Industry Event l Unveiled Bridal Show - Beverly Hills

Brides, you don't want to miss the Unveiled Bridal Show!  So pack up your girlfriends and head to Beverly Hills for a day of fun, fashion and excitement.  See your there!

Unveiled is an outdoor bridal event unlike any other that brings together the best event professionals, resources and designs for couples to enjoy as they plan for their big day. Unveiled will be held in the exquisite Beverly Canon Gardens in Beverly Hills on Sunday April 1, 2012 from 11 am – 3:30 pm.

This jewel-like park provides the perfect backdrop for the city's freshest bridal event. Vera Wang’s 2012 runway collection will be debuted exclusively at Unveiled and Darcy Miller, Editorial Director, Martha Stewart Weddings, will deliver the "State of the Union" address. Guests will mingle with wedding experts and trendsetters, sample treats from caterers while enjoying champagne and cake from many of LA's finest bakers.

BEVERLY'S WEEKLY PICK | PINK CHANEL FLAP CLASSIC

I must say Chanel is really good at trying to get me to break the I-won't-buy-another-bag promise. I practically drooled on the bag the other day when I saw it at the Chanel boutique in Beverly Hills. This classic flap is the cutest soft pink with a little bit of sheen. Like other Chanel classic bags, this is a keeper which you will not regret buying. Well, for around $3000, this better be for the long haul....

http://heartlockedx.tumblr.com

Well in case I can't afford the real thing, I can at least have a cake made in it's image! :)

Which do you prefer, the handbag or the cake?

BRIDES, STOP! IT'S PAMPER TIME!

Hello my beautiful Brides!  If you're reading this Blog post, I'm hoping you're ready for some pampering.  With your wedding day approaching, I'm sure you want to look drop dead gorgeous!  So stop and take a little time to escape and refresh!   I'm sure with all the wedding planning and family functions, you deserve a little alone time.  Here are some luxurous pampering suggestions. 

From left to right:

1. Baccaraat Eye Votive found at Neiman Marcus A long-standing tradition of excellence in an exquisitely crafted crystal and glassware. 

2. SLS Hotel Ciel Spa Beverly Hills provides treatments that reflect the luxury of  highly personalized service.

3. Frette Checkerboard Bath Towels The feel of plush cotton terry that you can find in five-star hotels.

4. Valentino Eau de Parfum found at Nordstroms Some exuberant freshness of calabrian bergamot enhanced with the unexpected twist of white Alba Truffle.

5. Bottega Veneta Body Cream Smooth the hydrating cream over your skin and experience the intrigue of a sensual and feminine chypre.



Brides, what are your pamper plans?

LET YOUR CREATIVE JUICES FLOW | WEDDING PLANNING DESIGN

Photo by Michael Kay of Kitchen12000

What happens when you are in the process of designing a blank canvas for your and you find the room has objects that interfere with your vision.  Do you panic and begin stressing out or do you let your creative juices flow. Take the obstacle and use it as a focal point.  For example, when designing the layout for an estate wedding last year, that is exactly what we did. There were a couple of trees in the middle of the backyard and this would have been an obstacle, but instead we used it to our advantage.  What a great spot to put tables, and use that very tree that would have been an obstacle, as a beautiful centerpiece.  Not only did it save the client money, but it became the talk of the evening.  It was gorgeous, elegant, classy and fun!  It was one of the "WOW" factors of the evening!

Have you ran into obstacles while planning your wedding?  If so, how did you overcome the obstacle?

BEVERLY'S WEEKLY PICK | LINGERIE AND PEARL NECKLACE

ENGAGEMENT WEDDING RINGS

Beautiful engagement rings that speak to the Bride and Groom about who they are. Very special rings for very special times. Below are the engagement ring descriptions starting from left to right.

Fleur Engagement Ring: Round Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. Gumuchian platinum diamond three-prong halo semi-mount engagement ring. Total carat weight: 1.07 CT

Tiffany & Co. platinum engagement ring with 10.03-carat emerald cut center diamond. Round brilliant-cut diamonds adorn band.  Total carat weight: .89 CT

Nehita diamond centered ring in 18-karat white gold.  Center diamond stone is framed by two concentric circles of matching stones and features additional stones on the band. Total carat weight: 1.10 CT

Which ring speaks to you?

