We are thrilled to announce our newest addition to The Blogsmaid team, Alegre, who’ll be our LA correspondent for ALL THINGS Wedding.  For her first assignment,  she attended the L.A. spring wedding showcase with Your Wedding Day Magazine and The Ebell of Los Angeles and here is her wrap up!

Greetings from the West Coast! My fellow L.A. cohort, Marisa, and I had the pleasure of attending a spring showcase with Your Wedding Day Magazine at The Ebell of Los Angeles last evening. The Ebell, a wonderful historical property in the center Hancock Park, boasts a multi-room indoor event space along with a stunning garden. I had been to the Wilshire-Ebell Theater in the past, but I had no idea that they had such a large, adaptable space for private events.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with drinks in the garden, always a good start! The garden itself is perfect for ceremonies or receptions, boasting a waterfall statue and beautiful rolling landscaping.
Fete Accompli Decor filled the space with great lounge seating for mingling and socializing. The theme carried on inside with a Marie Antoinette inspired, end of the French renaissance feel. Tic-Tock did some inspired styling work complete with candelabras, fresh floral arrangements and innovative design.

We felt a bit like the proletariat navigating the revolution in the maze that was the buffet line, but it proved to be worth it when we tasted the venue’s delish food.  Bottlenotes was also there to share a great new service they have for wine registry and tasting notes. Great for those couples who fancy themselves enology specialists.

After dinner wrapped, Marisa and I were on our way out the door when we were drawn to the smell of smoke machines. Wha!? Could it be? The party isn’t over? Mesmerized by strobe lights and pounding base, we wandered into a second huge ballroom with a dance floor. Had it not been a Wednesday, I think we would have kept the party going. Whoo whoo! Raj Tents transformed the connecting lounge into a Bollywood inspired dream.

Shirvan Design topped it all with some of the most amazing flower work I’ve seen in a long time. The theme carried out onto the patio where guests mingled and tried out the outdoor hooka lounge.

In a city like L.A., where everyone is looking for the unexpected for their big day, YWD and The Ebell showed us where to find it. Pick up a copy of YWD’s spring Magazine as there are some great tips in there for planning the rest of your big day after you’ve picked the dress.

Mayra and I called this company Always a Bridesmaid because we were always bridesmaids in weddings trying to create a newer, cooler, bridal shower.  It’s a big event for a bride: you have a vision, but so little control!  So, this is our way for your to drop your bridesmaids A BIG HINT and have A LOT OF FUN!
We’re partnering with the Morgan’s Hotel to host the swankiest, most inspiring, Fantasy Shower a girl could dream of, and you’re invited!  Bring a bridesmaid and sip champagne on the terrace of the Penthouse Suite at the Morgan’s.  Get special treats from Agent Provocateur, awesome ideas for gifts and games from Melangerie, and learn how to create gorgeous, simple floral displays from Jessy Wolvek of Fleurs.  If you RSVP before April 13th with the Code BLOGSMAID, your entry is complimentary.  Register here.

I’ve spent the whole day getting ready for tomorrow’s New York Weddings event!  We’ll be showcasing a fabulous table top “Look for Less” and raffling off 10 hours of consultation services ($1,000 value- and that’s no April Fool’s Joke!). I ‘ll be announcing the winner on our blog on Thursday.  Plus, we have a special invitation to attendees tucked inside the gift bag!
Our new friend Marcy Blum will be there, along with commonly mentioned names on Always a Blogsmaid like CECI, Christian Oth, Elan Artists, Mark Ingram, Pronovias, Ron Ben-Israel, Milk and Honey Video, Shiraz Caterers…. and the list goes on and on and on!  And there are tons of other vendors who I haven’t met yet.

I think I mentioned before that participating in this event feels like rings on the tree of our business, and it has such a sentimental place in my heart.  We met Jessy of Fleurs there a few years ago (who is providing all the flowers for the event and has been
designing day and night) and always get to connect with brides and meet some readers. So Mayra and I will be on hand to answer any questions, and generally have a great time.  If you were going to be there, please come by and say hi!  If not, I’ll be posting pics!  Oh, and not too late to get tix!