OmniBride™ & TWC: New Beginnings & Fond Farewells

The Wedding Chat has been a labor of love and a launching pad to something new and exciting for the entire online wedding community. You see we discovered a black hole…

As bloggers in the wedding industry we adore the vast blogosphere but, for a while, have felt such a deep void when attempting to research and find great content. Oh, we know it’s out there. In fact we take pride in the topics we’ve covered. But think about it-when you try to find something it’s often a time-consuming, hit-or-miss experience. There is so much valuable information out there and searching is like drifting aimlessly out in space.

Well, our frustration turned into opportunity. We connected with some tech virtuosos to help us create OmniBride, the first search-find-share destination solely for the wedding industry.

Our mission was to bring the entire online wedding community together so none of us has to wander aimlessly through the Internet to find great ideas, inspirations and resources.

We are just beginning to officially launch OmniBride and say a fond farewell to The Wedding Chat. We are sad for TWC to end as it has been steadily growing in popularity but feel our mission to bring together the entire online wedding community is the best use of our energies. We felt it even more when blogger Kelly Gribben, Keg Design, landed on us while she was randomly checking her site meter…”I discovered OmniBride as a referring site and one that is solely devoted to wedding-related things. What a cool concept! It’s definitely something the online wedding community can use.” We hope you think so too!

For brides: You’ll find that OmniBride is the most comprehensive destination for researching and planning your wedding.

For bloggers: Your voices will be heard by an exponentially greater audience. If the community loves your content, your stats will grow—and so will your fan base.

For industry: You have the opportunity to find out what the online wedding community is saying (or not saying) about your goods and services. You can engage in the community dialogues.

For journalists: This is your tool for researching and uncovering the latest buzz and resources.

You have the power to rate the value of a search result by either “loving” or “trashing” it so, unlike a general search engine, the community determines what rises to the top. So participate often and let your voice be heard throughout the wedding universe!

But there’s more to OmniBride—check out our feeds for the daily news and the most current wedding-related contests and giveaways. And if it’s being talked about—we’ll find it!

You may have noticed that this is a BETA version of OmniBride. This means that Version 1 is ready for take-off. But our vision doesn’t end here—count on an explosion of features and functions in the near future. For now, enjoy your exploration…and let us know about your experiences of finding it in the wedding cosmos.

Boy Marries Girl at The Beverly Hills Hotel

On May 21, 1983, newlyweds Dave and I arrived at the BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL for our wedding reception. Like an old Hollywood movie, it was a beautiful beginning to our boy-meets-girl fairytale romance. Twenty-five years later, at the exact moment I walked down the aisle, we checked into the hotel to celebrate our silver anniversary.

When deciding what to do for our 25th, we considered New York (we love theater!) and Paris (a favorite destination) but in an inspirational moment thought “The Beverly Hills Hotel!” We hadn’t been back since our wedding day and even then didn’t have the chance to spend any time enjoying the hotel, other than dancing and dining the night away in the Crystal Ballroom.  So it was off to 90210 and Hollywood.

The Beverly Hills hotel was built in 1912 by developer Burton Green who hoped to lure wealthy Easterners out west to retire in the open fields north of Los Angeles. Built for $500,000 – a staggering sum at the time – in a Mission Revival style on twelve acres of land, Burton named the hotel after his “Beverly Farms” home in Massachusetts. The investment paid off as some of the most famous Silver Screen stars, including Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, made Beverly Hills their homes.  The hotel soon found itself surrounded by prime real estate.  Today, it still feels as though you are stepping back into the glory days of old Hollywood. After a major renovation that closed the hotel from 1992 to 1995, it still maintains the style and timeless beauty of a glamorous bygone era. Even decorator Don Loper’s striking banana-leaf design wallpaper has survived and still looks fresher than ever.

The landscaping, tended by fourteen gardeners, is lush and tropical – I have never seen Birds of Paradise so immense! Walking the grounds, you feel as though you are in a private oasis totally secluded and hidden from Sunset Boulevard, one of the busiest streets in Beverly Hills.

