Congratulations! Lauren Styler, a reporter with WKRG in Alabama, wed Rolando Vargas at Verandas on September 3rd, 2011. Their beautiful day was shared with all the viewers of News 5 in a short clip.  Click on the image to see Lauren and Rolando getting married at Verandas! 

Our latest tasting was a huge success!  Despite the chilly weather, all our future brides, grooms, and their guests enjoyed the delicious food and desserts we laid out in artful displays around the venue.  Here's what we had available for our guests:

Artichoke phyllo cigars, lobster fritters, flat iron steak & shrimp surf & turf, bacon wrapped dates, yellow tomato gazpacho, wild mushroom and brie on polenta, tenderloin crostini, and ahi tartar in a sesame cone

Carrot ginger soup, Italian wedding soup, roasted heirloom tomato soup

Baby spinach salad, oakleaf lettuce salad, Tuscan bread salad, and a mixed grilled vegetable platter

Chicken Toscano, braised short ribs on polenta, and parmesan pesto encrusted sole 

Chilean sea bass, grilled Moroccan salmon, New Zealand rack of lamb, and saffron butter rice

Angus New York strip, roasted pork tenderloin, balsamic glazed turkey breast, london sirloin, and roasted 3 potato medley

Mini lemon meringue, fruit, and strawberry linzer tarts; petit fours with strawberry and apricot filling; mini red velvet, chocolate strawberry, and lemon coconut cupcakes; pistachio, lavender, and rose macaroons

With nearly a year of planning under her belt, a little rain wasn’t going to stop Lisa from having the wedding of her dreams. Rain on your wedding day is, after all, a symbol of good luck! This romantic winter affair quickly became one of the most intimate and stunningly beautiful events to date. While the wind howled and the rain refused to let up, Verandas staff had their back-up plan in full effect. A white rose blanket of petals created a path between mahogany-stained chivari chairs outlined in dim candle light leading up to the fireplace illuminated by white twinkle lights, flowing ribbons and winter vintage décor.

The stage was lined with votives and garland while a warm candle-lighting ceremony amidst a stormy backdrop created a vintage movie-like setting. Lisa and Victor exchanged their vowels and then it was on to a fabulous cocktail reception of apple and pomegranate martinis and divine and hearty tray passed hors d’oeuvres. A feast of Moroccan Salmon and Chicken Toscano topped off with a chocolate fountain and wedding cake were only to be outdone by the hilarious Comedy routine f Christina Lions. Photo booth shenanigans ensued after the comedic dinner followed by dancing and a plethora of delicious desserts. With the help of her adoring Mother, Beverly, Lisa created a one of a kind affair that brought her family and friends together in one “lucky” celebration!

Lisa Reflects on her special day:

Cortney: What was your Wedding Day Highlight?

Lisa: The highlight of the wedding day was walking down the aisle. One because, even though all eyes were on me it was a chance to see Victor and make that connection with our eyes without speaking. This was also a highlight because it was the first time I saw all the guest and I have never seen so many of out family and friends gathered together at one time.

Cortney: What was your inspiration for your Wedding Day theme?

Lisa: The inspiration for the wedding came from my love of all things vintage. I found a vintage damask pattern and designed everything around that and the color eggplant. I chose eggplant because I wanted a color appropriate for a winter / Christmas wedding, but I didn't want a Christmas theme.

Cortney: It rained on your Wedding day which is good luck, what type of advice would you give to other brides having winter weddings? Any special advice if the weather does nott cooperate on their day?

Lisa: First of all have a back up plan if you're planning a winter wedding. You can't control mother nature. But, I actually feel like the wedding turned out better being indoors. It became much more of an intimate and romantic affair with the candles, fireplace, and coziness of the setting, If rain looks like it's in the forecast for you wedding day have a backup plan for wedding photos, a large umbrella to keep you and your dress dry, and expect that guest may be late because of the weather.

Cortney: If you could offer one piece of advice for someone in the planning stages of their wedding what would it be?

Lisa: My one piece of advice for those brides in the planning stages is remember to have fun. This will only happen once, so enjoy the process. It will be stressful at times, but remember it is only temporary.

The tasting event last night at Verandas was a lot of fun. We showcased many delicious items and the venue looked beautiful. Click on the thumbnails below to see some photos from the event.

Erin Lamont & Jessie Field

Married April 17, 2010 at Verandas in Manhattan Beach

Down the garden staircase Erin was a vision as she graciously approached the man of her dreams wearing a Wedding gown Aphrodite would be envious of. The garden arch was adorned with draping moss and fresh cut white roses and flowers while a creative aisle design made of white rose petals created a unique path to the alter. The bride and groom along with their leading guys and gals were staged against a magical setting that day. Simple and clean designs in celadon, accented by lots of candlelight captured the elegance of this special occasion.

A Great DIY Project for the Reception

Erin created her own centerpieces using three tiers of tall vases filled with candles, grass, flowers and stones.

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