Docuvitae Goes Digital

Docuvitae Photography, Films, and Books has expanded to digital! Know for their timeless film photography (and tons of notable celeb clients), Docuvitae has found a way to bring their talents to everyone. Perfect for the discerning bride who loves fine art, their documentary approach will wow you! The digital associate packages offer a cost-effective way to get that dreamy look on a conservative budget.

Their packages include 8 hours of photography coverage (custom quotes are available for shorter days). Couples can book a single shooter, or a team of two. Prices range from $3000 to $4000. And for clients who love film, they can augment the package to include extra rolls of film shot on one of their vintage medium-format or plastic toy cameras—you choose the number of rolls and they shoot it!

But wait, it gets better! Let them know you heard about the package thru the Bridal Bar and get an additional discount of $250.

Check out the result...Can you tell it's not film?

Honeymoon Keepsakes

What to get your engaged bff for another shower? What about a beautiful honeymoon keepsake? Elizaldi offers necklace collections that correspond with countries. Is she traveling to Costa Rica for her honeymoon? Maybe Italy or France?

These handcrafted sterling silver layered pieces make the perfect present, no matter where she lands. The designer incorporates vintage stamps from each country to embellish these stunning charms. Talk about an original gift...no else will gift her this at that shower!

Two Birds, Tons of Dresses

Twobirds Bridesmaid is much more than a bridesmaid dress. At first look, it's a straitjacket, or a wrap, or a dress, or who knows?? Well, it's not a straitjacket, though we all know we could use one at times of planning mania. This is actually much better than all of the above! It's one dress, with "arms" or straps that wrap, twist, tie, and tuck into ten different gowns! From a casual garden ceremony to a black tie affair, these hot little numbers are perfect for maids of all shapes and sizes. Each girl can dress herself in a dress she's comfortable in, while the entire group sticks with the uniform look of color and fabric. And for those of you who are a bit fashion-challenged, directions - tips, and ties are on the site for assistance.We are love, love, loving this one-of-a-kind concept of ten dresses in one.

Weddings at Wayfarers

One of our favorite photogs, Laura from Beautiful Day Photography has spent her share of Saturdays at the beautiful Wayfarers Chapel in Palos Verdes. We just love the original Lloyd Wright architecture overlooking the ocean; you can't really beat the backdrop. This glass house takes all religious backgrounds when it comes to weddings, so keep it in mind when looking for that So Cal ceremony site.Thanks Laura for the fabulous photos of your fun couples!

Congrats to Details Event Planning!

Congrats to The Bridal Bar's own Lisa Gorjestani from Details Event Planning.Lisa G was selected as part of a team of a-listers to weigh in on the InStyle Weddings planning guide in the new issue! Check out some of the industry trend-setter's biggest and brightest ideas...Congrats Lisa G!

Some of the first photos of happy couples

Docuvitae Photography & Super 8 shot these great photos of their lovely clients, Paul and Kevin. Their wedding was earlier this week in Los Angeles and even presided over by a CA Assemblyman. Congrats! And thanks for sharing!

Yay for California!! Gay Marriage Legal!!

Today is a big day for weddings in California! It is finally and officially legal to wed a same-sex partner in our state. And The Bridal Bar is smack-dab in West Hollywood, so we love the idea! Congrats to all the happy couples who are getting married today! This date could be as big as 07-07-07 in Cali! We can't wait to see all the fabulous photos from the upcoming nuptials of our fabulous clients.

And for those of you that haven't yet said I Do, give Mariah Nicole a call and if you're getting married to your same-sex partner anytime between now and November, receive 15% off your hair and makeup services as an extra special congrats!

Wishing all the newlyweds all the best!!

And thanks to Docuvitae for the photo...

Oh, and special thanks to the news crews who came by today to chat about these fab weddings! Busy day at the bar and our block - hundreds of weddings in the park all day long!

Weddingish Boutique Grand Opening Party

Weddingish is opening their first flagship boutique! CONGRATS ladies!! Get in on the action (and major discounts) and pop in for their par-tay.

When:
Thursday, June 19th
7pm to 9pm

Where:
10210 Riverside Drive
Toluca Lake, CA 91602Goodie bags and prizes at the party, you don't want to miss it! We will see you there!

Engage 08 Wrap Up

Wow! What an event! This year was the first (of many to come) for Engage 08 - a high impact wedding symposium. I was lucky enough to travel down to Celebration, Florida with the fab folks from Get Married. Such a great time was had by all!

I was included in a speakers group of some of my favorite people...

Preston was of course, gracious and lovely as usual, but Rebecca was so inspiring that she left us wanting more. (Top row left is Kathryn Arce - a host; and of course Preston Bailey with Rebecca Grinnals, our other host).Lots of new friends made that we can't wait to reunite again next year (hint, hint - engage 09?!?!?!)

