Beverly Hills | Beverly Hills Hotel Weddings

While visiting The Beverly Hills Hotel to look at venue space for future clients, I was approached by a wonderful team of staff people.  I felt so special.  When getting out of my car at the valet, I was approached by a gentlemen who grabbed my hand and helped me out of the car.  Such a sweet guy.  That's when I walked into the hotel entrance way. So beautiful!

Each ballroom is unique with their foyer for cocktail receptions.  The stately Rodeo Ballroom has a private terrace.  The Sunset Ballroom is stunningly hand-painted.  The magnificent Crystal Ballroom is crowned by a spectacular Venetian crystal chandelier and opens onto a lush formal gardens.  The photo below is of the Crystal Ballroom.

Thank you Anne Giapapas for a lovely walk-through and lunch at The Beverly Hills Hotel.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Renée Strauss l Brides of Beverly Hills Premiere on TLC

This Friday, TLC premieres its latest bridal reality show, Brides of Beverly Hills (Oct. 28, 10 p.m. ET). The series follows Renée Strauss, owner of the Beverly Hills boutique Renée Strauss for the Bride.  On the first episode my client, Rebecca Tullao was featured.  Congratulations to Renée and Rebecca for such a wonderful job!

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

An Evening with David Tutera: myfair Wedding with Wetv.com

I had the pleasure to attend David Tutera's premiere of myfair Wedding on Wetv starting Sunday, November 13, 2011.  The event was held at the beautiful historic Park Plaza.  I had so much fun and met lots of industry people as well as brides that were on his previous shows.  David is not only a television celebrity wedding planner, but he truly makes dreams come true. Congratulations David on your success. Thank you for paving the way for me.

Los Angeles Times Wedding l Shantel Vachani + Audel De La Torre

                                     

  Shantel Vachani and Audel De La Torre

                                       Shantel Vachani and Audel De La Torre (Lawrence, Harvard Photography)

Shantel Vachani and Audel De La Torre first met on MySpace in 2006, but when it was time to think about commitment, Vachani wasn’t sure they had enough in common. “Don’t worry,” De La Torre told her, “In 50 years we’ll have everything in common.”

In 2010, De La Torre proposed at the Taj Mahal in India. Then on July 23, the Indian-American bride and Mexican-American groom tied the knot at Pasadena City Hall — twice. First came a Hindu ceremony in honor of Vachani’s roots, where De La Torre made the traditional entrance on horseback. During the second ceremony they were married again — by a Buddhist minister.

The reception was the first one ever held at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Two hundred fifty friends and family attended, as well as Lady Gaga and Johnny Depp — or at least lifelike wax replicas of them. And as guests walked an awards-style red carpet to the rooftop gala, a photographer snapped their photos paparazzi style.

Coordination of both ceremonies and the reception was smoothly achieved by Beverly Harris Weddings & Events. “This couple is so vibrant,” said Harris, “and it was so touching to see the different cultures coming together so beautifully.”

Vachani, 32, is a lawyer for Public Counsel, a nonprofit public interest firm. De La Torre, 32, is an engineer with Southern California Edison.

—Maxine Nunes
Custom Publishing Writer

Celebrity Wedding l Chris Paul & Jada Crawley

Chris and Jada Paul married on September 10, 2011, in Charlotte, NC.  Three hundred guests traveled to Charlotte, NC to share in the festivities of the lovely couple.  R&B star Robin Thicke played the bride's song as she walked down the aisle to be with her lovely husband to be.  Chris and Jada are college sweethearts who were destined to be.  Congratulations to Chris & Jada!

Photos from Essence.com

Recepton Decorations:  David Tutera

Brides Dress: Vera Wang

Groom & Son's Attire: Ralph Lauren

Los Angeles Times Wedding l Rebecca Klass + Gian Tullao

    Rebecca Klass and Gian Tullao

                                      

Rebecca Klass & Gian Tullao (Kacie Jean Photography)

When Philippines-born Gian Tullao was introduced by friends to Rebecca Klass in 2007, he wound up falling in love with her — and her Jewish heritage. Gian took openly to Judaism and eventually converted from Catholicism.

How did his Catholic family feel about this change of religion? Well, when Klass joined Tullao’s family for Easter breakfast, his mother served bagels, lox and cream cheese.

Klass, however, found it harder to adapt to Filipino food and will never forget one Christmas dinner when she couldn’t quite bring herself to eat a special dish called dinuguan — coddled pig’s blood.

Tullao, 28, is currently assistant manager at Toys ‘R’ Us in Porter Ranch. He recently graduated from Casa Loma College and will soon be a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Klass, 26, is a retail merchandising assistant for Guess? Inc. in downtown L.A.

