Four Seasons Westlake

Wednesday I had the pleasure of meeting Kitty Silbereich - Catering Sales Manager Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village.

As a five year alumni of the Four Seasons Company I cannot help but show pride and be biased of my alma mater. The company’s philosophy of grace, service, exceptional quality experiences and dedication to both its guests and team is a quality that I carry alongside both my personal and professional attitude.

I welcomed the memories that accompanied the fragrant scents of fresh flowers and sparkle that embraced the air as I snooped around the stunning and elegant lobby of the Hotel, waiting for my appointment. Each employee greeted me by making eye contact and smiling as they passed by me.

This hidden gem, located conveniently off the 101 Freeway half way between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara is something to be relished. You truly fall into an island oasis of pampering, impeccable service, serenity and absolute tranquility.

This state of the art hotel started the California Health and Longevity Institute, and this is just one facet of the many surprises found at the property. The opportunities here are endless.

As Kitty took me thru the hotel to tour the three breathtaking outdoor locations, 40,000 square foot spa, insurmountable ballroom and state of the art business center; my planning-brain spun about 20 or so unique and do-able ideas.

· Great place for a bachelorette party pool-side or private cabanas and spa day afternoon tea on the weekends.
· Honeymoon.
· Corporate Events and Weddings accommodating up to 500 guests in the 11,000 square foot ballroom
· Cooking classes are offered thru the California Health and Longevity Institute, great for corporate retreats, team building or a date.
· Guest rooms are so reasonably priced under $300 for group blocks.
· Unique outdoor venues including a pagoda or stunning waterfall ensuring you are in an oasis.

· A tented pavilion provided from November thru March for the outdoor feel without Southern California Winter Chill.
· The finest of equipment, china, glass, silver, chairs etc.

This haven just 40 miles north of LAX is absolutely an experience you cannot miss.

Santa Barbara Baby Company & The Little Guest

Ok- So I know I talk a lot about my kids...but I am consumed by them! On that note, I want to tell all of you brides out there about a wonderful local company. Its called Santa Barbara Baby Company. I know, I know, how does this pertain to you? Well, let me tell you.

Santa Barbara Baby Company provides rentals of a huge variety of baby equipment and supplies. Anything from a crib, to a high-chair, or a stroller--they have it. And they will deliver to your hotel room or rental house. So, if you have family or friends that you know will be travelling with little ones, make sure you pass on this site. You can even include their site and information on your save the date cards if you plan to include hotel and rental car information. They also have helpful information and tips for those traveling to Santa Barbara with small children. I just flew with my baby to Northern California...and luckily I had most of what I needed at my destination. Less stuff to haul around makes for happier travels! You can check them out for yourself at the link below.

http://www.santabarbarababycompany.com/

So...when they get here (that is the kiddos) now what? Do we have them at the wedding or do we say "no children". Those can be tough decisions to make...and even tougher to explain or enforce. There is an alternative in Santa Barbara-- and that is The Little Guest. This company has been around for a long time and has a stellar reputation. They basically provide care, comfort and entertainment for children. They can do this on site at your location...or at another predetermined locale. The prices are reasonable especially if it means your best friend can come knowing that she has one less thing to worry about on your special day.

You can check out their site at http://www.thelittleguest.com/

Santa Barbara Favors...

I have gotten some inquiries about great local favors since my post yesterday...so here are some names of local companies:

*Santa Barbara Biscotti
*Santa Barbara Olive Company (they do oils, olives, and other specialty foods)
*Santa Barbara Roasting Company
*Santa Barbara Pistachio Company
*Santa Barbara Lavender Farm
*Santa Barbara Salsa (not currently made in SB anymore)
*Lane Farms Foods (they sell an entire line of nuts, preserves and other goodies)
*Shaloob Jerky (a wonderful long standing meat market in town)
*Jessica Foster Truffles (the best of the best--truly amazing!)
*Jaqua Spa and Beauty Products (locally developed and created by 2 beautiful SB Natives--yummy stuff)
*Santa Barbara Calendars
*Santa Barbara Magazine Subscriptions
*San Marcos Farms Honey
*Avia Salon and Spa Products (a wonderful local spa with their own lovely line of products)
*Solvang Pie Company (has to be my favorite pie in the whole world)
*Sunstone Merlot (they have others too--just my fav)
*Firestone Beer
*There are so many wonderful varieties of wines to choose from...its hard to list them all! Visit the Santa Barbara Vintners Website for more information on local wines and wineries.

I hope this helps all of you out there! -Melissa Lee

The 3 Rules of Favors...

Ok...We're officially in full blown wedding season. Many of you out there are stressing about Favors...should I--shouldn't I? And the biggest Favor question of all...What should I? I tell my clients to follow the 3 C's of Favors:

1-Consumable- Give a favor that is consumable. Examples of this are specialty foods or beverages from the region you are getting married or Seeds or other plants that are native to your region, or bath or toiletry items native to your region. In Santa Barbara I like to suggest Santa Barbara Olive Oil, Santa Ynez wines...many wonderful varieties to choose from, Personalized and individually wrapped cookies, Lavender and lavender products from Santa Ynez or the Ojai Valley, Avocados or citrus from many wonderful orchards in this area, or Coffee Items from the Santa Barbara Roasting Company. Many of these items can be personalized with your names, photos, and or colors from your wedding.

