Welcome one and all!

Located at 653 N. La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, we are at the cusp of Melrose Place…the “”Rodeo Drive”" of bridal!

Espresso Bar compliments of my fabulous friends PASQUINI ESPRESSO COMPANY Los Angeles!

Always the hostess, I wanted to make sure we did not only serve my personalized champagne, but cappuccino, as well!

http://www.pasquini.com

A cozy nook to relax in decorated in this season's pantone pallette rhapsody & chartreuse!

 The goal was to stir emotion as one goes from one area of the salon to another…The Hollywood Regency wallpaper is oh so chic! Compliments of Osbourne & Little 

Crystal Brooch Bouquets are designed and available exclusively at Renée Strauss for the Platinum Bride

As we were unpacking and hanging...starting to take form!

The gowns jumping out of the boxes to dance on our racks are exquisite!

http://inesdisanto.com/

http://www.stephenyearick.com/

http://www.stpucchi.com/

http://liancarlo.com/

are a few of the many designers that proudly partner with Renée Strauss for the Platinum Bride and Brides of Beverly Hills season 2

The Great Room! Doesn't every "home" need one?

A space where the femininity doesn’t dominate…Notice Kevin’s “throne” on the right side of the fireplace? We felt a fireplace would be fabulous for brides to have their portrait taken next to! What do you think?  This room is decorated in sea fog, titanium and rhapsody with hints of french roast.

My favorite room of all...The "boudoir"!

The salon wouldn’t really be home if I didn’t add my signature design aesthetic.  Welcome one and all!

By Appointment Only

Closed Sunday & Monday

The best is yet to come!

We have been very, very busy with interviews as Season 1 of Brides of Beverly Hills has begun airing in the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. Season 1 is also in reruns here in the states, and we got a big spike in calls and e-mails after last Friday when TLC’s Friday BrideDay Marathon was broadcast.

But with Season 2 shooting scheduled starting this week, I wanted to grab the opportunity to tell you about the rest of the New York trip. (Read the first part right here!)

Coming to New York gave me an opportunity to show my appreciation to the designers who supported us in Season 1 and to introduce Kevin to my long-standing contacts. Many people know him from designing the nuptials of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump’s daughter, so it was fun to see Kevin get an incredible reception and bask in well-deserved limelight.

On Saturday morning, I met Kevin at the Intercontinental Hotel to take him through his first bridal market. He loved it, was overwhelmed by all there was to see, and was totally in his element.

Yet another small world story: Kevin and I were really taken with an amazing display of headpieces by Halo, a British company. Quality speaks for itself, and we were so impressed with how beautifully crafted each piece was. And the designs — well, you felt as though you were looking at Van Cleef jewels.

The representative was very warm to us, and we invited Halo to participate in Season 2 of the show. He asked us to write down the style numbers, and in no time we had a 12-piece order! He said he needed to run this by the home office and that they would be in touch.

Within hours, I heard from the designer in Wales, Lisa, who not only said it was an honor to be included in the show, but proceeded to remind me that I was her very first customer some 17 years ago! I thought about my frequent trips to Harrogate, a beautiful Roman spa city in the English Midlands north of London where I first saw their work. I remembered!

What lovely happenstance to come full circle, and again, it was the merchandise that caught my eye. The service is pretty top-notch, too, as everything we ordered is already sitting pretty here in the new salon. They have earned the name Halo in my book!

But one cannot live by jewels alone. Kevin and I were hungry and just had to visit the Russian Tea Room. This is one of those New York landmarks you simply cannot get enough of. Even though it was April, we felt underdressed without sable coats. With the red, green and gold interiors, the very elegant clientele, and impeccable service, we wished we’d had several sets of eyes.

Alas, there was no time to linger, because we were off to the Essex House for yet more appointments! Homa, known for her magnificent lace mantillas, showed us everything and agreed to send some beautiful veils for Season 2. Merci Homa!

Then on to Cuban designer Maria Elena’s suite (Maria Elena is based in Miami). It was like walking into a treasure chest. Giselle, her amazingly talented representative, gave us an overview of the earrings, Cintas, bracelets, bejeweled bags and other accessories. We scored again with some spectacular products for Season 2. We were tempted, but declined her signature Mojitos (Kevin and I are more the Pinot Grigio type!).

