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Things We Love |
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SANTA BARBARA has been called the American Riviera, and it only takes one drive through this stunning intimate city nestled between gentle cascading hills and the deep blue Pacific...
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THE ERA OF THE COCKTAIL has made a comeback, and we are,
once again, becoming a cocktail culture. With this in mind, what could
be more appealing than turning cocktail and bar accessories into your
wedding gift registry theme? With the accessories you see here, you’ll
be all set for company.
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Any diamond will carry a romantic message to a beloved bride, but only one will set her heart on fire. A diamond that is so perfectly cut that it has all the classic elements of a diamond’s beauty—brilliance, dispersion and scintillation. A diamond that sparkles like a red-hot fire. A Hearts On Fire diamond.
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Janice S. Casacca explores the Central Coast’s effortless beauty and the flavor of old California where the sprawling countyside meets the deep blue Pacific Ocean.
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Northern California’s wine region is ranked as one of the nation’s top five destination wedding locations. Robbin Montero unites the wedding, wine, and tourism industry of Northern Califorina.
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The enchantment of the Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez regions, unfolding their miraculous natural beauty, cast their spell on Jill la Fleur, The Wedding Planner.
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HONEYMOON PHOTOGRAPHY
So you’ve had the unforgettable wedding and thankfully, the pictures to prove it. Now you and Mr. Right are off to that unforgettable honeymoon location you’ve dreamt about. Oh, the memories. Disposable cameras? Passers-by snapping quick pix of the two of you? Wait, that hike up to the waterfall that leaves the two of you alone (no problem there), until you want to remember it together! So, what to do? Plan for your honeymoon the way you would your wedding, of course!
The latest trend in honeymoon travel is not the destination itself, but who you take with you. Celebrity wedding photography, Robert Evans, for example. Take your wedding photographer on your honeymoon? Yes, that’s what we said!
Robert Evans Studios, HoneymoonPhotographer.com, (818) 509-9222
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EYELASH EXTENSIONS
Love the look of long lashes but want the look to last into the honeymoon? For even more dimension to your wedding day makeup, opt for 3D-Lashes, the new, semi-permanent eyelash extensions that promise to outlast your guests, your honeymoon, and your first few months of matrimony. “Eyelash extensions are a terrific way to transform your typical beautiful, blushing bride into an absolute knockout. Her eyes will be gorgeous and glamorous in a really natural way, not at all overdone or over-the-top;” explains Dana Elise of Laser Solutions Skincare, one of the latest in medispas to offer the service. About a week before the big day, she suggests brides come in for the application. The lashes are individually applied for thickness and with all different lengths available, Dana is able to complement any face shape and without the need for dark mascara. But the best part is they last six to eight weeks, even surviving all the tears of your ceremony and swimming on your honeymoon. Laser Solutions Skincare or
3D-Beauty.com for other stores |
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NO SWEAT
Walking down the aisle, speaking from your soul in front of everyone you know and love, pledging your life to your mate – no sweat right? Of course not, now getting down to James Brown at the reception, that’s a different story. With all the up close and personal moments at a wedding, hugs from family, dances and photos, a damp dress is not so sweet. There is no longer the need to fear – Botox for the underarms is here! Now with a new purpose, Botox injections curb underarm sweating, a look not becoming on a princess bride. Robert Colvin, owner of SKN Medical Spa sees a dramatic result from the growing trend. “Both men and women are getting the treatments done much more now than ever before. The effect is essentially and virtually no sweating for six months to a year in the underarm region. With this perspiration reduction, both odor and staining disappear and not to worry, no excessive sweating in other parts of the body will take place as a result.” While you’re at it, Robert says Botox for the forehead isn’t a bad idea either…think of all the soon-to-be-in-law wrinkles on their way.
