And the Love Goes On
by Tara Evans
When the world stopped, love did not. From backyard weddings with masked officiants to Zoom-broadcasted elopements and just about everything in between, engaged couples aren't putting their wedding dreams on hold - they're redefining what a wedding is today.

"I've consulted with many couples since COVID and we've provided catering and event planning for a number of weddings in the last few months," Tamra Levine, director of catering for Salt Creek Grille. "Some had to reconfigure existing wedding plans. Others became engaged during Safer at Home. The commonality is - they don't want to delay their wedding. They know it will be different, but that doesn't mean less special."
Levine explains that clients have shortened guest lists, opting for more intimate events, most often outside. "What I've discovered is that, with smaller numbers in attendance, they are reinvesting those funds into more extravagant details. They're getting their dream flowers, treating their guests to exquisite multi-course meals and fine wine. Overall, they're still spending a lot less than planned - there's a massive difference in budget when you go from 150 guests to 10. We're honored to show them how they can still have that dream wedding by focusing on the details that make their love unique."
Salt Creek Grille Catering 222-9999

photography by Laura Moll

Beautifying the Backyard
Local florists are ready for wedding Plan Bs - as in, "backyards." With the help of professional floral designers, couples are clamoring for circle arches, chuppas, urns, shepard hooks, birch arches, tall centerpiece stands and wrought iron. The result is an elevated feel to a familiar place. "We're reinventing backyard venues," says Linda Marshall, owner of Acton Creative Flowers. "By adding architectural elements, dramatic color contrast and novel textures, we're setting a tone that's entirely thematic and in coordination with the couple's vision. Our brides are especially motivated to redefine the space - they want to have plenty of wowing pictures and live-stream backgrounds to share with friends and family who aren't able to attend the festivities in person."
Acton Creative Flowers 269-9326

Book a Private Bridal Gown Appointment Online
Ready for a socially-distant private showing of today's most sought-after bridal designs? Cruz's Bridal now lets you book your appointment - just you and your guest with your professional bridal consultant - online. Masks are required for bride, guest and staff - and family and friends can Zoom to experience your live fitting. Rather host at home? Use Cruz's "Say Yes at Home" service, where you pick up your selected gowns curbside, then try them on in the comfort of your own home.
cruzsbridal.com

photography by Desiree Keoshian

Floral Design at a Distance
Handcrafted, custom wedding florals have gone high tech at Bouquet Canyon Florist, which now offers an entirely-online planning platform for clients. A few minutes with their easy-to-use digital form results in a customized proposal, complete with pictures and prices. Using resources like Pinterest, Owner Yesenia Miller draws out a client's dream digitally, asking about their theme, vision and style. The result is an experience that's safe, fast, convenient and clever - clients have an opportunity to calmly consider all the options from the comfort of their living room.
Bouquet Canyon Florist 297-3100

courtesy of shutterstock

It's Time to Suit Up
Menswear has evolved - and designer suits were already beating the traditional tux for prime wedding and event positioning. Now, with guest lists limited and more nuptials being held outside, the less-formal - but often more stylish - suit is having its day in the sun. Summer's suiting in the era of social distancing is bold and bright, with a playful element or two - the look is cheerful and challenges any doom/gloom narrative that dare creep up. Designer suits and accessories are available for rent and purchase locally at
J. Davids, where alterations specialists with decades of experience can ensure a custom fit.
J. Davids 287-3636

photography by L Marie

Let them Eat Cake
A wedding cake is so much more than artfully-designed flour, sugar, milk and eggs. It's a symbol of a sweet future - the first taste of life's desserts as a married couple. And while the way we're getting married may have changed for now, the necessary meaning of a wedding cake has not. Here's how to incorporate yours.
Replace the Dance Floor with a Dessert Bar
High-contact experiences are discouraged right now, but no one will miss doing the Hokey Pokey when you replace the dance floor with a carefully-crafted single-servings dessert bar.
Tradition for Two
Even the smallest wedding deserves dessert. Small wedding cakes can still be filled with sweet sentiment. Choose a favorite flavor (Perhaps inspired by the first treat you shared?) and top it with a personalized piece that can be used again during a larger reception down the line to tie the two events together.
Treat your Guests at a Distance
Will it just be the two of you and an officiant? Live stream your nuptials and then dig into a sweet slice that's shared with your online guests by delivering mini cakes - and a petite bottle of bubbly - to their homes.
Jill's Cake Creations 291-2332

