Blow Out Drybar – Southern Orange County

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.

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The Make-Up Artists

The Make-Up Artist Team

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Niloufar Gibson, Chief Editor of Bridal Hot List with Michelle, Owner of Blowout OC.

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.

Strike a Wedding Pose with Dazzle Photobooth

As an admitted fan of photo booths, today’s post will come to no surprise when I say ” I love photo booths!”. I always love to do the introductions when it comes to these types of features on BHL. However, today’s Photo Booth vendor is extra special, as this fabulous company made an appearance at BHL’s One Year Anniversary Celebration. So today we are giving them their own spotlight.  Dazzle Photobooth is here and I could not be any happier. What makes this photo booth company amazing, is that it is a totally interactive experience. Once you choose your favorite props, grab a few friends, and jump into the booth, something magical happens. Even before the photo is snapped, there is a countdown (not from the screen), but from the attendant of the booth. The countdown is so exciting, and there is even a signal for striking that pose, making the experience of taking a photo a fun time. The attendant gets totally into it, and with excitement of the countdown and the amount of enthusiasm in their voice, you can not but smile and giggle. The photographs? Once they pop out, they are priceless. A perfect photo filled with a whole lot of love and fun. A total memorable piece which can be shared with you and your guests. All weddings deserve a great time!

 

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About Dazzle Photobooth

Dazzle Photobooth is a photo booth rental company based in Orange County, CA. We are driven with the determination to provide a friendlier and more affordable service that you will never forget! Customer satisfaction goes hand in hand with our devotion to our clientele. We always have a smile on our face and enthusiasm in our voice as we assist you with adding tons of fun to your special event. Our event attendants are nothing less than friendly and are included in every booking as our free courtesy to you for the entire duration of your rental.

What makes us stand out:

  • We offer an interactive experience, while most booth operators offer 1 attendant during their events, we offer 2 attendants.  This is highly effective because our attendants provide an interactive experience – they push the button to take the pictures, allowing for great looking photos.  The 2nd attendant is responsible for keeping the prop table organized and they offer suggestions to guests on what to wear allowing for more of a personal touch plus it keeps the line moving!
  • We offer social media kiosks with our rentals allowing guests to Facebook, Twitter, and Email their photo’s in real time.
  • We offer 3 types of booth setups, enclosed, open-air, and Hollywood Red Carpet

Our Facebook Link:  www.facebook.com/dazzlephotobooth

Delicious Wedding Desserts from Brown Bear Eats

Mondays can be a drag, but how about if I told you that it doesn’t have to be? How about if I told you that if you read on, you will be happy and smiling?  We are starting the week with some incredibly delicious desserts which has me drooling over them.  As an admitted dessert lover,  you can imagine how thrilled and over the moon I was when I received some scrumptious and mouth-watering treats. It is all about the delightful, flavorful, and oh-so-good desserts which make my sweet tooth even sweeter.  We’ve got Brown Bear Eats  here to make your Monday a bit sweeter and lip-smacking good. These tasty little treats may look simple and ordinary from the outside, but the inside? It is all over. My first try at these lovely things was like I was eating something from heaven. Yep, heavenly good! I said it, and I mean it.  These desserts are so good, that I had to hide a few of them from myself to keep from skipping lunch and dinner. Yes, they are THAT good.  So, kick off your week with these incredible and yummy desserts. Ready to indulge?

Photography by Studio EMP

Photography by Studio EMP

Photography by Studio EMP

Photography by Studio EMP

Photography by Studio EMP

Photography by Studio EMP

 

Photography by Studio EMP

Photography by Studio EMP

Photography by Studio EMP

Photography by Studio EMP

Photography by Studio EMP

Photography by Studio EMP

Zoom Theory Photography

Zoom Theory Photography

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About Brown Bear Eats

When was the last time you arrived at a wedding, only to be transported back to the elegance and charm of a rustic grand mansion from yesteryear where the devoted kitchen staff had made everything by hand, from scratch with recipes guarded and perfected through generations of artisans?

So it is with Brown Bear Eats. We present our desserts with unrivaled style and bursting with flavors you just can’t get from a mass produced buffet.