One Way To "WOW" Your Client

Ever want to "WOW" your client? Ever want your client to feel like they are the best thing since Banana Cream Pie?  By the way, Banana Cream Pie is my favorite dessert. :)  A couple of years ago, I added “Assistance with Guest Hotel Accommodations” to my wedding package.  This is an excellent service to offer to your client.  It is one less thing they have to stress about.  I collaborated with Farrah Tuavaa of Helmsbriscoe, an expert in the hospitality industry.  Did I mention that she is also an expert in negotiating room rates, yeah she is!   I have the best clients, and I refer the best vendors. 

Now you are probably wondering how much does this service cost. Are you ready for this?  ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!  This is every wedding planner’s dream.  I am fortunate to have met Farrah and to be able to offer her service as part of my wedding package.  How much better can you get in the eyes of your client, you relieve them from the hassle of calling around to several hotels for their guest at no additional cost. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that you have placed your client in the hands of someone who knows their stuff and has their best interest at heart.  It is a WIN, WIN situation for everyone.

To learn more about Farrah and Helmsbriscoe go to http://www.helmsbriscoe.com/associates/FTauvaa

Wedding planners, is this a service that you would like to add to your wedding package?   Bride and Groom, is this a service that you would like to see offered by your wedding planner?  If so, Farrah Tauvaa is your vendor.

Please comment below about this service.

An Example Of A Timeless Wedding...I Think!

Hello there! Thank you for stopping by my Blog today. I'm a big believer that everything in your wedding should be Timeless ~ the photos, wedding gown, decor and so forth.  You should be able to look back 10 years from now and everything still look classic.   When I think of a Timeless wedding, I tend to think of the wedding of Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, 24 and John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 36. Both helped influence and redefine fashion and classic American elegance for decades.

They were married on the morning of September 12, 1953, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Newport, Rhode Island. The church was decorated with pink gladioli and white chrysanthemums. Jackie walked down the aisle with her stepfather, Hugh D. Auchbishop Richard Cushing of Boston.  With more than eight hundred guests followed by a reception held on a 300 acre oceanfront estate, Hammersmith Farm, attended by more than twelve hundred guests.

Jacqueline wore a gorgeous ivory tissue silk dress, with a portrait neckline, fitted bodice, and a bouffant skirt embellished with bands of more than fifty yards of flounces. Her rose point lace veil, worn first by her grandmother Lee, was draped from a tiara of lace and orange blossoms. Jacqueline wore a choker of pearls and a diamond bracelet that was a gift from the John. Her bouquet was of pink and white spray orchids and gardenias. Timeless! Elegant! Classic!

When you think of a Timless wedding, who's wedding do you think of?

Photo Credits: Toni Frissell &; Lisa Larsen / Time & Life Pictures / Getty Images

Beverly's Favorite Weekly Pick | Christian Louboutin Cleo Gold Clutch

I found this elegant, sleek number on http://shoptstyle.com.  This Christian Louboutin Cleo gold clutch would eccentuate any outfit.

A Soolip Wedding | Bel-Air Bay Club

Hello! Thanks for stopping by my Blog today. Lately I’ve attended quite a few Bridal Shows and still have more to attend.  Last Sunday I attended A Soolip Wedding 2012.  A Soolip Wedding began in 1999 and this was the first that I attended.  Not only was I excited about the show, but I was also excited about meeting Wanda Wen.  I attended an event a few years ago hosted by Ladies Who Launch where Wanda was a guest speaker along with a couple of other business owners from Sprinkles and Spanx.  I didn’t get the opportunity to meet Wanda at that event so I was not going to pass up the opportunity this time. Yep!  I met her and she was as pleasant as I thought she would be.  All smiles! 

This year A Soolip Wedding was held at Bel-Air Bay Club. As I entered the room, everything was nicely displayed. The flow of room was smooth, no traffic jams. (LOL!) The ladies at the registration table handed me a nice booklet with a map showing the locations of all the vendors.  As a vendor attending the show it was perfect because I was there to see only a few vendors who showcased.  If you’re anything like me, before you arrive you already know who you want to see.  Now, I didn’t have to waste time looking for those vendors.

A Soolip Wedding 2012 was a curate collection of designers, artisans, experts and individuals who all endeavor to share their creative passions with each Bride as they navigate through the planning of their wedding day, one of the most poignant events of their life.  I love Wanda’s idea of a perfect wedding.

 “A perfect wedding is one in which the unexpected events and surprises turn into the most glorious and memorable moments.  It is one in which the smallest of details are tended to, and where each and every guest feels special, considered and honored.  It is one in which the wedding and all of its elements reflect you and your partner, and not anybody else.  And finally, a perfect wedding is one in which the process of getting married is as fun as the wedding day itself, and that the meaning behind getting married is not lost in the process.” 