Time for the Ines Di Santo fashion show. As Kevin and I took our seats, it was really nice to see Homa and Maria Elena file in to support their friend. That kind of camaraderie and support can be hard to find in other parts of the fashion world, but that room was full of friends. Ines is Argentinian by birth, but as her business is based in Toronto, she is considered a Canadian designer. While we are all in love with her incredible designs, she is a personal favorite of my producers, who are from Toronto, as well.

We stayed long enough to make our selections (no easy task since we wanted them ALL) and take a photo. Then we were done for the day, so we ate!

It was Kevin’s turn to introduce me to something new. He took me to Buddakan, an amazing Pan Asian restaurant. I mention it because I recommend it highly!

But naturally there is another funny Kevin story to this. I choose to keep to a Kosher diet, and when traveling, this basically translates to a vegetarian diet. Kevin is also a vegetarian. But when we go to restaurants, he always says to the waiter, “We only eat KOSHER! What do you have that is kosher?” It’s funny to see the puzzled look on the waiter’s face when my obviously Korean friend insists on knowing a restaurant’s kosher dishes.

After Buddakan, it was good night New York.

By Monday, it was time to for Mr. Lee to meet Mr. Leigh. A longtime friend and designer resource for me and the company that supplied more gowns than any other for our first season, I wanted to thank Mr. Leigh personally and introduce these two important men to each other. (Mr. Leigh provided the dress that Rachel of Big Brother wore in Season 1. That dress received the most comments — second only to the blue dress.)

You can imagine Kevin Lee’s surprise when a 6’3”, blond-haired, blue-eye gentleman stepped forward and introduced himself as Mr. Leigh. (“This is Mr. Leigh?”)

Hungry again, we slipped into a Thai restaurant in Chelsea and were just beaming with what a successful trip it had been. And then Kevin’s phone rang. It was his assistant calling from L.A. Apparently, the world was abuzz with the news that Brad and Angelina were engaged to be married, and since Kevin had designed Brad and Jennifer’s wedding as well as Pandora Vanderpump’s nuptials, Showbiz Tonight wanted to talk to the go-to guy on celebrity nuptials. Kevin returned the call and said he would be willing to do a satellite interview, but as he was currently in New York, he would be right over to the studio! Even better!

Kevin and I rallied, took a limo to Time Warner and did the interview, then we had the singular fun of watching the story on TV as Kevin’s cell phone buzzed away.

As a trip full of good fortune wrapped up, I headed to the airport with Kevin Though we flew on different airlines, I was able to catch an earlier flight, and we arrived at the same time in Los Angeles and met up in the baggage claim. And I will have you know, that as of today everything we ordered has arrived,
is unpacked and ready to go at the salon.

And tomorrow, we start Season 2.

The best is yet to come!

xoxo,
Renée

The lovely restaurant Buddakan and dining with Kevin at the Russian Tea Room.
(Images courtesy Renée)

Little known fact about me: I’m a big fan of the red eye flight from Los Angeles to New York. Chalk it up to my carpe diem kind of personality, but when I head to the Big Apple I want make the most of it!

However, I didn’t plan on the astounding lightning show during my flight. Very impressive, but not very conducive to sleeping. So, I touched down at JFK with barely a wink of sleep. Nothing a triple non-fat, no foam, extra hot latte couldn’t handle. Ready or not New York, here I come!

Argh! My hotel room wasn’t ready … patience is a virtue.

Gil & I

First appointment, my darling friend Gil Sczeczny at the Italian Trade Commission. We’ve been working together for many years, and I never miss the Sposaitalia market in Milan. We caught up at an amazing French restaurant. I was delighted to hear all her friends and family are tuning into Brides of Beverly Hills in Italy! Though brand-new to the country, the show is a big hit! And I am excited to tell you that five new Italian bridal designers have come on board and are shipping in the best of their gowns and accessories for the second season of the show. Bellissima! The power of television.

"The Wedding Writer" author Susan Schneider!