We offer classic items like rich and dense cheesecakes, small, flakey pies, thick, buttery and flavorful cookies, intense chocolate shortbread tarts, and refreshing homemade lemon curd filled tarts, just to name a few- all made in small batches by hand with uncompromising dedication to quality, taste and design.

No two of our desserts look the same since they are all hand crafted the old fashioned way. Each item is made with artisanal standards long forgotten and relegated to those who are pegged as the great cooks and bakers of the past. Our whole line is handmade, from scratch in small batches by hands that pride themselves on each pie, cookie, cheesecake, or tart.

Our desserts are rustic yet charming and elegant, unassumingly lavish, but possess the ability to fit right in to a modern setting.

 We think weddings are sacred events in a couples’ life. We will design their dessert table to reflect the momentousness of the day. We will make sure their personality is reflected and their love is showcased in their choice of desserts and styling. Every bride and groom will be treated as if they are the ONLY bride and groom being married that day.

Gorgeous Wedding Blooms from Paradise Delight Floral & Event Productions

Psst… do you know what we are totally obsessed with? Drop dead gorgeous blooms which beautify tabletops with some awe-inspiring details. Seriously brilliant talent by Chris Crisologo of  Paradise Delight Floral & Event Productions. Tabletops never looked so good. Flowers oh-so- pretty that our wedding loving hearts are full of total bliss.  You will have to see for yourself, and see why we have fallen head over heels in love with the style, design, and amazing flowers of Paradise Delight Floral & Event Productions.
Trends? Oh yes, that is one more genius detail that Paradise Delight Floral & Event Productions does not forget. Talk about your hot trends. We love these five fabulous trends which have “wowed” our minds. Trend Tuesday is looking pretty good right about now. Real good.
  • Organic Summer Bliss: For the eco-friendly minded couple, we utilize locally grown flowers and organic products.  Re-claimed wood containers and natural burlap runner creates innovative perspective and eliminate our carbon foot print.  
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  • Sunshine Sun Kiss: Inspired by the summer sun, your eyes will naturally be drawn to the vibrant shades of yellow.  Pave of different texture of blooms from mini calla lily, cymbidium orchids and roses helps compliment the chevron table runner and napkin.  Natural elements of succulent, lemons and fruitwood chiavari chair give an earthy tone.
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  • Tone on Tone Flower and Linen Look: A rectangular wood container is adorned by rhinestone along with a contemporary style lush arrangements of African violet, aubergine, plum and fuchsia.  Strands of grass frames deep Vanda orchids for an edgy look.  
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  • Green with Glam Look: A trio of shantung celadon square boxes is the start of “Green With Glam”  Cascade of pink mini calla lily, butterfly orchids, and cafe o’le dalias embellish the containers.  Glittery chartreuse New York linen and green wasabi napkins frames the tone-on-tone landscape. 
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  • Tropical Elegance Look: Antique silver swirl vases coupled with metallic silver weave linens creates the perfect pairing for the newly renovated performing arts center.   A “not so expected” tropical vibes takes an artistic form. 
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Paradise Delight creates stylish florals and cutting –edge event designs for discerning clients in Southern California.   By understanding our clients perspective, we create “comprehensive” concepts focusing on “the big picture” to the “fine details.” For more details, visit ParadiseDelight.com

 

July 4th Wedding Weekend Must Do’s

With the Fourth of July  here, and all the barbecues  beach days, and relaxing activities, weddings are also here. Yep, many couples will choose a long weekend to celebrate their love with close friends and family. Why not? I am a total fan of long weekends and weddings. It is the perfect way to spend time with the ones you love for more than just one day. When the wedding day comes, it is hard to spend that quality time with each and every guest. So why not extend the celebrations into a few more days? I think that the fourth of July weekend is one of those weekends where you can totally do this! Here are some ideas of how you can celebrate with your guests at two of my favorite Southern Orange County spots!

