November 2013 - Page 2 of 3

Pacific Waters Spa at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

November 18, 2013 Leave a Comment

Sometimes you have to treat yourself to a day of pure relaxation and pampering. I think we all deserve this right? Especially the two very special people who are about to get married. All that crazy wedding planning can be a bit overwhelming and emotional. So why not take a break from all that, and step into an oasis where you can relax and breathe deeply. A place where you can calm the nerves before the big day. I can not help it, but I am so excited for today’s post. It is all about the brides, the bridesmaids, the groom, and his men. Guess what? It is a SPA DAY! Yep, you heard me. You can take a few hours, or heck, make it a whole day, and spend it at the spa. I am talking, massages, facials, saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis, and more! Sounds amazing right?

We at BHL love all things weddings, and as much as we love the wedding day and all the gorgeous details, we absolutely love to see couples experience an ultimate relaxation experience. It is a MUST! We had to experience this oasis for ourselves, (you don’t have to twist my arm!), and took a break from blogging and spent the day at Pacific Waters Spa. A luxurious and beautiful spa located at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, California. As soon as you step in, you leave all your worries at the front door, and enter into an ultimate paradise. The experience was so good, that I did not want to leave. I have to admit, I kind of wanted to crawl onto one of the soft and gorgeous sofas, and stay there forever.

Imagine feeling totally relaxed and at ease the day or days before your wedding day. You can even make it a total girls day. Pacific Waters Spa offers special bridal packages for the bride-to-be and her girls. It is a perfect way to spend the day with your bridesmaids and girlfriends. Men, it may not seem manly, but believe us when we say that you will also enjoy this. Everyone gets to have a super relaxing day. Best of all, the couple will be so relaxed and calm that when their wedding day comes, they will be ready to really enjoy it all. Oh, and after all the wedding day events are done, married couples can come back and book a couple’s massage. It is the best way to kick off a lovely marriage. So ahead, spoil yourself rotten, you deserve it!

About Pacific Waters Spa…

In the heart of Huntington Beach, our Pacific Waters Spa blends Mediterranean feel with inspirations from the Pacific waters off the Southern California coast. This 20,000 square foot oasis – reminiscent of a warm, elegant Spanish estate – is the ultimate retreat for body and soul.

Enjoy the Pacific Waters spa experience complete with lavish amenities, including sauna, steam, waterfall showers, private whirlpools, outdoor relaxation areas, a state-of-the-art fitness center, cutting-edge salon and personal lockers. Delight in products and services extracted directly from the earth and sea using such organic elements as mud, algae, plant minerals, fruits, seaweed and even purified seawater.

For the couple: After your big day, enjoy Pacific Waters Spa’s exclusive Couple’s Spa Package featuring a 30-minute Pacific Waters Soak for two followed by 60-minute Couples massage.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Bridal Hot List, bridal party, bride, HYATT REGENCY HUNTINGTON BEACH RESORT & SPA, orange county, Pacific Waters Spa, pamper, wedding

Five Drinks to Avoid Before Your Wedding

November 16, 2013 Leave a Comment

Bubbly

Put down the diet soda and step away from the table. Any form of carbonation can make you bloat, and that’s not something you want to remember forever in your wedding photos. That mimosa may be the perfect thing for brunch, but that bubbly won’t leave you feeling bubbly. Darker carbonated drinks can also leave your teeth stained over time, and that’s never a good look. If you want something sweet, opt for an all-natural juice. An even healthier option is to slice up some fresh fruit and chill it with your water.

Red Wine

Two words: stained teeth. Even if you’re trying to pair something with a steak, it may be better to save your glass for a white wine with your salad and appetizers. Even if you’re a few days out from your wedding, you want to make sure your teeth are as white as possible for all your pictures. If you can, hold off on alcohol as much as possible all together. Drinking can affect your skin through dehydration, and also cause your immune system to suffer. With a wedding coming up, you can’t afford to risk any of these things happening.

Meal Replacement Drinks

Meal replacement drinks may sound like an easy way to cut back on your eating overall, but they can mess with your system. It’s best to stay healthy the old fashioned way- fruits, veggies, and water. Cutting corners can not only affect the way your body processes food, but also it can affect your brain. If you’re not eating a true meal, your body may feel more tired and get agitated more easily. Hunger can do crazy things to your brain, and that’s not something that you need to risk right now. Treat your body to what it wants.

