Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Renaissance Studios Films Launches New Site with New Specials

In honor of the spankin' new website of Renaissance Studios Films, the cinematographers are offering a spankin' new deal! Book any package of your choice now through the end of September (date of event can be any date) and receive 2 free rolls of film added on to the deal ($1,000 value)! Hurry, Hurry...with a recent celeb wedding under their belts, they won't be available for long!

Renaissance Studios Films
1. 877.4.ART.FILMS

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Princess Bride

One of our favorite people just hosted one of our favorite weddings of the year. Jen Zankan of JenerationPR is to blame for much of The Bridal Bar's recent successes so it's only fitting that we show you a bit of the behind the scenes at her absolutely fabulous wedding.

Jen and Kevin Berson wed on June 9th at El Caballero Country Club, a reception site near and dear to the bride as her grandfather was one of the original founders of this historic club. The wedding was packed with personal details that made the night memorable. Jen and Kevin (both genius entrepreneurs) pooled their talents and ideas together with the help of a Hostess with the Mostess to design their details and turn their dreams into reality. Here goes...picture overload!!

The oh so talented and lovely Sheree Pouls of Lips and Locks transforming the bride from one hot chick to one hot wife.Some of the special touches..."just married" Hershey Kisses hanging in guests' cars upon exit; after hours lounge (the first of two after parties); the totally original tabletop decor with framed photos and name of cities as table markers; late night Cinnabons (a fav of the groom); the damask patterned cupcake tower doubling as a wedding cake; the sweetheart table; custom guest book inserts for photos and notes to the newlyweds; the hot bridesmaid dress details; and the silk and black magic rose Chuppah.Even more details...the custom damask patterned ring pillow; chandeliers for the post party; place cards on a ribbon and fabric board; custom program by Hostess; the bridal bouquet, and a table number.Here's the happy couple and Jen with her maids just after the "I Do's."As the night went on, the party kicked into high gear with an after hours cigar lounge at El Cab (complete with boas for the ladies) and then an after after hours party back at the W Hotel.And our favorite shot of the day, the proud bride as she struts her stuff...the end (or the beginning)!Photos by friends, family, and Shannon's Photography.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Another Bride...Another Bridal Bar Vendor!

CONGRATULATIONS to Robert of Reel Life Pictures - he just got married!!!! Yep, even wedding professionals have weddings :) Robert and his beautiful bride, Nyla got married on August 17th at the picturesque Malibou Lake Club in Malibu, CA. What a fun wedding - check out the couple hamming it up for the camera on the grounds of their reception site.The reception included a photo montage of the couples' childhood pix, made by the groom and his Reel Life partner, Aron. And the best part? Rob's band closed out the night playing dance covers from the 80's with Rob on drums.
We love all the details, but more importantly we love how happy they look! With wedding budgets skyrocketing these days, it's nice to see a couple remembering to have fun on their big day...and not take themselves too seriously.

Congratulations you two!! We wish you a lifetime of happiness!! And we can't wait for the Super 8 video...so skip the honeymoon and get editing!!

Photos courtesy of Jennifer S Rau Photography.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Bridal Bar on Better TV

The Bridal Bar was featured this morning on Better TV's morning show. Touted as the celebrity spot to plan your wedding, our segment can be viewed here. Thanks Brooke and Jen and to everyone at Better TV!!

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Bride-O-Rama

Bride-O-Rama is the latest and greatest new wedding website. The idea? Wedisodes featuring real couples and real weddings so that engaged couples can get the best advice from the best sources - those that have been down that aisle before!

Also included in this interactive bridal haven are tips from real experts, including a q & a section and a blog that The Bridal Bar will be contributing to every Tuesday.

Take a peak at what caught our eye this week in Bride-O-Rama...

With new wedisodes dropping every Monday and our blog posts going live every Tuesday, you'll have lots of reasons to frequent this hot new bridal community. Don't miss out!!

Monday, August 20, 2007

Setting Trends: Paul Bott and Co.

This week's vendor spotlight is Paul Bott and Company. Featured in the premier issue of San Diego's Exquisite Weddings Magazine. This table top decor blends beautifully with the rustic elegance of the Lodge at Torrey Pines, one of San Diego's hottest wedding locales. Paul and his team created a lush green and chocolate brown array of orchids and exotic fruits mixed in between wrought iron accessories and lush fabric linens and chairs. Finished off by his oh-so-rich chocolate wedding cake; he really takes the cake!
The bridal boutique is almost as stunning as the bride! And she looks like she's enjoying more than that chocolate cake :)

Paul Bott and Company
San Diego, Newport Beach, Beverly Hills and Lake Tahoe
(877) PBC-STYL

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

BOTG

Brides on the Go is coming to LA!! Celebrate your engagement with the professionals to help you. Brides on the Go event is your introduction to unique wedding and lifestyle products/services. Meet exclusive wedding planning professionals in a "speed dating" networking format while being treated to fine cuisine, spirits, and swag!