The Studio City couple were married on September 4 at Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills. The ceremony was traditional — but the 200-guest reception was, said Klass, “like a cocktail hour on steroids.”

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events transformed the Agoura Hills backyard of Klass’ grandmother into a Hollywood-style lounge, with white couches and ottomans, a circular cocktail bar, private cabanas, a dance floor and an array of food stations that included a sushi chef and a mac ‘n’ cheese bar.

In one great “Fiddler on the Roof” moment, the bride and groom were lifted in their chairs high above the partying crowd.

—Maxine Nunes
Custom Publishing Writer

Madame Tussauds Wedding Reception l Shantel & Audel - Part III

The reception was the first one ever held at Madame Tussauds Hollywood.  Two hundred fifty friends and family attended, as well as Johnny Depp and Lady Gaga - or at least lifelike wax replicas of them.  And as guests walked an awards-style red carpet to the rooftop gala, a photographer snapped their photos paparazzi style.  Words to describe this reception are: Bling, Celebrities, Papparazzi, Red Carpet and lots of Excitement!

Wedding Coordinator: Beverly Harris Weddings & Events (Much thanks to my hardworking team: Stacy Trujeque, Winnie Phung, Danielle Smith, Christian Beabes and Jackie Hodan)

Reception Venue: Madame Tussauds Hollywood
DJ/MC: LSM Entertainment
Bar Services: Bartime
Photographer: Harvard Photography
Videographer: Buckley Videography
Rentals: Imperial Party Rentals
Wait Staff: Pirates Staffing
Green Screen: Green Screen Digital Entertainment
Caterer: Supatra Thai
Cake: Kien Giang Bakery
Stage Decoration: Sonali's Flowers
Dessert: Que Delica

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Pasadena "White Dress" Wedding Ceremony l Shantel + Audel - Part II

Beautiful photos of Shantel & Audel's "White Dress" ceremony. 

Wedding Coordinator: Beverly Harris Weddings & Events (Much thanks to my hardworking team: Stacy Trujeque, Winnie Phung, Danielle Smith, Christian Beabes and Jackie Hodan)
Get Ready Venue: Westin Hotel Pasadena
Ceremony Venue: Pasadena City Hall
Reverand Gregory Festo
Bride's Attire: Oscar Wedding Group
Groom's Attire: La Casa del Mariachi
Mariachi's: Edgar
Hair & Make-up: Kajal Sakhrani
Rentals (stage, tables and chairs): Sir Michael's Party Rental
DJ/MC: LSM Entertainment
Horse: Ghori for Your Shaadi
Flowers: Peter's Flowers
Photographer: Harvard Photography
Videographer: Buckley Videography

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Pasadena Hindu Wedding l Shantel & Audel - PART I

Shantel's a lawyer and Audel's an engineer.  What a fabulous couple! When I met with Shantel and Audel for the first time, my thoughts were, they are going to take beautiful photos.  My meeting usually lasts an hour; however, when I finally realized the time, three hours had passed.  We connected right away and went right at it.  Shantel had everything laid out and ready to go.  This girl is a planner.  I'd love to hire her to work for me. She knew exactly what she wanted.  I really enjoyed working with Shantel and Audel.  They are such a lovely couple.  I wish them much happiness in the years to come!

There was so much going on at this wedding that I'd like to break it down into three parts. 

Part I:  The Hindu Wedding Ceremony

Part II: The Traditional "White Dress" Ceremony

Part III The Wedding Reception at Madame Tussauds

In one wedding, we went from India Style to Hollywood Style!  You gotta love it!

Wedding Coordinator: Beverly Harris Weddings & Events (Much thanks to my hardworking team: Stacy Trujeque, Winnie Phung, Danielle Smith, Christian Beabes and Jackie Hodan)
Get Ready Venue: Westin Hotel Pasadena
Ceremony Venue: Pasadena City Hall
Hindu Priest: Pandita Ji
Bride's Attire: Friendship in Santa Cruz, Mumbai, India
Groom's Attire: Mumbai, India at Inorbitz Mall Suit Shop
Henna: Mayuri Bridal in Cerritos
Hair & Make-up: Kajal Sakhrani
Mandap: Sonali's Flowers
Rentals (stage, tables and chairs): Sir Michael's Party Rental 
DJ/MC:  LSM Entertainment
Horse: Ghori for Your Shaadi
Blue Rose Petals: Peter's Flowers
Photographer: Harvard Photography
Videographer: Buckley Videography
Samosas & Chutney: Haveli Indian Cuisine

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698