SKN Medical Spa or
(415) 409-6500
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BOOTCAMP
Wedding preparations can often feel like military operations, so why should your fitness routine be any different? Well, okay, forget the yelling from the drill sergeant and replace it with some fun wedding gossip. That’s what you get from Michele Wilkoff’s Bride’s Bootcamp. Groups of brides in training (and often their maids) unite on the beaches of Santa Monica to burn off those cake-tasting calories and wash away the stresses of the in-laws. In groups of twelve or less, strangers or friends (all are friends by the end), Michele kicks your butt and tones all the right places. Focus on killer arms for a sleeveless dress, tone your back for the lower cut dresses; you can tailor your program to fit your individual needs. Sessions include cardio training like sand running, kickboxing, stairs, and team surfside sports; strength drills, and flexibility work like yoga – that combined allow you to achieve those looming fitness goals. And all the while you and your new BFFs can share the secrets of your wedding planning successes. Michele Wilkoff’s Brides’ Bootcamp, (310) 430-9128
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MOBILE MANIA
The trend of the mobile spa services is sweeping the bridal industry. Leading the way is MobileSPA Los Angeles, a full service spa and special events company that takes the luxury spa experience to you – whether in a home, hotel room, or during an event. For intimate bridal showers to entertainment at the after parties, this offers manicures, pedicures, massage, couples massage, facials, hair and makeup services, a personal chef to prepare a gourmet meal, and even a gift bag of products for you and your guests. Owner Nina Gaas works with brides-to-be for everything from bachlorette parties and bridal showers, to an intimate evening for two for the new couple to unwind after the big day. Their mission is to take the stress out of the event, even providing invitations, décor, music, robes and slippers so the hostess is sure to be the mostess without lifting a finger. MobileSPA Los Angeles |
CHAMELEON CHAIR
Chameleon Chair is where it’s at. This one-of-a-kind company created a line of remarkably versatile chairs designed to meet the ever-changing demands of the party and special events market. The pieces are designed with interchangeable backs, cushions, legs, skirts, and slipcovers for the widest selection of unique chairs. The Chameleon Chair Collection includes metallic and cloth backs, cushions in a large variety of colors, fabrics, and patterns, unusual metal-designed backs, and legs in different colors and heights to create a striking dinner chair or barstool. Each combination creates a completely different look, from a sexy stool to an elegant slip-covered dining chair with a rhinestone buckle embellishment.
ClassicPartyRentals.com / Designer8FurnitureRental.com |
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FERMENTATIONS
At Fermentations, in Cambria, the staff will guide you through a food and wine pairing experience in a relaxing, romantic setting. You will learn which wines pair with which foods, such as which red wine to serve with salmon; which white wine complements spicy Asian; and what goes best with the famous Fermentations Cabernet Sauvignon. Various types of Champagne are on the tasting menu, and for a real treat you’ll pair the Chocolate Dessert Sauce with strawberries and champagne. Wines and gourmet foods are available at Fermentations as individual items or in gift baskets. Fermentations, 4056 Burton Drive, Cambria. (800) 446-7505 www.fermentations.com.
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TEEP DESIGNS
With couples jet-setting the globe to wed in the tropics these days, gifts for your maids and family must be equally as well traveled. Teep Designs is a line of handbags and accessories using naturally occurring florals from Thailand, yet its pieces find homes all over the globe. Begun as a gift from a son to mother, Marala Tamprateep and her husband went in search of indigenous flowers in the mountains of Chiang-Mai, the home of their extended family. Using lotus blossoms, orchids, hibiscus, roses, and more, this family-owned business creates its collections with real flower blossoms that translate into vibrant additions to the most fashionable of wardrobes. Order a clutch, tote, coordinating wallet or makeup bag adorned with flowers found from your wedding locale. Because the flowers are picked from their gardens, no two are exactly alike, each handmade, making a perfect package for maids and moms that will feel like you picked yourself.