  • Dana Point Harbor: A quaint beach town in the lovely city of Dana Point, California. Besides its gorgeous views and beach-side living, this town offers so many fun filled activities for you and your guests. You can go  kayaking,  stand up paddle boarding,  and jet skiing. Want to go Whale-watching? Sure, you can do this too!  What is great is that if any of your guests have children, this is a perfect location for them. There is a small beach called “baby beach” which has shallow water, no waves,  soft sands, and plenty of room to make sand castles! So, your guests who are parents can really enjoy a day at the beach without the worry about waves and a huge crowd. Kids love this place! You can also enjoy seafood at many of the restaurants on the harbor, or if you are feeling like a treat, then there is a famous ice cream place too. Kids will love this as well.  If you are not feeling like going to a restaurant  then you can have a barbecue with your guests. The harbor has some great spots with a grill, and covered picnic tables. The parking is free and the view? Well, the view is amazing. Imagine barbecuing, playing ball, games, or just relaxing…all on the gorgeous waters. It is incredible. So, if you are having a wedding on a long weekend like the 4th of July, then consider Dana Point Harbor. You and your guests will have a great time!

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  • Laguna Beach: Ah, Laguna Beach, California. I may have mentioned this spot a few times before, but I really love this town. Not only does it offer spectacular ocean views from about anywhere you are, it has some of the finest eateries. Whatever your palate desires, there is a restaurant for you and your guests. Want an ocean-view seat? No problem, there are several fantastic places with perfect views of the ocean. Enjoy sunset views with dinner with your guests. Laguna Beach of course has a main beach area where you can play basketball, walk the boardwalk, get some rays, swim, or just relax in the sun. I can go on and on about this amazing spot, but I want to bring your attention to a exclusive and private spot. If you are having your wedding celebrations on a long weekend and want to avoid the large crowds, then I have the perfect place for you. Hotel Laguna is located right in the heart of Laguna Beach. If you stay at this hotel, you have access to the a private beach which comes fully equipped with chairs, lounge chairs, towels, and a server. You do not have to worry about getting to the beach early to hold your spot. It is a fabulous hotel and great service.  Treat yourself and your guests to an amazing weekend in Laguna Beach, California. If you are looking for fine foods, gorgeous ocean views, beach side fun, or a relaxing time, then this is the place for you.

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The private beach area of Hotel Laguna

 

Happy 4th of July!!

All photos are property of Bridal Hot List.

Destination Wedding: Southern Orange County

One of the most beautiful destination spots for tourists in the United States is Orange County, California. Thanks to mega resorts anchored by the Disney properties, Orange County sees millions of visitors every single year. Tourists and locals alike know that thanks to the amazing amenities, Southern California is a great destination spot for a vacation or for a destination wedding. In this article, we’ll take a look at some great spots to check out in Orange County.

North Orange County Beach Cities

Specifically the cities of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, the northern beach cities in Orange County are home to some of the wealthiest people in the country. The beaches are world famous and the various amenities ranging from four-star restaurants to five-star resorts makes this an ideal place to visit. I’ve personally attended some mega-weddings at two different resorts in Huntington Beach that were nothing short of phenomenal. At one wedding, which was held as a traditional Indian ceremony, saw over 500 guests with the groom coming into the ceremony with a parade, riding a gorgeous white stallion! I asked the venue if that was normal and they said it was, with the last Indian ceremony having the groom coming in on an elephant!

There’s so much to do and see in these two cities that you’d be remiss to experience Orange County and miss out on either of these two spots. Newport Beach is a great spot if you like to do any sailing or enjoy a calm and romantic dinner cruise. There are also some excellent restaurants here that are often visited by stars. In fact, Bridal Hot List Chief Editor Niloufar Gibson and I once ate at a popular Italian spot and happened to sit next to Michael Buble! You never know what you might experience or who you might run into, but either way, North Orange County has two terrific beach cities to see.

South Orange County Beach Cities

Equally famous are two amazing spots in southern Orange County, specifically Laguna Beach and San Clemente. Both are world famous and frankly have better beaches than the previous two cities mentioned. If you are looking for a beach spot in a traditional “small beach city” then look no further than either of these two spots. While you won’t find quite the level of the resorts or fine dining experiences than you would up north, both of these cities have extremely charming spots to hang out and eat in. There are some magnificent views that make the whole trip worth it. I’ve attended several wedding here in Southern Orange County, all of which were on the beach right next to the waves and totally unforgettable. If you are looking for an amazing on-the-beach destination wedding experience, look no further than Laguna Beach or San Clemente.

