Rehearsal Dinners and Destination Weddings

When you are doing a destination wedding, there is always the question of who should be invited. Since everyone is from out of town, it's tempting to include all your guests. The rule of thumb is to invite your bridal party and their significant others, grandparents and immediate family members as well as your officiant.

But, if you are financially able, it is very considerate to be able to include your entire guest list. You may opt for a cocktail and heavy appetizer setup or ask for a very limited menu from your venue if you want to include everyone but need to keep costs down.

Recently, I visited my own backyard (Scottsdale, AZ) in search of some cool places to host a rehearsal dinner and found several! One of my favorites was Olive & Ivy. The ambiance gave an upscale casual feeling with modern contemporary and transitional design elements.

They have a few different options to choose from in regards of where you can host your gathering. Their Stamp Room seats about 30 people and overlooks their uber-hip Mediterranean style patio.

On the menu, you'll find fabulous combinations such as their savory Bacon Wrapped Medjoul Dates or their Heirloom Beet Salad topped with locally grown pistachios and goat cheese dressing. I died and went to carbohydrate heaven when we tried the Strawberry Rhubarb Fritters (it's like a french beignet and strawberry rhubarb pie had a baby and sprinkled cinnamon and sugar all over it!). You must order those when you go.

For a round-table experience with an intimate group of 12, their White Room is a gorgeous and dramatic choice. The room is perfect for a bachelorette party or bridal luncheon and has a small minimum, so it' won't break the bank.

They also have a gorgeous outdoor patio which backs up to the posh Scottsdale Waterfront which can seat up to 150 guests if you do need space for a larger party. Allison Black, Private Event Specialist, admitted that she absolutely loves having wedding parties on the patio. "We can do all kinds of private party functions - even receptions!"

The next time someone asks me where to have their special event in Scottsdale, Olive & Ivy is going to be at the top of my list, and it should be on yours too. I'll post more hot spots this summer - because hot and Scottsdale go hand in hand this time of year!

Check em' out: http://www.foxrc.com/

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Upcoming Bridal Event in Hawaii

If you are in the Honolulu, HI area this Sunday April 26th, stop by Papyrus at the Ala Moana Shopping Mall.

Wedding vendors of all types will be there and for all couples who have an appointment, they can get a swag bag filled with coupons, samples, goodies and of course - a complimentary copy of Destination I Do Magazine.

One of our favorite gown designers will have her hand painted creation "Orchid" on display at the event. Check out Jules Bly's Designs and many other talented wedding vendors in the Honolulu area this Sunday!

Photo by Christiaan Phleger, Gown by Jules Bly, Flowers by Anny Heid Flowers

Spring Bridal Event

April 26th from 12-6pm

Appointment Times are Recommended

Call Melody

808-947-2700

http://www.papyrusonline.com/category/id/102301.do

Enter to Win a DREAM HONEYMOON

In partnership with Destination I Do Magazine, Destination Wedding Planner - The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding from Afar, has created a DREAM HONEYMOON vacation sweepstakes at the luxurious Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia!

INCLUDES: 5-nights accommodations for two in a luxurious Sun Sanctuary Suite Breakfast & dinner daily for two Romantic Couples Massage all valued at over $11,000!

Click HERE to enter to win! Good luck!

Get Formal with The Shops at Tanforan

Operation Aisle Style and Anti-Bride Fashion Rock the Runway W-SF

Photos courtesy of Thomas Hawk

The event of the season was kicked off on March 12th and I was so lucky to be a part of it...the biggest part? My partner in crime on all things "off the beaten path," Carolyn Gerin - creator of the Anti-Bride Book Series. She worked tirelessly to get this event to happen and somehow, even after the dust settled, wrote a little something for us:

We heard it from everyone:
From Guests: “This is one of the coolest events I’ve ever been to”
From Students: “This was the best night of my life”
From CEOS: “This is off the hook”
From Silicon Valley VCs: “You’re on to something here…”
From Press: “When can we interview your team? Are you going to do this again?”
From Music Industry Types: “I’ve been to a lot of high end parties, but this is really creative, original and fun.”
From Entertainment Executives: “This should be a show.”
From EVERYONE: “When are you guys going to do it again???“ and, THE HOOKS ROCK!

Anti-Bride.com, Destination I Do Magazine, The W-SF, Skout.com and Blurb.com made fashion history at the W-SF at 6 pm.

