Blog

The Park Plaza Hotel in Downtown LA is rich with history. It was once an Elks Lodge and a hotel. Also, its pool was used in one of the Los Angeles Olympics, its Grand Ballroom was used to film part of Maroon 5’s “Sugar” video, and most recently, it was the site of an amazing wedding for a great couple…Debbie and Andy. We met at the Park Plaza to do a walkthrough and learned all about the history (and future) of this beautiful building. (It will soon be renovated into a boutique hotel.) We walked across the street to the park and discussed the vision they had for their wedding. Andy loves old jazz and the whole jazz era of the 20s-40s. They wanted to bring that vibe to their own wedding. They had their ceremony in The Gold Room while a string trio played the wedding march. Then, the guests moved to The Bronze Room for cocktails and entertainment provided by Martini 5-0, a jazz combo.

 

The guests were then escorted upstairs to The Grand Ballroom for the reception. Martini Five-0 relocated to the ballroom in time to play “Blue Moon” for Debbie and Andy’s first dance, as well as music for dinner. The photo booth from Eleven Photobooth drew crowds all night, and the nicest photographers and videographers from Papernote and George Street Photography were on hand to capture every unique moment. Kalene from Nessa Events took care of all the coordination and décor details, both small and large. And of course, the staff at The Park Plaza ensured that all of the guests had a spectacular meal in a beautiful setting.

 

After dinner, it was time to party! As soon as Debbie and Andy hit the dance floor, Andy was lifted up by their friends and carried to the floor “crowd surfing” style. Debbie and Andy cut their cake to “Sugar” by Maroon 5 as a cute little nod to the recent history of that room, and after the bouquet and garter toss, the party got turned up to 11! We finished the night with a sweet Circle of Love and one of the most energetic final dance sets I have seen in a long time. It has been such a pleasure getting to know these two, not only in planning their own wedding, but seeing them as guests at a previous wedding as well. I hope we can keep the party going guys! I’ll party with you anytime! (Oh, and the rice cakes were delicious too!)

 

Dave’s recommended vendors from this wedding included:

• The Park Plaza Hotel (AKA The Macarthur) – www.themacarthur.com
• Nessa Events (Vanessa Vargas & Kalene) – www.nessaevents.com
• Martini Five-0 – www.martinifive0.com
• Papernote Wedding Photography – 909-927-415
• George Street Photo & Video (Max) – www.georgestreetphoto.com
• Eleven Photobooth – www.elevenphotoboothrental.com