Disneyland

If we didn’t mention “The Happiest Place on Earth” as one of the best destination wedding spots in Orange County we would have failed miserably in mentioning the hottest spots! Disney weddings are more popular now more than ever thanks to the recently remodeled California Adventure and the amazing new hotels on the Disney property. There’s four-star hotels, amazing places to eat and endless staff on hand to make sure your entire family has an amazing experience. Ever dream of being a prince or princess and getting married in a magic castle? This is *literally* where that actually happens! While the bill might also be out-of-this-world, maybe you can save a few extra bucks and have the wedding experience of a lifetime that would make all your friends jealous… forever!

Gorgeous Lashes from LashSpot

Hello lovelies! What a better way to start the week than with an introduction to a place where beauty magic happens.  We are beyond excited to share the amazing things that you can do to get pretty for your wedding day,   It is true that you are a gorgeous gal already, however on your wedding day you want to look and feel as beautiful as can be.  That’s where LashSpot comes in. THE destination place to give your eyelashes a makeover, and get pampered at the same time.  Sounds wonderful right? We think so. Ready to get all dolled up for your big day?

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About LashSpot …

Who we are and What we do:

The LashSpot is Orange County’s Premiere Spa dedicated to the transforming service of LashSpot Eyelash Extensions. Our main goal is to create beautiful, longer, voluminous lashes for our clients. LashSpot lives and breathes LashSpot lash extensions. LashSpot eyelash extensions are exclusive to LashSpot. We use premium silk and mink lash extensions and the strongest bonds to keep your extensions sealed to your natural lashes. Our extensive research and testing have allowed us to provide the best products for the application procedure.

Our specialized technique is the key to our longer, thicker, fuller lashes without looking fake. Seamless extensions, applied individually to each natural lash creates a completely youthful and glamorous lash look. No one will know your wearing LashSpot lash extensions only that you look even more beautiful than you already are.

Our highly trained technicians can create a look to fit your lifestyle. We can go over the top glamour girl to soft and pretty yoga mom. We customize your lash look to fit you.

LashSpot offers discounted rates through our membership program.  For a membership fee of $29 a month you get deep discounts on all of our services and retail, averaging 40% in savings.  LashSpot also provides other services to beautify you. Such as brow waxing, brow shaping, bikini waxing, lunch time peels and lash tinting and perming.

Our Bridal Program:

LashSpot’s Bridal and Special Occasion lashes is the creme de la creme of lashes.  We provide a Special Bridal lash makeover to ensure you lashes will steal the show at your wedding and keep you looking beautiful throughout your honeymoon.  For the reduced price of $175 you will get a lash tint, Full set of lashes, and extended appointment at time of full set, or scheduled right before your wedding.  Normal pricing for these services would be $275.  All of our services a la cart our offered at a reduced price for you and your wedding party at our LashSpot private parties.  Whether for your pre-bachelorette party soiree, to get glammed up, or for a mellow Sunday morning of beauty and relaxation, you and your bridal party will be primped, pampered and beautified.  We also provide champagne.  LashSpot can also provide additional services for your party through our beauty network.  Blowouts and nail services by our licensed technicians.  Another option for our brides is to give gift cards to your bridesmaids at LashSpot.  We have special pricing for that as well.

What makes us different:

LashSpot continuously strives to provide the best customer and beautifying services.  We are different because our commitment to creating stylized lashes is imperative to making you look stunning for your day.  LashSpot only uses premium extensions that are softer and more luxurious than a regular extension.  Each of our technicians are licensed estheticians who have gone through a rigorous education on the skin, lashes, waxing and most importantly safety and sanitation.  Sanitation and safety for the client is the most important part of our services.  All technician are formally trained, our tools are sanitized after every procedure, and cleanliness is demanded by our technicians and the business. Our technicians are not only licensed but have gone through a Level I and Level II certification course and our continued education that is classes every month, and testing out before taking clients. Our technicians are experienced and the best of the best.  Our technique at LashSpot is a special technique that works with the curvature and direction of the naturals lash, We do not stack or build bridges which can damage your own natural lashes.  We can make your look as natural or as glamorous as you want to look. The ability to create different styles only comes from advanced education and experience.  Barbara Rattigan and Jenn Russell, owners of LashSpot Spas have dedicated their professional lives to the art of lash extensions.  With over 8 years in the industry they have built a strong reputation and were at the forefront of designing and inventing lash techniques.  We have individual, private rooms for your service to be done in and the spa is a relaxing and chic environment to make sure your experience is like no other. LashSpot is the premium spa to get creative, stylized, safe lash extensions.

