If you are planning a very small wedding, consider Beverly Hills Municipal Courthouse at 9355 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. At this time, they are available on Thursdays only. I had the pleasure of attending a close friend’s wedding and it was adorable. First of all there is the excitement of all the couples, families, and friends waiting for the big moment.  Bring flowers and bring a camera preferably one with a video feature.

The wedding ahead of us was a bride, her parents and sister, and the groom, his parents and brother. I was wondering how this would work out . Later I realized how easy it was to have a group this size.

You are called by the magistrate. That day it was a fabulous woman named Bronwyn.

What a great surprise. They have outfitted this room with white drapes, eight chairs covered with white fabric and an artifical flower covered arch above the podium. There is ample standing room for extra guests. It had the feeling of an intimate alcove.The ceremony itself is simple however Bronwyn embues it with a warmth and sincerity that you don’t expect from a public official who does this all day long.

Afterwards we went to Maggiano’s in the Grove. All the courses are served family style. And the food is delicious. This chain has quantity but it never sacrifices quality. No matter what nationality you are doesn’t everyone love an Italian wedding. They comped us a cheesecake dessert with congratulations spelled out in chocolate. Then we spied another group from the courthouse proving that this is the place to celebrate. 

If you just want immediate family or your best friends or just want a marriage founded in simplicity - go to the Beverly Hills Courthouse or call (310) 288-1261.

Los Angeles’ Downtown is back!

You can museum hop to the Japanese American National Museum at 369 East First Street, Los Angeles, California 90012 (213) 625.0414. They are free on Thursday evenings from five to eight PM. Afterwards enjoy one of the many great casual places in the Little Tokyo Historic District. Not only is the food great, there are fun shops for gift buying and home furnishings.

On another Thursday you might like to try MOCA. Not only are they free that evening, during the summer they encourage visitors on Thursdays with festivities and music. Meet other art lovers and enjoy the exhibits.

No one can go downtown without going to Phillipes. This is a Los Angeles institution that serves fantastic beef, lamb, pork, and ham double dip sandwiches for less then $6. Do not be afraid of the line, the servers are so adept that you will be paying and digging in before you know it. And they have free parking across the street.

While there you can tour the renovated railroad station, feel transported back to the days when train travel was the way to go. Particularly while traveling through out California, this is a great option. Think about it - no security, no endless lines, no limit on shampoo, read a book, listen to music while the beautiful scenery goes by.

You may start out in Downtown and end up in Monterrey.

Pasadena, so near and yet so far in atmosphere. It’s a small town with a lot of culture. Start with Vroman’s Bookstore. Check out their events page http://www.vromansbookstore.com/event and listen to a reading, then roam this spacious old fashioned bookstore. On the second floor they have a bargain section - beautiful art books discounted to a quarter of their price along with children’s books, CDs, and odd things that fit that strange person working in the space next to you. They even have a wonderful coffee shop for that much needed caffeine break.

The  Pasadena Museum of California Art, 490 East Union Street, Pasadena, CA 91101 is  $7 for Adults, $5 for Seniors and Students and free the first Friday of the month. However they have a special offer with the Pacific Asia Museum on Colorado and Los Robles: Attend both museums in the same day and receive 50% off admission at the second museum when you present proof of entrance. Two lovely niche museums for the price of a movie.

Take a walk down Colorado and enjoy the architecture of Old Towne Pasadena, stopping at the Pasadena City Hall Location 100 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena, CA  91109. You will also pass the Paseo Shopping Center at 280 East Colorado.  They have a huge DSW and a Loehmanns. If you keep going down Colorado you will reach an H & M, they are a fantastic place to pick up that trendy item at a low price.

Now it is definately time to eat.  Some great choices are the Roma Italian Deli and Grocer, 918 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104, (626) 797-7748. Just go to the counter and buy some fantastic cold cuts and freshly baked bread. The Corner Bakery is another great spot at 345 S Lake Ave.Pasadena, CA 91101 , (626) 578-1281. They are part of the Lettuce Entertain You chain and that means great quality, huge portions, and a lot of choice. Step up to the counter and leave satisfied.

Drive around and see the old Huntington Hotel, classic craftsman homes, and the Rose Bowl.  People fly across country to enjoy this pocket of Los Angeles. For the rest of us it’s only a short drive.