Venue spotlight: Oviatt Penthouse, Los Angeles

Coined by the venue as 'an art deco castle in the sky' the Oviatt Penthouse oozes class and elegance from a time when opulence and indulgence was a way of life. The location offers one of a kind views and a unique ambiance; located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, your guests will be able to dance the night away with the skyline of high rises and lights from the city as their backdrop. The building is of significant historic interest as well, as the website explains; 'The Penthouse was designed by some of the most distinguished architects and artisans of the Jazz Age. It was built for James Oviatt, a haberdasher whose luxurious shop once occupied the ground floor of his namesake building. Oviatt’s ambition was to create a spectacular residence that would showcase the Art Deco design he’d admired at the 1925 Exposition in Paris.' I think he more than succeeded- it certainly is specatcular! Here are a few photos from the venue's website (be sure to check it out for more details):

(All photos from the Oviatt Penthouse Website. Photos 1 and 6 by Stephanie Brockman, photos 3 and 5 by Next Exit Photography, photo 7 by Kim Fox)

Looking for some wedding bling?

I am always so envious when I watch the Oscars and Emmys and see all the stars decked out in their oodles and oodles of glamorous bling. To me, it doesn't seem fair that they should be the only ones to have all the fun. Every woman should have the luxury of feeling like a star, especially on her wedding day! Well I have some great news; now this is all possible with the introduction of Adorn Brides.

Nadine, (one of the adorable team members over at the company) recently got in touch to let me know about their splendid service of renting luxurious jewelry to Brides for their Big Day. She explained, "we offer the 'Harry Winston red carpet experience' for Brides...from a $65,000 necklace to $2,000 earrings, we have a wide variety pieces to fit most styles and most budgets. Pieces rent for anywhere from $90 to $1,500 for the weekend of the wedding, and everything is shipped directly to the Bride's home." How much fun would it be to receive a box filled with gorgeous diamonds, all for you?!? And don't forget to check out their blog for great ideas for your wedding.

Here are some of my favorite pieces from their collection:

Jean + Chris, The Movie

I mentioned in an earlier post that Robert and his team from HD Invision were there to capture Jean and Chris' Big Day on video. I have always encouraged couples that have even an inkling of a desire to hire a videographer to do it if at all possible. I'm sure you too have heard many couples express how sad they were that they didn't hire one; but I have never heard a couple say that they were upset if they did choose to. Better to be safe, than sorry, in my opinion! Check out Jean and Chris' preview video here; I'm sure after seeing that sneak peek, you will be thoroughly convinced of the benefit of having a video of the day to look back on for years down the road.

Brides.com Party, Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach

When my good friend Amy Kuchta of In the Moment Weddings and Events sent me the invite for the Brides.com party, I was excited because I had heard amazing things about the MOLAA (Museum of Latin American Art), but had yet to make my way over to check out the venue in person. Since I have a wedding coming up in August there, I figured this was a perfect opportunity to see all that it was about. The party was a fun one- and I spent more time talking than taking pictures, but I did snap a few of the details as they were exceptionally fun and vibrant.

The outside of the museum mirrors the colors of the walls of the inner courtyard- bright, contemporary, and unique

The bright pink linens from Wildflower Linen were a great touch to add pizazz to the vibrantly painted walls and desert plants throughout the courtyard

Gotta show you the delicious (and adorable) cupcakes courtesy of Scrumptious Wedding & Specialty Cakes

The event lighting was a mix of all different colors, which enhanced the party's already buzzing mood and ambience

I didn't take any pictures of the food but it is definitely worth mentioning since it was delicious and presented impeccably, provided by TGIS Catering. Also, Lounge Appeal provided a variety of great looking lounge furniture- check them out if you are considering incorporating a lounge area into your wedding.

ABC-OC Vendor Fair

Once a year the ABC puts on a bridal show of sorts for all of us wedding professionals that are members. It's a great way for the vendor members to showcase their services and talent, and really put on display what it is they do best. It's also, as most of the ABC meetings are, a great opportunity to make new friends and spend some time catching up with old ones. Here are some of my favorite displays from the evening:

Wildflower Linens, as always, put together a stunning combo of hot pink satin and a rich turquoise Asian inspired print linen. With the bling on top- it was seriously eye catching!

