Check out Gloria Mesa Photography interviewing Holly Gray of Anything But Gray Events at Ruby Street in Highland Park.

Click here for the full interview. 

Thank you to Sergio Colchado of Sergio Anthony Films for capturing this fun and informative gab session while filling viewers in on all the beautiful spaces that make up Ruby Street!

I am a huge fan of collaboration and teamwork. It’s all about The Rising Tide Society mentality; Community over Competition!  So when Gloria Mesa asked me if she could interview me as part of an on going series she has created about wedding industry professionals in Los Angeles, I jumped at the chance! Not only is Gloria a huge inspiration to me and talented #ladyboss herself, but she is the kind and warm presence that any bride or groom would want around them to capture their wedding day! She is easy to talk you and even though she loves to wear black and I am constantly in color, we get along like two peas in a pod! She is the ebony to my….technicolor? HA!

As a native Spanish speaker, Gloria initially was doing these interviews all in Spanish with other Spanish speaking wedding pros. Thank goodness she made an exception for this gringa because even after 9 years of Spanish in school, I am waaaay rusty!

Details & Personalization:

There are so many venues in Los Angeles that are hidden gems but Ruby Street is one of my very favorites. Here are some snapshots of past events I have planned at Ruby Street along with some of the reasons why I think it’s the bees knees!

Owners and designers, Zach Leigh and Lourdes Hernández, have painstakingly transformed this 8,300 square foot historic church into the colorful indoor-outdoor event space it is today. Every technicolor couch, throw pillow and piece of wall art has been thoughtfully placed to create a hipster meets mid-century modern style that is inviting and warm. Literally they have thought of everything right now to the marquee sign in the front of the building that can be personalized with a couple’s names, hashtag or slogan for a wedding. As you can see my couple Chelsea and Dan really loved it.

Ruby Street Historical Charm:

I know everyone thinks LA is all about the new and shiny but I love that Ruby Street has history. Originally built in 1895, this historic, now venue, has been a Suffragette house, Civil rights meeting place and Progressive church. This beautiful plot of land in a historically protected artists’ neighborhood of LA has always seemed to bring all kinds of people together. Your can feel it’s liberal heart and rooted progressive soul from the moment you step inside. Ruby Street has good vibes for days! Chelsea and Dan felt the positivity as they made their “high five line” grand entrance to their food truck dinner reception.

Color Magic:

Many venues settle on grays, beiges and more muted tones to appease the masses. Ruby Street goes balls to the wall with color. Mama likey! Bright teal velvet couches, mustard arm chairs, hanging wall art and greenery installations are just the tip of this colorful iceberg. Ruby Street takes colors, shape and texture to a whole new level. The best part about this venue from a design standpoint is you don’t have to do anything to dress it up! It’s perfect the way it is.

Indoor/Outdoor Goodness:

There aren’t too many wedding venues in Los Angeles that have an equal ratio of indoor to outdoor space. Just like a Ruby, it’s rare to find. The large outdoor space can be used as a ceremony AND/OR reception spot. Draped in twinkle lights it’s perfect for added evening ambiance. The Booth and Bus Co. photobus fits right in at Ruby Street.  Don’t you wish your backyard looked this good?

Special Features:

Tables, chairs, furniture and original stained glass windows are all included in the rental price. I loved designing this colorful tablescape to compliment the colors in the stained glass window.

 

Florals: Of the Flowers, Linens: Luxe Linen, Papergoods: Go Go Snap, Dish rental: Dish Wish , Planning & Design: Anything But Gray Events

If you are engaged, please consider renting Ruby Street for your wedding and of course, Anything But Gray Events to plan a kick-ass wedding celebration! Check out their website for more details on renting the space for a wedding or event.