Socially-distant Celebrations
Small private events, outdoor venues, customizable catering - that's the Wolf Creek Brewery experience. "Our location offers flexible solutions for ceremonies, receptions and events," explains Owner Laina McFerren. "We're committed to offering safer gathering experiences that still make guests feel 'together.'"
Wolf Creek Brewery 294-9977

Treat Yourself
Treasure your marital memories every day with wedding pretties and gifts, all 25 percent off right now.
Maison on Main 388-4631

photography by Michael Anthony

When Less is More
What you couldn't do for 100, you can do for 10 - extravagantly. "Our couples are choosing elegant details and designs," explains Mrya Harbour, owner of Celebrate. From professional calligraphy to richly-textured invitations, opulent florals and refined fabrics, engaged couples are dialing back on the guests and doubling down on the details. "So much has changed for our couples. They're making up for moved dates and venue changes by investing in elements that they might not have been able to afford had the guest list not been trimmed. It's their way of still making their day about their story and their celebration, on their terms. It lets them take some of the control back and rewrite their wedding day in a way that's not about what's missing but about the love that remains."
Celebrate 259-8611

How to Stay Healthy & Beautiful in 2020
Q & A WITH JENNIFER GLEZER
How will bridal hair and makeup services be affected as the beauty industry increases health and safety protocols?
It may seem like love has been put on hold with so many weddings and engagements being turned upside down during this global pandemic. But at Fairest of Them All, we're determined to help love win - even with increased health and safety protocols. The recent quarantine has given beauty professionals time to evaluate their safety and sanitation practices, ensuring the safest environment for their clients.

How is Fairest of Them All keeping clients safe and healthy?
To accommodate social distancing, and to comply with the new state board guidelines, appointments for bridal hair and makeup are being scheduled in limited groups. For example, bridal parties are invited to use streaming technology to include family and friends while their bride is getting ready.

How will these changes affect brides, bridal parties and wedding makeup in 2020?
We now offer one-on-one online makeup lessons that can be done anywhere at any time. You'll learn step-by-step instructions on how to do your makeup, which is personalized to your individual needs, complete with demonstrations. This gives you access to a professional with years of training - without even leaving your home.
Fairest of Them All Hair & Makeup 904-3805

photography by Becca Rillo

Extensions are Extending Bridal Hair Design
Premium hair extensions, like the high-end pieces at Blo-Out Lounge in Valencia, are giving brides a boost of confidence - plus length and fullness - for their nuptials. "Our extensions look natural, are so easy to style, provide gorgeous thickness and dimension and last so much longer than most women are used to," explains Theresa LaRue, owner of The Blo-Out Lounge. "Our clients look picture perfect when they leave our chair and that look is so easy to maintain with the products we use, so whether she's getting married that morning or later that week, she can feel beautiful!" Blo-Out Lounge carries a variety of premier brands, including extensions that are perfect for damaged or thinning hair.
Blo-Out Lounge 255-2569


Share in Celebration
Couples choosing to elope or host only immediate family for their ceremony can still share their excitement with friends and extended relatives. Announcements paired with bridal-themed Bundtinis are a sweet way to say, "You were missed!"
Nothing Bundt Cakes 291-2424

The Most Magical Music for your Most Magical Moments
There's just something about live music done right that can make the heart skip a beat - especially when that music is a customized romantic collection from the Great American Songbook. Adam Tunney, a professional crooner with over 20 years in the industry, has performed with celebrities like Mickey Rooney, Barbara Streisand and Eddie Money. With his signature velvety vibrato, Tunney wows with all-ages favorites made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and more.
"Last year, we were performing at weddings with a 20-musician orchestra. Today, we're staying socially distant at outdoor venues with just a pianist or small band. Couples are choosing sentimental instrumentals to set the tone pre-ceremony and traditional tunes with vocals for the cocktail hour or reception."
Search "Adam Tunney" on YouTube, log on to the eponymous adamtunney.com or call for details and a quote. 310-365-5670