Fox LA's Hot List

Fox News here in LA is hosting a contest of sorts. They have selected some of the top professionals in just about every field imaginable and nominated them for their Hot List. They have categories ranging from indie theaters and tattoo parlors to the best wedding cake in town. Definitely check it out and get to know our city a bit better. And while you're there, PLEASE vote for our favs that made the list (including us!!) We can't believe how many talented event professionals in our little group got nominated!! So help them win and cast your votes!!

To vote for our vendors, click right through to their pages via the following:

Click here to vote for The Bridal Bar!

Best Cake:
Fantasy Frostings

Best Spa:
Argyle Salon and Spa

Best Facial:
Skin Haven

Best Designer Jewelry:
May Yeung Jewelry

Best Caterer:
Wolfgang Puck Catering
AND
Patina Catering

Best Florist:
Tic Tock Couture Florals

Best Wedding Flowers:
End Design

Best Makeup:
Mariah Nicole Makeup & Hair Artistry
AND
Sheree Pouls of Lips & Locks
AND
Hair & Make-Up by Betsy diFrancesca

Best Wedding Videos:
Docuvitae Photography & Super 8
AND
Renaissance Studios Films
AND
Reel Life Pictures
AND
Envision Productions

Best Invitations:
Papeterie

Best DJ:
Gold Dust Entertainment

Best Photographer:
Zen Todd
AND
Robert Evans Studios

Best Venue:
Music Center

Wedding Planner:
Cobalt Events

And in San Diego's contest, vote for our very own caterer:
Paul Bott and Company

And stay tuned for the winners...as soon as they are announced we will post them here. Good luck everyone!!!

Get Married

Get Married the show returns!


It has moved, grown, and is about to hit your tube bigger and better than before! The interactive wedding website and television show now boasts host David Tutera and is welcoming him to their new network, Lifetime TV. Every weekday at 7:30am beginning, this Monday you can tune in to the newest wedding innovations and trends. Check out their website for more comprehensive coverage (and even enter to win a $100,000 wedding).

We can't wait to see what they have in store this season and of course stay tuned for The Bridal Bar to make an appearance.

Shoes, Shoes, Oh Wonderful Shoes

The Bridal Bar's blog topic this week over on Bride-O-Rama was about the cost and comfort of bridal shoes. While conducting our little research experiment we were inspired to find some of our favorite shoes (or lack there of) photos from of course our favorite photographers. The best part about them all? The individuality that shines through with each photographer; capturing such different angles, lights, and shoes for that matter. You can really see the personality of a photographer by "their shoes" (or so we've decided.)

For your viewing (and walking) pleasure...

By Red Loft Studios:


By Allison Photo:


By Jules Bianchi Photography:


By Docuvitae:


By Robert Evans Studios:

By Zen Todd:


By Andrew Kitchen Photography:

Bridal Bar Vendors are InStyle!

We just picked up the newest issue of InStyle Weddings and how fun it is to read about so many of our favorite vendors in one of our favorite bridal mags!


Lisa Gorjestani, owner and event planner at Details Event Planning has a FOUR PAGE spread with her tips and trends for party planning!! Check out the "10 tips from a celebrity planner" section where she suggests:

1. Make a simple yet eye-popping design statement by varying the palette from one table to the next.

2. Forgo the racy garter in favor of 'something blue' that's charmingly discreet.

3. Embellish the ceremony space with unexpected touches.


4. Create an outdoor lounge that feels like a living room.

5. Show your attendants you care with a personal touch.

6. Rein in wide-open spaces with garden and architectural accents.

7. Give the youngest guest a reason to enjoy the party too.

8. Skip the childhood slide show and hang photos instead.

9. Consider a surprising setting for exchanging vows.

10. Serve food and drinks that celebrate your heritage.

Then Hello! Lucky Invitations received a full page on one of their latest design palettes!Continue to the celebrity weddings in the back of the mag and you'll find a simple elegant butter cream cake by Fantasy Frostings for actress Busy Phillips' wedding.Pick up your new issue soon before they're gone!!