Oh, let’s not forget about the delicious appetizers, cakes and champagne tasting.  I saw old friends and met new ones, and I left with a fabulous gift bag.  What a wonderful day!

A special thank you to Jen O’Sullivan who always provide wonderful photos.

Below are just some of the great vendors at the show.

Wanda Wen

Black, Starr and Frost 

Cake Divas

Candee by Sandee

Candee by Sandee 

Copper Willow Paper Studio 

Eddie Zaratsian | Custom Florals and Lifestyle

Farabela's Touch FloralDesigns

Jen O'Sullivan Photography 

Krista Jon | Archive Vintage Rentals 

naked princess 

naked princess 

Napa Valley Linens 

Shutters On The Beach

Soolip

Taste of Pace

The Butter End Bakery

The London

Viceroy Hotel and Resorts

Wisteria Lane Flower Shop

Wanda Wen

Lookbooks | Fade to Grey Mens Suits

Groomsmen lookout! This one is for the guys, who are often left out on wedding blogs. Lookbooks has lots of ideas and inspiration for groomsmen attire. I currently have two clients where the men will be decked out in grey suits.  I'm finding that tuxedos are becoming a thing of the past.  So because of my two clients, I'm dedicating this Blog post to them.  Can't wait to see you handsome men!

Look 1

• Fordham 3-piece suit in pale grey from Reiss
• Bottega Veneta grey silk tie with polka dot print from Matches

Look 2

• Black and grey dogstooth Black label suit, slim cut with two button fastening from Charles Tyrwhitt
• Turnbull and Asser hexagon pattern silk tie in shades of grey and black from Mr Porter

Look 3

• Richard James two-button sharkskin wool suit from Mr Porter
• Grey herringbone bow-tie from Charles Tyrwhitt

Justin Timberlake & Jessica Biel Are Engaged!

Friends are coming forward to tell the happy news! One of their close friends confirmed that Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are engaged!  It happened in Big Sky Country on their annual visit to Montana. Jessica was surprised with a "custom-built" ring and the two enjoyed the holidays and their special time as the newly engaged couple!

Congratulations Justin and Jessica.

Photo provided by WENN

6 Tips On Bridal Gown Shopping

A couple of my brides went bridal gown shopping and it was the most exciting day for them.  Can you imagine shopping for the dress of your dreams so you can marry the man of your dreams. The thought of your groom seeing you in that bridal gown for the first time while walking down the aisle has to be so exciting. 

Choosing a bridal gown is a unique experience, one you might want to share with a close friend or your mother.  Usually, they can provide valuable input, and honesty.  Before you begin shopping imagine yourself walking down the aisle. Will you have a formal church wedding, an intimate garden ceremony, or an informal ceremony on the beach.  You should choose a dress that fits the formality of your ceremony.  Below are six gown-shopping tips on what to wear and bring when shopping for your bridal gown.

• A strapless bra ~ to give you the versatility to try on all gown styles.
• Sheer control-top panty-hose or regular sheer panty-hose.
• Shoes the same heel height you'll wear on your BIG day.
• The hairstyle you plan on wearing on your wedding day.
• Photos or tearsheets of dress styles you like.
• Photos and/or descriptions of ceremony and reception site.

Beverly's Weekly Pick l Picnic Basket

Through all the hustle and bustle of wedding planning, I try to have everything I need from the Bride and Groom one week before the wedding.  Usually I advise the couple to either spend time with family that's coming from out of town or take time to rekindle the fire.  Pack a picnic basket and get away for the day.  Spend time talking about why they love each other and how they got to the point of getting married.  Kisses! Snuggle! Kisses!

Industry Event | The Reveal at Unici Casa

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of networking with old and new colleagues.  The purpose of the event was the launch of a new venue, Unici Casa located in Culver City, California hosted by California Wedding Day.

I met up with a couple of friends from the Beverly Hills Hotel and as we walked the floor of this awesome venue, we were very impressed with what we saw.  Huntington Catering Company's food was yummy, Platinum Party Rentals’ furniture was jaw dropping, the models wore designs by R-Mine and best of all, the music great. While Elan Artists played on one of end of the venue, 11H Entertainment played on the other. Both groups drew large crowds that were singing along with the music and dancing the night away.

All I have to say is that it was a night of great entertainment, yummy food and beautiful fashions. Fun event!

Please check out Unici Casa and come back to this post and tell me what you think.  I see lots of ways to transpose this venue.  What about you?