“Diet” Drinks

Diet sodas can be just as harmful as regular sodas and the same goes for diet juices and drink mixes. Your body processes and breaks down traditional sugar a certain way, and artificial sugars another way. However if you drink enough diet drinks, your body will end up processing artificial sugar the exact same way it processes traditional sugar. You may think you’re saving a few calories here and there, but in the long run it will be just as harmful as regular soda. It’s best to just avoid them and opt for a healthier choice.

Dessert Drinks

A Frappuccino may sound fantastic right now, but even if you skip the whipped crème those calories still add up. If you get yourself a caramel mocha you have to factor it into your dessert calories, and not just as a drink. It can be so easy to forget how your delicious smoothie can be more calories than a bowl of ice cream. If you’re working on slimming down, be smart about your drink choices. Those calories you’re sipping can add up quicker than you imagine!

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bride, ceremony, diet, drink, food, health, wedding

Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” Season 6 Episode 2

November 15, 2013 Leave a Comment

Wrapping up the week with a new episode of TLC’s SAY YES TO THE DRESS: ATLANTA. What a fabulous way to end the week and kick off the weekend! Is there anything better than a weekend of shopping plus bridal details? We are totally giddy this morning, and totally excited for tonight’s episode. We can not wait! If you are a SYTTD: ATLANTA newbie and want to know what this show is all about, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Oh, and of course tune in tonight and watch some gorgeous shopping!

The show all takes place at the gorgeous bridal salon, Bridals by Lori. The goes behind the scenes and follows a variety of particular and strong-willed southern brides and their entourages as they search for their perfect wedding dress. The show features Lori Allen, Monte Durham, and the team of experts as they find solutions for all the indecisive brides-to-be. At the end of each appointment, the bridal consultant will ask one very important question, “Are you saying Yes to the Dress?”. The answer to this question? You will have to tune in each week to find out. Get ready for a whole new batch of southern brides-to-be as search for their dream bridal gown.

On tonight’s episode:

Tonight’s episode features bride-to-be, Amanda who loves her tattoos and wants to find a dress that shows them off. But her mom does not agree and wants to find a dress that covers them up. Southern bride-to-be, Lexie is searching for a dress that matches her fiancés family heirloom veil. Then there is Brittany who is indecisive and not sure if she will say yes at her final fitting. Each of these brides have a specific style dress in mind, but will they go home with what they thought they would love? Or will it be something totally different and new? Which dress will they say yes to? Which dress will stand out the most to them and their entourage? Tune in tonight to find out!

“Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta” is on tonight at 9/8c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight!

Filed Under: General, TV Shows Tagged With: Atlanta, bridal, bridal gown, bride, Lori Allen, Say yes to the dress, sneak peek, SYTTD, TLC show, wedding day

Balboa Island, California Engagement Session from Jaime Davis Photography

November 14, 2013 1 Comment

Today’s engagement session makes me so happy and full of joy. I am totally giddy right now. Why? Two reasons. First, because it features a super sweet and adorable couple who is so obviously in love it is not even funny. I mean seriously? Can this couple be any cuter? Second, because the location of this e-session takes place at a location where I spent many of my childhood days enjoying the beach and all the fun activities. Oh, and then throw in a very talented and amazing photographer, Jaime Davis Photography into the equation, and you have yourself a pretty sweet engagement session. Fun, laughter, and smiles all around. Can it be any better?

Thank you to Jaime Davis Photography for these incredibly gorgeous photos. Enjoy the gallery below:

From Jaime Davis Photography…

Meet Whitney and Frank. They both enjoy the beach and love to spend most of their time there. So for their engagement session we made our way to the charming and lovely Balboa Island located in Southern Orange County. A perfect location for these two love birds. We got lucky, because the weather was just perfect for a Southern California October month. October can be tricky with the weather as it can be really cold and gloomy or warm and sunny. So we scored! Witney and Frank are such a fun loving couple and they laughed the whole time. We had a blast taking photographs at the Balboa Fun Zone, including riding the Ferris Wheel. We also had a chance to go to Balboa Pier and take a few beautiful shots there. This session was super fun and we had such a great time. This couple knows how to have fun while taking photographs. They are for sure going to be ready for their April 2014 wedding. Congrats to Whitney and Frank on their engagement!