Sunday August 26th 2007
12 pm – 4 pm
Yamashiro Cal Asian Restaurant
Indoor Garden
1999 N. Sycamore Ave Hollywood CA 90068

As a Bride, your RSVP includes:

* Receive a Hollywood Style gift bag filled with goodies.
* The chance to Meet Wedding Professionals that have the keys to your dream wedding!
* View Gowns by Nicole Miller and the Bridal Jewelry Collection by David Yurman.
* Taste Yamashiro's Elegant Cuisine and tour the historic venue for your next event.
* Sample Barefoot's Fine Wine and Champagne.
* Complimentary Makeovers with Celebrity Stylists.
* Chance to win prizes that will make you feel like a queen.

RSVP before August 16th to receive 2 for one RSVP.
$30/per person there after or at door.
For more information, visit Brides on the Go

*valet service not included
*gift bags are first come first serve basis.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Brides Decide!

BridesDecide.com is a new concept site developed by the folks at Wedding Channel and The Knot. It's a unique way to get the word out about the 2008 election and do it in style. It's a forum of free speech and it's meant for all parties (no, not bridal parties, political ones)...

Why? Because it isn't ALL about our weddings...plan for the kids the future too!

The purpose of the site is to encourage engaged women and new brides to get engaged in the 2008 presidential election. With this relevant spin, Brides Decide helps women compare the presidential candidates and issues, talk politics with other women, find voting information, and even see real wedding photos and stories of the presidential candidates.

Our favorite photo?

Mike Huckabee in a powder blue tuxedo at his wedding in 1974.



Here's the official 411 on BridesDecide.com:

Compare the Presidential Candidates & Issues — Pro-choice or pro-life? Supports the war in Iraq or not? Find out how candidates measure up on big issues by selecting up to three candidates from the homepage and then clicking the “compare candidates” button. You can also compare where candidates stand on specific issues ranging from immigration and abortion to health care and education.

Register to Vote — In partnership with 411.org, brides can enter their ZIP code and find the location of their local polling place. Brides who still need to register can pop over to RockTheVote.com and be a registered voter in time for the election.

Talk Politics — Chat about the issues with other to-be-weds and newlyweds on the message boards in TheKnot.com, WeddingChannel.com, and TheNest.com communities. Just click on “Join the Discussion” and you’ll be directed to the message boards.

Stay In-The-Know with the Presidential Calendar of Events — Right on the BridesDecide.com homepage, you can find a calendar of all the events leading up to Election Day November 2008, such as the primary or caucus in your area. There are also links to the most-talked-about articles and videos on the web.


See Candidates’ Wedding Stories & Photos — Which two lovebirds tied the knot in their living room? Who proposed while watching a John Wayne movie? Click on candidates’ profiles to find their stance on issues as well as the story of their wedding.


Take the Brides Decide Survey — A controlled survey on BridesDecide.com will be collecting the views of recent and future brides on everything from the war in Iraq to satisfaction with the 2004 presidential election to how health care should be managed.

See you at the polls!! Dress not required...

Monday, August 13, 2007

Bridal Bar Dogs Famous??

We love seeing our name in print, who doesn't?!?! But we would not have thought that we could possibly feel so proud, special, honored, (and a bit cheesy all at once!) Cole and Cody, our Bridal Bar doggies have made their fashion shoot debut! Who knows if they will end up on the editing room floor - but who cares!?!?
To the left is a proud mama and her pooch shot by sweet Annette from Triplecord Photography.

Just a few weeks ago we jetted down to the beautiful Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel so that our little models could strut their stuff on the cat, no, no "dog walk." The photo shoot was for the uber fabulous bridal publication Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine and though the photos are top secret, here are a few teasers from the setup.

We had a hard time getting Cole to crack a smile (he doesn't like to wear women's clothes), but here's one in the "dressing room" shot by the talented Jessica Claire.



The lovely and talented Jeannie Savage brought out her little model for the day as well. Here she is getting acquainted with her co-stars. Look out ANTM, she's may be two, but she's got talent!

And last but not least, our little Cody in a few outtakes. He did do quite well, we might have a star in the making! Thanks Jessica for these FAB photos and thanks Annette for the family portrait!!

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

True Bride Confessions

True Bride Confessions is one of our fav new past times while "working." Yes it's true, we know that everyone plans their wedding from behind their work desk, and now there is a home for you to gather around the internet water cooler and gossip. True Bride Confessions is some much needed wedding therapy, where you can read about what other brides are going through and feel camaraderie, or post your own confession under the veil of anonymity and without judgment.