The wine flowed, the martinis mixed and a see and be seen crowd descended on the W Hotel SF lobby with a line out the door. Anyone who thinks SF isn’t a fashion town? Think again. The Art Institute of California San Francisco, The San Francisco Institute of Aesthetics and Cosmetology gave a swift kick in the tulle-covered derriere of the Wedding Industrial Complex once and for all.

White weddings will never be the same.

The student competition and fashion show which was Anti-Bride themed had a range of genres covering: Rockabilly, Gothic Chic, Futuristic, Same Sex, Retro Glam, 60’s Mod, Punk and Rocker, the only rule of the road being is that white was verboten.

Following that was looks from Project Runway alum and Kenneth Pool lead designer Austin Scarlett. The winner of the student challenge was AICA-SF Student Chaz Schaad, future rising star who’s voluminous black silk couture gown was a little bit Vivienne Westwood, Viktor and Rolf and a little mod and goth all at once. Chaz also dressed Keith and Ronan Mulligan (The Hooks) in suits ready for prime time: an outdoor stage at SXSW. Keith wore a mod pinstriped suit with yellow trim and Ronan wore a black and red striped morning coat with tails and tapered trousers. When the Hooks took to the stage, they looked as good as they played in a blistering performance that wowed the crowd.

Competition Judges Included:
Katie Rice Jones: Style Network, E! TV Guide Channel, Oxygen
Laurent Gerin: Head Designer, Williams Sonoma/Williams Sonoma Home
Samantha Durbin: Fabsugar.com, Sugar Publishing
Heidi Richman: Rock Band Couturier turned Marketing Diva
Lorraine Saunders: SFIndiefashion.com, Glam Watch 7×7

Student Anti-Bride Competition Winner:
Chaz Schaad, Art Institute of California, San Francisco

Student Competitors:

Coral Castillo

Andrew Landrith

Dora Un

Justyna Fiuk

Kim Pinto

Lisa Seraphin

Danielle Tilford

Leanna Liu

Tameron Stuber

Erin Rice

Candice Hurth

Inez Johnson

Stephanie Stayer

Apeksha Ambaram

Event sponsors included: W San Francisco, Anti-Bride Productions Inc. (antibride.com,) Destination I Domagazine (destinationidomag.com,) Skout.com, Austin Scarlett for Kenneth Pool, Blurb.com, The Art Institute of California, Britex Fabrics,The San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology, Bad Habit Wine, Priest Ranch Wine, High Flyer Wine, Kai Vodka, TheHooks (thehooksmusic.com), Clarisonic, NeatReceipts, Craft magazine, Make magazine, Cal Med Spa, Chronicle Books, Shannon Clark, Nearness Function, Paul Robertson Floral Design, Rubener Bautista Fine Jewelry, and the Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club in Curacao (kurahulanda.com).


CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS OF THIS FAB EVENT!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/Agcaoili_dsotm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/grahampuleo
http://thomashawk.com/2009/03/anti-bride-and-the-hooks-at-the-w-hotel-in-san-francisco.html
http://web.sendtoprint.net/proofbook/login.asp?userid=OAS&secure_account_id=6113&secure_users_id=233677

YOU'RE INVITED

YOU'RE INVITED on MARCH 12, 2009 to OPERATION AISLE STYLE

WHO: YOU! And Anti-Bride.com, Destination I Do Magazine,W- Hotel San Francisco

WHAT: An Exclusive Evening of Alternative Wedding Fashion,Music and Libations

WHEN: Thursday, March 12, 2009 from 6:00pm - 11:00pm

WHERE: W Hotel San Francisco • 181 Third Street • San Francisco, CA

RSVP: 415-817-7856 • oas@skout.com

WHY: W San Francisco in partnership with Antibride.com and Destination I Do Magazine is ready to add some WOW to weddings by hosting its first Operation Aisle Style event, a fashion show and multi-media event highlighting the philosophy of tying the knot outside of the box and exploring the road less traveled when saying the words “I Do.”

Operation Aisle Style will showcase the hottest emerging fashion talent, signature cocktails by Kai Vodka and divine wines by Napa Valley’s notorious Somerston Winery. The mood, the music, and the magic will be web cast by Skout.com, and documented in a hip photo booth (and book) by Blurb.com. The evening will culminate in a blistering performance from SXSW bound band, The Hooks.

Operation Aisle Style hits the runway with two separate fashion shows: one showcasing the designs of Project Runway contestant, Austin Scarlett, lead designer, Kenneth Pool, and the second by The Art Institute of California’s future “rising star” fashion design students. Celebrity judges will jury twenty fashion design students as they show off their interpretation of “the alterna-wedding dress.”