Next stop, Central Park — one of my all-time favorite places for a springtime stroll. Joined by my dear friend and author Susan Schneider (The Wedding Writer) it was a great way to shake off the long flight. Cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and I learned about Strawberry Fields.

Cherry Blossoms at the Natural History Museum!

Refreshed from the great outdoors, the hotel called just in time that my room was finally ready. I checked in, regrouped and joined Alan and Carlos of Liancarlo Couture who had flown in from Miami to show their Fall 2012 gowns. Joining us was Carlos’s beautiful and gifted daughter, Genina. (The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!) What a talented family! She is a graphic designer currently living in Savannah where she plans weddings for out-of-towners in need. Take note!

Then, straight to bed to recharge for Saturday and the New York Bridal market … and, of course, to introduce Kevin to my world. You may have caught our Kevin on Showbiz Tonight with A.J. Hammer just the other night. I’ll tell you the amazing way that happened!

Kevin Lee on Showbiz Tonight!

BREAKING NEWS………………………………………..
We interrupt this post for some exciting news: Brides of Beverly Hills will be airing in the Netherlands!
I got a call from TLC that the show has been picked up for Wedding Week and will air this week. Interviews with the Dutch press have been arranged. As soon as I take care of this, I will circle back with the rest my of New York trip (and the details of Showbiz Tonight) and more about our new international viewership.

Stay tuned! The best is yet to come!
Renée

My answer? Why would you not sign?!

“But it’s so unromantic,” you say!

What is unromantic about having a clear-eyed, compassionate conversation about what you are entering into and what you want to build together? Marriage is not “going steady.” You are committing your lives to each other and drafting a prenuptial is protective, pre-emptive, mature, respectful and loving way to be sure you maintain and sustain your physical assets.

Technically, a prenuptial agreement is a document concerning the ownership of respective assets, signed by a couple prior to marrying. Yes, in case of divorce, it makes the process of dividing the property a more straightforward, less contentious process, but that is only a fraction of what a pre-nup can do.

You are simply stating what is owned jointly versus what is considered the bride’s and what is the groom’s individual property. But you are getting married and want to share everything with each other! Of course you do, but don’t you also want to protect each other?

By stating in a prenuptial agreement who owns what, individual assets are protected should one of the partners get embroiled in a lawsuit. If the spouse loses the lawsuit, only the assets of that partner are vulnerable. Without a pre-nup, all of your assets could be pursued even if the other spouse had absolutely nothing to do with it. Everything you have built, everything you have amassed together, will be at risk. Nobody wants that to happen. But it can.

Let’s say you are really young and barely own anything. A prenuptial can be a forward-looking document separating personal from professional assets and clarifying how you want to handle assets in case of unforeseen circumstances. Huh?

OK, suppose your husband decides to open a motorcycle shop with his best friend. Or you start an exercise studio with a classmate. After 10 years in business, there is a disagreement and a business partner sues you. A well-worded prenuptial agreement can protect your home, cars and
personal bank accounts from legal action.

But isn’t a pre-nup just for the very wealthy?

While we often hear about billionaires or celebrities arguing over the terms of a pre-nup, these documents aren’t exclusively for them. Think of a pre-nup as the architectural blueprint for the foundation of your marriage. Not only does it cover what assets you bring to the marriage (family heirlooms, shares in a family business, property), it also covers things that are created during the marriage.

Isn’t a pre-nup really expensive?

While in years past, a couple might have to retain an attorney, now through the magic of the Internet, you two can download a working template of a prenuptial. You and your fiance should carefully read through it. Strike out the paragraphs that don’t pertain to your situation, and add language if something needs additional clarification. And then — this is important! — have a notary public notarize your signing of the document. This will give your prenuptial agreement the necessary legal legitimacy should you need to use it. If you decide to involve an attorney, your fiance should as well — and a separate one at that. If just one party has counsel and circumstances lead to the enforcement of the pre-nup, it may be disqualified.

Now, I am not an attorney, and laws vary from state to state, so please do your homework! Talk to your married friends and get a sense of what others have done.

This is the most important partnership in your life. Your wedding is one day; your marriage is the rest of your days. Isn’t that worth protecting?