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Balboa Fun Zone, Balboa Island, Beach couple, bride, engagement session, groom, Jaime Davis Photography, orange county, wedding

Blow Out Drybar – Southern Orange County

November 13, 2013 Leave a Comment

I am totally obsessed with all things weddings. You know this. Today’s post is about all the fun perks that comes with weddings, (Besides marrying the love of your life of course!). When it comes to weddings, there is a lot going on, from planning all the many fabulous details of the wedding, and taking part in all the pre-wedding events. What is the best way to prepare for all these big events like showers, bachelorette weekends, and the wedding itself? One word. Blowout! There’s nothing that makes a girl feel as instantly polished and put-together as a blowout. These days new salons that specialize in blow-drying are popping up all over, making it all super easy to get all dolled up. Sounds gorgeous right? Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Blow Out in Southern Orange County, California and was totally “wowed”. A beautiful designed salon offering the total royal treatment. As soon as you step in, you feel like a queen and the pampering begins! I am not a bride or bridesmaid, but I sure felt like I was going to some grand affair. Any bride, or girl should definitely stop by and get yourself all prettied up. Not only does this fabulous salon deliver beautiful looks for brides and her girls, but everything they do is first class service and very professional. Oh, and the owners are super sweet too. I enjoyed my short little interview we did with owner Michelle of Blow Out. See all the fabulous things she has to say about this luxurious dry bar.

The Make-Up Artist Team

Niloufar Gibson, Chief Editor of Bridal Hot List with Michelle, Owner of Blow Out.

About Blow Out … Blow Out a Luxurious Blow Dry Bar was created to provide women with the value and convenience they need without compromising quality. Blow out does one thing and does it well, making you look and feel fabulous. Conceived with the fashion forward woman in mind , Blow Out is a long awaited service for the women of South County who have busy lives and are looking to add simplicity to they’re exciting lifestyles for an affordable amount. Whether you want us to travel to you or bring your party into our salon we offer the finest in quality services. Our menu includes blow outs, up dos, braids, half up half downs, makeup and lashes. Each wedding party is treated like a royal family with customized packages. complete with exceptional services, and bottomless champagne plus strawberries. Other events we host are wedding showers, bachelorette parties, baby showers, birthday parties, you name it. Please call our party planner Michelle to speak further about your event.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: beauty, Blow out dry bar, Blow Out OC, bridal, bridal hair, bride, bridesmaids, orange county, pamper session, salon, wedding day

Sareh Nouri Fall 2014 Bridal Gown Collection

November 12, 2013 Leave a Comment

Today’s post is dripping with gorgeousness. Our lovely friend, Sareh Nouri at Sareh Nouri Bridal has done it again. I mean it is not like her gowns did not beautify up brides enough, and now a fabulous new fall 2014 line to totally sweep you off your feet? Yes indeed. This stunning collection is timeless, exquisite, and simply beautiful. There are all kinds of styles such as A-line, ball gown and trumpet. There is a unique and lovely gown that is perfect for any type of bride.

One beautifully talented designer, and sixteen fabulous looks. Here are five of the sixteen gowns, but take a moment to check out the rest of this killer collection in the look book.

I think you will enjoy this incredibly breathtaking collection. So grab that cup of coffee as you sit and enjoy the oh-so-lovely gowns.

Field of Love: A stunning trumpet gown with a lovely lace illusion. This gown is made with hand sewn lace and gorgeous flower details with a ruffled silk organza skirt. What a ravishing gown!

A close-up of the beautiful lace. Lace never looked so good. A super stunning gown.

Lily: A lovely strapless ball gown with silk tulle skirt. Hand sewn embellished crystal bodice with a sweetheart neckline. Perfect for the bride who wants a little bit of glitz and glam with a touch of romance.

This gown is so grand and glamorous. And the details? The details are impeccable!

Each and every detail on this bodice is so elegant and divine. It is these type of details that makes the dress really stand out.

Liza: A lovely little mint green dress. It is a keyhole dress in French Alencon lace with a detachable tulle skirt.

That back of this dress is super sexy! You see the buttons? The perfect detail for this dress.

This dress is so pretty! A beautiful choice for a nontraditional bride, or a second gown for the reception.

Amelie: A strapless full A-line gown in French Alencon lace and a chantilly lace illusion paired with a stunning crystal sash. This gown also features a beautiful sweetheart neckline.

I love the whole look of this dress. It is very sweet and romantic. Pretty, pretty, pretty!

Marie Antoinette: A beautiful off the shoulder ball gown with illusion cap sleeves featuring a straight ANTOINETTE neckline with a rushed tulle bodice. All Hand made organza and tulle roses detailing the back.

Can you feel the exquisite texture? That fabric is amazing. Just so elegant and chic.

Swooning over this gown. The texture, color, and style is incredibly stunning. A dress for a princess bride without all the bling. Elegantly designed and beautiful.

In total love with the whole collection, but this last one is my ultimate favorite. I can not get over all the jaw-dropping gorgeous details.

Which gown is your favorite? Please share in the comments below, we love to know!

