Archive for January, 2009

Wedding Concierge’s "Groovy Kind of Love" Playlist

Friday, January 30th, 2009

Click on image to see full size text
I saw “Bride Wars” last week and at the end they played one of my all time favorite songs by by Blood, Sweat & Tears.

I was fortunate to grow up in an era that put forth some pretty fun, groovy & memorable music; much of it that fortunately is still being appreciated today thanks to the movies. From The Carpenters to Blood Sweat & Tears, Barry White, Stevie Wonder, The Four Seasons and The Beatles, the music was up-beat, light & made you feel so good to be in Love!

So one thing you may not know about me (which should be part of that list of 25 I may get to one day), is that Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge’s other dream job was to be a DJ. Yes, you heard it here first!

I used to help some of my friends who had some fledgling DJ businesses back in the college days during house parties, and occasionally some bigger events for larger paid parties as well.

My good friend Jodi Harris, the CEO of Fun at Sight N’ Sound Events here in Vegas will attest to just how much I love the music aspect of wedding planning & to my DJ aspirations. She actually has shown me the ropes a bit and allowed me to play DJ for her with her equipment at the “Wag-a Tail Walkathon” for the Las Vegas Humane Society. Now THAT is a good friend:)

Although the professional DJ career will never materialize because Jodi & other great DJ friends are THE BEST in the biz as far as I am concerned, you can bet that I will always be there for you to help you collaborate with the best DJ’s, bands and entertainers in Las Vegas in selecting music for your event that will will become “The Soundtrack of Your Wedding Day” from the processional to the final cut of your wedding video.

So I’m going to be “Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge DJ for the Day” and share some of my “Groovy Kind of Love” playlist with you. Hope you enjoy and perhaps you might find some inspiration for your own wedding soundtrack.

You can download most of these from iTunes or Rhapsody, Amazon.com or other music subscription sites you belong to. If you can’t find them, ask your DJ or band or your mom or dad!

Wedding Concierge Headed to The Special Event in San Diego

Monday, January 26th, 2009

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge is headed to San Diego Monday for The Special Event Show, 2009!


I will be out of the office the entire week of January 26-Jan 30th. I’ll be back to office hours on February 2nd. I’ll be checking & responding to email & voicemail on a limited base due to the busy schedule conferences entail.

This show, is THE event conference for event professionals in the events industry and includes people who are the best of the best (and learning to be) and features education, trade show and showcasing events on the best & brightest new ideas, trends and style setters in the industry.

This will be my third “Special Event Show”. The first two I attended (Las Vegas & LA), I took part in an amazing volunteer program called “Hands on Hundred” that offered a break on education costs in exchange for helping out with events. It was an amazing experience and highly recommend it but I am excited to attend as a full attendee this year.

The show is partnered and associated with leading professional organizations in the Special Events Industry such as ISES (International Special Events Society), NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) and WIPA (Wedding Industry Professionals Association). I am proud to be a member of all 3.

This show encompasses EVERY kind of event from Weddings to Bar Mitzvahs, Corporate to Festivals and even people who plan Inaugural Balls!

Of course, Weddings will be well represented with educational sessions on new trends in weddings and a fabulous Wedding Luncheon that always is a big hit. This year it will feature the founders & owners of The Knot at the Hard Rock Hotel, San Diego.

In addition to the Wedding Luncheon, I will also be attending The NACE Welcome Event representing my fabulous Las Vegas Chapter as Secretary of our 2009 Board of Directors. This year the Welcome Event will be a fun beach party style event that is literally a display of the best food in San Diego co-sponsored by my friends from San Diego NACE.

You will also find me Thursday morning volunteering at the WIPA booth (#218) on the Trade Show floor and probably visiting with my NACE friends at the NACE booth (#525) as well, so please make sure to stop by and say “hello”.

I look forward to seeing all my friends in the industry; those I have known for years, those who I have “met” online & seeing you in person and meeting new ones. I can’t wait to absorb it all come home inspired and full of Event “Verve” ready to share with you many exciting things.

I will also try to provide some updates from the show as well when possible.

Have a great week!

Have Your Diamond Ring…& Eat it Too!

Sunday, January 25th, 2009


Chocolate Diamond Rings by “Iguana Makeit” on Etsy.com

You can have your big diamond ring now & eat it too!!

