Ritz-Carlton makes a 'Vow to Help Others'

It seems like there is nothing but bad news floating around out there lately, what with the economy in turmoil and all; so when I received information on a new program launched this past Valentine's day by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company it made me smile. You see the program is making it possible for couples getting married at a Ritz-Carlton Hotel or Resort, to make their special day not only amazing, but personally enriching and beneficial to others in need.

Specifically, the program "gives wedding couples the opportunity to donate five percent of the total food revenue from their event equally between a charity of their choice and to the Community Footprints Fund, sponsored by The Ritz-Carlton, which benefits hunger and poverty relief, well-being of disadvantaged children, and environmental conservation." To me, this is a HUGE step in the right direction. With the cost of weddings these days, sometimes it is hard to swallow spending so much money on one day- this may not make it easier, but it will add the knowledge that your Big Day could be making others' days just a little brighter!

Wondering where to head to get more info on the program? Why not start by visiting two of my favorites, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. Both properties are spectacular options for your wedding- go see for yourself! Can't make it out there right away? Well then, click HERE to check out the full details in the press release.

Southern Weddings Magazine- hot off the press today

The premiere issue of Southern Weddings Magazine hits stands today! I am so excited to get my hands on a copy- seeing as it is being brought to us by the fab femmes behind the truly inspirational and one-of-a-kind blog (you've seen our work feautured on it as well as our name on their 'It List'), the magazine will no doubt be utterly amazing. You'll be guaranteed to find inspiring details and beautiful pictures to get your creativity going, no matter where your wedding will be. So what are you waiting for- go grab your copy now (you can find it at Barnes & Noble and Target among other places- click HERE for the full list).

Bride Wars on Bluefly.com

I am sure you are all just as excited as I am for the upcoming movie 'Bride Wars'; I just love Kate Hudson- isn't she absolutely adorable? Bluefly.com has some fun new goodies on their website in conjunction with the movie hitting theaters 1/9, including a contest to win a $1,000 shopping spree; all you have to do is submit your own 'wedding war story' (think along the lines of crazy mother-in-laws and bad taffeta). There's also a super-fun little game where you can upload your face to the body of either Liv (Kate Hudson) or Emma (Anne Hathaway) and duke it out against the other bridezilla. What a great way to procrastinate on a busy Monday at work:) Check out the special site HERE.

Exclusive trunkshow this weekend at The White Dress

Starting today through November 2nd, The White Dress in Corona del Mar has Melissa Sweet's brand spankin' new collection 'Reverie' available for try-on and purchase. The dresses were literally boxed up from the runway in New York, and shipped right out to the store to make their debut. Definitely worth checking out! Here are a few highlights from the whimsical new collection from Brides.com (more can be found on the Melissa Sweet website)- including some short dress options for those looking for something less formal or for all you 'two-dress' girls out there.

Bluefly.com's Wedding Shop

I recently discovered Bluefly.com's 'Wedding Shop'- which makes it super easy to browse possible Bridesmaid dresses. The best part is- all of the dresses are heavily discounted!! Definitely keep in mind that sizes can be limited- so before you fall in love with something make sure you can accomodate all your girls. I took a quick peek and was definitely impressed with what I found:

Vera Wang

Amsale

Carmen Marc Valvo

Nicole Miller

Betsey Johnson

Vera Wang

Vera Wang

BCBG Max Azria

Keeping you 'on your toes'

I am loving all the fabulous shoes out there right now with gorgeous details on the toes. Browsing around Zappos.com this morning, I found all sorts wedding day shoes perfect for the Bride- some on the traditional side and some a little more fun and funky.

As for more traditional, here are a few of my favorites:

Stuart Weitzman

Stuart Weitzman

Giuseppe Zanotti

Stuart Weitzman

Stuart Weitzman

Christin Michaels

And for those more fun and funky, the following caught my eye:

Delman

Stuart Weitzman

L.A.M.B.

Pura Lopez

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Betsey Johnson

Stuart Weitzman

Venue spotlight: Huron Substation, Los Angeles

I randomly stumbled across the Huron Substation in one of the many wedding magazines I peruse- could it be any cooler? A little background on the location (from the website):"...the building was built in 1906 from a design by engineer Edward S. Cobb. It is the second oldest surviving substation in the city which housed equipment to convert high-voltage electricity supplied by the Edison Company to the 600 volts current used by the L.A. Railways "Yellow Cars", providing urban transportation for many years". If the history doesn't convince you how unique this location is, then the description from the website just might: "Century old brick walls, arched windows and steel beams give one the sense of a long lost, ancient Los Angeles. The landscaped garden with its industrial deco fountain is unfettered by trend, and propels one into a European sense of intimacy". Check out some of the pictures, courtesy of the Huron Substation website:

And a small taste of what has been done at past weddings and events at the venue (pictures still from the website):

Venue spotlight: The Viceroy, Santa Monica

The Viceroy Santa Monica came up on my radar recently as I was searching for a client's perfect wedding venue for her smaller, more intimate guest list. She wanted something unique- and the Viceroy is indeed unique, to say the least. The design on the hotel is impeccable; from the moment you step foot in the lobby the ultra-chic decor lends a modern and trendy feel that can't help but make you feel like you are a total jet-setter. From the hotel's website, it is described as "city-smart and by the sea, Viceroy Santa Monica fuses classic sophistication and contemporary chic to create a thoroughly modern and uniquely luxurious Santa Monica beach boutique hotel".

We headed up to check out the Bristol Room (the larger of the two spaces available, with a maximum of 80 guests for dinner, 50 or so for dinner and dancing), and I was truly impressed! The room is perfect for any couple that loves bold design. Here are a few pictures, most of which I took during our visit.

NOTE: The room was being set for a later event

This picture from the hotel's website shows a meeting set-up, but gives you a great idea of the actual color scheme. My camera doesn't do the vibrant colors justice!

The patio (perfect for ceremonies) sits just outside the Bristol Room. The window washers were busy at work during our visit- which explains the ropes and caution tape:)

I love that all the lounge furniture is yours to use once the patio is switched over from the ceremony spot to a cocktail area; this can be done while guests enjoy a cocktail hour out by the pool

The hotel sent over this picture of an actual ceremony set-up. And for a total bonus, the chiavaris come with the room!