Teep Designs
(314) 315-1617 www.teepdesigns.us
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MISCHIEF & SHIMA PEARLS
In the heart of Montecito along Coast Village Road, you'll find the boutique Mischief, well-known for their unique selection of woman's apparel, jewelry and other crafts from local and American artists. Among their selection, Shima Pearls is handcrafted jewelry by Japanese/American designers, Ashley Kiyomi Deguchi and Satoko Shao - Kobayashi. With a hit of tradition and modern Japanese, Asian and Western influence, these earrings are made of Iolite, Labradorite, and Moonstone in sterling silver. $105 Mischief
(805) 565-9588 |
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PERFECT DETAILS
Chantal Beaded Handbag: This fun, adorable handbag comes in an array of fabulous colors. Beaded flower designs is created from colorful seeds beads. Satin lined with zipper closure and metallic chain. $115.00;
Crystal Hairpin: Deco inspired hairpin with beautiful crystal design features three large crystals in the center a simple touch of elegance for any updo. $ 75.00
Perfect Details, avaliable at The Wedding Gallery, Sanata Barbara,
(805) 436-2828 www.perfectdetails.com
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VALET DESSERTS
Skip the never-ending search for the perfect favor and head straight to the valet! Surprise your guests with an old-fashioned donut cart stationed upon the exit. Couples receive a baggie filled to the brim with made-to-order mini donuts with the choice of plain, chocolate, cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla or raspberry. Laurel Szeto, owner of Laurel and Party who calls on Hot Spot Mini Donuts, suggests “going the extra mile by creating favor tags out of paper flags and toothpicks as an inexpensive thank you note to your guests. Labeling the to-go bags with custom stickers adorned with your monogram is another way where a little detail goes a long way. This makes for a sweet ending to a fabulous event.” Just don’t forget about yourselves as guests! |

Order up to-go bags of your favorite minis and have a waiter deliver them to your suite along with champagne for a midnight snack – you know you’re gonna be hungry! Hot Spot Mini Donuts
(213) 590-1710;
for Tags and Flags, contact Laurel and Party
(310) 656-9837 |
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GUMPS
Gumps's offers a complete registry service featuring top quality china, silver, crystal and linen, as well as distinctive decorative accents and other home furnishings.
San Francisco. 135 Post Street,
(800) 444-0540.
www.gumps.com |
PRIMAVERA GALLERY
Red Goblet: The red goblet embodies beauty, harmony and grace. Inspired by Venetian glass techniques and combined with innovative elements, these goblets actualize a refined sensibility of form, tradition, and uniqueness. Goblets starting at $225.
Iridescent Tumblers: These glasses hold a lengthy heritage of over 20 years. The artist behind the glass aims for all to have in their home. Each contains a unique iridescence of color. Available in gold, blue, yellow and iridescent. A great gift starting at $19 a piece.
Perfume Bottle: Combining the skill of blown glass with cane work to create this detailed flower, the elegantly formed perfume bottle is a beautiful gift to keep on display and joyfully used daily by any mother or bridesmaid. With a wide variety to choose from, starting from $42 - over $500
Nightlight: Each of these unique nightlights are hand-painted in the reverse with exquisite designs to illuminate any room with an elegant touch. The artist's unique combination of design elements from east and west create a stunning gift for all. Starting at $110. Primavera Gallery, 805-646-7133, www.primaveraart.com |
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VICTORIA HOUSE | BELIZE
BY BRUCE JENNAR
In the island of Ambergris Caye, the largest island of Belize, is Victoria House, a luxury hotel and resort without the stuffy feel. Considered a bare-foot retreat, this ten-acre property is complete with a beachfront swimming pool, a dive center and pier, candle-lit fine dining restaurants, plantation suites, palapa casitas, and private villas all surrounded by lush tropical flowers and a breathtaking beach setting. Free of boundaries and stresses, this compound can create the ultimate private relaxation setting for you and your mate to unwind after the wedding. For those of you looking for a little more adventure on your honeymoon, it also offers all the services of a large resort: fishing, diving, snorkeling and all without the formality of a large establishment. Love it there so much? How about owning one of the lavish villas, and retreat back to it every anniversary? With the resort’s newest additions, you can do just that…Victoria House, http://www.Victoria-House.com (800) 247-5159 |
FIJI WATER SLEEVES
Looking for something to shine on the dinner table? Maybe even something that will last beyond the reception? Try Fiji water’s new silver sleeves in both .5 liter and 1 liter sizes. Remind you of your favorite five star restaurants? That’s probably because until now, it was the only place you could find these classic containers. Engravable with your guests’ initials (welcome baskets, anyone?) or your own new monogram for the dinner table, these elegant keepsakes can be treasured long after the wedding and enjoyed at the many anniversary parties you plan to host along the way. Sleeves come in sets of two per size (price includes engraving).
