French 75 Laguna Beach
1464 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

French 75 Laguna Beach
"French 75’s cozy spaces vibrate with color: rich, dark woods, ruby red and dramatic black—all enhanced by soft lighting. The exquisitely decorated Right Bank room creates the perfect mood for the live jazz performed here Wednesday through Saturday nights. A grand piano and 1940s-era Hollywood artwork contribute to the sultry setting, where guests are seated in deep, chocolate leather booths or at long linen-clad tables with plush red velvet chairs. Floor-to-ceiling drapes along one side can be closed for more privacy. The Left Bank room, which features similar décor, also has a rustic rounded brick fireplace.

Just off the Right Bank is the Champagne Bar, notable for its mural of mischievous champagne-swigging monkeys. Sacre bleu! The bar specializes in a selection of signature martinis and champagne cocktails, including the restaurant’s namesake cocktail, purportedly invented by a World War I Franco-American flying ace, who combined champagne and cognac to produce a drink with the kick of a French 75mm artillery piece.

A hidden staircase leads to the Bordeaux room, whose wood beams and golden lighting complement the impressive floor-to-ceiling wine collection, housed in a dark wood cabinet. This private room is ideal for rehearsal dinners, dinner parties and business meetings. French 75’s most beguiling secret, however, is Le Salon. Although it adjoins the Bordeaux Room, it’s completely concealed behind curtains. This intimate dining room is like a plush cocoon, sumptuously draped from floor to ceiling in red velvet. A single table in the center can accommodate an exclusive gathering of up to ten of your nearest and dearest. Of course, this is also an incredibly romantic spot to pop the question or celebrate an anniversary.

Small weddings and receptions are held on the inviting Garden Patio, a covered brick-paved terrace bordered by greenery. Faux-candle chandeliers add a formal touch, as do the drapes hung around the perimeter from the overhead trellis. Keep them tied back to preserve the open-air ambiance of the patio, or draw them closed for complete seclusion. A large fireplace at one end can serve as an altar if you have your ceremony here. The staff at French 75 will gladly assist you with music and flower arrangements, along with the menu for your special event. Dishes lean towards Parisian-style bistro classics like Prime Flatiron Steak au Poivre and Shrimp en Cassoulet, but they offer a wide range of options—including Grilled Chicken and Mushroom Mac & Cheese! Note to chocoholics: their velvety Hot Chocolate Soufflé, made with Callebaut chocolate, is irresistible." Source: Here Comes The Guide

Availibility: 10AM to Midnight
Capacities: The restaurant can accommodate 140 seated guests indoors and 45 seated or 80 standing outdoors.
Whats Provided: Catering, Alcohol, Tables, Chairs, Linens, Restrooms, Dressing Area, Grand Piano, and cleanup (as it's full serviced restaurant)
Views: Cityscape, Garden, Landscaped Grounds
Parking: Street and Valet Parking Available
Extra Accomodations Upon Request (fee's may be added on for these additions): Meeting Equipment, Dancefloor, Outdoor Night Lighting
Amplified Music: Indoor and Outdoor Amplified Music Allowed (outdoor with restrictions)
Fees & Deposits: 10% of the estimated event total is required to reserve your date. The balance is due 30 days prior to the event. Meals range $45–125/person.Tax, alcohol and a 21% service charge are additional.

Drago Centro
525 South Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213/228-8998
www.dragocentro.com

Fees & Deposits:
50% of the total event cost is required to reserve your date and the balance is due 1 week prior to the event. Rental fees range $500–3,000 depending on guest count and the space rented. Meals range $90–250/person. Tax, alcohol and a 20% service charge are additional.

Capacity:
Max. Seated Indoors: 120
Max. Seated Outdoors: 50
Max. Standing Indoors: 300
Max. Standing Outdoors: 150

Avalable: Year-Round
Catering: Provided
Alcohol: Provided, BYO w/Corkage Fee
Music: Indoor/Outdoor music allowed w/restrictions
Wheelchair Access: Yes

Tables & Chairs: provided
Linens, Silver, etc.: provided
Outdoor Night Lighting: CBA
Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no
View: cityscape, garden, landscaped grounds

I recently spoke with an Orange County, CA Bride (the oh so sweet Beth Dunkerly) who asked me for advice...

QUESTION: "How can I hang decorations if my venue has restrictions on using tape or any type of nails or adhesive to their walls or ceiling? I want to create a unique and warm feeling for our Reception, what should I do?"

ADVICE:
If your ceremony or reception has these type of restrictions, it is actually a good thing. They do this to keep their venue looking as best as possible so that future Brides like you don't have to deal with covering ugly marks on the wall or ceiling. In order to create the look you want while following the venues rules, there are many ways you can still create the the same look!

• Ceremony Ideas: If your ceremony location has these restrictions, you can bring in hanging decorations that are not attached to any of the venues structures. For example, you can bring in rentals such as an arbor, archway, gazebo, that you can hang florals and crystals from (by using clear fishing line). If the venue has an altar that is rod iron - you can also attach fishing line to hang things from and then completely remove them from the structure after your event. This type of tool does not leave any mark to the venues structure after your event! Also bringing in floral decor such as Manzanita Trees and hanging crystals from them look pretty amazing and can also be relocated to your recetion and used to decorate in 2 different venue locations.
• Reception Ideas: Using lighting is another great option that can be reflected on the interior/exterior walls or ceiling and can be either your wedding monogram or also a custom design (such as a floral pattern, damask, or even wording like your wedding date). You can also bring in items like the same wedding arch you used in your ceremony - with hung crystals, and re-use it in your reception design (it looks amazing when over/behind the sweetheart table or when used over/behind your round cake table). Also, if your venue has existing beams, you can hang lanterns, crystals, or florals from these beams to feature decor above all the tables by using clear fishing line, yet again (pretty much one of the best resources)!

"Think of the Luxe Hotel Sunset Boulevard, Bel Air as being in Beverly Hills’ backyard. Since the late 1950s, the local jet set has relied upon it as a dependable gathering place. Why? Because it’s a quiet and convenient getaway, well removed from the bustling commercial center where most other hotels are located. It also has some of the most appealing event spaces in West Los Angeles, most notably the elegant Luxe Sunset Ballroom. Located next to the Getty Center, high above downtown Beverly Hills, the Luxe Hotel occupies a prime hilltop location. When you drive up, you see a pair of long gray stucco buildings. The two-story building in the foreground houses the banquet facilities, restaurant and bar, and guestrooms.

The Luxe Sunset Ballroom, designed like a home away from home, welcomes guests into a sophisticated, yet inviting, space. Dressed in shades of taupe, cream and bronze, it’s dramatically lit with modern chandeliers, recessed lighting and wall sconces. If you have a particular ambiance in mind, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment is available to help you create just the right mood. For a plein air ceremony or cocktails under the stars, the adjacent patio is a true urban garden. Olive trees shade conversational seating areas, while fountains lend a pleasing background sound. A unique feature of the garden is the Wedding Plaza. As you walk down the central aisle, lacy elm trees provide a natural canopy and frame views of the “fountain wall” backdrop. An upper terrace makes a lovely spot for mingling and casual drinks.

As I look back on my college years, I have to say I did attend quite an amazing school with beautiful surroundings... while attending Notre Dame de Namur University, I fell in love with the historic mansion we had on campus: Ralston Hall was at the center of campus and reminded me of the Great Gatsby and all the old artistic elegance I have learned about through the years! I definitely took my surroundings for granted and now miss all the fun events that were held at Ralston Hall. I remember there being many weddings that took place in the Ralston Mansion and they always seemed so timeless and elegant, which is why I just have to share this Northern Californian Venue with you all~

This registered National Historic Landmark is a stunning Victorian mansion, completed in 1867 by William Chapman Ralston, founder of the Bank of California. Ralston purchased the land in 1864, and modified the original Italian villa with touches of Steamboat Gothic and Victorian details to create a lavish and opulent estate. The delicately etched glass panes of the front doors, and the windows dressed in striped awnings give you an indication of what you’ll see inside.

The interior reflects the charm of a bygone era, featuring a magnificent ballroom, delightful parlors, and a picturesque opera box gallery. Each room is decorated with beautiful antiques, stunning crystal chandeliers and colorful Oriental rugs. The ballroom is particularly appealing. Its patterned hardwood floor is encircled by mirrored walls, and three impressive chandeliers hang gracefully from the skylight. At the far end of the room is a large bay window, with a curving fabric-covered bench seat and regal matching draperies. Musicians can set up in an alcove without interfering with the grandeur and flow of the ballroom. The spacious dining rooms were decorated with an attention to detail that is unparalleled by today’s standards. Because of Ralston Hall’s size and layout, you can choose from a variety of setups utilizing the entire first floor or the expansive front lawn. This facility is one of the Peninsula’s few mansion locations and makes a terrific venue for a sophisticated and memorable wedding.

Venue Details
Ceremony Capacity: The Ralston lawn holds 200 seated or standing; the Ballroom 200 seated or standing
Event/Reception Capacity: The facility accommodates 200 seated guests or 275 standing guests
Fees & Deposits: For weddings and special events, a $4,500 booking deposit is required to reserve your date. This amount includes a $500 refundable security deposit. For an 8-hour event, the rental fee runs $7,000–9,500 and is payable 6 months prior to the function. Fees include a facility manager and 2 hours for setup and 1 hour for cleanup. The security deposit is returned if the property is left in good condition.

Catering: select from exclusive list
Kitchen Facilities: moderate
Tables & Chairs: provided
Linens, Silver, etc.: through caterer
Restrooms: wheelchair accessible
Dance Floor: provided
Bride's Dressing Area: yes
Meeting Equipment: BYO
Parking: ample
Accommodations: no guestrooms
Telephone: local calls only
Outdoor Night Lighting: limited
Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BBQ
Cleanup: caterer
View: lawn with fountain
Other: security available

The Details
"HUNTLEY SANTA MONICA BEACH HOTEL... Where Modern Beachside Glamour meets Casual Urban Chic. Offering dramatic views of the ocean, city, and mountains, THE HUNTLEY hotel redefines Southern California cool with a striking new look. Combining the ultimate tranquility of a beachside retreat with a uniquely urban vibe, our Santa Monica Beach hotel is the perfect blend of city and sea, casual and chic, sophisticated and whimsical. With a prime Santa Monica address and inspired design, THE HUNTLEY hotel invites you to indulge in the ultimate Southern California lifestyle." -source: theGuide-

If your looking for a unique Los Angeles Wedding Venue to celebrate your big day like a Celebrity Wedding... Then the Huntley Santa Monica Beach Hotel will sure have your guests feeling as though their at the wedding of Victoria and David Beckham!! Check out the Venue's Event Details below:

Ceremony
Max Seated Indoors: 100
Max Seated Outdoors: 50

Reception/Special Events
Max. Seated Indoors: 160
Max. Seated Outdoors: 70
Max. Standing Indoors: 300
Max. Standing Outdoors: 90

Fees & Deposits
50% of the estimated event total is required to reserve your date. The balance is due 2 weeks prior to the event. Food and beverage minimums apply. Wedding packages range $140–250/person. Tax, alcohol and a 20% service charge are additional.

Why we're Inspired: This is another Venue I happen to hold close to heart iis The Langham Huntington Resort & Spa located in the beautiful city of Pasadena, CA. I figured I would post a blog about it this month since it just so happens to be July and a spo

tlight on the same Venue my lovely parents were married at 25 years ago! As a little girl, my parents happened to take my Sister and I there for a random visit... the moment I saw the breathtaking grounds and elegance the hotel boasted - I immediately dreampt of having my own wedding there as well some day :) As you may have read in a previous post, my Husband and I actually ended up getting married at The Nixon Library instead (it was much closer for our family to travel); I guess I must have fallen inlove with the classic elegance the Library had that reminded me of the Langham!