What to do in the Rain?

Weddings take place in the rain all the time. But here in Southern California, we don't see a whole lot of wet weather. So in honor of the past day of rain (the first in ages for us Angelenos), here are some beautiful tents that make for great back up plans in bad weather. Hope it doesn't rain on your big day, but if it does, it could make for a spectacular backdrop!

Photos from Special Occasions Inc. (click images to enlarge)

Photos from Classic Party Rentals.

Photos from Joe Buissink.

Photos from Robert Evans Studios.

Not so long ago, in a land not so far away (the valley), maiden Kirstie Kelly and the huge House of Mouse, Disney joined together to create a collection of gowns for maids, little ones, and princess brides called Kirstie Kelly for Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings.

With their second collection about to hit the runways of New York, some of us lucky ones on the West got a sneak peak. With princesses and models, gowns and fairy tales, this morning at the ABC/Disney Studios we were treated to a fabulous fashion show. Though we don't have the pictures to prove it just yet, we promise you are going to love the new season! Think champagne colors for the bride...just beautiful!!

Vendor Spotlight: Eventful

Eventful is a boutique event production and design company based in Los Angeles, but with worldwide reach. Owner, Linda Pittelli prides herself on knowing the best of the best in what seems like every country! Whether a small island in the Caribbean or a big to-do in Italy, Linda and her team make everything elegant! Check out some of our recent favs...be inspired...and take note...as you can see gold is good :)

Fantastic Two

Congratulations to Ioan Gruffudd and Alice Evans on their wedding this past weekend at the One and Only Palmilla in Cabo San Lucas. Once again famed photographer Robert Evans was on hand to capture every moment. Ioan, best-known for his starring roles in the Fantastic Four movies, is now starring in his biggest role yet, brand new hubby! Congrats!

Orange is in Season...

Nicole Hirsty, event producer and owner of Cobalt Events just sent us these images of an AMAZING wedding she planned - with such detail that we couldn't resist sharing. Better yet, this story is actually quite touching...

This lovely couple, Christine and Matthew, wed on June 30th of this year at the famous Hotel Bel Air (one of Oprah's favorite spots and you can see why). Their wedding was of course special (as are them all) but this particular couple had faced some previous tragic events; Christine had lost both of her parents. It is so difficult to wed without your parents; but luckily, Christine didn't have to. Confused?? Even though Christine's mom and dad weren't present, they were definitely right there with her!

The ceremony included some touching tributes to mom and dad; including a photo locket wrapped around the bride's bouquet, lighting of candles in their honor, and a butterfly release. Here's when she knew she was not alone...immediately after the butterfly release, two butterflies perched themselves on her dress! They both stayed with her as if to walk her down the aisle, and one remained closely by her side, taking residence on her bouquet for most of the evening. SO amazing!! And so wonderful that Christine was not alone on her wedding day!! We love this story!!! See some of those special touches below...what a beautiful bride.And now for the party...and what a party it was! The outdoor lounge was complete with custom day beds and linens, hat boxes full of goodies for guests, a place card table made of roses, custom match boxes, and inside - a custom candy bar. Yum! When guests were escorted inside they were greeted with more surprises. This lush custom indoor lounge was a huge hit (special carpeting and all)! Check out the custom white and monogrammed dance floor in front of the big band (encased in the hydrangea boxes from the ceremony site). The cake was designed by one of our favorites, Fantasy Frostings and all of these gorgeous photos shot by the one and only Robert Evans.There are too many details and photos to share, but we couldn't resist this walkway to the ballroom or the tabletop designed by LA Premier. The menus, place cards, and paper goods came from Celebration Cards, part of Nicole Hirsty's regular Dream Team.Finally, Christine and Matthew ended their long night of dancing, celebrating, and cigar smoking (yes, they had a cigar roller too)...with a cute sentiment to those that shared in this unforgettable evening. Congratulations!!