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge found these Chocolate Diamond Rings (which can be totally customized) through the Totally TableTops blog, based in Seattle, WA that I just happily discovered.
IguanaMakeit on Etsy.com has a whole collection of delightful real life items molded into chocolate and painted to look incredibly like the real deal. In addition to shoes she has a collection of chocolate makeup and beautiful chocolate shoes!

The rings measure a large 5.5″ diameter. The diamond is 1.5″ wide, 1.25″ long and a half inch thick. They use quality gourmet chocolate and can customize them any way you want, including adding a special “lustre dust”, then packaged in a ring box with a pretty bow!

I thought this would be a perfect Valentine’s Engagement opportunity because what could be better than chocolate AND a ring…combined! Guys, if you are listening, just make sure to include the real deal as well!

These would also make for great engagement party favors.

Oh, and don’t forget to take a picture with the big “sparkler” “on” before nibbling so you can show it off!

How Sweet It Is (To Be Blog Luved By You)

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

Appropriately enough, I was grooving to Marvin Gaye’s “How Sweet It Is (To be Loved by You”) when my friend & fellow Las Vegas planner/blogger Brandi Ford from Glitz & Glamor Events Blog sent me some big blog love by giving me this “Blog Luv Award”.

Now that IS “sweet” & much appreciated. Thanks Brandi! What a great way to end the week & now it’s my turn to share the “luv” & let 10 friends & great bloggers know how much I love following them & you should too!
  1. Lara McCullough’s Ready to Spark Blog
  2. Mark Kingsdorf’s Queen of Hearts Blog
  3. Green Orchid Event’s The Vegas Wedding Planner Blog
  4. It’s a Jamie Thing Blog
  5. Candice Dowling’s Conneticut Wedding Blog
  6. Samantha Goldberg’s Day in the Life of a Wedding Planer Blog
  7. Jody Taylor-Smith’s Good Taste Events Blog
  8. Tifany Wunchl’s Gourmet Invitations Blog (thanks for the link love today!)
  9. Blush Event’s BLUSHalicious Blog
  10. Kenzie Kate Invitation’s Something Old, Something New Blog
*Special Mention to Style Me Pretty & their Little Black Book Blog & Wedding Chicks.

Honorees please follow these instructions and share the LUV!
1. Put the logo on your blog or post. (You can highlight the photo and text of this post and copy/paste wherever you need to…start your highlight from the bottom up to get the photo)
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show GREAT ATTITUDE and/or GRATITUDE
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received the award.

I Love LUCITE!

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

Lucite Love - by lvwedconcierge on Polyvore.com
Click the link to see where I found these items online!


“Lucite”, a transparent acrylic resin, was created by DuPont in the early 30′s and became really popular for use in everything from furniture to jewelry. It was considered very “space age” and in the 50′s atomic era, it was seen in many trendy homes for it’s smart style and ease of care. Of course, everything old finds it’s way back to being new again and lucite has again become a fashion forward material in the fashion, design and interior decorating world.

What I love about Lucite is that it still retains that “vintage” look and today, you can see lucite bringing that retro, vintage look into modern decor and fashion and I believe it’s here to stay. Now it’s not just clear anymore. Many fashion & decor designers are coming out with colored lucite and acrylic and pairing them with crystals & interesting metals and fabrics.

Whether it’s a lamp, a necklace, a bag, an invitation or a stunning table, it’s a sexy modern, stylish, “COOL” look that fits very well with the vintage Vegas vibe that we all love here; reminding us of the golden age of Vegas in the 50′s & 60′s.

Consider adding a bit of lucite to your reception decor in the way of end tables for a lounge environment where you could really have fun adding colored LED lighting or florals inside. Or another “lucite look” could be in the way of beautiful “Ghost Chairs” by Kartell that are so elegant. They look great at dining tables with a fabulous high-drama accent pillow to compliment the color motif of your event.

Go ahead and use some LUCITE and you will “clearly” be in Style!

Some of the items pictured above are…
Lucite Engraved Invitation by Gourmet Invitations, MI is a hot new product in her custom line of products.
Kartell “Bourgie” Lamp
Clear Acrylic Tabletop & Base with Light Cube & “Victoria Ghost Chairs by Fete Accompli Events
Lucite Letters from Wonderful Graffiti
Lucite Tabletop Setting accented with tropical leaves & Orchids from Grace Ormonde Wedding Style 2009
Lucite Serving Tray with custom inserts (this one is in that fabulous hot-trend yellow) by iomoi
“Donostia” White, Lucite Peep-Toe Shoes by Aldo Shoes

The Marriage of President Obama & the USA

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

Image: Carolyn Cole, LA Times
There was a young and good looking couple and family, a processional involving the couples own family “party” and the other “family”, a “Best Man” and “Matron of Honor”, a ceremony including vows with an officiant, blessings, and one very, VERY large guest list!

