El Cortez is a restored historic landmark in California.
Designed by famed Architects Walker and Eisen in 1919, El Cortez opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1927 and luminaries such as Elvis Presley and Ginger Rogers left their footprints upon the floor.
Since 1927 Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, William Jefferson Clinton and Barack Obama have all entertained in the Don Room.
A classic and elegant venue, The Don Room was such a perfect spot to host Chris and Laurie's wedding.
The ceremony and the reception was held inside the Don Room, cocktail hour on the outdoor patio.
The Abbey Catering and Design Event did a fantastic job transforming within an hour the ceremony area into a beautiful reception ballroom.
The wedding was orchestrated by Petr Trebin.
We love working with Petr! He is a gem! So professional and composed, even in the stress that comes before the wedding!
As a UCLA graduate- music major- Chris was very specific about the music. From the guests arrival to dinner music, the guests enjoyed a very classic mix of Spanish guitar with Ottmar Libert and jazz ambiance for dinner with Wynton Marsalis, which was very appropriated for El Don Room.
Again, we were lucky to discover new composers.
For cocktail hour, we enjoy some live music from Kenny, a guitar player.
For the story, Laurie listened to him playing in Del Mar 5 years ago, and wanted him to play at her wedding, even before she met Chris!
We had a special request from our beautiful bride: Polka! Laurie is from Wisconsin and have some polish roots!
As soon as we started the Polka, the Milwaukee guests rushed to the dancefloor and started dancing and inviting the rest of the crowd! So much fun!
It was such a great night of love, fun and memories.
We loved working with Chris and Laurie!
These 2 are definitely made for each others, they were so beautiful and looked so happy for their special day!
We wish them a great life together full of love, fun and surf!
