Mindy and Brian's mid-February nuptials merged the formal surroundings of their venue with DIY elements and a family-style menu inspired by their favorite Mexican foods.

For the venue, Mindy and Brian chose Vibiana, in Los Angeles, at the recommendation of a friend who had recently married there. The former cathedral boasts historic Baroque-style interiors, soaring ceilings, and enough space to host both ceremony and reception.

The location was a natural fit, since the couple frequents Brian's alma mater -- the University of Southern California -- for football games and spends a lot of time in the downtown area of the city.

Taking inspiration from their stunning venue, Mindy and Brian worked within a color palette of black and white and kept the style of their wedding in line with the elegance of the building.

Mindy and Brian ordered their invitations from Paper Source but added a few DIY touches to personalize the suite even further. They made envelope liners, used vintage postage, and incorporated calligraphy by Katrina Centeno.

Sweet Monday Photography captured the entire day's festivities and special moments, including this portrait of the bride before the ceremony.

Megan Fickling of La Partie Events created all of the floral and design elements of the day, including this bouquet of light-pink peonies, white garden roses, and decorative kale. Mindy wrapped a hanky, embroidered with her wedding date in blue, around her bouquet. And hidden under the ribbon wrapped around the handle of her bouquet were ribbons from the bouquets she had caught at previous weddings.

Mindy's lace gown by Abigail Bridal Couture came from Mon Amie Bridal Salon. She swapped out her ivory sash for a black sash during the reception, creating two different looks. The brooch at her waist was her great grandmother's; Mindy's sister Dana had also worn it on her wedding day.

Prior to the ceremony Mindy gave Brian a 1969 Omega Speedmaster watch, a nod to his career in the aerospace industry (it was the watch worn in space during the walks on the moon).

Brian and his groomsmen wore hand-carved wooden-chip flower boutonnieres on their lapels.

Brian sported a Calvin Klein suit and classic bow tie. Mindy accessorized her look with a veil from Mon Amie Bridal Salon, Nadri earrings, and a diamond necklace from Brian.

The bridesmaids wore J.Crew dresses and earrings. Each girl carried a different bouquet.

A string quartet played during the ceremony.

Mindy's father, Andrew, escorted her down the aisle. The couple's friend Brian Sendrowitz and his sister Lauren sang their own version of The Beatles's "I Will" as the pair walked to the front of the room.

Bundles of baby's breath dotted the aisle and partnered well with the larger arrangements at the altar. Mindy's mom, Carolyn, made pouches to hang on each seat at the ceremony; inside, a calligraphed program and tissues with a note attached read "Tears of Love, Tears of Laughter, Tears of Happily Ever After."

Performed by Brian's godfather, Greg, the 4 p.m. ceremony was witnessed by 230 guests. Inspired by Brian's aerospace background, Greg created a 10-second countdown. "All the guests joined in...5-4-3-2-1-KISS!" said Mindy.

A fellow USC alumnus and groomsman arranged for the Trojan Marching Band to play at the ceremony -- a surprise that caught the happy groom off guard.

Glowing candles, amber lighting, and long tables transformed the main room from ceremony space to reception space for the seated dinner.

Guests found their seats with the help of beautifully calligraphed escort cards.

Low centerpieces of garden roses, decorative kale, amaryllis, and hydrangea in frosted white vessels were arranged on black and white runners sewn by Megan. The Food Matters created the family-style menu, which included many of the couple's favorite Mexican eats.

The USC Marching Band stayed to kick off the reception with Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk" as the couple was announced.

The newlyweds danced to Bob Dylan's "Man in Me."

Mindy's grandparents' wedding cake topper embellished a small cake by Susie Cakes

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Mindy and Brian revealed their favorite desserts to their caterer, who used them as inspiration for the final course of the evening. The Food Matters created miniature versions of four sweet treats: dulce de leche bundino with sea salt and homemade caramel; coconut panna cotta with caramelized pineapple; petite apple tart tatin; and double-thick New York cheesecake squares with berry compote.

Though the wedding took place the evening before Valentine's Day, the dancing continued past midnight. Guests were treated to festive boxes of sweetheart candy as a reminder of the holiday.

Photography: Sweet Monday Photography
Coordinator: Megan Fickling of La Partie Events
Groomsmen's Tuxedo Rentals: Men's Warehouse
Hair: Jana Bliston of Bob Roy Salon, 310-545-2500
Makeup: Allyson Martin of Pave Nouveau Salon