6 Creative Bridal Shower Ideas

1. Bridal Jeopardy – The hostess compiles a series of trivia answers relating to the bride and groom, then asks the guests to phrase the questions.
 
2. Ask each guest to supply a favorite candid photo of themselves with the bride and/or groom plus a brief caption, and create a scrapbook to present to the bride. 
3. Wedding Charades – The hostess passes out squares of paper with wedding-related phrases or superstitions.  Guests are divided into two teams and take turns acting out the phrases.
4. Ask each guest to contribute one line to a free-form “poem” of good wishes that will be read and presented to the bride after all the gifts have been opened.
5. “Roast” the happy couple by having guests take turns telling anecdotes and stories about the bride and groom.
6. Give the bride some words to live by—invite guests to share their best advice for a happy marriage.  Or ask guests to write their thoughts on note cards, then seal them in an envelope for the couple to open together on their first anniversary.
Beverly Harris Weddings & Events
(310) 487-9698

Holiday Weddings | Winter White Inspiration Boards

Since we are approaching the holiday season, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to share a couple of winter white inspirations boards.  Enjoy!

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

 (310) 487-9698

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