Los Angeles - October 25, 2005

Vows Shalt Not Kill

Fall 2005 Wedding Guide

You’ve been swearing a lot lately.

You promised there would be no meltdowns, freak-outs, or episodes starring Nuttles, the bride-to-be. But when you came face to face with a ten-feet-tall stack of table linens in colors snow, snowy, and snowfall, you swore. Like a sailor.

Sounds like it’s time to renew your pre-wedding vows to ensure that on your wedding day, the only swearing you do happens at the altar.

Vow No. 1 — The Invitations
Together with Jill DeLuce of DeLuce Design, I, (name), will design an invitation that I’ll happily send to family and friends. Her simple, botanically inspired styles combined with her skills handling her antique letterpress are to be celebrated (775-815-1771).

Vow No. 2 — The Out-of-Towners
I, (name), will negotiate sensational group rates at the Chamberlain Hotel (800-201-9652). They’ll be centrally located, shown sweet hospitality, and feel especially welcome when greeted with goodie bags I’ve stuffed with L.A.-centric items like Apothia candles, sea salt caramels from Little Flower Candy Company, and a bottle of wine from Twin Fin.

Vow No. 3 — The Flowers
If I, (name), decide to go with intriguing, modern, sculptural flower pieces, I will call Krislyn Floral Couture (323-692-7862). But if I feel inclined to go with classic beauty with dramatic romance, I’ll work with Eric Buterbaugh Floral Design at the Four Seasons (310-247-7120).

Vow No. 4 — The Food
With this check, I, (name), know that Double Happiness will provide fantastic Pan-Asian fare for my rehearsal dinner (818-906-2688). And with this other check, I know that Walter Nicolas (310-289-1967) will handle the delicious reception dinner.

Vow No. 5 — The Bridesmaids
I, (name), am not trying to punish my closest friends by making them look prom-bound. I’ll show them I care by choosing dresses from Vanessa Fox or even Vera Wang’s bridesmaids’ selection (800-VEW-VERA). And to keep things light, they can wear flowers in their hair. Japanese kanzashi look pretty forever.

Vow No. 6 — The Photographer
You, Jennifer Leshnick, have my permission to shoot me and all the aspects of my wedding (818-760-1316). More importantly, I will not get lazy about ordering pictures.

Vow No. 7 — The Gown
I, (name), have no interest in looking like a cake topper. So for a dress that is traditionally gorgeous but free from poofy sleeves and tulle rosettes, I will turn to L’ezu Atelier (310-657-5398). Or, if I decide that I want a truly couture experience, Los Angeles-based Rami Kashou (213-481-0048) will work with me to design the gown of my dreams from scratch.

Vow No. 8 — The Music
I, (name), will trust Tony Liebetrau of Red Shoe Productions (213-309-0084) to play dinner music when it’s dinnertime, dance music when we hit the floor, and cut the tunes when it’s toast time. And I know he’ll play all my favorites because we’ll collaborate on playlists via e-mail for weeks.

Vow No. 9 — The Cake
I, (name), will celebrate my nuptials by ending this crazy diet with a custom cake covered in sugar flowers by Cake Crumbs. The chocolate ganache will be talked about for months (818-823-7742).

Vow No. 10 — The Crutch
And if ever during the planning process I, (name), feel as if wedding madness is causing frustration or brain-drain, I will head to the new location of Bridal Bar. Going through their bevy of pre-screened vendors and trusted pros will rejuvenate me and give me the power boost I may need to carry on (624 North Doheny Drive, West Hollywood; 310-858-0119).

Vow No. 11 — The Favors
For my favors, I, (name), will turn to Bespoke Boxes (866-6-BESPOKE). We’ll work together to choose from their selection of gourmet edibles and drinkables, books, small gifts for the home, or keepsakes; but they will put it all together for me.