Beverly Hills | The Beverly Wilshire Hotel Weddings

The Beverly Wilshire Hotel, also known as the Regent Beverly Wilshire is located in the heart of Beverly Hills. Many people know this Four Seasons Hotel well as it was the main backdrop in the film Pretty Woman. If you haven't seen the movie, you must rent it. Since it is directly across the street from the famous Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Wilshire is a well known gem in the city of Beverly Hills.

To the wedding couple, your magical wedding can begin when you walk through these doors.  You can't get any better than this. The new spa is a great place for the bride and her bridesmaids to relax and enjoy the special treatment before the big day.

The Grand Trianon is one of many beautiful spaces to plan your next event. 

Lunch at The Blvd was not only yummy, but very special. Each staff person called me by name. Ahh, just those little things that makes the difference!

For a small and intimate event, The Royal Suite is the venue for you.  It's my favorite! 

If you want an elegant and magical wedding here at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, contact:

Lauren Randolph

Catering Manager

(310) 858-2371

Beverly Hills Greystone Estate

Greystone Estate provides an exclusive, unique setting for your event.  The estate was built in 1927 and registered as a National Historic landmark.  There are lots of rules and regulations, but nothing an experienced coordinator can't handle.  A beautiful estate for your next event.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

More Help with the January & February Wedding Planning Checklist

A friend has hinted around at being your maid of honor—yet you have no intention of asking her. How do you break the news without ruing the friendship?

You should express how you feel in a way that doesn’t hurt her feelings. Say something like, it’s a difficult decision and that you value her friendship. Carefully explain why the other person is a more logical choice. Maybe she introduced you to your fiancé’ or helped you through a particular tough time. Let her down easy.

What are your thoughts?  Add a comment or if you have a question, send it through the  Formspring form on the sidebar.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Wedding & Engagement Announcement Submission Process Tips

In order to help assist with your wedding planning "TO DO" list, I will provide tips and recommendations throughout the planning process.  Below are tips on submitting your wedding-engagement announcement to local publications.  

• Select one or two newspapers in your area to which you will submit your wedding/engagement information.
• Ask if there is a standard form for you to fill out that will cover the basic details.
• Your information should be typed neatly.
• Provide relevant details such as your engagement  date, wedding date, location, the bride's maiden name, your parents names and city of residence and where you will live once you are married.
• Consider including the names and cities of residence of your wedding attendants and where you will go on your honeymoon.
• Add background information such as where you each grew up, where you went to school and where you now work.
• Include a daytime and evening phone number and email in case the editor has any questions or wants more information.
• Include a photograph with your name, phone number and email address on the back. Ask the paper what size and quality of photograph they prefer. Some accept only black and white, while others will take color.
• Provide a stamped self-addressed envelope if you want your photograph back. (Since photographs can easily get misplaced in the newsroom, it is best to send a copy, not an original.)

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist

10-12 Months Before the Big Day!

You got engaged for the New Year and you've had a couple of weeks to relish in the occasion.  Now what do you do?  It doesn't matter if you've known each other for three years or three months, getting engaged is one of the most exciting and busiest times of your life.  The first step is to share the news with family and friends.  Once the news is out that you're going to get married, parties and lots of decision-making will follow.  Understand that the way you and your fiance' negotiate with each other and with your families to plan your celebration, honeymoon and new home now is the best "dress rehearsal" you have for marriage.  

Now the planning process begins.   Your families begin voicing their opinions, your friends begin giving advice, and the workload at work didn't disappear just because you got engaged.  This is where you begin to get overwhelmed.  Don't panic,  I'm going to walk you through the 12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist as if I were your wedding planner.  Take a deep breath and follow my plan.  Of course this is going be a 12 month process so you won't get all the information in one blog post.  Stay tuned each month for the next step.  In the meantime, let's get started with what you should be doing for January and February. Also, remember you can ask questions as we go along by filling out the Formspring form on the sidebar.  I'll respond within 24 hours.