The best is yet to come!
Renée

This is a question I hear quite often from brides: Should I rent, buy off the rack, or order my wedding dress from a salon?

People assume when they ask me this question, I will always say custom order your gown. However, as with many wedding decisions, it depends on your mindset as a bride, the logistics of your wedding, the price point you have in mind, and also understanding the difference between shopping at a store versus working with a bridal salon.

If the dress is not a particularly emotional component of your wedding, renting a dress can be an economical way to celebrate the special day.

If a bride is torn between buying off the rack or ordering from a salon, my first question to her is “When is the wedding?” If your groom is being deployed in 3 weeks, the ceremony must be before your sister  moves to Europe, or some other pressing hard deadline, there may simply not be enough time to order a gown through a salon.

My second question is “How much are you planning to spend on the gown?” Brides looking to spend $500 or less will be happier with the selection they will find in a store. And some brides want to wear the very dress they tried on. No problem in a store, highly unlikely in a salon.

But there is more to it than time and money. A salon is simply a different kind of business than a store. Understanding the difference will help you decide which way you should go.

A bridal store retailer will have multiple sizes and colors of a given dress. You pay your money, and you walk out of the store that day with the very dress you tried on.

A bridal salon usually carries only one sample in one size in a given style. (FYI, there are regional differences in the standard sample size carried by bridal salons. In the Northeast, size 8. Southeast, 14. Midwest, 12. And Western states, 10. Some manufacturers offer “scattered” sample sizes between 8-12.) You will not find a wedding gown in a full range of sizes at a salon.

I am constantly asked “Why do you only have one size per style?” The answer is simple. Space and money. If I were to offer samples in every size and every color (white, ivory, platinum, blush), I would need a warehouse-sized space and the staff to support it. Many salons purchase about 50 new gowns for a given season to add to their inventory. The salon BUYS the sample from the manufacturer, forecasting that their customers will want to order from that sample. With a cost of at least $1,500 a sample, the salon has at a minimum a $50,000 investment in a given season.

With that kind of financial commitment, I have to be very selective and many times ask for regional or national exclusive rights in selling a gown so I know I am offering my customers something they cannot find elsewhere. Also, I am very strict about who tries on a sample. No “Trying on just for the fun of it.” We want to keep the inventory as fresh as possible for the ladies sincerely looking for a dress!

So, let’s say you have 6 or more months to plan your wedding and you want to have a gown made for you.  Here are some things to keep in mind.

• The dress you try on will NOT be the dress you wear on your wedding day. The sample gives you a sense of the fabric, silhouette and detailing of your dress. But even if you ordered exactly the same size and style as the sample, there will be subtle differences. Plan on a 5-7 percent color variance because the sample dress has been exposed to sunlight, store light and handling that your final gown will not.
• Also, the fit will be different, as the sample has probably been tried on by a number of brides before you, whereas your gown will have been worn by no one else prior to your first fitting. I liken this to the difference of slipping on a new pair of shoes versus ones that have been in your closet for awhile.
• And keep in mind that fabric of your gown comes on bolts, and in the time that passed from when you tried on the sample to the time your gown is cut and sewn, it is highly unlikely that the fabric will be from the same fabric lot. So, expect and embrace the fact there will be differences!

This seems strange and very involved for women used to the retail experience. But here’s why it’s worth it.

When you first started dating your fiance, I am sure you bought a special dress for your first big night out together. And certainly, if you were a guest at a family or close friend’s wedding, you probably splurged on a really nice dress to look great on that special day. Now that it is your turn to be one of the two honored guests, if time and budget permit, wouldn’t this be the occasion to have a gown that no one else has worn for a day like no other?

Another argument for a salon gown is the ability to incorporate special requirements. Whether it be a religious, cultural or personal preference, a change on neckline, sleeve length or other detailing can be incorporated in the sewing of the gown, making it truly one of a kind. Making modifications to a finished dress rarely looks as good. Pricing can be impacted depending on the bride’s request.

In fairness, some bridal designers/retailers have a rush cut option whereby the standard design or delivery can be modified. But this incurs fees that can be anywhere from $300.00 to 25 percent of the price of the dress.

