weddings and special events and private estates: December 2010

This recession has really taught me to be on the look out for great products and services that don't cost a fortune. Here are my favorite things that will help you cut corners and save your budget from a bail out!

Mascara -

I have been on a hunt for a great mascara for years. Mascara shelf life is suppose to last up to two months and that can add up if you are paying $24.00 a shot. As a faithful consumer, I have been using one of the top name brands for years. After a long search, I found a mascara that I like for less than 1/2 the cost.

Revlon's new Grow Luscious by Fabulash*. You can't miss it - the tube is bright green and the wand has a long and wide brush. Check it out at your local drug store or visit their web site.

*please consult your dermatologist before using any new product.

Off Site Catering -

We handle several off site events every year and we are fortunate to be exposed to a wide variety of caterers. I have found that some have great food, but lack professional staff and some have great food as well as service, but their charges per person are super steep and then, there are those caterers that have terrible food as well as service, but there prices are enticing.

We found a light at the end of the tunnel when two years ago, one of our clients turned us on to Michael C. Events. Michael Compean's culinary training and dedication is impressive and well orchestrated. Michael takes pride in hiring friendly and hard working captains and staff. He understands that a tasting for two people can be easy to pull off, but the food should be as delicious for 200 or more guests. Michael C. Events starts at $80.00 per person which includes staff.

"Michael Compean began cooking as an adolescent and by the age of 20 he knew food was his passion. Chef Compean has over 15 years experience as a chef and pastry artisan. He has honed his skills at several exclusive establishments including L'Auberge resort in Del Mar California, La Valencia Hotel in San Diego and The Sunset towers in Hollywood. He was also a pastry chef in Budapest, Hungary. Most recently Michael has joined the staff as Executive chef for the beautiful historic landmark in culver city - The Culver Hotel.

Chef Compean has competed in numerous cooking events and competitions nationwide, including America’s best pastry chefs at The Patisfrance U.S. pastry competition in New York and Chef Magazines Best Of Buffalo competition. He also placed 1st in the Wild Rice Board professional chef’s competition. His varied experiences have allowed him to master an eclectic and elegant style rarey matched in the culinary arts. His ingenuity and use of traditional andcutting edge techniques and styles will captivate you."

Chandeliers -

There are a few more photos coming for this blog...stay tuned.

Chandeliers are a great way to dress up a party or special event. I love working with decorative chandeliers for all types of events. In the past, we have used chic green waterfall chandeliers for an elegant dinner party and cigar bar and red crystal chandeliers to dress up a black tie event.

Cupcakes -

I try very hard to stay away from sweets, since this career can be very hard on one's diet. However, I have to sample our vendor's work, so I can make first hand recommendations to our clientele. Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach rocked an event recently with their cupcakes and cake pops. I love red velvet cupcakes and cake pops and these guys took the cake - pun intended.

Wedding web sites -

I am addicted to www.stylemepretty.com. They are big on DIY and fun details. I love their site and I must confess, we get a lot of inspiration from their weddings.

ATTIRE -

Stylin Tape for the Bride - bristol6.com

When you want to look great on your wedding day and you don't have a lot of under garment options due to the design of your gown, these are great, plus these cover ups are a lot sexier than band-aids:)

Men's Suits -

Looking for a quality men's suit? Please check out Roger Stuart Clothes, Inc. in downtown Los Angeles. This clothing store is one of the best men suit wholesalers with 40-70% off retail.

Sexy Shoes -

I love Stuart Weitzman's shoes. When I discovered Stuart Weitzman for my own wedding, I fell head over heels...there I go again with the puns. Anyway, their shoes are stylish and prices are fair, plus they are comfortable. Our advice for all of our clients - have a dress rehearsal with all your accessories and break in your shoes before the big day!

Clutches -

I love to see brides have a clutch on their wedding day. I know they don't hold a lot of items, but they look so pretty. Most of them can hold your lipstick, compact mirror and a hankerchief. When the budget can handle a splurge, then I prefer saks fifth avenue. But, I must caution, before you splurge, check out Loehmann's or Nordstrom Rack and see what they have on display and if you are patient, you can find a clutch for a fraction of the price!

Thanks for allowing me to share my favorite things. Happy Holidays and shopping to you!

Early this fall, we had the opportunity to do a wedding for a client with great taste!

I loved the vibe of her wedding and the photographers that she chose to do the photography.

The bride chose to get ready at a beautiful suite at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The Biltmore is such an amazing hotel with so much history!

After hair and makeup and the bride and groom's first meeting, the photographers took the bride and groom and their entire wedding party around key places in the downtown area for some really great shots.

The wedding ceremony and reception took place at the Cafe Pinot. I love working at this venue! The service, food and ambience are amazing and everyone that works there is great!

There were a lot of details involved for this wedding and I was grateful to have the help of the Natalie Stephens-Sleigh with the Patina Restaurant Group. I really can't say enough great things about Natalie!!!!