There were luncheons, formal portraits, chauffered transportation, the ultimate venue for a ceremony, a multitude of receptions, decor, flowers, lighting, rentals, food, drinks, speeches, kissing, handshakes, hugs and best wishes for a bright future.

And then the couple’s highly anticipated moment at their “ball”. With the “groom” in an elegant tuxedo and his first lady in a stunning white, off the shoulder gown by designer Jason Wu and the spotlight on them, they made magic as they danced their first official “first couple” dance.

It will now forever be “their song”; “At Last”, the Etta James romantic classic performed by the incredibly talented Beyonce Knowles who played the legendary jazz diva in the film Cadillac Records. It was such a perfect choice that honored their African-American heritage and spoke volumes about how they and many of their billions of friends felt on this day.

Sounds like a pretty fabulous wedding, doesn’t it?
Damon Winter, NY Times
Many of the elements of the January 20th, 2009 Presidential Inauguration of the 44th President of the USA, Barack Obama and his “First Lady”, Michelle Obama, did seem orchestrated like a wedded union; the culmination of the great love affair between now President Obama and the people of the USA. It may not have had a 7 layer wedding cake but it did have about 50 layers of every kind of security you could imagine.

I bet, taking the dance floor, they probably did feel some of that wedding magic from 16 years ago.

10 Inuaugural Balls representing different regions and reasons and they toasted and twirled at each one of them. Phew! The “first couple” toasted their appreciation to their guests for their support and love through the years throughout the long night and now…”At Last”, the big day is over.

I don’t know how long the happy marriage and the “honeymoon” will last between Mr. Obama and the American people but I have a pretty strong hunch that YOUR honeymoon with the “first man” in your life will stretch much longer. I hope you still feel like you are on your honeymoon on your 4th, 8th, 25th….

The Obamas may be starting their honeymoon in frigid national capital, Washington, DC but Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge thinks a wedding and a “Honeymoon in Vegas” is a much warmer and appealing destination. Since Las Vegas IS the “Wedding Capital of the World” you are always lucky in love in this exciting city and, who knows, you may even get your own unexpected personal stimulus package while you are here!

So, happy planning and cheers to no term limits on celebrating many happy anniversaries and occasions!

Photo: Lorenz Foto

Delicious Discoveries: Edible Cocktail Glasses Inspire Mouthwatering Ideas!

Monday, January 19th, 2009

Dark and white chocolate are combined to create glasses with a marbled effect.
Photo: Courtesy of Bar Candy

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge thinks that that Liz Green, the creator of Bar Candy, based in New York, has a special place in my heaven for coming up with this amazing edible chocolate cocktail glass.

This is one of my favorite Delicious Discoveries (a new blog category I just created) so far for “raising the bar” on style for your signature wedding cocktail.

The cone-shaped vessels come in melt-free milk, dark, and white chocolate (the white can be dyed your signature wedding color) and sit inside custom-made glass bases. Go over the top with custom rims made from a variety of gourmet options such as crushed cookies or gold or silver leaf or edible glitter! These are perfect for a very special champagne toast that will make for very sweet memories!
If that doesn’t sound divine enough already, Bar Candy provides a variety of different syrups to make custom desert martinis with a variety that will boggle the mind. They mix easily with suggested liquors but all of them can be made non-alcoholic so your venue can get them made up easily to tray pass or create an amazing liquid dessert display.

Or for a delicious favor or gift idea, offer your guests Edible Chocolate Bar Candy bar kits that includes 2 edible martini glasses, a mini shaker, Bar Candy mixer syrup, and rimming sugars.

Edible Chocolate Cocktails? Yes, I will most certainly drink to that!!!

Wedding Style File: Couture Your Chairs!

Saturday, January 17th, 2009

Found in the pages of INSIDE Weddings Magazine | Winter ’09

While I am on the topic of trends, this decor trend is just too gorgeous to keep quiet about.

Fashion “couture” has gone from the runways of Paris and New York to your chair at the next wedding you attend.

