Monday, October 10, 2011

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

Sunday, October 9, 2011

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

Thursday, October 6, 2011

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

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Agoura Hills Residence Wedding l Becky + Gian

When I first got the call to plan Becky and Gian’s wedding, there was a man on the other end of the phone.  No, it was not the groom, but it was the father of the bride.  We scheduled an appointment to meet with the mother of the bride, Becky and Gian.  When I met Becky I instantly connected with her.  She envisioned her wedding reception to be non-traditional and her parents wanted to include some traditional customs.  Gian, the groom was quiet. He sat back and let everyone do the talking.  All he wanted to do was married his lovely bride. So together we came up with a non-traditional, lounge-style reception and keeping some traditions such as reserved seating for the older folks, grand entrance, bouquet and garter toss.  Becky and Gian’s wedding was so beautiful (photos below). Congratulations to Becky & Gian.   





















Wedding Coordinator: Beverly Harris Weddings & Events (And thank you to my wonderful assistants: Chrisian Beabes, Danielle Smith & Stacy Trujeque)
Wedding Preparations Location: Four Seasons Westlake
Ceremony Location: Temple Aliyah, Woodland Hills
Reception Location: Agoura Hills Residence
Hair Stylist: Steven Mason
Photographer: Kacie Jean Photography
Caterer: Kitchen12000
Valet: Unkle Armen Valet & Transportation
Videographer: The Pros
Invitations: Paper Patch Creations
Wedding Dress & Veil : Renee Strauss
Flower Headpiece: Steven Mason

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events
(310) 487-9698

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Persian Wedding Custom: Sofreh Aghd


My clients added the Iranian Wedding Ceremony traditions into their wedding program.  This was a wonderful idea to help guest understand what was taking place.

“The Iranian wedding ceremony incorporates traditions that have been celebrated for centuries.  The Bride and Groom sit facing the “Sofreh Aghd,” a spread that contains food and traditional items they are to share in their new life, each bearing a unique symbolic meaning.
The mirror and candelabras represent purity, light and fire. The herbs, spices and incense guard against evil spirits. The sweets and pastries are to be shared with guests in celebration of the wedding.  The flat bread and coins symbolize prosperity.  Eggs, almonds and nuts symbolize fertility.  Honey is to be used for the first taste in the bride and groom’s new life together.  The sugar cones are to be softly ground above their heads by female friends and family to sweeten their union.  Flowers represent beauty, and rose water is used to perfume and purify the air.  There is also an open book of poetry on the Sofreh.

Our Officiant, Ms. Shahrzad Ardalan, will ask the bride and groom whether they are ready to enter into the marriage contract.  When the bride is asked, she is initially silent and does not answer.  Those in attendance pretend the bride is absent, saying such things as, “She is not here.  She went out to gather rosebuds.”  The question is asked three times and only on the third time does she say “Yes”.  When the groom is asked, however, he is to respond quickly with a “Yes”, or a “Baleh.”  The couple is now declared husband and wife and share a taste of honey.  They are then presented with gifts from family.”

Photo by Winnie Phung

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events
(310) 487-9698