La Boda: Cocktail Hour and Reception Details

While Mr. Tortolito and I were busy taking pictures at USC, our guests made their way to the LA River Center & Gardens. We didn't have time to enjoy cocktail hour with our guests, but luckily our photographers captured our decked-out Mexican fiesta in action.





Guests enjoyed sangria, beer, mixed drinks, and soft drinks. We were told that the Jarritos were a big hit - especially when mixed with tequila. And the mariachi, well, they just set the mood.


Our caterer, Chichen Itza, was the shiz! Cocktail hour appetizers included Brochetas de Pollo en Mole, Cochinita Pibil, and Ceviche de Pescado. Although the hubs and I missed out on cocktail hour, as soon as we pulled up to the reception our coordinator brought us our own personal tray of appetizers to enjoy in the limo. Thank goodness, because by this point the nerves were subdued and we realized that we were starving. It tasted like heaven.


Besides getting their grub on, guests had a chance to find their names and table number on talavera tiles, and sign the guestbook. We've got major love for Mr. Tortolito's little brother who pulled this project together for us a week before the wedding. We were pressed for time, and he took on the task of writing 180+ guest names on each and every one of the tiles.


Our photographers captured a few pictures of the reception set-up before it opened up to our guests. We didn't get to see the final outcome in daylight (thanks, daylight savings time!), but these next set of pictures make my heart happy. The papel picado, the tablecloths made of fabric from LA's Fashion Distric, the talavera vases and table numbers, doilies...all things that we had collected for months & months had finally made their debut. It was perfect. We honestly couldn't believe how well everything had come together.

When Mr. Tortolito and I arrived to the reception, guests were still enjoying the last few minutes of cocktail hour. The sun had set and it was dark outside. Our day-of coordinator met us near the entrance and led us in to get a sneak-peak before guests began seating themselves. The trees were sparkling with white Christmas lights, candles on the tables were glowing, and the fountains were lit up. It was so much more romantic and perfect than we ever imagined it would be. I couldn't believe we had pulled it off! Many, many thanks to our day-of coordinator and caterer who understood our vision and performed the actual set-up labor, of course!



And finally, the cake. Made by my mom. She is the best.


{All fotos by the fabulous Phoebe Joy}