Select Laces: House of Sophie Hallette

Photography: Laura Gordon Photography

Veils & Headpieces: Liv Hart for Enchanted Atelier

Hair: Magda’s Designs

Makeup: Liz Wegrzyn

Cake: Lael Cakes

Model: Annabelle Lyttle

Location: Central Park in New York City

Filed Under: General Tagged With: 2014 bridal gown collection, 2014 fall bridal collection, bridal, bridal gown, bridal gown collection, bride, deisgner, Laura Gordon Photography, NYC, sareh Nouri, wedding

BHL Vendor Hot Pick: FormDecor Furniture Rental

November 11, 2013 Leave a Comment

I know it is pretty hard to say goodbye to the weekend and hello to the week. Mondays can be a total drag, but when you have a fabulous new vendor added to our “Vendor Hot Picks”, Monday just became my favorite day of the week. I am so excited for this very talented company, that I kind of want to scream. Okay, I just did. Yep, it is the type of vendor who seriously knows how to impress. One that has me saying “O-M-G” at all the jaw-dropping gorgeous furnishings they have to offer. All beautifully delivered by FormDecor Furniture Rental. I had the pleasure of visiting the stunning warehouse where all the incredibly fabulous pieces are are. I have to admit, I was a bit overwhelmed by all the amazing details present in each and every aisle. My head kept turning, as I did not want to miss a single fabulous thing! I love all the modern and mid-century details. A total swoon moment which will forever last in my mind. Thank you FormDecor Furniture Rental for making our Monday pretty awesome. We hope your Monday just got a burst of energy as you view these breathtaking images.

True Photography

Stephanie Williams Photography

Candice Benjamin Photography

Christopher TODD Studios

True Photography

Stephanie Williams Photography

Niloufar Gibson, Owner and Chief Editor at BHL with Kellie Form Decor's Account Executive, Kellie Migliaccio

Niloufar Gibson, Owner and Chief Editor at BHL with Form Decor’s Account Executive, Kellie Migliaccio

About FormDecor Furniture Rental…

FormDecor is America’s largest event rental provider of authentic, iconic 20th Century furniture and accessories, specializing in the Modern and Mid-Century Masters. With unique and stylish selections for set designs, trade shows, wedding ceremonies, extravagant corporate parties and social events — including designer furniture rental needs.Based just outside of Los Angeles, FormDecor Furniture Rentals offers hundreds of premium quality pieces for your wedding. Additionally, FormDecor’s design consultants can help you and your wedding planner decide what to rent and how much to rent. Their DeliveryDudes deliver all over Southern California, as far north as Santa Barbara and as far south as San Diego. Professional. Personable. Reliable. These are just a few adjectives to describe the FormDecor DeliveryDudes.

Whether you’re looking for an opulent chandelier or cocktail tables and low-slung plush sofas evoking a VIP lounge feel, FormDecor has what you need and then some!

Filed Under: General, Vendor Hot Picks Tagged With: Bridal Hot List, bride, FormDecor Furniture Rental, Furniture rentals, southern california, vendor hot pick, wedding, wedding furnishings, wedding rentals

BHL Celebrates Movember Month

November 9, 2013 Leave a Comment

Have you noticed all the handsome men sporting facial hair lately? In recent years, the moustache has gone from a symbol of masculinity to a symbol of men’s health. Those mustachioed men may be participating in Movember, which help raise funds and awareness for men’s prostate cancer. The official Movember Foundation began in 2004 and has been going strong ever since.

Movember isn’t just an excuse for your fiance to suddenly stop shaving- it’s for a good cause.

If you’d like to get your groomsmen in on the fun, we’ve got a few ways you can help out!

Register for Donations

One of the best ways to help out is to donate. Even if you’re on a budget now with all the wedding mayhem, there are still ways to give! In place of registering for those table cloths you’d really only need for special occasions, opt for having your guests donate to your favorite charities. You can ask them to go through your Movember account (sign up here!) so you can track how much money your wedding raised. Your groom and groomsmen can have fun looking a little extra money, and everyone gets the benefit of helping out an awesome cause.

Let the Groomsmen Grow!

Even if you’re more of a clean-shaven lovin’ lady, let your men get mustachioed for the month of November. The new found fuzz will create some buzz for Movember and awareness! Just make sure they take a few pictures together and upload them with the #Movember. And, if you want to give #BridalHotList a nod too for spreading awareness, we’re all for the cause!