• Introduce both families to share the good news. (The way this is done is based on relationships)
• Publish the news. (After you've told relatives and friends about your engagement, you can choose to announce your engagement in local newspapers, magazines and newsletters)  
• Discuss who's paying for what and then set a budget amount. (The wedding planner can help with putting together a budget as well as help manage it)   
• Create a guest list. (This can be managed the wedding planner)
• Choose your wedding party. (I suggest people that have played a meaningful role in your life.  Don't feel guilty or obligated to choose people that you're not really close to, but they feel that you are)
• Create a website to share your engagement and provide information about the wedding.
• Consider whitening your teeth for engagement parties and photographs.
• Hire a wedding planner.  (Trust me, this is the beginning of the planning process, you're going to need one.  Call me at (310) 487-9698 for details)
• Decide if you want premarital counseling.
• Start looking at photos of wedding dress for inspiration.
• Begin thinking about where you'd like to go on your honeymoon. (This is a project you can give to your fiance' so he feels involved.)
• Begin researching venues for the reception and ceremony, if they'll be in different locations. (Sit down with your fiance' and make a list of priorities.  When weighing locations, first consider the number of guest, activities (dancing, eating---buffet, finger food, or a seated meal?), budget limitations, and a proximity to your home or honeymoon site) 
• Create a Save-The-Date guest list.  (This can be managed by the wedding planner)

Remember, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me at (310) 487-9698 or submit your question(s) on the Formspring form on the sidebar.  A response will be provided within 24 hours. If you'd like to know when a new post has been posted, you can subscribe by entering your email address above.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Balboa Bay Club & Resort Newport Beach Wedding

Video by: Donald Norris Photography

Why do wedding attendants wear the same dresses?

It was stated that under the Roman law, 10 witnesses were required to make a wedding legal. To confuse the evil spirits that lurked at the altar, several witnesses dressed exactly like the bride and groom. Another reason: In Europe, it was common for the bride, groom and all their friends to walk together to the church. Afraid that someone would spot the happy couple and put a curse on them, the groom’s friends wore clothes almost identical to his, and the women dressed themselves like the bride, in an attempt to trick evil wishers

Is This You, The Busy Bride?

You go to work. You go home to have a life. Now you have a wedding to plan.

It’s 9:00 a.m. on a weekday morning and you are buried in paperwork on your desk, you need to return phone calls, reply to emails, schedule doctor appointments, etc. But now you have to add to your long list of tasks, wedding planning. You are beginning to feel overwhelmed and stressed. This should a very happy time in your life, but you’re beginning to hate it. WHO NEEDS THAT! STOP! Contact Beverly Harris Weddings & Events for a FREE consultation. Once you unload your wedding details on us, you will feel absolutely stress-free.

CAN’T make all your phone calls to vendors during the day! Beverly  Harris Weddings & Events can.

CAN’T figure out the next step! Beverly Harris Weddings & Events will provide you with a Wedding Planning To Do List.

CAN’T figure out how much to spend on each vendor! Beverly Harris Weddings & Events will create a customized wedding budget for you.

CAN’T get any vendor discounts! Beverly Harris Weddings & Events have vendor relationships so we are able to negotiate discounts for you.

CAN’T find anyone who will listen to your venting! Beverly Harris Weddings & Events will be there for you every step of the way.

CAN’T find time to make your fiance’ a romantic dinner! Beverly Harris Weddings & Events, well you are on your own on this one.

WHO NEEDS THAT! STOP AND CALL

Beverly Harris, President & Founder
Beverly Harris Weddings & Events
Tel: (310) 487-9698 Fax: (323) 936-0677
Website: http://bev-harris.com
Email: beverly@bev-harris.com

Why does the bride wear something old and something new?

The custom stems from an Old English rhyme, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe..." Brides throughout the decades have taken care to include these touches in their bridal outfit, a nod to tradition and superstition. The symbolism: continuity, optimism for the future, borrowed happiness, fidelity, and good fortune.

A Must Read Love Story

Ken’s Story:
 As I walked through the gym one morning, I saw the most incredible woman working out on a universal machine. My mouth fell open, my heart began pounding, and my forehead started to sweat. I knew at this point that this was someone that I needed to introduce myself to. I took a few seconds to compose myself then I introduced myself and made small talk. As I talked to her, I noticed her wonderful smile and dimples. Then I discovered that she wasn’t just gorgeous, but educated and very intelligent. It was at this moment, that I knew this was the woman for me. It was destiny! Love at first sight is not a myth. It truly does happen, which was my experience.

Lisa’s Story:
Ken came over one day to make small talk while I was working out. I’d recently moved back to L.A., and just thought he seemed like a nice guy to talk to. I think he asked me out a few times, without me actually realizing it since I was in no way thinking about any type of relationship. Eventually, I agreed to “hang out” with him just as friends. Ken agreed that we could “hang out” as “just friends”, but really had other intentions. Somehow, Ken still believes to this day, that it was I who asked HIM out. To this day, this part of the story is still debated. Eventually, the “friendship” became more serious, and I began to see Ken for the great guy that he is. I admired his drive and worth ethic. I loved his sense of humor, not to mention he was kind of cute and always smelled great. After all this time, we’re still together and now he’s stuck with me…..


