exchanged their own personal vows before the exchanging of the rings, and the pronouncement as husband and wife before being sealed with a kiss. The looks that were exchanged during the messages – there are no words. Bringing to life a girl’s dream to be looked at that way on her wedding day. For the recessional of the wedding party and newly married couple, “Real Love Baby” by Father John Misty played as the exited the outdoor ceremony space and moved to cocktail hour. We loved that the bride and groom took time for a private moment together following the ceremony.

Picture of the ceremony. Bride is speaking on the mic while reading from a book. Groom smiles as the bride reads her note. There is an officiant in the back wearing a green dress. Blue skies, white floral and green bushes in the background.
The bride goes down the aisle with her father. The guests are smiling and clapping while they walk down the aisle. The view overlooks an oceanside.
The groom looks at his bride with admiration. The bride is reading from her note.
The bride looks at the crowd smiling as the groom is speaking to her. The officiant is speaking on the microphone. Background is an oceanside view, green bushes and a floral arrangement in the middle.
The father of the bride drops off his daughter to give away to the groom down the aisle. He is admiring his daughter and future son in law. The officiant is speaking on the microphone wearing a green dress. The bride is wearing a long white dress and white veil holding her floral bouquet. Groom and father of bride are both wearing black and white suits with a black bow and loafers. Green bushes in the background with a white and green floral arrangement.
The officiant is reading from her note. The bride is smiling at the crowd, and the groom is looking at the floor smiling. Background consists of a white and green floral arrangement, green bushes, oceanside view and blue skies.
The bride and groom excitedly smiling as they walk down the aisle. Bride is holding a white and green bouquet. The audience is clapping and celebrating at the official bride and groom.
The bride and groom share their first kiss as a married couple. Background consists of blue skies, white and green floral arrangement and an overview of the oceanside.

Cocktail Hour in the Courtyard: The Diamond Bar included top-shelf alcohols, mixers, specialties, garnishes, as well as a selection of beers (Modelo, Stella, & Blue Moon) and wines (sparkling wine: Mumm Napa Brut, white wine: Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc from Napa, red wine: Unshackled Cabernet Sauvignon by Prisoner Wine Company). 

Guests were able to enjoy reading the four different hand-written love notes by the couple—two from each of them to one another—custom printed on the cocktail napkins. Two specialty cocktails were selected by the couple, with a matching bar sign by artist Brogan Scott:  

  • Honey’s Spiked Lemonade: Vodka, fresh thyme, MBM lemon simple syrup, and club soda, garnished with a dehydrated lemon wheel and fresh thyme sprig.
  • Manhattan Beach Marg: Tequila, Cointreau, MBM jalapeño simple syrup, and fresh lime juice, rimmed with Tajin and garnished with a fresh jalapeño slice & dehydrated lime wheel.
The bride is wearing a white dress with a curled hairstyle. She is hugging a guest wearing a pink dress. The background consists of a fountain, several guests chatting with each other, palm trees and green scenery.
Close up shot of a white napkin with a custom message from the groom. In the background consists of someone holding a drink with a dehydrated lemon.
Overview shot of the fountain with guests around it. The ladies in the background are wearing dresses with light pink, pink and black themed. While the guys are wearing black and white suits. In the background, there are palm trees and several greeneries.
Close up shot of a beige napkin with a custom message by the bride. Message contains "AJ, You're simply the best. God gave me you XO, Francesca" Next to the napkin is a drink with a dehydrated lemon wheel.
Picture of 3 guests of the wedding. The lady on the left is wearing a grey dress while holding a small purse. The lady in the middle is wearing a pink dress and has a wristlet wallet while holding a drink. The guy on the right is wearing a black and white suit with a black bowtie while holding a drink.
Close up shot of the bar menu. Menu consists of spiked lemonade, beer, wine and other drinks. In the background, consists of small black straws and lemon in a container.
Close up shot of a drink being held by a guest. Drink has a black straw and green leaf in the drink.
Candid shot of the guests. One lady is wearing a blue dress while the other is wearing a floral yellow dress.
Close up shot of a napkin with a custom message. Message contains. " Francesca, here's to a new chapter, i love you. have a wonderful day. AJ" Next to the napkin is a small container with cherries on the glass.
Picture of the signature cocktail menus. The menu consists of spiked lemonade, beer, wine and other drinks. There is a napkin next to the sign with a custom message printed by the bride. Black small straws are provided in the table as well. Behind the sign is a floral bouquet with a green and white color themed.
Another shot of the fountain with blue and green tiles. In the background, several guests. The ladies are wearing dresses with different colors: yellow, pink and orange. The guys are wearing black and white suits.

