A wedding to celebrate N + W at the Skirball Cultural Center.  Here was the tranquil setting for the civil ceremony outside at the Taper Courtyard- the peacefulness of the lily pads with a few purple blossoms even in November in the pond behind us, the softness of the pink and cream flowers, the combination of a strong foundation of stone and the waving grass of the Santa Monica mountains behind as backdrop while hummingbirds flitted around us.

It definitely was a retreat that transported us away from the 405 we had just experienced to arrive there, and the space allowed for a great processional with the groom and groomsmen entering from the left by the trees, the bridesmaid and flowergirl/ringbearer along the back columns and down the center, and the bride from the second level and down the stairs behind the pond (which led to lots of audible gasps and oohs at how literally breathtakingly beautiful she is). Best dramatic entrance for a bride I've ever seen.

Beautiful flowers at the dinner table contrasted against the architectural elements at the romantic classic reception for N+W at the Ahmanson Ballroom. The cocktail was held outside just by the doors of this Ahmanson Ballroom, where everyone was in love with the Hors D’oeuvres of paper cups of fries that you could add either ketchup or truffle aioli too. That's right, truffle aioli. Also I recall among all the engaging conversations also enjoying bites of salmon and dill canapes, coconut crusted chicken with basil dipping sauce, brie and pear wrapped in phyllo with papaya dipping sauce, and seeing bruschetta pass by. The time flew by so fast it was so fun, and even the brisk nippy autumn chill that evening as the sun went down wasn't too bad warmed by the various heatlamps and laughter and affection around us.

Dinner- salad starter of mixed greens with roasted beets goat cheese and walnut vinaigrette, entree of fish (baked salmon filet with red cabbage, edamame and sesame white wine miso sauce and Chinese black rice) or veg (Portobello mushroom cap with Israeli couscous and seasonal vegetables) – we did not get the beef dish- were both plated beautifully. This was followed by first dessert of raspberry sorbet with fresh seasonal fruit in a chocolate tulle cookie basket, then ice cream bar of chocolate and vanilla ice cream with toppings such as caramel, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, candies, slices almonds, whipped cream and cherries. Also at the table along with the ice cream toppings were takeout boxes of milk and chocolate chip cookie), and then wedding cake. I count that as four desserts. I only took the picture of the first one though.

We grabbed two water bottles at the end of the night that were left where the open bars used to stand for hydration before leaving, and I saved the labels (as well as other paper items for my scrap binder) as one bottle label had a picture of the Skirball Center and the second bottle's label showcased some of the various animals at their Noah's Ark exhibit. The evening ended in a giant dance floor group hugging circle and we left with warmth in our hearts and a grin on our faces as we drove past all the groomsmen sitting on the little columns by the front stairs of the center waved goodbye, all in a row, still looking dapper in their gray suits and pink bow ties (even if they were untied).

Thank you for letting us be part of your special day, it was absolutely perfect, very memorable and full of love, and it was incredible to see you both glow with so much happiness.