One lucky winner will enjoy a 5 night stay in an Ocean Front Studio with breakfast at the Lodge Kura Hulanda & Beach Club located on the tropical island paradise of Curaçao.

Festive Attire Encouraged!

Join us and make fashion history!

Adventure Rehearsal Dinner in Costa Rica

By Guest Blogger: Samantha Kohn, Events & Weddings Costa Rica

Rehearsal dinners are generally the time for out-of-town guests and family to mingle and give toasts about the bride and the groom. My version of the ‘adventure’ rehearsal dinner is a little bit different. But then again, so is getting married in the tropical paradise known as Costa Rica. This is the time to let loose, bring in the mariachis, ‘gallo pinto’ (rice and beans) and swing through the jungle! The afternoon can start off with a casual walk through the rainforest, where snakes (in cages), birds, butterflies and a wide variety of tropical flowers can be found. Then the fun starts – the canopy tour, which has put Costa Rica on the map as an adventure spot.

For those guests who do not want to swing through the jungle like Tarzan, they can still enjoy the view of the tropical jungle via an aerial tram.

Sightings of exotic birds and monkeys are not uncommon. After the adrenaline wears off, guests can munch on typical food to the beat of the marimba group playing in the background. Perhaps dancers will come to show some local traditions, or a mariachi band will perform at the end of the night, a tradition in Costa Rica. ‘Adventure’ rehearsal dinners are not only casual and fun but also enable guests to have a taste of the local music, food, culture and of course, adventure.

For more information on Events & Weddings Costa Rica or to book an experience like the one described, visit http://www.eventscr.com/

Wedding Podcast Network's Bridal Scene

Wedding Pod Cast Network has been lighting up iTunes with it's interesting content and helpful tips from professionals since pod casting became a phenomenon.

In today’s episode Holli & Robert chat with Camilla Chafer in London, the talented editor of the hit bridal blog Bridalwave, and leading planner of cosmopolitan chic weddings Vicky Johnson in Washington, DC. You will find out about upcoming bridal events that are fun and definitely worth attending while planning your wedding experience. Washington, DC and Long Beach Island, NJ here we come and so should you!

We (HEART) New Orleans

After a whirlwind trip to New Orleans, I return with an extra spring in my step and dimple on my hindquarters from eating all the decadent food!

New Orleans captured my heart all over again. I had been once, pre-Katrina, and although our activities included the hyper touristy attractions, I loved it. This time I hoped for something a little more off the beaten track, and thanks to our new NOLA friends, they steered us in exactly the right direction. Not knowing what to expect with how much the city had changed – I was pleasantly surprised. The people are just as warm and friendly as ever, the tourism was hopping and all the Halloween events in full swing. Many people talked about their Katrina experiences with us– but not once did I hear anyone say they wish they had left and started over somewhere else. People who live there, love it – as they should. It’s one of the most amazing cities in the United States – and as for doing destination weddings there – it’s a MUST!

©joshandrus.com

Thursday night, we had our Operation Aisle Style event that benefitted Sweet Home New Orleans. What a success! The W French Quarter could not have been a more picture perfect atmosphere to hold such an event. The staff at the W Hotels in New Orleans (both the Poydras location and French Quarter) were some of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. The party took place in their courtyard nestled in the middle of their hotel. Casual, modern décor fused with just the right NOLA charm and the hip style of the W made all of us feel a little romantic. And of course, when you throw Austin Scarlett’s designs (for Kenneth Pool), the guests began drooling!


©joshandrus.com

The photographer who captured the evening was Josh Andrus. We became fast friends and I quickly learned about his experience, keen artistic sense and overwhelming talent. He would be an asset to anyone’s event - be it corporate or wedding, he’s got the “it” factor like no one else in town!


©joshandrus.com

There were plenty of talented vendors there to strut their stuff – from Celeb Hair & Makeup artist, Brandy Gomez-Duplessis (she did all the gorgeous faces for the runway show) to Robye Ducote (see below) from Atelier Aucoin Salon (he did the models hair and boy did they look chic!).

©joshandrus.com

There was also cake designer – Sucre – who created two sweet masterpieces.


©joshandrus.com

X-Rated Liqueur did all the signature drinks (they even gave the drinks cute names like “X-change of Vows” and wow were they good!)

High Flyer and Bad Habit Wines poured for us all night – what a delightful team of winemakers and I promise, the wine is as great as they are!