Three Petals had a gorgeous display as well

Absolutely Fabulous has one of a kind illuminated tables (that can change color by a remote control!) and spandex table and chair covers in all different colors. Perfect for the couple looking to do something really unique!

And of course the post wouldn't be complete without some shots of tasty sweets, courtesy of Sweet Gems

Lily + Sam, to-be-wed

Meet Lily and Sam; they are set to be married just right around the corner in June, and I can't wait! They are having their ceremony at the ever-so-gorgeous Wayfarer's Chapel, which will truly be a delight since it is such a fantastic location. They headed out with Sarah K. Chen to the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel for their engagement pictures, and I snagged a few from Sarah's blog to show off. I just love when my couples pop up unexpectedly on photographer's blogs, its such a treat!

Katie + Scott at the Admiral Kidd Club, San Diego

Katie has been many things to me over the years- a roommate, a (sorority) sister, a partner in crime, and above all, an amazing friend. When Katie and Scott first started dating in college we were all excited because it felt like my group of friends hadn't lost a member (as it often feels when a friend falls in love), but gained one. Scott became a permanent fixture in our lives and their wedding day was pretty much the culmination of all the reasons why I love the two of them as a couple. Not only are they adorable (Katie is an elementary school teacher, Scott is a firefighter- doesn't get much more perfect than that) but they are fun times a million. There is never a dull moment with the two and laughter is guaranteed!

Coming up on full blown 'wedding season' soon, I had my mind set on enjoying their special day thoroughly as a guest and only a guest. No working for me that day! And I did enjoy it to the fullest. Katie and Scott planned the whole thing themselves, and did an amazing job infusing the day with so many personal details. I just had to share the pictures with you (all courtesy of Photography by Chana and Don) when Katie e-mailed me the link as they are gorgeous, and her team of wedding vendors all had a part in making the day the memorable occasion that it was. Enjoy!

Her Pronovias gown was divine!

Their fabulous photographers took them to an amazing location- complete with breathtaking ocean views and a charming lighthouse- to take pictures before there ceremony

Katie's favorite color is purple, and I love how she chose a deep plum shade as the main color for the wedding details. It turned out so vibrant!

Scott and his groomsmen are all filled with personality, as I'm sure you can gather by their aviator sunglasses and air jumps. It is so great when the guys let loose and have fun with the pictures- let the good times roll!

The ceremony was right on the bay- such a fantastic location, with the downtown San Diego skyline in the distance

Each of the tables was named after a year of Katie and Scott's lives, and included a picture of each of them from the time. Some were just HILARIOUS! It really encouraged guests to mingle, and walk around to look at the other tables.

My favorite part of the night was when Scott and his groomsman Loren performed a choreographed breakdancing routine. The crowd was LOVING it!

The wonderful team of wedding professionals:
Photography- Photography by Chana and Don
Flowers- Something Borrowed Floral Designs
Paper details- Eitak Designs
Cake- Shirley Resnick "The Cake Lady", (619) 561-9377
DJ- Elite British DJ
Day of Coordinator- The Best Wedding for You
Venue- Admiral Kidd Club

Franciscan Gardens Bridal Luncheon

What a great event! With so many awesome wedding professionals on their vendor list, it was sure to be a success. Despite the almost 90 degree heat (in April??), the place was packed with couples and their families enjoying delicious samplings from caterers like 24 Carrots, Il Fornaio and Jay's Catering; and sweet treats from (among others) Donna B's Bakery and Mousse Magnifique. There was eye candy in abundance as well from all the talented florists showing off their designs- I even put together a table with one of my favorite floral designers Tricia, owner of Designs by Tricia. We had a blast letting our creative sides rule when throwing around ideas for the look. Here are pictures from the event, starting off with the result of my teamwork with the fabulous Tricia:

The sun was so bright I couldn't see my camera display very well and I managed to cut off the most unique feature of the centerpiece; a gorgeous peacock plume! So bummed! You'll have to take my word for it, it looked very chic, and matched the deep turquoise linen (courtesy of Fusion Linens) and blue water in the vase perfectly.

Tricia went with a purple and white palette for her fun and sassy table, and even managed to include some feathers in her designs.

Martini glasses for the mashed potato bar- always a hit!

I loved the bouquet Stacey with Floral Occasions created- so rich!