But besides the people, don't you love the swag? Rebecca and Kathryn (our hosts) put together one of the best swag bags we've seen...right down to the matching Kate Spade notebook and rhinestone encrusted pen. Gotta love the packaging in all damask with rhinestones too! Great for weddings...

And thanks to the talented Darice Michelle Photography for the wonderful photos!We will share some of our fantastic finds from the event in the weeks ahead, so stay tuned!

Location Spotlight: Hummingbird Nest Ranch

The Hummingbird Nest Ranch has got to be the best kept secret in LA. Nestled on the base of a mountain within its 140 acre property, this estate has everything a wedding wants. Privacy, privacy, privacy; jaw-dropping grounds, beautiful views, a lavish home and guest homes, indoor and outdoor spaces, and oh yeah, a late curfew (no neighbors). This is definitely wedding one-stop-shopping! The main house can host your rehearsal dinner and your wedding night. The guest houses and old ranch house can host some 50+ friends and family for the weekend, and the multiple on-property venue options give you endless event backdrops.

Okay, so we realize this might sound a bit like a commercial at this point, but there is truly no way to describe this fantasy land. You can stay on-site, with the amenities and service of a hotel (think breakfast in bed); the capacity is enormous (if you wed on the polo field); there is an outdoor fire pit and veranda, a pool, mountain views, overgrown trees to wed under, pond with boat fit for two, and just about anything else you can dream up for your dream day. Oh yeah, did we mention the helipad for the ultimate sendoff??

Here are some photos of this fab place...wedding pix to follow soon, a Bridal Bar staffer is set to wed there in '09.

Oh, wait! We forgot the best part!! It's totally affordable! Starting at $4k a day (depending on location and use), this palace could actually save you and your guests some dough when everyone stays on property.

Ice cream, ice cream, you will certainly scream for this ice cream!!

Okay, so we know it's a bit extravagant and not exactly cost-effective for a wedding, but how can you resist your own couture ice cream cone?? Forget the old fashion ice cream sundae bar. Give your guests pints to go with your own custom flavor, packaging, and name!! eCreamery has come up with a potion of perfection. You select the grade/type of ice cream you want, the flavor, the mix-ins, and the packaging and they FedEx it out to you in no time.What will they think of next??

Spire.com

We love to share new finds on the web, and this is one you won't want to miss. Spire.com is the latest and greatest social networking site with all things we love - great resorts, going green ideas, gift giving tips, and the list goes on. Spire.com has some of the best media brains behind it so we have no doubt that all their finds will be fabulous! It's free to join, so we hope to see you on there soon!

BizBash Favs

This week was the BizBash industry trade show in Los Angeles. A great place for us to get the inside scoop on what's new and hot in the event biz. Check out some of our favorites...sorry for no floor photos (blogger nightmare - camera left at the office!)

The brand new and resort in Pasadena...The Langham Hotel and SpaLook familiar? It's a old favorite made new again and we love it!!

Great themed gift baskets for NY and LA out-of-town guests. Loving the eco-friendly packaging and products as well as the city-themed cans of goodies. All from Metropolitan Gifts.
Or how about a personalized bottle of wine for your guests' rooms?? Personal Wine makes the perfect present.More to come as we get photos from our other favorite finds...and you will love them! The hot new colors?? Black, red, and gold!! High drama and lots of glamour!

Fab Desserts

Photo from Bakerella.

Over on Get Married, they highlighted kitschy, kid-like, and bite-sized desserts. LOVE anything you can pop in your mouth without the mess, without too much guilt, and with all the fun of being a kid again. So here's some of their favorites and a few favs of our own...

Photos by Isabel Lawrence Photographers:
Love how Bakerella not only shares her yummy and adorable treats, but she shares her trade secrets so you can make them too!

What a Beautiful Wedding!

Over at the fun-filled blog of Red Loft Studios, Jenny and her team shared with the world a recent wedding that was put on by none other than several amazingly talented Bridal Bar event professionals. The brilliant photog who took these pics was none other than Jenny Stafford, owner of Red Loft Studios...take a peek and tell us what you think!In Jenny's words..."The wedding was gorgeously decorated with hanging chandeliers, crystals draped the branches of the trees lining the orchard, white linen and star orchids draped the chuppah, red tablecloths were adorned with splashes of red flower arrangements, and the menus were accented with individual crystals (a reoccurring touch throughout the wedding). Brianna and Jason came up with the most unique table assignment detail; a chandelier with each guest’s name hand painted on each crystal! The whole wedding was well thought out and very elegant. I could tell that the guests were awestruck at how gorgeous everything was."The wedding was coordinated and designed by the lovely and talented Lisa Gorjestani at Details Event Planning...love all the incredible detail!And we can't wait to see the final cut from videographers Robert and Aron over at Reel Life Pictures.Congratulations Brianna and Jason! And thanks Jenny for sharing your incredible photos!