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…
So I’ve returned from a very exhausting, but FUN trip to California. It was much needed because I HAD to see possible reception venues and hopefully book one soon. This living across the country from the location I’m getting married thing has been challenging! I’m waiting for final pricing and package options on one of them so unfortunately I still can’t make a decision for another 2-3 weeks. :( Oh well. In the meantime, I’ll feature the 5 I did tour for anyone else looking to get married in southern California. We toured the the Norris Pavillion, Queen Mary, Shade Hotel, Avia Hotel, and V20 and of course stopped by the beautiful chapel we have confirmed, the Wayfarers Chapel.
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From Google Images
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From Google Images
So here are two more venues we’ll be visiting when we go in July. Avia Hotel in Long Beach actually won’t be opening until August 1, but the Sales Director has been nice enough to schedule a site visit with us since we’re only there for a few days. I’ve seen pics from the Savannah location from a friend of mine and it looks gorgeous! The Savannah location prices look extremely affordable so I’m crossing my fingers its not too outrageous in Long Beach. Once we visit, I’ll post more pics. It sits right in downtown Long Beach and has ocean views! And last but not least is the Norris Center Pavilion in Rolling Hills Estates. This is the only indoor facility we are considering. The actual venue sits on a hill overlooking the water, but they don’t have an outdoor patio or seating area. The reason I like this place is its very affordable to rent out and you have the option of using their vendor list or you can bring in your own. Its what they call a “blank canvas” meaning I can bring the room to life with my own creativity! Ha ha! I’ve seen some amazing photos from this place from other weddings! Again, we really want something with an oceanview, but I thought I would check it out anyway. July can’t come soon enough!
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