©joshandrus.com
Our partner in crime, the original Anti-Bride, Carolyn Gerin was the co-master of ceremonies and part brainchild for this amazing event. If you don’t own her book series – you need to run, not walk, to the nearest Barnes & Noble to get them! Not only are they extremely helpful, but they are side-splitting hilarious.

©joshandrus.com

Our runway show was a hit. Each gown that made it down the steps just floated and sparkled like something I’ve never seen. Austin Scarlett knows how to design for a woman’s body and enhance all the right places.

©joshandrus.com

©joshandrus.com

©joshandrus.com

©joshandrus.com

One lucky winner took the grand prize of a 3night/4day escape to the Dominican Republic at Caleton Club & Villas. So congrats to the lucky couple!

In order to pull off this event, there were several warriors that worked like crazy to get it done - Terri Kaupp from Peter Mayer Advertising, Emily Harris from Amsale and Beth Ann Brannon from the W. They sat through endless calls and emails to get this party started - only they were a little camera shy so I can't show their lovely faces here. A big thanks to them, this event was a hit! You go girls!

As for me, well – I loved every minute of the event and when it was all said and done, ate my body weight in piping hot beignets, red beans & rice and had my fair share of Pimms as well! YUM!

Operation Aisle Style, New Orleans

YOU ARE INVITED!!!

W Hotels teamed up with the creator of the best selling Anti-Bride series and Destination I Do Magazine to throw the event of the season!

WHO You! Plus press, fashionistas, event planners, trendsetters, other brides-to-be,local luminaries, hipsters and Page 6-ers.

WHAT W Hotels knows how to add WOW to your vows, and how to do it just a little bit differently. Operation Aisle Style is a party, a fashion show and an epicurean adventure inspired by intrepid travelers, libertines, alterna-wedding wunderkinds, Carolyn Gerin, creator of the best-selling Anti-Bride series by Chronicle Books, and Jennifer Stein, publisher of Destination I Do Magazine, the premiere international romance travel magazine in partnership with the uber-hip, chicly romantic, W New Orleans – French Quarter.

WHEN Thursday, October 30, 2008, 7 pm – 10 pm

WHERE W New Orleans - French Quarter, 316 Rue Chartres

WOW! Romance, mystery, and old world glamour await you at the W New Orleans – French Quarter. Includes: Fashion show with signature styles by Project Runways Austin Scarlett, makeup tips and tricks area, professional photo session, libations and nibbles in the Courtyard, a raffle of coveted items for your trousseau and swag bags with booty for your beauty.

Let us take you behind the scenes to your picture perfect day:

• Sip signature cocktails created especially for the bride and groom featuring X-Rated Fusion Liqueur and divine wines with pairings by the wine makers of Somerston Winery, featuring Napa Valley’s notorious Bad Habit and High Flyer wines with the inspired cuisine of our W - New Orleans chefs.


• At the stroke of 7 pm, witness the “Operation Aisle Style” bridal fashion show bringing you the hippest bridal styles hot off the runway from our prince of aisle style, Project Runways Austin Scarlett and more, and then onto the most regal and rockin’ reception of the year in the W's wildly romantic French Quarter Courtyard.


• Event participants/Co-promoters: Chronicle Books (publisher of Anti-Bride series and Cooking Up a Storm), Avant Guides (creator of Avant Guides, New Orleans edition), Destination I Do Magazine, Anti-Bride Productions, Somerston Wines, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, Celebrity Make-up Artist Brandy from bgdmakeupartistry.com, Caleton Club & Villas, W New Orleans – French Quarter and more will make it the high profile event of the season.


• Help us donate dollars to Sweet Home New Orleans, an organization dedicated to rebuilding the homes of New Orleans’ beloved musical community, lost to hurricane Katrina.


• Fabulous Prizes furnished by: Avant Guides, Chronicle Books, Destination I Do Magazine, W New Orleans – French Quarter, Caleton Club & Villas and Somerston Wines. One lucky winner will receive a 3-night/4-day luxury honeymoon getaway at Caleton Club & Villas, located in the 'world's new great destination' of Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic. Prize trip includes accommodations in an ocean side bungalow, breakfast daily and private transfers to/from the Punta Cana International Airport. Good luck!


• Prepare to be tagged by our roving photojournalists and noticed on all the social sites right after the party in a fabulous photo essay documenting the revelry.

Click here for more info on the event.

Click here to RSVP via email.


You must be 21 to enter and tickets are $10 at the door. Proceeds go to Sweet Home New Orleans.

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