So, as I have said in previous posts, you need to take some time and determine your priorities, preferences and practical considerations in deciding whether renting, buying or ordering is the right choice for you.

The best is yet to come!
Renée

Ketubah by Robert Saslow

A great place to start is the Gallery’s WEDDING CHECKLIST. Providing background on the Ketubahs (Jewish Wedding contracts) Wedding Glasses, Kiddush Cups, Huppas,  Tallits and  kippas or yarmulkes gives a bride a groom an outline of  elements they may wish to include .

Most Jewish and interfaith couple want to have a ketubah or Jewish Wedding Contract created.  Originally intended to serve as financial protection of the wife, the ketubah  has transformed into a beautiful work of art that celebrates the couple’s lives together. Gallery Judaica designed KETUBAH QUESTIONS as a reference for this very important decision. Both orthodox perspective and modern ideas regarding Jewish traditions are presented to encourage discussion.  By offering several prewritten text options, every spiritual viewpoint from orthodox, conservative to reformed can be explored. There are also beautiful designs and choice of calligraphy to consider. Discuss your ideas with your wedding officiate, asking their thoughts on what is appropriate for the planned ceremony.

Currently the papercut ketubah, which offers something beyond ink and paper, are extremely popular. The ketubah paper itself has been delicately cut, usually with a laser, into fabulous designs that offer three dimensions and almost endless possibilities when it comes to framing. Danny Azoulay, a longtime favorite Ketubah artist , offers papercut ketubah designs that are intricately detailed and accented with gold or platinum leaf. Enya Keshet applies hand-painted gold or silver with crystal accents that create some truly breathtaking pieces.

KETUBAH PERSONALIZATION displays a variety of  ketubah artists’ designs.

Many non-Jewish guests are unsure of appropriate WEDDING GIFTS. Gallery Judaica recommend gifts for the home. A Mezuzah is a great gift for a couple who has just moved into a new home, as is a Home Blessing. A set of Shabbat Candlesticks, a Kiddush Cup, or a Challah Board is a piece of art that a couple will use every Friday night. A Hanukkah menorah or a Passover Seder Plate is something they will display in their home and use each year. Other ideas can include an Apple and Honey Set for Rosh Hashanah or a Tzedakah Box (pushka) for giving to those in need.

And the Wedding is just the beginning. Gallery Judaica can become a lifetime resource with information on a multitude of Jewish  customs and traditions. Whether you are planning a Jewish ceremony or will be attending as a guest. Galleria Judiaca is  a remarkable resource on Jewish culture and traditions.

Mazel Tov!

Beverly Harris

How do you get started? Beverly recommends that before you meet with a wedding planner, pull photos from magazines so you have some visual samples of flowers, location table settings lighting that you find appealing. Beverly’s GALLERY does just that! By providing a variety of images, you and your fiancé have a valuable starting point.

As with most industries, referrals are the lifeblood of bridal. Ask your friends, co-worker who recently got married and people you are contacting about other wedding services (like ME!) who they would recommend as a wedding planner. Hire someone who is active within wedding industry associations and has strong relationships with other wedding professionals.  When a planner is highly respected by other wedding professionals, it is safe to assume that they work well with others and excel what they do. And any wedding planner worth their salt will have TESTIMONIALS for you to review. By reading other people’s accounts of their ceremonies and receptions you and your fiancé will identify what are the critical elements for your ideal wedding.

A wedding planner has to be a good listener, and Beverly is the best! Every couple has an unique vision of their wedding. It’s up to the planner to get a sense of scope and expectations to help structure the vision to fruition.  It’s a good idea to ask potential wedding planners to reiterate what you’ve described in their own words to help you see how well they listen and comprehend your ideas. Some couples need someone to look after every single detail, other just need extra support in certain aspects of their  planning. Beverly Harris Weddings & Events has created WEDDING PACKAGES that allow you to get the level of support you need.

Look for a planner who is highly creative, but I mean creativity beyond colors, design, and flowers. You want creativity that involves effective problem-solving techniques for  the many aspects of a wedding— location issues, special needs of a guest, family dynamics, dietary restrictions, the list is endless!

A great way to get a sense of a planner’s sensibility and philosophy is by reading their BLOG. Blogs provide a sense of the person, what their personal tastes are and their current activities.

