Weddings: Ann Cimmarusti & Jeffrey Amaral
Ann Lauren Cimmarusti, daughter of Larry and Amalia Cimmarusti of La Cañada, and Jeffrey Alan Amaral, son of Emily Amaral of Manhattan Beach, were married in the spectacular setting of Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels in Los Angeles. The ceremony, witnessed by 500 guests, was officiated by Monsignor Kevin Kostelnick and the cathedral choir sang during the entire mass. Ann wore a pearl and stone-beaded gown and her veil was Italian lace with the same beading as the gown.
The maid of honor was the bride’s sister, Paula Ann Cimmarusti. Bridesmaids were Michelle Cimmarusti, Loretta Cimmarusti, Lauren Nelson, Jessica Stopak, Candace Mance, Michelle Mance and Michelle Brazil. Flower girls were Natalie Turiace and Isabella Anguili.
Jeff’s brother, Todd Amaral, served as the best man and his groomsmen were Patrick Cimmarusti, Dave Gaspers, Aaron Grasse, Mike Resnick, Tim Ulibarri, Adam Leroy and Ravel Brown. Ushers were Ralph Cimmarusti, Larry Cimmarusti, Alex Stopak, Grant Nelson, James Mance and Michael Mance and ring bearers were James Mance and Paul Mance.
Following the ceremony the couple were driven to the reception at Dodger Stadium in a 2009 Phantom Rolls Royce. The reception was held on the field at the famed stadium, where guests arrived to valet parking behind the center field fence and were greeted with a signature drink created by Annie and Jeff, Asti Spumante grape juice and blueberries. As the guests entered the stadium on a red carpet festooned with fresh white rose petals, the stadium’s speakers played classics by Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Guests also enjoyed seeing their name on the large vision board over the right field pavilion, while the signage that rings the stadium above the field level seats read “Congratulations Annie and Jeff Amaral.”
Cocktails were served as the bridal party took pictures in the Dodger dugout, and the guests were treated to baby loin lamb chops, crab claws, shrimp and crab cakes, miniature Whoppers, french fries and mac and cheese cups.
After cocktails guests were seated on the outfield grass, where the bride had her tables set on white carpet with each table draped in satin plum with orchids as centerpieces. Each table was identified by a ballplayer’s name and guests received a crystal ice bucket and Champagne to take home.
Surrounding the orchestra stand were silver shelves that were lined with baseballs which later in the evening were autographed by Jeff and Annie, along with legendary Dodger manager, baseball Hall of Famer and longtime family friend Tommy Lasorda.
The bride and groom were announced for their first dance and entered the dance floor to their favorite song while the outfield was lit up by an all-white fireworks display.
Just prior to dinner being served, Roger Owens, the famous “peanut man,” arrived and tossed peanuts to the guests in his inimitable fashion, complete with behind-the-back and between-his-leg-throws. The bride also arranged for cotton candy and licorice in different colors to be passed out to the guests.
Dinner started with a beautiful salad topped by tossed berries and walnuts. The main entree was yet another special surprise, none other than Dodger Dogs with all the condiments served on beautiful white china. After dinner, cake was served along with Italian cream puffs and miniature cannolis.
Following dinner, the orchestra broke into Michael Jackson’s hit song, “Billie Jean” as each guest received props to dance — black hats trimmed with white satin and a white glove — taking the magical evening to another height.
At the end of the evening the couple received orchid leis for their Hawaiian honeymoon.
The next morning the bride’s parents hosted a brunch at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena for out-of-town guests and family. The couple then left for their honeymoon in Kauai and Maui; they will make their home in El Segundo.