Have a fun story about your wedding planning experience? Share with us!
Tell us about the day you said yes to your fiancé, the day you said yes to the dress, or the day you said I Do. Each story is so fun and unique we love to hear more about LOVE!
Email your story, share tips for other brides, and include lots of photos!
xoxo,
Victoria
This August has been full of weddings, bridal dresses, date nights and fun adventures out and about in LA. These are a few of my favorite things!
Jaw dropping couture gowns at Monique Lhuillier. Brides ask for Hannah Jo to direct you to your dream dress!
Not your mamas pilates at Sweat Pilates. Classes twice a week with fun personal trainers. Things get hard core at Friday Happy Hour. First class is only $10!
Adding more veggies to my diet inspired by Alicia Silverstone’s book Kind Mama. Including my new signature green smoothie: spinach, flax seed, acai, coconut water, kefir, gogi and blueberry.
Triple date night with my favorite people at downtown Culver’s Rush Street.
Laughing at the cutest baby videos on Hello Giggles.
Delicious farm to table menus Whoa Nelly Catering will keep your guests talking long after the wedding. Did someone say tray passed chicken and waffles?
Ladies of Literature picked a second book from British author Jojo Moyes, One Plus One. Part real life problems, part fantastical romance- more Jojo please!
Shopping for more kale in Downtown Culver and bumping in to Phil Dunphy at Trader Joes. (this was before his big Emmy win!)
The always beautifully crafted flowers from Butterfly Floral. Full cherry blossom trees on reception tables. Definitely one of my favorite things!
The month leading up to your wedding can be filled with stress, some mental and some physical. A fun place for brides (and grooms!) to re-energize without breaking the bank is at Raya Day Spa, in the heart of West Hollywood. Take a day and schedule some much needed R&R: relaxation and results.
So often after spending the entire week doing our body good with healthy eating and exercise we reward ourselves with greasy food or a night of heavy drinking. Makes no sense! Give your body the attention it deserves whether it’s a day at the spa, using a foam roller to release those muscles, or having your partner give you a rub down. Pampering as a reward is one of the best ways you can start to treat your body right.
Once you book a treatment at Raya, you are able to access their hydrotherapy spa facilities including my favorite the aroma steam room (so relaxing!). Kick up your feet and enjoy a day in a comfortable bath robe.
All of Raya’s treatments are 20% off at time of booking. If you have been hitting the gym hard I would recommend a results-oriented deep tissue massage with added body scrub.
Deep tissue massages treat muscles that are fatigued by strenuous exercise by stimulating lymphatic drainage. The increase in lymph flow releases toxins from your body and restores positive energy giving you that ideal bridal glow. Rewarding your body with a massage will encourage you to work out regularly and even stay healthy long after your I Do’s.
Take a little time to pamper!
xoxo,
Victoria
Serving signature cocktails at your wedding reception is the perfect way to add a personal touch while trimming your budget.
Having an open bar at your wedding is your responsibility as the host. That being said, hosting a full bar comes with a large price tag. Opting for a smaller bar menu including beer, wine, champagne and a couple of signature cocktails will keep you on budget and make your guests happy all night long.
When choosing your signature cocktails think of ways to make them more personal. Here are a few tips to help you pick your perfect drink:
photo courtesy of Sherri J Photography
Signature cocktails are just that, your signature. Make them personal, make them creative, and of course make them fun!
xoxo,
Victoria
The length of the wedding ceremony is a question I get asked by every bride. Whether you are having a short non-denominational ceremony or a full Catholic mass the answer is always the same- your wedding ceremony should be as long as you want it to be.
It’s easy to get caught up in all of the details and planning of the reception that you start to view it as the main event. The reception is literally designed to be icing on the cake after a beautiful love-filled ceremony. Your guests are traveling from distant cities and states (sometimes countries!) to witness your wedding and the first moments of your marriage. Speaking those vows, going through religious traditions, and adding in unique readings are the dear moments that will stay with your guests for a lifetime. Your ceremony is also the primary topic of conversation at the reception!
My number 1 ceremony suggestion is don’t rush it. The ceremony should not be viewed as something to get over with in order to get to the drinks and food. Respect your guests that want to be your witnesses and honor your love for each other by giving your ceremony the appropriate amount of time and appreciation.
xoxo,
Victoria