Since its inception the hotel has been the place where stars met to see and be seen, as well as to conduct discreet affairs. We stayed in Bungalow 20A, a luxurious suite that is part of the back garden two-story bungalows. According to the hotel’s lore, it’s the room where Leslie Caron and Warren Beatty had a romantic tryst. Updated since their clandestine rendezvous, the suite felt like an individual home that was spacious, timeless and elegant. Decorated in a sophisticated English country style, the sitting room had a sofa, two comfortable chairs and a wood burning fireplace. The bathroom was fashioned in green marble and Italian granite replete with plush bath linens, terry cloth bathrobes, slippers and custom-blended amenities. Our bedroom was luxurious and opened out onto a private patio surrounded by dense tropical plants. We even had a sunny kitchen with a back door – we could move in forever!

The service was impeccable and everyone treated us as though we were stars or movie moguls. After taking a walk around the gardens, we returned to find a bottle of Perrier Jouët champagne on ice with four enormous chocolate-dipped strawberries, compliments of the hotel for our anniversary. It was an unexpected surprise, and just the beginning of our five-star treatment.  When we made our reservations, we opted for the hotel’s Spa Package. This included our stay in a bungalow guestroom plus one spa treatment per day in their exclusive Hotel Spa by La Prairie. I had a Swedish massage shortly after our arrival to work out the kinks from our long day’s drive and Dave had a massage on day two. The package is a great way to add a bit of personal pampering to the trip.

On our first evening we dined in the renowned Polo Lounge where every table feels intimate and special. In fact, Dave and I were sure that movie deals were being brokered at the next table. The food was sublime. I chose the Warm Laura Chenel Goat’s Cheese, a mélange of flavors with the smooth cheese mixed with baby beets and green beans in a tarragon dressing. Dave enjoyed the Tuna Nicoise salad to start. For the main course, I selected the Pan Seared Diver Sea Scallops with shaved Perigord Truffles and Dave chose Braised Lamb “Osso Bucco” with a cassoulet of beans, creamed chanterelles and root vegetables. Both of us smiled after each tender taste sensation. We finished by sharing a famous Polo Lounge soufflé, a decadent chocolate experience.

The next day we looked forward to playing “tourist” but not before we indulged in a traditional breakfast in the hotel’s Fountain Coffee Shop. This counter-only restaurant is a historical landmark with restored bar stools that originally surrounded the classic curved soda fountain counter built in 1949. It was a favorite stop for Lucille Ball on her way to the Desilu studios. We spent the day touring but my favorite highlight was a visit to the Griffith Park Observatory, built as a gift to Los Angeles by Griffith Jenkins Griffith in the 1930’s. He wanted it to be an inspirational and educational resource for all society. Forget the science, I relished the Art Deco architecture and the incredible views including a bird’s eye view of the classic “Hollywood” sign.

On the second night, we ventured into the heart of Hollywood to dine at Citrus at Social¸ a new restaurant returning chef Michel Richard back to the city that helped launch his career at the original Citrus on Melrose Ave. Richard teamed up with restaurateurs Jeffrey Chodorow and Melissa Richardson of China Grill Management to bring a sense of timelessness, playful flair and world-renowned culinary technique back to Hollywood. They transformed the old Athletic club into part night club, part crown jewel restaurant. While we dined in the restaurant, InStyle Magazine was hosting a starlets’ affaire in the adjoining night club hot spot.

Amid the vintage architecture and fresco walls sits vibrant lemon and lime-hued décor fashioned by award-winning designer Mark Zeff. The decorative play of old with new is visually refreshing and sets the scene for Chef Richard’s inspiring California-French cuisine – a culinary play of old and new too. The sorbet furnishings help to cleanse the atmosphere and prepare you for the tasteful masterpieces to come.

Upon discovering it was our anniversary, the chef sent out petite onion tarts and glasses of champagne to start. Delicious! Dave followed with the Mosaic, a carpaccio of surf, turf and earth including salmon, tuna, scallops, beef and roasted peppers and had the chef’s specialty 72 hour short rib for his main course. These are prime boneless beef short ribs, slowly braised in port reduction for 72 hours for an amazingly tender bite. Dave adored the accompanying French fries, cooked to perfection in clarified butter.

I savored the tartine crab “robaire,” followed by the bone in prime rib-eye steak seared and roasted, another house specialty. It was served with a red wine sauce, oven roasted tomatoes and artichokes and a “fuzzy’ potato, a playful Michel Richard twist on traditional potato gratin. Too full for dessert, we made our way back to the hotel for an evening by the fire and more champagne.