Finally, find a wedding planner who is a master diplomat. A wedding is a very emotional and expensive undertaking. You need someone with a calm temperament, who will carry your ideas forward while being respectful to the family members, deal professionally with other wedding vendors to honor deadlines, handle unexpected delays or issues, soothe anxiety and maintain peace and keep you up to the minute.   It is also the planner’s responsibility to let you know when a request is unrealistic considering the budget, timeline and logistics you have outlined. How do you find this person? Do your homework! Learn as much ABOUT them as possible. This is an important undertaking, one which depends on trust, respect and a shared vision.

Both my husband and I have traveled extensively through Italy, but Capri has always been our all-time favorite. Situated off the Mediterranean coast of Italy just west of the incredibly picturesque city of Positano, Capri is the stuff of fairy tales. It’s tricky to get there, but always worth the adventure. 

So what was the trade-off for us? The size of the guest list. We honed our guest list to a very intimate 16 family and friends. Thus, we could afford to pull out all the stops.

Our heart was set on Hotel Quisisana, the jewel of the island and a world-class setting for a wedding. The intrepid party flew into Rome, where we were met by a private guide.  After checking into the St. Regis, she gave us a Best of Rome tour…the Forum, the Coliseum, tossing coins in Trevi fountain and lingering on the Spanish Steps. Oh, did I leave out shopping on Via Veneto?

On a trip like this, you call in your favors. I had my cousin call the Mayor of Rome to request assistance in making a reservation at a restaurant so exclusive it has no sign and the entry is a small door off an alley.  It was che sogni sono fatti, what dreams are made of.  The room, the food and the service were absolutely first rate. While the older crowd lingered after dinner, my grown kids and friends headed out for a Boy George concert.

We couldn’t make it too late a night because the next morning, we were off to Capri. Everyone rode by bus – no complaints! It was so modern, so comfortable, so air conditioned…until it broke down on the side of the highway! That’s when things got interesting. We waited two hours by the side of the road only to be “rescued” by two drivers in matching vans. But neither was familiar with the roads of Naples, neither spoke English, and we were now trying to beat the clock to the port to catch the 4:00 hydrofoil.

No big deal you say? Allow me to explain: The two cities in the world with the worst traffic are Cairo and Naples. Add to this fact that there is no GPS, cell phone coverage is spotty at best, and we were a party of 16 tourists with overstuffed suitcases. It was a tense drive, but we made it in time. 

Everyone was very happy to a have a drink on the hydrofoil and happier to hand over their belongings while we were transported to the hotel. That trip up the windy, narrow road to Capri is worthy of its own blog post another time! One peek out of my hotel window, and all the challenges were worth it. Truly Heaven on earth!

And even halfway across the world, I had the luck to run into none other than Wolfgang Puck and his fiancée Gelila Assefa, who were also staying at the Quisi as they rested the week before their nuptials the following Saturday! The one and only Kevin Lee (my co-star on “Brides of Beverly Hills”) was also there – a blur of activity as he prepared for the Puck nuptials. We exchanged a “Chi Chi Chic” as we headed out for our day at sea.

Our chartered yacht skimmed through the gorgeous blue waters on a perfect picture day to Il San Pietro.  This restaurant (also a hotel) is literally set within one of the steep cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Located about 2 miles outside the town center of Positano, the entrance to this hotel is an elevator, set within a rock, obscured by climbing vines, located down a flight of stone steps behind a solitary, tiny chapel dedicated to St. Peter off the side of the main Amalfi Coast highway. Visualize that for a moment. As luck would have it, we ran into yet another friend. Dr. Filomena McAndrews and her husband, Charlie, good friends of my husband, had reservations at this very hotel…great minds think alike. It seemed as though Beverly Hills was on vacation in Italy.

Cruising the Amalfi Coast and not stopping in Positano for an hour of shopping would be sinful.  So into the dinghy we piled and drifted to shore, wading barefoot over the cobblestone floor of crystal clear water to land’s edge, up the hill, skirts held high, clutching our Euros in our fists.