 

So, stop by the LashSpot, close those pretty eyes, and wake up with the most gorgeous version of yourself!

Unveiled Orange County: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

Happy Monday lovelies! It probably comes to no surprise that I am obsessed with all things wedding. I mean, I get to write about pretty wedding things all the time. Oh, how I love my job! Things really got better around here this weekend. I attended a fabulous wedding event right in my hometown of Orange County, California. Unveiled  stopped by the South Coast Plaza Village on Sunday April 7, 2013, showing off the best of what Orange County offers for brides and their grooms. So when I laid eyes on the incredible collection of Orange County’s finest wedding products, my obsession went into overdrive.  If that was not enough, the day got even better when a couple of fabulous TV stars stopped by. By this time, I could not stop smiling.  I am literally smiling from cheek to cheek.   Kelly Nishimoto and Sam Saboura from TLC’s hit show, “Something Borrowed, Something New” shared bridal trends with us. I was so impressed with what they were sharing, that many times I said to myself, “oh, I never knew that”, or “wow, that’s a really good idea!”. Stay tuned, because we will be sharing some of these bridal trends with you soon! So, now it is time to pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, get real comfortable, and get ready to be inspired!

The highlight of my day was meeting Kelly and Sam!  It has been so much fun covering their show on Bridal Hot List, and seeing these two find or create amazing bridal gowns for brides. To finally meet in person, was such a lovely touch, the cherry on top, and the icing on the cake. Every Friday we share a sneak peek of TLC’s, “Something Borrowed, Something New”, and this week is the finale, so make sure to check to tune in.IMG_4209

By the way, they are super sweet and such a delight to be around. Sam is easy going, and sweet. Kelly is real and honest, and so darn cute! I loved meeting them!
IMG_4190The Q/A session where they shared Bridal Trends. I was definitely inspired by what they shared. Thanks Kelly and Sam!
IMG_4145Gorgeous and stunning design! This was a “wow” factor for sure.  (Allure Events Atelier) Do you see the paper flowers on the wall behind the chair? Oh my, simply amazing! (Paper Flowers from Revelry Designs)
IMG_4142Imagine this look for your escort card table. What a beautiful way to draw you in. You see the lovely laced covered vases? Every detail is just gorgeous. (Flowers and Vases from Celios Design)
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I loved all the golds, white, and stunning mirrors. Elegant, whimsical, and romantic.
IMG_4157I love how there are different styled chairs around the farmer table. This look is perfect for a garden or rustic style wedding reception. (Classic Party Rentals)
IMG_4158I was really intrigued by these extraordinary boutonnieres. Succulents are the hot trend right now in wedding florals. (Briana Maxson Floral Design)
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IMG_4159Cute idea! Hanging photos off a rustic cart. This is a great touch for a vintage romantic wedding.
IMG_4152Gorgeous bridal gowns (The White Dress). 
IMG_4153Do you see that stunning headpiece? I love the intricate details. Beautiful!
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IMG_4167Sexy and romantic all in one. Did you know that the train can be taken off, and transformed into a fabulous party dress? So, when the reception gets started, you can change into a fun dress and dance the night away!
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IMG_4177Coppers, pinks, and peaches. What a fabulous combo for a sweet and romantic style wedding. (Megan Ondercin Event Design)
IMG_4163Gorgeous Cake (Christopher Garrens Cakes)
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Look at the details on this cake, I love it!
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Stopped off by the (Happy Photos) booth to see my friend, owner and photographer, Xuong. He is an incredible photographer!
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Thank you Unveiled, for an incredible wedding inspired experience.  I love weddings, and I love what I get to do everyday!
Stay tuned for more from some of these amazing wedding vendors right here on Bridal Hot List.