Taglyan Cultural Complex 1201 Vine Street • Los Angeles • California 90038

Opening to great fanfare in 2008, the Taglyan Arts and Cultural Complex offers a dazzling combination of Old World opulence and cutting-edge audiovisual technology. Located mere blocks from the world-famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine, this venue may be new to the event scene, but with its stately limestone façade it looks like it's been part of the neighborhood for years.

As soon as you enter the massive iron gates on a quiet side street, you feel like you've been transported to a European villa. Italian cypress, magnolia and olive trees, along with vintage-look streetlamps, dot the property. Immediately on your right is the formal brick courtyard, anchored by the kind of huge two-tiered fountain you might find in an Italian piazza, complete with figural fish and turtles spouting water. A formal garden containing white roses encircles the fountain, creating a very romantic spot for wedding ceremonies. As an added enhancement, the historic French Normandy-style building across the street acts as a charming backdrop. Taglyan's upper patio, which could serve as an alternate ceremony site or for cocktails, overlooks the courtyard and has its own cherub fountain with two small gardens and marble pillars.

Inside the building itself, it's obvious that no expense has been spared in workmanship or materials. The dramatic Grand Foyer is a feast for the eyes, highlighted by an Italian marble floor inlaid with various patterns—the first one symbolizing eternity, which seems rather fitting for couples who've just exchanged vows. This palatial-sized space has natural light streaming in through tall windows draped in rich green velvet, as well as filtering in through stained-glass inserts in the high, coffered ceiling. Along one wall you can set up couches in front of faux fireplaces, creating a cozy area for small-group mingling. Another option for intimate conversation is the outdoor flagstone patio, which makes a perfect bar and lounge setting.

But the pièce de résistance is the Main Ballroom—truly a "grand" ballroom. Set off by green marble pillars and elaborate, cascading crystal chandeliers, its 7,050-square-foot, circular stained-glass ceiling is flat-out, jaw-droppingly beautiful. And as if its artistry alone wasn't mesmerizing enough, it can even be programmed to shift colors with an elaborate lighting system. In fact, the entire facility incorporates state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, including scrims and projectors with screens that descend around the room so you can screen personal movies, then take it up a notch by bathing the stage and dance floor in sound and light.

Taglyan Complex has devoted just as much attention to every detail behind the scenes as well, from its two top-of-the-line kitchens to the ample underground parking and luxurious bridal room (and large groom's room). Their exclusive in-house caterer, Divine Food & Catering, will customize your menu whether you desire a multicultural meal, Continental fare, or something in between. When you're here, all you have to do is relax, revel in your surroundings and get ready for a very memorable event.