It's a little naughty, and yet a little addictive...brides confessing everything under the sun, from financial fights to just funny fashion faux pas. Check it out, vent under the privacy veil, and then get back to the FUN that is wedding planning!

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Weddings by Wolfgang Puck

The Bridal Bar and Wolfgang Puck Catering hosted an eco-chic green weddings fete, Weddings by Wolfgang Puck. We were honored to be asked by the world-renowned chef and his team to highlight on of Hollywood's hottest venues, The Annex at Hollywood and Highland. Last week was the culmination of months of hard work by the fabulous staff (you know who you are) at Wolfgang Puck Catering along with the countless hours put forth by our fantastic Bridal Bar vendors and sponsors. Check out some of the AMAZING highlights...almost too many to mention.

This is a day to night look at one of the main rooms, ELS Lighting did truly the most amazing job we have seen in years. Check out the change in atmosphere from day to night...The amazing draping and swagging can be credited to the newest and hottest decor team in town, the guys from Arriba L&H, Hiro really was our "hero" :)Now for the details...weddings are all about the details and no one knows that better than Eddie and the gang from Tic Tock Couture Florals. Check out a few of his tabletop designs. Have you ever seen anything so spectacular??? Not to mention, eco-friendly (as was everything at this soiree). His innovative white orchid designs dazzled not only the guests, but the press and news crews too (see him below getting another 15 minutes of fame).And you've got to love the color-changing up-lights that ELS created along the perimeter of the rooms, wow, wow, wow!

Here's a few of those notable press clips...From the left, Wolfgang himself as he speaks with one of my favorite news anchors, Jessica Holmes of KTLA News. She truly is even more beautiful (and sweet) in person and a fan of The Bridal Bar! The middle pic is of our hosts (or those that we could wrangle for a photo op), Leticia Ortega from Classic Party Rentals, Harmony Walton of The Bridal Bar, Wolfgang Puck, Meredith Oritt (the brains behind this event for Wolfgang Puck Catering), and Eddie from Tic Tock. On the right we have Eddie enjoying the spotlight from CBS & KCAL News.

And now for the most important part of the evening...the FOOD! The photos do not do the taste justice, but take a look at some of the delectable goodies from Wolfgang and his amazing catering staff...as you can see, he is hands on from the beginning, perfecting every dish with such care; needless to say we were all very impressed with not only the taste, but the hard work that went into it all...
And last but certainly not least, some fun and oh so original details that as we all know truly make any event or wedding. See the little things that make the difference from Classic Party Rentals; the beautiful tabletop, linen, and truly unique rental furniture (with the exception of the exceptional cabana tents by Arriba L&H).A special thanks to all that came out to enjoy great food and party with our favorite people. Oh yes, and it wouldn't be a party without the bar right?!?! We had the first ever eco-friendly, green spirit to thank for the fun. VeeV Spirits is an amazing new vodka alternative that created "I Do Antioxidant Coolers" and other yummy wedding cocktails. They manage to create a fab product while conducting a green business and donating a dollar from every bottle sold back to the rainforest where they get the Acai berry.Expect more to come on this fantastic event (the food deserves it's own blog that's for sure). But in the meantime, we want to thank all the eco-friendly folks that made this event unforgettable...

Tree-Free Invitations by Hello! Lucky Weddings
Sustainable Rental Furniture, Tabletop, linens, sofas and more by Classic Party Rentals
Cabanas, chandeliers and swagging by Arriba L&H
The rockin' spins from Tony and Ian at RedShoe
Event Coverage and Photography by Robert Evans Studios
and last but not least, Fiji Water to get the parched party guests home safely.

Thank you to everyone for your support and for those fun and fabulous folks that made it out for green foods and this fantastic fete. We raised hundreds of dollars for Tree People and helped to restore the beautiful Griffith Park so that it can hopefully become the breathtaking weddings venue that it once was (before the tragic fire that occurred earlier this year.)

For more, check out the coming news segments, wedding specials, and bridal magazine wrap ups.

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Preston Bailey is Coming to Town!

Preston Bailey will be coming to LA on September 9th and we've got front row tickets!!

An Exquisite Event LA, an Indian-Fusion high-end bridal event is taking place at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on Sunday, September 9th from 11am to 5pm. Tickets are $20 before Aug. 17th and $25 after. This event will feature some of the top event designers and event professionals in Southern California. With a flare of Indian Weddings and a cross-over to the mainstream bridal market, you will find only the unique, exceptional, and exquisite at this fete.

Preston will be speaking to guests, signing autographs and books, and letting us peek into his fantasy world of weddings. Along with Preston, you can expect to see vendors like Tic Tock Couture Florals, Crustacean of Beverly Hills, and of course the fabulous Bridal Bar.
For more of the deets for this one check out An Exquisite Event LA or call (818) 620-2665.