Get A Girl ‘Stache

It’s probably for the better that you can’t grow a mustache, but that doesn’t mean you can’t support Movember! BHL reader Christina loves mustaches- especially when they’re chocolate. There are tons of mustache print products out there now, ranging from clothing, to accessories, to housewares. Here at Bridal Hot List, we love taking photobooth pictures with awesome mustache props (we had a fantastic photobooth at the BHL Anniversary party!). Rock your lady ‘stache and be sure to let everyone know that you support men’s health!

No matter how you choose to show support, the important thing is supporting men’s health. So let’s get those mustaches going, and from all of us at Bridal Hot List, Happy Movember!

Filed Under: General Tagged With: charity, fun, groom, groomsmen, movember

Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” Season 6 Premiere

November 8, 2013 Leave a Comment

What an amazing week at BHL. We started the week with a fabulous giveaway, and now ending it with a brand new episode of the season six premiere of TLC’s SAY YES TO THE DRESS: ATLANTA. Yep, with SAY YES TO THE DRESS finale last week, we get to continue all the bridal salon fun in the South! We so excited that we are doing our happy dance. We are literally jumping up and down right now. Friday is looking oh-so-fabulous today. Fabulous with some gorgeous gowns from a beautiful salon in Atlanta, Georgia.

We are thrilled to be part of the sixth season of the show. If you loved SYTTD (SAY YES TO THE DRESS), then you will absolutely love this show as well. If you are a total SYTTD newbie, then let us tell you a little bit about this amazing show. The show all takes place at the gorgeous bridal salon, Bridals by Lori. The goes behind the scenes and follows a variety of particular and strong-willed southern brides and their entourages as they search for their perfect wedding dress. The show features Lori Allen, Monte Durham, and the team of experts as they find solutions for all the indecisive brides-to-be. At the end of each appointment, the bridal consultant will ask one very important question, “Are you saying Yes to the Dress?”. The answer to this question? You will have to tune in each week to find out. Get ready for a whole new batch of southern brides-to-be as search for their dream bridal gown.

On tonight’s Season premiere episode:

The season premiere kicks off with TV personality and former correspondent for EXTRA, Adrianna Costa. She is looking for a second dress for her reception. She has already found her ceremony dress, but is now looking to “sexy” up her second dress. Adrianna is looking for a dress with a more curve-hugging and cleavage-bearing gown. However, her mother does not agree. Will Lori and her team be able to solve the cleavage conundrum before her big day? What dress will Adrianna enter her reception in? You will have to tune in tonight to find out!

“Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta” premieres tonight at 9/8c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight!

Filed Under: General, TV Shows Tagged With: Adrianna Costa, Atlanta, bridal gown, bride, Extra, Lori, Monte, news, Say yes to the dress, season premiere, TLC show, wedding

Richard Nixon Library Wedding Open House

November 7, 2013 Leave a Comment

As my best friend’s maid of honor it is my duty to accompany her on the ever important venue search. Lucky for me, her search for the perfect location has taken me to some pretty awesome places, most recently the Richard Nixon Library. The Richard Nixon Library hosted a wedding open house for couples to get a chance to explore the unique venue. The open house showcased three spaces: a grand ballroom, smaller reception space and an outdoor ceremony space.

Upon entering the venue we were greeted with champagne and tantalizing appetizers from a variety of vendors. My personal favorite was a mini grilled cheese over a tiny cup of tomato soup- very playful and fun for your guests. As we moved into the smaller of the two rooms, we got to see some really creative favor tables and sampled some delicious cake creations. I thought the favor tables were particularly eye catching. One embodied every girls pink fantasy with assorted pink candies and pink chocolate covered goodies. The second was set in a nautical theme with blue goodies and starfish accents.

Our next stop was the grand ballroom. The room was buzzing with people marveling at the different reception tables displayed by the vendors. We moved through the tables taking notes on candle placements, flowers and flatware we liked. We also noted the two giant chandeliers that flooded the space with soft, romantic light. The ballroom seemed quite presidential and rightly so! It felt as if we were attending an event in the white house with all the classic furnishings, draping and the ornate fireplace. The space was beautiful and with massive potential to dress it up for a wedding.

The ceremony space was outside on the lawn in between Nixon’s childhood house and the museum itself. The garden is lined with palm trees and blooming white flowers which makes it very romantic and intimate. The area feels secluded and peaceful, a perfect place for a wedding. We liked the idea of having your wedding a historical place because it gives guests an opportunity to learn as they celebrate with you. My favorite thing about this venue is that your guests can enjoy the museum while attending your wedding. Talk about an awesome cocktail hour!

Our overall experience at the wedding open house was thoroughly enjoyable. We had a great time exploring the Richard Nixon Library, learning a few facts and imagining the splendor of a wedding at this extraordinary venue!