Los Angeles City Hall: A staff affair on the south lawn

It's not every day you see an upright piano on the south lawn of Los Angeles City Hall. But that was the backdrop as Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti officiated at one of the first state-sanctioned lesbian weddings in the city.

With Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa traveling in Israel, Garcetti is the acting mayor. And since he recently was deputized to officiate at weddings, Garcetti presided at the wedding of Shane Goldsmith and Monica Granados, who met and fell in love while working in his City Hall office.

"In front of friends and family, they proclaim their love to the world," said Garcetti, standing next to a podium and a vase full of white roses.

It was an all-office event for Garcetti's staff. Economic development advisor Sarah Dusseault sang "When I Fall in Love." Spokeswoman Julie Wong accompanied her on piano. 

Granados and Goldsmith, both residents of West Los Angeles, kissed after the councilman read the vows.

"It's an amazing feeling," said Granados.

-- David Zahniser

Photo: Eric Garcetti plays the piano at the wedding ceremony of Shane Goldsmith and Monica Granados.

Credit: David Zahniser / Los Angeles Times