Sooo our #1 pick for now is Avia Hotel in Long Beach.  Mr. Oceanside felt like the decor, layout, and price was right.  He really likes V2o (our #2) but  says he can picture his grandma being more comfortable here. We’ll I love his grandmother and I think he’s right…for all of our grandparents sake, this venue probably feels more “wedding” like than some of the others we toured.  This venue will still give me my “modern” feel and since it promotes itself as a “boutique-chic” hotel.  I still think I can funk out the rooms so their less “traditional” by using long tables and do family-style seating rather than the traditional rounds. The outdoor terrace and banquet room (known as the Gallery) will also have lounge seating which will reflect the modern look also. The pool deck view is amazing (you can see all of the Long Beach harbor) and so are the guest rooms.  I’m still on the edge on this place only because there are still LOTS of unknowns since it actually doesn’t open until August 1st. We were actually the very first “wedding tour” they’ve done…feeling kind of special!  They are still creating their catering menu and wedding packages and we should hear from them next week. But I will admit I think I love it even more now just because Mr. Oceanside put in his 2 cents!  I’m not cutting off any of my other options until I get their proposal which I should have by the end of next week! Cant’ wait!  Here are some pics we took while they were still setting things up…