And after our day of sightseeing, we made it back in time to freshen up for the main event. With only 16 people to coordinate, we had great flexibility in timing for our wedding ceremony under the stars. It was just as we had envisioned it, but more on that in Part 2!

]]> http://blog.reneestrauss.com/2012/02/destination-happily-ever-after/feed/ 0 http://blog.reneestrauss.com/2012/02/a-roma-con-amore-to-rome-with-love/ http://blog.reneestrauss.com/2012/02/a-roma-con-amore-to-rome-with-love/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:51:02 +0000 rstrauss.blog http://blog.reneestrauss.com/?p=823 The most amazing wedding I ever organized was also my first. A morning ceremony at none other than the Vatican followed by a reception at a country estate on one of the seven hills of Rome.

The bridal business is all about relationships.Years back, I had worked with a Los Angeles-based Italian family in selecting a wedding dress for their younger of two daughters. In the process, I grew very close to the parents and was delighted and honored when they returned to my salon with their eldest daughter, who was now engaged. A prominent importer of Italian wines and vinegars, their dream was to have the wedding take place at the Vatican. What a dream! We continued to talk, and the father said to me “Would you plan the wedding for us?” After initially feeling surprised and overwhelmed at even being asked, I thought about it and agreed to help them.

I am no stranger to Italy. My yearly European buying trips bring me to Milan and Rome regularly, where I am the guest of the Italian Trade Commission. By combining my skills and connections, I felt confident I could make this happen.

The first order of the day was to get the necessary dispensations from the couple’s local diocese in Los Angeles. And the family needed to commit to erect a statue of Pope John Paul in tribute of the occasion. Once that was squared away, my focus shifted to Italy. The family underwrote an initial trip for me to research hotels, transport, hotels flowers, horse and carriage, reception locations, entertainment, gifts for the guests and how to correctly  work with the Vatican.

THE VATICAN!

Like all weddings, the pieces started to come together. The bride selected a gorgeous gown by an Italian designer. We finalized the hotel selection, contracting with Hotel Hasler and the Intercontinental, both located at the top of the famed Spanish Steps. The Secretary of State of the Vatican (being its own city-state, it has its own Secretary of State) agreed to serve as the officiate and the largest Capella (Chapel) inside St.Peter’s was reserved for the wedding. And in a rare exception to usual procedure, it was agreed that all foot traffic through Saint Peter’s Square of the Vatican would be stopped for 2 hours to accommodate the ceremony and the guests’ departure.

With the stage set, the plan was put into action. Guests were met at the airport  by a contracted coach service. Upon arriving at their hotel, they received a welcoming gift; fountain pens for the gentlemen and perfume for the ladies, along with traditional Italian candy-coated almonds, a longtime symbol of fertility and love. A welcoming note was also included, outlining the activities and timeline for the coming days.

The morning of the ceremony, the guests were transported to the back of the Vatican, where they made their way past the Swiss Guard (the Vatican’s standing  army) and on to the Capella. No music was allowed, but hundreds of fragrant flowers perfumed the air and it felt like a slice of heaven itself.

A full mass was celebrated, and as the bride knelt and stood again, I went down to the chapel floor to fix her beautiful train as she nodded and winked at me with a side glance.

When the ceremony concluded, the guests then traveled to an exclusive Roman estate complete with ancient gardens and gravel footpaths. They entered a lavish garden along a winding gravel path and entered the villa through arched passages laden with yellow and ivory flowers and candles. Famed Italian singer Andrea Bocelli, whose mother is a longtime friend of the bride’s family, appeared on an oversized screen via Skype to greet the guests, toast the couple and sing a song in honor of the day.

The menu featured traditional Italian fare…………while music was played by a string quartet as we dined. We all then left the villa back out to the gardens, where a dance floor had been assembled and a live band played as the international crowd danced the hours away.

As the daylight gradually gave way to dusk, the guests departed quite satisfied after an afternoon of feasting, fun and celebration. Dusk came quite late that summer day, around 9:30 p.m.

It was a magical day…and the magic lives on to this day. Not only did the family return to me to assist the younger daughter with her second wedding gown, but the family graciously provides the Asti Spumante used in the opening titles and served on Brides of Beverly Hills.