2-Combustible- Give a favor that is something that will Burn! Candles, sparklers, and incense make wonderful favors. You can combine your favorite scents together, or use scents that mimic flowers from your centerpieces. You can even have a match book customized with your monogram, date of your wedding or a small photo.

3- Charitable- Give a favor that donates to your favorite cause. Sometimes charities will give you something in exchange for your donation; a nice note to put at each place setting or even a pin or some other token that advertises their cause. Their are several sites that you can visit to find out more information...Here is one example: http://www.idofoundation.org/welcome/favors/

The bottom line is that guests, especially those traveling from out of town would love to enjoy something that will remind them of your wedding day. While a framed photo of you is very nice...chances are(if if makes it into the suitcase) it will be given away the next time they make a "Goodwill" or Thrift Store drop off. Be smart about your budget. For more tips or advice you can contact us anytime!

Another Milestone...

Zohe said it in the last post...well actually Ashton Kutcher did...When you get married, the work just begins! Especially if you have 4 boys like I do! (this is Melissa talking by the way) Anyway, my 4th son will turn 1 year tomorrow. Hard to believe a year has already gone by. He's a sweetie. And the only reason I am posting this on the ESB Blog is he is almost an employee...He coordinated his first wedding when he was only 2 weeks old! That's right! He was right by my side--and was a trooper! At 6 months old he directed his first gala with 400 people. (Although, he did fall asleep with the babysitter part way through it) Truly amazing...

Anyway, that brings me to my next point...I had 2 amazing local photographers take some shots of me while I was pregnant with #4. Madeline was so gracious to do this for me, as was Kacie Jean. (You can view their sites by just clicking on their names) Both are gifted photographers, and wonderful women to boot. It makes such a difference having someone who has a good spirit around you during momentous events...someone you can trust. Both these ladies fit the bill. So, since I have my figure back I thought I may as well post one of my favorite photos that Madeline took. ( I will post Kacie Jean's at a later time--I don't have them on this computer)

BEFORE

AFTER

ONE YEAR LATER...MANY MORE TO COME!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I called my parents this morning to wish them a happy anniversary. That’s longer than I’ve been alive; I think every year, imagine that? Seriously, they have been thru so much together. Forty years-- the red ruby anniversary.

My mom tells me about her travels across oceans to go meet my dad. He had gotten out to Brazil before my mom and she joined him a few months lady via boat. A young nineteen year old unleashed to see the world and the man who was going to for better or worse in 12 days.


I just read a quote from Ashton Kutcher astutely summarized “Once people get married they think the work is done, but you just got the job!” regarding the secret to staying happily married. My parents definitely have.I am so proud of them for working at it every day.

Here are a few pictures of their wedding. They look so young.


The story is that they got married via proxy when my dad had moved to Brazil and my mom was still back in Italy. The people in some of the pictures with them are friends, perhaps a relative of some sort. There was no big reception, party, or celebration afterwards. It was just the two of them, no close family or friends around and the rest of their lives together.


I thought it would be fantastic to celebrate the ‘Happily Ever After’ story Felici style. Congratulazioni!

Glory's Wedding Dance

I met Glory about a month ago in my creative nonfiction class. It was our first day of class and we took turns introducing ourselves and our profession/reason for being in the class. When it was Glory's turn, she stands up smiles from the heart and says, "My name is Glory, I am a dancer and dance stylist" she makes eye contact with me -- I had already introduced myself as a wedding planner to everyone -- gestures toward me, winks and says "we need to talk".

A few classes later she shared one of her pieces about the tango with the class. I felt as if I was right there dancing alongside her. Besides her talent as a writer and intelligence; she is charming, has an amazing attitude, and has seen so much in life. She is an award winning Ballroom Dance Competitor and Founding Director/Choreographer of Razzle Dazzle – The Silver Follies Dancers.

Couples who have taken dance lessons have not only looked forward to their first dance (it is motivating to see result from practicing), they have had a blast taking lessons. Some of them have even obtained injuries – stitches to be exact-- from laughing so hard.

In the craziness of wedding planning it’s natural to forget to ‘spend time together and be fully present with each other’. Make it a date night and just enjoy being in the moment. Dance your wedding stresses away. It’s less expensive than therapy!

Glory is running a special to have step by step instruction to your choice of music.
Free consultation
Four Lessons for $385—
Gloria Lamb
805-965-0706
danceingextra@gmail.com

Santa Barbara Wedding Guide - Planning resources for Santa Barbara Weddings

I wanted to share with you all the wonderful work of Michael and Anna Costa who submitted one of my favourite weddings onto the Santa Barbara Wedding Guide. Santa Barbara Wedding Guide - Planning resources for Santa Barbara Weddings