New York meets Miami in Manhattan Beach

Yesterday after a full day of meetings in LA, I had a meeting on my back to Laguna. My stop was at the fabulous Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach. The cool beach chic hotel is accented with modern fixtures, unique ideas and a wonderful location and was designed by the famous Christopher Lowell. From the lush rooms that wrap you up in rich colors and textures with full jacuzzi tubs in each to the trendy, yet understated, roof top terrace this hotel seems influenced by its bigger counter parts in places like South Beach or New York City. Owned by a restauranteur the hotel boast a fabulous and innovative menu for both a casual dinner with friends or the menu for your wedding or event.

If you are feeling the radiant vibes from this MB venue then you will also have the pleasure of working with a bright and youthful team of professionals, kind of like a "gift with purchase." Jolise Vought, events manager for Shade, and her bright sassy group will certainly serve up a festive yet elegant flare for any of your event needs!

Different Girls, Different Dresses...

Seldom does a bride have a wedding party comprised of women who all have the same build. Instead of putting the size 0 and the size 12 in the same dress try finding similar styles that offer flattering lines for each different body type. Whether you choose different colors for each dress to accent your overall theme, or choose the always daring color of black in a slew of different styles, try to think outside of the box. There is no reason to make your friends suffer through your entire day due to being uncomfortable in the attire that you have chosen. Give them something flattering that enhances who they are. Not only will they feel better about their ensemble but the pictures will look better as well!

A Palatial Experience

When in pursuit of the perfect venue, often times my clients become perplexed. Rarely do venues match up to their vision... Its hard to walk into a bare space and imagine what it could become. There are a few venues where this is not a problem. Places like the Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Coast, the Mar-a-lago Club in Palm Beach and the New York Public Library on New York's Fifth Avenue. My favorite of the above is the Library in New York. One of the most enchanting venues I have visited. With towering ceilings, walls composed strictly of marble and a Forum space with glass ceilings, they couldn't build something so grand today. The different spaces have an overall feel of elegance and once your inside, you forget that you are in the center of one of the world's largest cities. The New York public library offers phenomenal spaces that are sure to please any bride, but it comes with a price! ($20,000 site rental per space.)

Luxurious Linens

In a world that seems to have less and less "professionals" diligently working, it is always refreshing to meet one who knows her game. One of three meetings I had this afternoon was with Kimberly Currin of BBJ Linen, which has offices across the map, but here in Orange County we can find their nearest showroom in Culver City (Los Angeles). Kimberly is a fresh, young and bright professional who reps BBJ in OC. Her professional demeanor and creative mind set made our meeting feel more like an encounter with an old friend rather than business oriented. I must say, BBJ has one of the largest varieties of linens around, and no matter where you are on the map they can send it to you with a addressed package for the return shipment when your event is complete!

(Pictured above is one of BBJ new specialty linens called "Adele Lamour.")

Arriving In Style

No matter what the style of the wedding, brides and (most) grooms all have a very specific way they would like to arrive on their big day. For one of my clients, their arrival will be in the most opulent and luxurious vehicles imaginable; the Rolls Royce Phantom (pictured above). Both bride and groom will arrive separately in their own private Phantom accompanied by the best man and maid of honor. I must say, this wedding has been so fun to work on and we certainlly have cut no corners!

Love, The Label that Never Goes out of Style

Yet another post about my muze, Carrie Bradshaw. What can I say the movie has been practically in loop on HBO and I cannot tear myself away, ever. Partially because I miss my hometown, the cement jungle, and also because, well, a lot of my business is centered around love (duh). One of the many famous quotes from the movie, states "Love, the label that never goes out of style." I like this quote because it is oh so true...

As you fanatically go through hanger after hanger in your closet draped in garments that have gone out since you so happily purchased them (for what was probably way too much), there is always one classic that you fall back on, that without fail, always looks great, feels great and the one thing you wear time after time. Love, is one of those things that no matter what, or who it is, looks fantastic on everyone. There is no spring in your step or glow on your face like when falling or being in love.

There is not a specific reason for this post other than sharing the things that I love, and that inspire me in what I do everyday; to inpisre you me readers and loyal followers. Food for thought...

xo-B

Carrie Bradshaw: Fiction or Reality?

