Outdoor Elegance Meets Art In Long Beach, CA
How to Plan a Summer Wedding or Celebration at Viva at MOLAA
Summer in Long Beach is made for celebrations—sun-kissed, breezy, and bold, just like the art experience at Viva at MOLAA.
This unique venue blends modern architecture, open-air elegance, and Latin American aesthetic to elevate your wedding or celebration into a creative masterpiece.
Here’s how to plan an unforgettable event that feels both artful and effortlessly stylish.
Embrace the Vibes of Viva at MOLAA
From the moment guests walk through our courtyard, they’re immersed in the energy of Latin American design—bright tiles, sculptural light fixtures, and open spaces framed by artwork. We intentionally preserve that atmosphere by using art as your natural décor.
Minimalist floral touches pop against textured walls, and intimate lounge areas double as photo-worthy backdrops.
At Viva, you don’t decorate a space—you complete it.
Pick the Perfect Time to Maximize the Outdoors
Summer days can be warm, but our shaded patios, low glass structures, and lush tree cover offer relief, with gorgeous afternoon light that transitions into soft evening glow.
Consider scheduling your ceremony in late afternoon, when temperatures dip and golden hour enhances both photos and ambiance. A cocktail hour under glass awnings keeps guests comfortable while offering gallery-style views.
As the sun sets, mood lighting, candles, and subtle uplighting reveal the art’s soul and warm the scene, turning your event into a multisensory gallery moment.
Blend Ceremony, Art & Celebration Seamlessly
Your event schedule at Viva is more than a sequence—it’s an experience.
Here’s one way to structure it:
Welcome Moment: Greet guests with a chilled welcome drink at the courtyard entrance—maybe a signature cocktail inspired by your personal story.
Art-Inspired Ceremony: Exchange vows under a painted mural or contemporary installation, letting the art quietly speak with you.
Strolling Reception: Serve hors d’oeuvres and champagne as guests wander structured gallery walkways or outdoor zones—immersed in color and texture.
Main Dinner Under the Sky: Long farm tables with citrus centerpieces and artisanal linens offer communal elegance beneath open skies.
Evening Festivities: Trigger celebration mode with dance, DJ, mariachi, or live band under soft lighting and artful arches.
By using the venue’s existing storyboard, you infuse artistry into every moment—no need for conventional centerpieces or balloon arches.
Enhance with Local Artisanal Flare
The heart of Viva at MOLAA beats with Latin American culture, so incorporating local creatives enriches the experience.
We recommend:
Culinary storytelling: Work with a Long Beach Latin-inspired caterer to feature fresh ceviches, empanadas, grilled local veggies, and craft cocktails with citrus and hibiscus.
Artisan bars: Invite a local mixologist to customize drinks served from ceramic or handcrafted pottery, matching ceremony themes with a creative twist.
Cultural layers: Add music with classical guitar during the ceremony, followed by upbeat Latin dance sets or a mariachi quartet at dinner.
These authentic touches deepen your event’s resonance.
Practical Planning for Ease and Elegance
To ensure your celebration flows, we help coordinate key details proactively:
Climatic comfort: We collaborate with event rentals to provide light fans, shaded lounge zones, and suitable flooring for heels.
Sound integration: Professional AV setup minimizes interference and enhances performances with clarity, inside and out.
Art protection: We set clear boundaries for food and cocktails, ensuring art installations remain pristine and guests focus on artistry, not caution.
Set flow: Our staff choreograph guest paths—ensuring crowd movement, art visibility, and seamless service.
Our experience with weddings and gallery experiences ensures your event is both elegant and effortless.
Making It Yours: Design & Décor Tips
To personalize Viva’s canvas:
Minimalist ceremony seating: Linear wooden chairs paired with pastel cushions echo gallery simplicity and leave sight lines open.
Accent areas: Citrus fruit bowls, succulents in native clay pots, and low glass-filled lanterns nod to art-forward details.
Directional art: Use small display signs to highlight featured sculptures or paintings during your event—creating a gallery walkthrough feel.
Post-event legacy: Guests can leave message cards in a small gallery bin, or plant succulents on site—honoring the moment through living art.
These refined touches anchor your event within the venue’s core.
Final Thoughts: Artful Events, Authentically Yours
Viva at MOLAA is more than a venue—it’s a blank canvas shaped by art, sun, and culture. When you align your celebration with our architecture, you get a wedding or event that’s memorable, meaningful, and uniquely Californian. No need for overdone décor—just your vision framed with artful insight.
Ready to begin? Contact us today to book a tour or start designing with our team.
Need sample event templates, gallery maps, or design moodboards? We’d love to help you craft an artful celebration that reflects who you are—on a summer night at Viva.