Tray passed hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour: A delicious variety of miniature takes on nostalgic crowd favorites were brought around by La Venta staff on a mix of white and clear trays, served individually to guests during cocktail hour in the courtyard.

  • Buffalo Karaage Chicken with garlic pepper ranch in cones.
  • Mini LA Dog – Mini Beef Hot Dog wrapped in bacon with mayo & shishito pepper relish (mixed with garlic, tamari, lemon zest and sesame oil) in a toasted brioche hot dog bun.
  • Mini Sirloin Sliders with juicy sirloin, aged white cheddar, caramelized onions, & garlic aioli on a brioche bun.  
  • Mac n’ Cheese Poppers (Vegetarian) with marinara, fresh basil and shaved parmesan cheese.
Close up shot of one of the hors d'oeuvres. Item is: buffalo karaage chicken with garlic pepper ranch in a cone.
Close up view of another tray passed hors d'oeuvres. Item is: Mini LA Dog. A mini beef hot dog wrapped in bacon with mayo and shishito pepper relish in a toasted brioche bun.
A plate of a tray passed hors d'oeuvres. Item is: mac n' cheese poppers, with marinara, fresh basil and shaved parmesan cheese.
Picture of the bride taking a bite of a juicy slider. Bride is wearing a white dress with pearl earrings and a gold bracelet. She is also holding a black napkin.

Three grazing stations were available for guests to graze and enjoy during cocktail hour, spread between both the outdoor courtyard and connected indoor ballroom:

  • Tuscan Charcuterie Station – Truffle white bean puree, Roasted red peppers, Marinated olives, Artichoke heart francaise, Grilled zucchini petals, Tomato bruschetta, Crostini, Grilled Tuscan bread, Toasted focaccia, Cheeses – Parmesan, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, & Cured Meats – Genoa Salami, Prosciutto.
  • Farmers Market Kebab Station – Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Roasted Poblano Sauce, Grilled Chicken Kebab with Cilantro Lime Pesto, and Grilled Steak with Chimichurri.
  • Premium Sushi Station – California Roll, Yellowtail Roll, Shrimp Tempura, Soy Sauce, Tamari, Pickled Ginger, Wasabi.
Close up shot of sushi rolls.
Picture of the charcuterie station. Guests around the table grabbing a plate. One guest is wearing a black and white suit. Another guest is wearing a light pink dress. The table contains white and green florals with small white plates.
Close up shot of kebabs inside a round chafer pan. The table has white linen sheets and a sauce for the food.
Picture of the sushi station signage. Around the sign, there are three different sauces, chopsticks and soy sauces.
The groom is eating a sushi roll. He is wearing a black and white suit with a black boutonniere. In the background there is two guest, one is wearing a beige suit and drinking a drink while the other looks directly at the camera wearing a black suit with sunglasses.
Close up view of a guests grabbing one item from the sushi rolls.
Picture of the guests through an arch green bush frame. Several guests are grabbing food while others are speaking with each other.

Reception First Look: We love when couples take a moment to admire their hard work coming to life, from a Pinterest dream to reality. Becoming a more common trend, the newlyweds took a moment together during cocktail hour to stroll through their dining setup. Seating Reveals typically happen shortly before the reception officially starts, allowing the couple to have a moment to see their reception dining space privately prior to guests taking their seats.

The bride and groom are looking at the plated dinner arrangement. The table arrangements consist of brown chair, white linen sheet, plates with custom menus, green glasses and floral bouquets in the middle of the table.
Candid shot of the entrance to the tables for the plated dinner.
The bride and groom pose in front of their table. Background consists of white and green floral arrangements.
The bride and groom admire the plated dinner arrangements. The tables contain plates with custom menus, small vases with bouquets, candles and green glasses.

Dinner Reception in the Garden Rooms: 

The white & green setting in the garden rooms created a serene vibe, from glassware to floral arrangements to impressive LED candles to watercolor menus at each place setting. Guests enjoyed the heartfelt sentimental-meets-playful speeches by the maid of honor and best man, cherishing every moment of the reception.  