Available at BFFBridal.com |
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SWEET TOAST
The fathers’ speech, the groom, the best man…the list of toasts goes on as the reception progresses. Why not try something a little different and host a sweet toast. Imagine at the end of the evening, waiters arrive with silver trays abundant with tall, double shot glasses. The drinks are passed, glasses are raised, and you and your guests toast with none other than gourmet root beer floats! “The secret is in the ice cream and the quality of product. We make our vanilla ice cream from scratch for that little extra flavoring.” Chef De Cuisine, Scott Doblee at The Blvd. in the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel explains. He serves these up daily at the restaurant and says it has been a big hit at special events and with celebrity clientele. For kid-friendly weddings, make sure to include petit straws for no-spills toasts and a little more fun. It’s in the details ladies – and this is one detail that will not be forgotten! The Blvd. at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel (310) 275-5200 |
DELUSCIOUS COOKIES & MILK
For an old-fashioned, nostalgic alternative, call DeLuscious Cookies & Milk. Their gourmet gift boxes are a hit when filled with their most popular cookie, chocolate chip! This is no ordinary cookie, always made fresh to order with three types of premium chocolate, all hand cut chips, chunks, and mini chunks. For weddings, owner, Lydia Shayne, reminds brides to “stay simple and
conservative with the palette by
selecting classic flavors that will please the masses.” But no matter the flavor, the best is yet to come. Complete each box with an old-fashioned glass milk jug to quench the thirst while indulging in these sentimental sweets. DeLuscious Cookies & Milk |
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For the reception, Jemie changed into a Chinese Chi Pao dress which, in keeping with the ocean theme, was custom-made by Helen’s Chi Pao in blue instead of the traditional red...
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“Hindu weddings have rituals that have evolved since early times,” Monica says, “and they differ in many ways from the modern Western wedding ceremony.”...
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After a yacht ride across San Francisco Bay and dinner with Alvin’s parents, they wound up alone on the top floor of the St. Francis Hotel...
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On the eve of her birthday, Maria was with friends at the Spotted Pig restaurant in New York, standing alone at the bar waiting for her drink....
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Tips |
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#11 QUICK FIX
Traveling with an emergency kit is like the American Express campaign, “Don’t leave home without it.” It should have everything from panty hose and nail glue to smelling salts and Tums, but the most commonly used item is SAFETY PINS! Although you should have a needle and thread, I have resorted to using safety pins for fixing hems on tuxedos, bustling the brides gown, pinning broken bra straps and creating a veil or headpiece out of tulle when the bride’s was left at home. Safety pins are great for a “quick fix.”
Toby Kay Applebay & Associates
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# 1 - LOUNGING ANYWHERE
Wonder what to do to a resort ballroom to make it more interesting and intimate? You can create individual lounge areas by renting tents of sheer flowing fabric and adding sofas and coffee tables with lots of candlelight in them. You’ve suddenly created that romantic lounge atmosphere in a standard ballroom and given it more intimacy. Your guests can move to different “rooms” during the cocktails hour or or they can dance the night away. Jill La Fleur, The Wedding Planner
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# 6 RECIPES FOR FAVORS
Gather together the favorite recipes that you remember as a child. They could be special family recipes, holiday menus, etc. Have them bound in small books, affix a wedding label on the front with your monogram and date that you were married. And there you have it, a unique favor that your guests will use again and again. Also, it is a wonderful way to acknowledge grandmothers and mothers.
Melissa Lee, Events of Santa Barbara
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