When creating a blog based upon love, and of course weddings, there are many things that come to mind. One of which is the master of all things love; Carrie Bradshaw (played by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City). Candace Bushnell's vision for such an inspiring women in pursuit of love and the "fairytale," is, without question, phenomenally executed...

The question the lies with me, however, is it fiction or reality? Obviously the tales of Carrie and her three fabulous friends as they conquer the concrete jungle I fondly refer to as "home," and most people call New York, are in fact fiction. However, my thoughts refer to the stories she tells... For six seasons Carrie's delicate life unfolded for viewers around the globe and we were all enticed as she conquered and failed. What I cannot help but recognize is that Carrie's failures are so close to mine, and so close to that of my own fabulous friends.

For the person in love, or the person searching for it, fact or fiction, Sex and the City is truly a fantastic reference for all things love and luxury.

The Last Thing You Hear

"Ever thine, ever mine, ever ours..." These famous words are those of none other than Beethoven. The reason I feel the need to share this with all of my readers is because it raises an interesting question; to write or not to write??

Not a novel or fairytale, but the words that will be the last you hear, and say, before beginning the rest of your life, your vows. My clients often ask my opinion (because they know I have many), about whether or not they should write their own vows... My answer is definitely yes.

Traditionally, Brides and Grooms state the following, "I, (Bride), take you, (Groom), for my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part." I believe that in order to spend your life with someone you must really know who they are, and who the two of you are. I don't think the words that are to define, or begin, the rest of your life with someone should be written by someone else or repeated by so many others before you. The words to begin your marriage should be defined by the two of you. Make it specific to you and the person who you have chosen to stand in front of you during that very special, life altering moment. Discuss or touch upon the things that are truly special to the both of you or research a quote from a classic master that you can relate to.

Take the initial steps of your lives together with something that is special and specific as the two of you are... Find something that defines your individual relationship, the love you feel for eachother or the thoughts you are basing your future on with that phenomenal match you have found....

Long story short, when choosing to write, or not to write... Write.

Is it an Emerald or a Diamond?

Its an Emerald cut diamond, and its one of my favorites. Besides cushion cut, the emerald cut is my number one. There is something about he stone when its cut in this shape that is absolutely stunning... especially when the center stone is accompanied by others on either side!

A Hamptons Summer

One of the most luxurious ways to spend your summer is in The Hamptons, (a small enclave of little vintage towns situated about 2 hours due east of New York City). With the right connections, or a decedent of blue blood, one may have the opportunity to experience the most fantastic and luxurious parties the Hamptons has to offer; Bridgehampton Polo.

The Mercedes Benz Polo Challenge is exactly what inspired Ralph Lauren when he decadently appointed the line that has given way to our favorite summer shirts. In the above picture I am with my client Beth, (to be Married near Martha's Vineyard next fall) as we entered the posh tents of the Polo games for a few glasses of champagne and some old world sportsmanship.

Not only are the Hamptons a playground for the rich and famous, and home of the Polo tournament, but also a fabulous place to host a destination wedding. With miles of breathtaking seashores, sophisticated "big city" vendors and a plethora of venues, the Hamptons are like no other place.

Leave White for the Bride.

After watching one of my favorite wedding themed movies this weekend, Monster in Law, I have recognized yet another one of my wedding pet peeves, women (other than the bride) who wear white! I have seen this time and time again in my own wedding experience and it takes all of my strength to not say anything! At the end of the movie, as one last attempt to insult and hurt Charlie (JLo's character) Viola (played by Jane Fonda) comes to the wedding in a beautiful, but terribly out of place, white gown; a sly and insulting move of Fonda's part. Unless you want to steal the brides thunder, the only woman in white should be the bride. I think it is one of the most selfish, insulting acts someone can make... Save white for your own day and let the bride have her moment, it is her day after all, not yours.

Jane really is a sweet lady...

Saturday afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting with Jane of Sweet Lady Jane Bakery in West Hollywood. It truly is no wonder how Jane has created such a wonderful business. Her cakes were absolutely delectable. I barely had enough room to try all six different types ranging from chocolate mouse with chocolate cake to of course, red velvet and a white cake with whip cream and berries. Jane not only let me taste her cakes but she gave me a tour of the kitchen! What a wonderful set up! Jane's team really are masters of their trades, from the actual bakers, to her cake artist who was sculpting a masterful cake while we watched...

I loved the people, the cake and the store! Working on a Saturday has never been so sweet!