Soon it was time to leave the glamour, fine dining and pampering behind, and we began our journey home. We took our time to motoring up the coast stopping for a visit at the Hearst Castle to see how one man built his dream. In four days, we had a chance to escape, spend a few precious moments together, reminisce about our beginnings and have our own dreams about the next twenty-five years – JM

Resources:

The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows
9641 Sunset Boulevard
Beverly Hills, California 90210
310.276.2251
www.thebeverlyhillshotel.com

Citrus at Social
6525 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323.337.9797
www.chinagrillmgt.com/social

Cruise out of your single life – Bachelorette Cruise

Looking for something different to do as a destination bachelorette party? Here is one that is sure to please everyone on your invite list, especially the bride-to-be: a cruise with the girls. I had my bachelorette party on a 4-day cruise to Mexico…and it was a BLAST!

The best thing about having a bachelorette party on a cruise is that no matter who attends, there is something that everyone will want to do! And to top it off, depending on the time of year and schedules, the prices are extremely reasonable. All food, lodging, onboard activities, and onboard entertainment are included in the price. That can save you not only money, but also the agonizing decision making each day and night on where to eat and what to do.

Not all cruise lines are the same, and I say this from personal experience. If you want a young, party atmosphere, then CARNIVAL is the way to go. Other cruise lines are great, but depending on your destination, you may find yourself with more families and couples and not as many groups of girls out for the final night of single life!

The bachelorette party I attended departed from California to Mexico for four days. Ah, I can still smell the sun screen! And once the crew and guests found out we were on a final single fling, they catered to us continually. The bride felt like royalty! We ate great food, saw some great dance and comedy shows, participated in some crazy poolside activities and contests, and had more drinks with umbrellas than I can remember.

Bringing up an important point, your drinks are NOT included in your package price. So before you keep asking for one more round, remember that you have to settle your bar bill at the end of the cruise.

Along with the great food, activities onboard, shows, mini-golf course, and discos for dancing the night away, there are other great activities for everyone. Say you have a friend who is not a sit-by- the-pool-and-lounge person or they cannot be in the sun. No problem, there is a casino onboard, trivia games, bingo, and the spa. Oh, the spa! Make sure you reserve your spa appointment as soon as you get on the boat, especially if you are only doing one of the shorter cruises because the appointments fill up fast. I had a refreshing facial and relaxing hot stone massage…my first. You will pay for your spa treatments by using your onboard card and make sure you leave a tip, as well.

Even if you remember to bring your camera, most ships have photo stations and roaming photographers who will take photos of your party that you can purchase later. This was great for our formal dinner night because all the girls were dressed to the nines, and it made for a great keepsake.

But the best thing about a cruise is you cannot lose anyone because they are on the boat. Of course, you get great food, lots of entertainment, and time to relax with your girls before you walk down the aisle, too. Hasta! –TAG

View CARNIVAL CRUISE Online Brochures.

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Tina Allen Gallo
Tina Allen Gallo is a freelance writer, stand-up comedienne, and recent bride. Tina has been a bridesmaid 9 times and has thrown over a dozen bachelorette parties. She is the TWC Bachelorette Butterfly and has great ideas, plans and suggestions for all sorts of brides-to-be and those who will plan her last celebration of the single life!

Bridal Bouquets Made Out of Clay

Is your favorite wedding flower out of season? Are you looking for that perfect destination-wedding bouquet? LOOK NO FURTHER!

Introducing the incredibly talented Diane Phillips of DK DESIGNS. She can make your dream bouquet OUT OF CLAY! Every bouquet is customized to fit your floral vision, and each delicate bloom is individually handcrafted. Diane’s craft is so special, she was recently featured on the Martha Stewart Show, and side-by-side, she taught Martha how to make an hydrangea bloom. Must see DIY TV! Watching Diane in action makes me appreciate even more her talent and patience for making these beautiful blooms and bouquets that last forever. See for yourself!

CLICK HERE to watch Diane Phillips of DK DESIGNS instruct Martha Stewart on how to make an hydrangea bloom from clay!

To see more of DK Designs Clay Floral Bouquets, visit www.dkdesignshawaii.com. Also, check out the DK Designs Blog at www.dkdesignshawaii.blogspot.com