Excellent Wedding

Usually, I find weddings rather boring unless they're my own. Of course, if you know the couple well and know all of their friends, then it's usually a fun party. We attended the wedding of our neighbors' daughter on Saturday. We've known the family for over 20 years and often are invited to gatherings at their home. So, we know lots of their friends and relatives. Needless to say, knowing many of the guests made it a fun party for us.


Nicola's and Gregg's wedding took place at the Smog Shoppe, formerly the La Cienega Auto Center, on La Cienega near Washington Blvd., along the newish art gallery row in Los Angeles, bordering on East Culver City. This is an indoor-outdoor venue. It's a former car repair yard on a decidedly industrial stretch of La Cienega. It was an extremely cool venue.

Nicola's Parents, Rosina and Nic, look on as the couple are betrothed

The outdoor area of the Smog Shoppe (where cars used to be parked for service) was set up for the wedding ceremony and hors d'oeuvres. The block walls surrounding the enclosure are packed with succulent plants, camouflaging the traffic noise from La Cienega Blvd. The inside area, where the hydraulic lifts for the cars used to be, was set up with tables, a dance floor, screen, etc. for the party. There were all kinds of interesting props and furniture scattered about, making for a totally unique setting. I'm sure if the weather was cold, there would have been heaters outside. It was a perfect day and evening.

Fantastic Catering by Auntie Em

Congratulations, Nicola and Gregg! May you have a long and happy life together!