They had a plated multi-course dinner service from on-site caterer Made by Meg, with rented Caleb Cotton dinner plates, White & Gold utensils, Ark Sage Goblet, Monaco Oatmeal linens and Monaco Oatmeal napkins to match the theme.

Starter Course  

  • Green Goddess Salad with mixed greens, fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, and green goddess salad dressing 
  • Warm artisan ciabatta & kalamata olive rolls served with maldon salted honey butter & herb oil mixture 
  • Kid’s Menu: Crispy chicken strips with fresh fruit, carrots, and a side of fries, served with ranch and ketchup

Main Course Service, Plated Dinner 

  • Beef Entrée: Tennessee bourbon glazed marinated short ribs (green name cards)
  • Seafood Entrée: Sriracha garlic palm sugar glazed salmon with yuzu tamari (orange name cards)
  • Vegan Entrée: Roasted cauliflower steak marinated in Mediterranean spices with a roja chimichurri, zucchini, cherry tomatoes & white lemon citrus quinoa (blue name cards) 

Sides to Accompany Main Course Proteins 

  • Grilled Asparagus with Crispy Parmesan Cheese
  • Roasted Rosemary & Garlic Fingerling Potatoes
The bride and groom are laughing while the best man is speaking to the crowd. He is holding a microphone. The table contains several mini floral bouquets.
Bride and groom smiles while the maid of honor is reading her speech. Maid of honor is wearing a light pink dress. Background consists of white and green florals.

Portraits: The golden hour portraits leading up to sunset were pure elegance. Taken on the West Garden Lawn and Walkway with views of the Pacific Ocean, lush gardens, green hedges, and La Venta’s historic cupola in the background, setting the stage for stunning photos showcasing their love on their most memorable day.

Bride and groom in a candid shot. Bride is holding her dress as they walk across the green lawn. Groom is looking at his wife with admiration. Background consists of green bushes.
A close up shot of the couple's kiss under her veil.
Candid shot of the bride and groom in front of a white bench. The background has a white building and floral plants.
The couple is hugging each other. Bride is holding her white floor lenght dress. Green scenery in the background.
The couple making eye contact with each other while sitting on a white bench. The bride has her hand around the groom's shoulder. In the background, there is a white building and floral plants.

Dessert: The theme for their desserts was delicious California charm wrapped in romance, nostalgia, and a hint of play. Brownies, cookies, mini donuts, ice cream carts, and a red velvet cake that didn’t stand a chance. “Reminiscing” by Little River Band played as they cut the red velvet cake from SusieCakes together.

The couple is cutting their heart shaped cake. Bride is wearing a mini corset white dress. Groom is wearing a black and white suit. The table consists of a few small candles, vases with flowers and two champagne glasses.
Close up shot of the dessert table. Shows two hands grabbing snacks. The variety consists of chocolate chip cookies, donuts, etc.
The couple shares a kiss after slicing their cake. The bride is holding a plate with a cake slice.
Candid shot of the heart shaped cake. Around the table is a plate with the cake slice eaten by the couple, custom napkins with messages and a knife used to slice the cake.

Dance Party in the Ballroom: The dance floor opened at 7:40pm, and the couple’s choice in music, played by VOX DJs, was top notch. 

  • Grand entrance: “Sunshine (My Girl)” by Wuki
  • First Dance: “The Wonder of You” by Villagers
  • Father + Daughter Dance: “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
  • Mother + Son Dance: “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers
The couple hugs each other in the ballroom.
Guests and the bride are dancing in the ballroom. The bride is wearing a white dress. In the background. there is a guest wearing a yellow dress while another guest wears a grey dress.
The bride and groom are dancing solo in the ballroom. They are enjoying one of their first dance. In the background, there is several different lights to create a party background for the couple.
The guests are dancing in the ballroom. The scenery is covered with purple and blue lights in the ballroom. Several guests are wearing black and white suits with black bowties.
The bride is the center of attention in the ballroom. She is surrounded by the guests in the middle wearing a mini corset dress while holding a drink in her hand.
Many guests continue to dance in the ballroom. Many guys are wearing suspenders or black bowties. The ballroom lighting is set to red for a party scene.

Vendor Team: