Celebrating the theme of "The Great Gatsby" this event showcase for the new bride was produced by the California Wedding Day magazine. It's easy to see why today's bride is overwhelmed, so an event like this is a great way to see all the best wedding celebration options together in one place at this stellar location. I didn't know much about Saint Vibiana, but no matter; it was perfect for presenting the Gatsby theme in the place named after her. The building was originally built in 1876 as a church and recently restored, it is one of the few original buildings from this period still in existence in Los Angeles, a victory for the LA Conservancy.
Outside in the garden area, bands played and a luxury vintage car was displayed to whisk you away to your reception in style. Every element of a luxury wedding was provided from the bar, food and catering, table settings and luxury bites all put together into a seamless party atmosphere that put you into the mood for a wedding. The entire experience is festive as you wander from booth to booth smelling the beautiful floral displays, tasting food samplings and gazing at the tabletop decorations and linens that are truly exquisite.
The music of Harry Warren, provided by Harry Warren Entertainment, was presented in a deluxe CD collection sampler so that the brides could choose their "first dance" music from the man who wrote the tune for "At Last" and "I Only Have Eyes For You" considered wedding classics. Outside a jazz band was playing and a club singer dressed in period 1920s attire was singing yet another classic Harry Warren tune. Music, like food, is the stuff of the perfect wedding day. Firestone wines were poured at the well-appointed bar and a mixologist provided the crowd with a signature themed cocktail. For the more casual option, the food trucks were pulled up in the patio and "The Grilled Cheese" and Tex-Mex from "Border Grill" was passed out by the friendly ambassadors. If you are not familiar with the Border Grill, their happy hour in the Santa Monica beach location is not to be missed. Same can be said of the grilled cheese sandwich, a perfect comfort food and a great option for the less structured event. When a formal table is needed, the tabletop design is required. A centuries old tradition for feasting and showing off a bride's personal taste, the gorgeous tabletop displays were truly eye popping throughout the event. My favorite was Mayfair House, with look and feel of true elegance inspired by the lifestyle of an English manor house for the Downton Abby fans. Their table was dripping with rich details like the silver candelabra, glorious floral displays set with china and crystal that would have made the butlers proud. The Kat Minassi Event display was also clever in the use of favor boxes, and a more modern take on the Gatsby theme but there were many more ideas to inspire you. The reception is one of the most important elements of the wedding. To serve 250 people (a typical number for today's bride) the catering can make or break a wedding. Designed for family and friends it can easily be a disaster if not handled by the most expert team. New York Food Company shared delicious dessert selections as did Fig & Olive, a local restaurant on Melrose Place. The trick with a good reception is keeping the guests entertained as well as providing a memorable atmosphere that expresses the personal style of the bride and groom. A choice of great wines and solid bar, follow up the food in priority. A runway show completed the event and this brings me to the world of Bridal fashion, a huge category in itself. Most notably, were local designers like Andrea's fashions, who have a specialty in custom made gowns that are couture and don't leave anyone out in the bridal party. Other designers were present that truly offered a wide range of options for the luxury bride, with custom made accessories, crowns, hair designs and even the make up team was there to freshen up your face after an evening of delightful eating and drinking.
With the best collection of curated event options I have seen, the Urban Unveiled experience continues to be one of the most beautiful ways to plan your wedding or special event so mark the calendar for next year, as this will become one of LA's most important wedding showcases produced at the VIBIANA, which I hear has signed up for the next several years. Smart move.
For more information please go to: Californiaweddingday.com
You can read more about Saint Vibiana Church history here: http://www.laconservancy.org/issues/issues_vibiana.php