The Proposal:
The night I proposed (June 1, 2009), I went to the store to get a piece of cake to symbolize Lisa’s sweetness. I went to her house, and told her I wanted her to taste the cake I brought her. Once I gave her the cake, I waited to see the look on her face because I’d placed the engagement ring visibly on top of the cake for her to see. I then got on my knee and told her that I’d brought this cake to symbolize how sweet she was. Then, I talked about how wonderful our relationship was, that she was the sweetest woman in the world, and asked her if she would be willing to be my wife and spend the rest of her life with me. She was stunned and shocked that she didn’t even say anything at first… Eventually she said jokingly, “hmmm, let me think about it”…. After a few minutes, she did say “yes”.

Ken and Lisa Wedding ~ USC Town & Gown

I have the nicest clients. Lisa and Ken got married May 29, 2010 at USC Town & Gown. I had so much fun working with them. I'll have more photos soon provided by Damien Smith Photography to post soon. They gave me the greatest review. Lisa and Ken may your marriage be filled with Love, Peace and Joy!

"Wow, where do I start? I hired Leave It To Me Events for my wedding coordinator. Beverly is the best! At first, my parents kept telling me that I could handle all the wedding details myself - that I didn't need a coordinator. With my non-flexible work schedule and a guest list of over 360 people who responded yes to the RSVP (several from out of town), I knew that would be a huge mistake. I could see foresee a disaster. I was so stressed out staying up late after work, trying to everything myself. I took matters into my own hands and found Beverly-an Angel! Thank goodness!

I talked to her on the phone first, then by email a few times before actually meeting her. The very first time I met her in person, I felt like I'd known her for a long time. I felt completely at ease - like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Beverly is so organized, has a great personality, is always on time, and has great ideas and solutions to problems. She always responds to emails promptly. She handled all the communications with my vendors, something I didn't have much time to do especially during the day while I was working. She kept all the vendors on track. She even went to my rehearsal dinner location to make sure everything was OK.

In the two weeks before the wedding, she gives you a detailed timeline of the schedule of events. She made sure all of the vendors were on the correct schedule for deliveries and payments. The day of my wedding was absolutely phenomenal. Everyone always talks about some disaster that happens that can't be foreseen and I was waiting for it. I can say that I had no problems whatsoever! Everyone in my bridal party and inner circle is still talking about how smooth everything went. Guests are still complimenting me on how organized my wedding was and how professional, efficient my coordinators were. My other vendors even commented on how organized she was and how much they liked working with her. Beverly and her team were really on top of everything. So many of my guests tell me it's one of the nicest weddings they've ever been to.

My parents admitted that I definitely did need a wedding coordinator and are now really happy that I hired Beverly. They, along with my husband and inner circle say she and her team were worth every cent! I feel so lucky to have met such a wonderful person whom I now consider a great friend."

A Wedding Consultant's Duties

The person you hire should:

• Listen to your ideas, make suggestions, and research your options
• Come up with an overall wedding plan that meets your tastes and budget
• Make appointments with wedding-service providers
• Help handle the selection of invitations, flowers, and caterer
• Make sure that everything goes smoothly by staying in touch with vendors and service providers
• Be on hand on your wedding day to see that all services and details proceed as planned (e.g. the tent is set up correctly, the cake arrive, the flowers arrive, and the service personnel know what is expected)
• Deal with any emergencies that occur; an experienced a consultant is well versed in wedding etiquette and has directed many weddings

That is why you should hire Beverly Harris Weddings & Events to plan your wedding!

Publish Post

I Told You I Was Fabulous!

What You Need To Know About Amy Sparks - Hair & Make-up Artist?

Amy Sparks with Picture Perfect Makeup and Hair has an exceptional reputation in the wedding industry as being one of the best.  I had never met Amy, but heard a lot of good things about her and her work.  Taking a chance, but going with my gut feeling, I recommended Amy to my client.  I was very comfortable with the recommendation and now that the wedding is over, I know I made the right decision. My client was very happy with Amy, as I thought she would be.  Now I want to let you know about Amy Sparks.  You go Amy and keep up the good work!

Q. Who are you and what makes you so Awesome to work with?


A.  My name is Amy Sparks and I am the owner of Picture Perfect Makeup and Hair.


We are a traveling hair and makeup team that makes you feel and mostly look great on your wedding day.


Q. How long have you been in business?


A. I have been a makeup artist for 12 years and have been servicing brides for all of them.


Q. What are some of your unique qualities?


A. I have worked as a TV/Film makeup artist for years and have worked with 100's of faces and have the knowledge to know what works and what doesn't for all skin types/colors/etc.


