South Bay Wedding: Meant to Be

Oxana and Erick Linares.

With a proposal in mind, Erick traveled across the Atlantic Ocean with Oxana’s engagement ring in tow, popping the question the day before her 30th birthday in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. A Torrance native, Erick hoped the two might exchange vows at the historic Wayfarers Chapel in nearby Rancho Palos Verdes. Oxana’s mother had shared the venue with the couple, and when they discovered a Sunday in March was still available, they eagerly booked the spot.

Two weeks before the wedding, the couple received the unfortunate news that the chapel would be closing immediately due to damage sustained from the shifting foundation. “We were in disbelief but quickly had to jump into action,” remembers Oxana. Erick credits the women of the family for really coming together as a strong team to save the ceremony in such a short amount of time. Fortunately, Terranea Resort stepped in with a solution, offering them the Catalina Point outdoor space for the ceremony.

“After letting go of our original plans, we had to put our faith in others around us and let go of the control we had leading up to the day,” shares Oxana. “Walking into Terranea and seeing the beauty of the grounds with no prior expectations was blissful. The weather leading up to March 3 was tumultuous, but it seemed as if the rainy clouds had parted just for us.”

Terranea’s Nichelle Travis helped the couple navigate the last-minute switch and, alongside the resort’s event team, made the day a breeze. Following the ceremony, guests moved on to the reception at The Reef on the Water in Long Beach.

“While searching for reception venues, the Reef stood out as the most unique and beautiful option we visited,” says Oxana. “It was a restaurant that closed during Covid and transitioned into a private events hall. The menu options were delicious, and the environment was warm and inviting—offering many different settings such as waterfront view and a grand indoor fireplace.”

Oxana and Erick cut into a gorgeous three-tiered cake by Torrance Bakery decorated with flowers by Melanie Ruth of Ginger Snap Florals. Erick’s mother, Dayna, handwrote name cards for each guest in beautiful calligraphy—a special touch that brought to light her hidden talent.

“We’ll remember the special feeling of seeing our close friends and family from different walks of life and different parts of the world all under one roof,” says the bride. “Having everyone we know and love there to celebrate with us was our favorite part of the wedding.”