The Details: If you are in the market for an above average wedding experience and want a place that exudes timeless class and style, the Langham is certainly a place to consider. Nestled in the burbs of Pasadena, it is truly a breathtaking experience to be surprised by its presences as you reach the premises. The Langham is the only AAA Five Diamond hotel in Pasadena!! Grand elegance and award-winning service have made this hotel a Southern California landmark for over 100 years. The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa is renowned for genuine service and captivation of the senses.

Wedding Facilities:

Horseshoe Garden: (now located behind the hotel) was originally the main entrance, today the Horseshoe is the most striking vantage point from which to appreciate the Huntington’s imposing architecture.

Japanese Garden: This sequestered garden has a quiet, almost mystical beauty. A step-down waterfall pond is spanned by a curved footbridge, an inspired spot for an intimate ceremony. Here, whispered endearments mingle with the sound of trickling water, evoking an aura of enchantment. Overlooking the garden’s border is the well known weathered wooden trestle of the old Picture Bridge.

The Courtyard: An outdoor haven where blossoming pear trees fringe a tranquil pond. Relaxed yet refined, the Courtyard is the just the place for a chic cocktail hour.

Georgian Ballroom: This historic ballroom feels palatial, with its soaring arched ceiling, stained-glass windows, and gorgeous pear-shaped chandeliers, each one fashioned of thousands of brilliant crystals and ringed with candelabra-style lights.

Viennese Ballroom: Featuring a vaulted ceiling edged in gold and a glittering constellation of crystal chandeliers designed by the same atelier that crafted the chandeliers in the palace of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

Viennese Terrace: An open-air expanse that takes advantage of Pasadena’s warm summer nights.

Huntington Ballroom: The hotel’s newest addition is the super-sized ballroom that lets you fête 750 guests in swanky style. Many a high-society gala has graced these ballrooms over the decades, and it takes no imagination at all to envision the gleam of silver and fine china, the swirl of satin gowns and the lighthearted laughter that will accompany your own celebration at such an incomparable establishment.

Fees & Deposits:
25% of the food and beverage cost, along with the site fee, is required to reserve your date. Another 25% of the food and beverage total is due 90 days prior to the event and the balance is due 21 days prior. Rental fees range $750–13,000 depending on the day and number of hours of the event. Breakfast starts at $33.50, weddings at $100 per person. Tax, alcohol and a 22% service charge are additional. -source:guide-

I am very excited about the all new venue... Tranquility Manor. This one of a kind estate is located in the beautiful equestrian city of Orange Park Acres (North Orange County) and has so much to offer. Its breathtaking views and gardens are ideal for any ceremony or reception! If you are interested in this venue, feel free to comment for further information as their website is under construction.

Here is a sneak peak into a recent Real Wedding by The Royal Engagement. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Bennett who had such a memorable wedding at the Irvine Hilton Hotel. It was such a pleasure working with the Bride, Groom, and Mother of the Bride (Nancy- your such a sweetie); thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day! Also a special thanks to all of the incredible vendors who contributed. Enjoy the great photos from their special day by The Story Keeper:

This past week, I had such a wonderful time attending Ceremony Magazine's Annual Event. This year, the event was held at a location that is very dear to my heart The Richard Nixon Library, in Yorba Linda, CA. One of the reasons this venue is so special to me is because I will be personally tying the knot there next June with my amazing Fiance, Kyle! Not only was I there as a wedding professional, but I was also able to get great ideas for my own wedding. My best friend Lindsey (a phenomenal OC Hair Stylist) accompanied me to the event, we sure enjoyed the yummy food from Jay's Catering& were delighted to meet many other OC vendors. The event was held on the Garden lawn & inside the East Room (a replica of the East Room in the White House). The event featured incredible vendors that collaborated in making this an event to remember. Have fun browsing through pictures from the event by Barnet Photography. Special thanks to Ceremony Magazine for putting on such an amazing event! Check out the launch of their new site: CaliforniaWeddingWave