A Little Nod

Thank you to Wedding Belles Online for giving my Peacock Ring Pillow a little nod!

"I Wish They All Could Be California Girls"

L.A. is synonymous with Hollywood glamour, celebrities, sunny skies and the beach life. My first series of posts is going to focus on how to have a beach wedding. With near-perfect weather all year long, it’s no wonder so many people choose to get married outdoors in southern California. You and your guests can enjoy the warm sand between your toes, the palm trees swaying to the breeze and hear the waves rolling along the coast as you say your vows.

Today I’ll discuss how to have a gorgeous beach wedding, without breaking the bank. In fact, the venue could even be free or close to it, because it’s on government property. Every beach’s rules vary depending on the governing ordinance (the city or state of California). For instance, the city of Santa Monica allows weddings on its city parks for free, permits are not required and amplified music is allowed between 8am – 10pm. Some California State Parks require a fee and permit to reserve a space, especially for those that offer added facilities such as a pavilion or picnic grounds. If there is a specific beach you are interested in, a little research will yield a state or city department to contact for more details.

When considering a public beach wedding, here are a few things to discuss with both your fiancé and the city/state representative:
Can a space be reserved or is it first-come, first served?
Are permits required and how much?
What time is the park open until?
What is the maximum number of guests allowed?
What types of decorations (e.g. aisle runners, petal tosses, etc) are not allowed?
Is amplified music permitted?
Can tables and tents be set-up in the park?
Is alcohol allowed?



A client of mine married in Palisades Park, Santa Monica, which brought about a few challenges. Having a DOC or a patient friend/family member guard the ceremony site will be necessary on a public beach. Privacy can also be an issue; it is a public space after all. The bride I worked with had to wait in her parked car in the lot until her cue for the processional. Santa Monica sets the maximum attendance rate at 150 guests, which was not an issue for my client’s guestlist of forty. Although there are definite down sides to holding a wedding ceremony and/or reception on public grounds, the payoff is a beautiful backdrop and more money in your pocket.

If a public beach wedding doesn’t work for you, but you still want a shoreline nuptial, stay tuned next week for the second installment!

LA Bride Guide

Things have been busy here (when is it not), and with good reason! The Bride Concierge is now a contributor to the newly launched LA Bride Guide. Struggling to find a good place to get hitched in LA? Check out my weekly column, "Wedding Whereabouts!"

OK Blogger, Let's Play Nice

I got myself a Photobucket account a couple months ago and yet I've continued to hoard all my photos. Bad Tracy! So let's give this a shot, shall we?

Back in December of last year (wow has it really been that long?), the bf and I went to the Chivas Holiday Boutique. For those not familiar with the incredible line of beauty products, it's just something you have to try at least once. Our friend Lauren is one of the founders of what began as a line of soaps made from goats' milk and has grown into a full spectrum of skin products. Lauren and her mom raise the goats on their small farm and produce the products in the garage. Nothing makes me happier than supporting a fellow mother-daughter team!

So when the family opened up their little farm for the annual Holiday Boutique, you betcha we jumped on that opportunity for a behind the scenes tour. Goats and goats' milk-themed h'or d'oeuvres don't hurt either.

Now that I've gabbed my way into a corner, here are photos via Photobucket:


Isn't that the cutest? I'm shocked the bf didn't try to sneak one of these guys home...you think I'm kidding, but I'm not.



I highly recommend their lip balm, by the way. It is made with all natural products and leave your lips so moisturized.

Step Out From the Ordinary

Can I just say that I am loving that the bridesmaid look is gravitating towards the more casual end? It's not all about being matchy matchy in taffeta and satin anymore, and brides are branching out towards fun Anthropologie-esque florals and prints. Wouldn't your bridesmaid appreciate a dress they can wear again and again? Check out this dress from Allison Wonderland's fabulous collection for some inspiration!

P.S. If you're looking for a Christmas present for me, this would be it. Only 7 1/2 more shopping months left to do it!

Carrie Had Her Manolos, but What About the Vegans?

Finding vegan (no animal skins and the like) shoes can be challenging. You could stick with the cheap brands, and Target is a great choice for this. Sometimes the "pleather" and plastic just leaving you asking for more. What if you want to splurge for a high quality shoe, say for a wedding, who do you turn to then? Enter, Olsen Haus.

Check out these beauties:

The Karma in faux suede. Faux suede!!

Grace 2. Did I mention that the colors are customizeable?

Alright, so this one isn't exactly bridal, but guests can have their fun too. This one would be perfect for the summer with a fun maxi dress. Tres chic, oui?

A Bittersweet Ending

Alright guys, so tomorrow is my last wedding before I go on another long DOC hiatus. I know I'm going to miss it, and I'll be itching to get back into the game really badly. Let's see how long I'll be able to hold out.

In the meantime, I'm excited for tomorrow. I don't know if I could fall asleep tonight. I'll need the rest, it's going to be a long day full of flowers and fun glassware. Do I seriously get paid to play? Seriously, I'm one lucky girl.

I am hoping to have some new pillow designs in the shop in a couple weeks. Having only 9 functioning fingers at the moment sort of delays productivity. Don't you just hate how that works? Everybody pray for my pinkie to heal faster!

Have a good night and a safe weekend, ya'll.