These stunning chairs, pictured above, are a collaboration of the incredibly talented, creative and fashion forward Wildflower Linens and Chameleon Chair who have designed a signature “couture” line of chair covers that will certainly add incredible drama and style to any event.

The chair sleeve designs above, called “LilyBelle”(l) & “Coquette”(r) are paired with a “fanfare” Chameleon Chair in gold. My jaw dropped when I first saw this, it is just so beautiful and yes, it IS runway ready! It comes in a variety of colors but with yellow or should I say “mimosa” being the color of 2009 as I mentioned in a previous post, this is one of the most beautiful merges of color, fashion and decor that I have seen yet.

And Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge would be remiss if I didn’t bring a bit of Vegas into this commentary by mentioning that these designs, for me at least, brought to mind the incredible glass sculpture in the lobby of The Bellagio by famed artist, Dale Chihuly.

I am looking forward to seeing these beautiful designs in person at The Special Event Show in San Diego which I will be attending from January 26-29 as both Wildflower Linens & Chameleon Chair will be there.

You can also see these gorgeous, couture styles and many other fashion forward designs on their websites with dozens of beautiful event images to inspire your own style!

Wedding Professionals at WIPA Show of 2009 Wedding Trends

Thursday, January 15th, 2009
Photography by Henshall Photography, Los Angeles

On January 7th, I had the opportunity to visit Los Angeles for the inaugural 2009 meeting for WIPA (Wedding Industry Professionals Association) of which I am a “Founding Member”.


Kicking the year off and the day, was a discussion of top wedding trends featuring America’s “sassiest” lifestyle guru, Steve Kemble!

The event was held at RRivreWorks which, for a wedding planner/designer or bride is BETTER THAN DISNEYLAND! RRivreworks is owned by the amazing RRivre Davies, an event designer who’s work you have seen in major bridal magazines from The Bride & Bloom to Your Wedding Day Magazine and more.

The decor and furniture rentals like his incredible chandeliers, in what is really a large warehouse, created a pallet for room after gorgeous room of wedding decor and table top vignettes courtesy of other top wedding design trend setting companies like Chameleon Chairs & Wildflower Linens.

And the food was as much a prime time player with delectable offerings from one of the top Catering & Event companies in the country, Good Gracious Events was completely merchandised and styled as part of the entire decor it was situated in. The candy bar, hosted by Epicurean Umbrella up on a fabulous white bar with white shelving hutch behind it, was chock full of the best new & classic sugar fixes everyone just gobbled up.

Which is a great tip Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge can pass on to you. Your food is such an important part of the reception being 45-50% of your entire budget. With so so much variety to choose from in the way of your food and beverage these days, styling your food displays; especially with stationary food displays and interactive stations and bars for cocktail hour or receptions, ensure to work with your caterer, floral designer, event designer and rental specialist so that your wedding style is represented in this area as well.

Interesting presentation and service of food compared to those utilitarian buffet warmers will make a definite impact for your guests and your photos and video!
Enjoy the photo gallery of all the fabulous food, decor, florals and lighting.

As the first not for profit wedding association in the country, “WIPA members set the standard for our industry, working creatively and ethically to produce weddings with panache-*from WIPA Website.

The Little White (Wedding) Dress: Lift up your hems & Kick up Your Heels!

Monday, January 12th, 2009

Little White Wedding Dress by lvwedconcierge

One of the hottest spring 2009 bridal fashion trends is focused on short wedding gowns; knee length, tea length and cocktail length.

Gown designer Amsale is even doing major advertising campaign with the “Little White Dress”.

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge LOVES this fashion trend!

The styles, just like their longer cousins, are running the range from sweet to sexy, demure to downright DANCE DIVA!

Many of my brides are enjoying the trend of shedding the traditional gown at some point in the reception (usually just before the dancing kicks into high gear) so they can really kick up their heels and get down and celebrate all night long.

I love that these “little white dresses” can be the late night party dress, the afternoon wedding dress or both.

These short gowns to me say “fun”, “flirty”, “sexy”, “stylish” and of course….VEGAS!

Easy to pack, easy to wear, they look fabulous and I can’t think of a better style for a fabulous Las Vegas wedding!

It’s the perfect excuse to get a fabulous tan on your gams, a delicious pedicure & of course one fantastic pair of shoes! Oh the possibilities!

So 2009 brides, lift up your hems, kick up your heels and go down the aisle in style in your own “little white dress”!