I know what will make your makeup and hair last for your entire wedding and what will make you pop in your pictures (that will last forever).


Q. What is it like working a wedding without a wedding coordinator?


A. Working without a coordinator is a lot more work. There is not a go to person.


I rather email a coordinator 50 times then bother the bride.


Coordinators make my job and the other vendors jobs much easier and the day just flows by - and the bride is always happy.


Q. What makes a coordinator good?


A.  A good coordinator thinks of things that need to be done before you. A good coordinator never makes you wait for them to call or get back to you. And is kind and makes your vendors all feel informed.


Q. Why should I hire you?


A. You should hire me because I have the experience. I will make sure you feel fantastic.

Amy Sparks

http://www.amysparksmakeup.com/
picperfectmakeup@sbcglobal.net

Wedding Invitation Wording - Part 1 of 2

I get asked this question a lot by brides, "What is the proper wording for wedding invitations". So listen up brides, I've decided to blog about it! The typical formal wedding invitation gives the following information. However, keep in mind that these are guidelines and may be changed to accommodate your family situation.

The hosts of the wedding--usually the bride's parents--issue the invitations and announcements, whether or not the bride still shares their home.  (The hosts do not necessarily pay for the wedding, so even if you and your fiance' are paying, the bride's parents can still be listed at the top of the invitation.)

If your parents are divorced, the person who raised you customarily issues the invitations and announcements.

If your parents are deceased, your guardian, closest relatives, or family friends may host the wedding and issue the invitations and announcements.

Spell out words in full.  This includes names (don't use nicknames) and numbers (ex.,the twelfth of May). Abbreviations are not used, with the exception of Mr. and Mrs., Doctor and junior can be spelled out if space permits, but are also commonly abbreviated.  If junior is spelled out, it always has a lowercase j and a comma before it.

Use the wording...request the honour of your presence for a religious service in a church or synagogue.  It is an honor to witness a religious service.  Use...request the pleasure of your company for civil ceremony or for the reception.  (Honour and favour ["the favour of a reply is requested"] are spelled with a u--the more formal British version.)

USC Town & Gown Wedding: Lina & Javier

Before Lina and Javier hired me to help in their wedding, I had never heard of USC Town and Gown Banquet Center. It's a fabulous place to have a wedding reception. There's a gorgeous lobby with a fireplace, historical marble posts and beautiful chandeliers. Lina and Javier were a wonderful couple to work with and I wish them a life filled with happiness!

Temescal Gateway Park Wedding: Sara & Jeff

Country Chic was the wedding theme, orange, brown and white were the colors! Sara and Jeff chose a venue, Temescal Gateway Park Stewart Hall, that is bound to inspire a sense of harmony with nature and that’s the perfect spirit for celebrating special occasions in life. Once the venue was chosen, Sara and Jeff began their hunt for every vendor that you could possibly need to pull off their dream wedding (from the dance floor to choosing the cornbread). In the end, it all came together and Sara and Jeff were so excited about the outcome! I enjoyed working with Sara and Jeff and feel wonderfully blessed to now have them as friends for life! I also want to thank my magnificant staff, Tonya, Chalyse, Latisha and Stephanie. And of course a wonderful staff from Argyle Staffing. It would have been impossible to do this without you. Here’s how Sara described hers and Jeff’s relationship:

“Jeffrey Sheldon Eaker or “JSheldonE” according to his JDate profile met Sara Berkowitz or “MissSuperlative” on May 24th 2008 the day before her 31st birthday. Both being lovers of indie rock they set out to meet at the famous Amoeba records in Hollywood, California. The time was 3:00PM and the place was in front of the REM section. Jeff remembers looking up at Sara and then quickly looking down, he was nervous. What he doesn’t know is, so was she. After a long browse peppered with a wealth of hearty laughs they decided to extend the date over to a nearby café where Sara flipped her iced tea straw into her hair she was so nervous. The date continued with more laughs as they sealed the deal with their first kiss in a parking lot and made a pack that they would meet again. They certainly did meet again. By random surprise REM was playing the next week at the Hollywood bowl which proved that stars aligned once again. Almost one year later, Jeff proposed where he spent the majority of his childhood; on a baseball field in Houston, Texas. Sara said yes and will say I do when Sara and Jeff will take their vows under a canopy of oak trees in the Pacific Palisades on Saturday September 26th, 2009.”

A Wonderful Team of Vendors:

Imperial Party Rentals

Back Porch BBQ

Hayden Dance Floors

Picture Perfect Make-Up/Hair
HappyChuppah
Flowers & Design by Gina
Elegant Weddings Productions
In The Mix Bartending Services
Llanes Weddings Photography