WEDDING ISSUE
$3.95 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 6
JULY 18 - SEPT 3 DelMarRacing.com Reserve your seats or table (858) 792-4242 | tickets@dmtc.com
The Perfect Event Starts with the Perfect Location
DEL MAR PLAZA has a special, magical aura that sets the scene for the best event imaginable. Our ocean view and canyon view decks offer the perfect ambience for your wedding, and you can have your event catered by one of the Plaza’s delicious restaurants!
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Visit delmarplaza.com/private-events or email Nikki Velasco (nvelasco@brixtoncapital.com) or Beth Gutierrez (beth@joycultureevents.com) to book your wedding today.
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With over 1000 locations on four continents, Engel & Völkers has a unique global network and thereby has access to a great number of solvent potential buyers.
Competence, exclusivity and passion, as well as our personal, all-around service, distinguish the Engel & Völkers brand – from the individual initial advise to the successful conclusion of a contract.
Our real estate agents have comprehensive expertise and market knowledge, which you will benefit from when it comes to the reliable service concept.
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Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe - 270 Acres • $26,000,000 James Wilson 858.492.1076 CA BRE: 001244303
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Recruiting Grow Your Business and Real Estate Career with Engel & Völkers. The skills of our international real estate advisors are unsurpassed in the industry and they serve their clients with Competence, Exclusivity, and Passion. If you are talented in real estate sales, a skilled negotiator and success-driven, Engel & Völkers wants you on board as a real estate sales agent. Engel & Völkers is a truly international real estate firm with over 750 inter-connected shops around the world. For 40 years, we’ve been a select provider of high-end luxury real estate services worldwide. Of course, this begins with selecting only the best real estate agents in the industry to represent our brand. For those agents who are selected, we provide an array of high-quality business services, marketing programs and tools, cutting edge mobile services, social and web technologies, as well as access to our company owned Academy. To find out more about becoming a real estate sales agent for Engel & Völkers, call Mike Hannon today at (858) 756-0048, or send an email to michael.hannon@evusa.com. Remember- there are only so many seats in first class! Each brokerage is independently owned and operated.
E & V Ranch and Coast, Inc. Rancho Santa Fe Cielo 18025 Calle Ambiente, Suite 202 Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 858.756.0048 sandiegoranchcoast.evusa.com
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EDITOR’S LETTER
A San Diego Native
SUMMER’S ANTICIPATED ARRIVAL
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eauty surrounds us this wedding season with exquisite venue options such as the bluffs of the ocean and gardens sprinkled with sparkling white lights. Both serve as ideal backdrops for weddings. Enchanting floral arrangements and delicious cuisine coupled with delightful table decorations compliment many summer receptions as we sachet down the aisle. In this issue, we sample delectable food, visit alluring spas, speak with wedding planners, try on exquisite bridal gowns and travel to a wellness resort. Plus, for dog-lovers, we explore inviting man’s best friend to be part of the bridal party to celebrate with us. All of this in the name of feeling our best before the big day. Of course, summer also offers a favorite time of year to plan honeymoons and vacations. Certainly, for honeymooners, strolling through San Sebastian, Spain promises romance and intrigue. While an excursion through various castles in Denmark evokes bygone eras and awakens our inner poet. For the hiking buff, nature is embraced during a trip to Utah. And this is all before winding down with a staycation right in our backyard of Del Mar. Living in America’s finest city means we only have to walk outside to encounter summer’s many delights. For all the engaged couples out there, this issue is for you! Embrace the journey toward matrimony and remember to savor the moments. They pass all too quickly... Love, Jenny Werth Jenny’s outfit is courtesy of Mila Boutique located at 1250 Prospect Street, Suite A 21 in La Jolla. Mila has been fashionably dressing women for over 20 years in selfie-worthy style. facebook.com/mila.lajolla
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CONTENTS
40 F E AT U R E S 40
A Trip Down the Aisle 42 Rustic Romance
16
FRONT & CENTER 16
Tuxedo Dogs: The Cutest Trend in Weddings 18 Wedding Music Makes The Party HOME & STYLE 20 22 23 24 26 28
The Evolution of Weddings San Diego’s Finest Wedding Venues Hiring A Wedding Planner... A Must Get Away Without Going Away Bridal Bliss Beckons Get Back to Nature in Utah
ARTS & SOCIETY 30
Tale of Two Cities, Spain and Denmark 34 Yuru Studios: Masters of Commemoration
26
H E A LT H & B E A U T Y 36
Well-Being Haven in the Hill
WINE & DINE
36
38
Scrumptious Wedding Caterers
SOCIAL SCENE 46
Gold Diggers’ 25th Anniversary Celebration 46 Building Awareness for Youth 47 San Diego History Center’s Anniversary Dinner 47 2018 Innovate Beverly Hills Event ONE MORE THING 48
Pop the Question! Romantic Places to Propose
CALENDAR
JUNE at the entrance of Timken Museum of Art then head inside for an art scavenger hunt! The kids will have a blast running around while learning about art in the process. This event will kick off in June and take place once a month for the remainder of summer. timkenmuseum.org/calendar/event/ free-summer-family-mural-project-1
San Diego Greek Festival WHEN JUNE 8TH TO JUNE 10TH WHERE ST. SPYRIDON GREEK
San Diego Boat Show
Art Around Adams WHEN JUNE 2ND WHERE ADAMS AVE,
SAN DIEGO
DOWNTOWN
Spend your Saturday strolling down Adams Avenue downtown! The twomile long avenue will be hosting this annual art and music event just in time to welcome summer! Explore local boutique stands and grab a snack from one of many food vendors. Live music and performers will take to the streets to keep San Diego’s largest block party going until sundown. artaroundadams.org
Arthur Wheelock – Collector’s Dinner WHEN
JUNE 3RD TIMKEN MUSEUM OF ART
WHERE
The Timken Museum of Art will be hosting the 3rd annual Collector’s Dinner, a sophisticated night out with like-minded individuals. Arthur Wheelock, Jr., Curator of Northern Baroque Paintings from the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., will be the guest speaker as Dutch and Flemish art is displayed, wine is poured, and fine cuisine is prepared. All art lovers are encouraged to register. Tickets are going fast! timkenmuseum.org/calendar/event/ collectors-dinner-1
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego WHEN JUNE 2ND TO JUNE 3RD WHERE DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO
Get pumped and raise awareness for 14
F IN E SD.CO M
ORTHODOX CHURCH, HILLCREST
a great cause! For over 20 years the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon has been taking over San Diego, with the number of participants climbing every year! This year, the chart-topping band, The Revivalists, will be performing at the finish line at Waterfront Park, motivating runners to finish the race strong! runrocknroll.com/san-diego
San Diego Boat Show WHEN JUNE 7TH TO JUNE 10TH WHERE POINT LOMA PENINSULA
Boat lovers, rejoice! The annual San Diego Boat Show is coming back to Point Loma. Whether you are in the market for a new boat or simply like to admire the craftmanship, you won’t want to miss this event. Over 80 superyachts will be on display in the water for you to tour while nautical gadgets and accessories will be available for purchase. sandiegointernationalboatshow.com
Whether you come from the gorgeous, Mediterranean country or not, everyone is welcome at the Greek festival! Sample delicious Greek food, dance to live Greek bands and tour historical Greek orthodox churches in the neighborhood of Hillcrest. The kids will have a blast in the ‘Fun Zone’ while you grab a drink in the beer garden! There is something for everyone and anyone at the annual Greek Festival! sdgreekfestival.com
Toast of the Coast
Toast of the Coast WHEN
Summer Family Mural Project WHEN
JUNE 8TH TIMKEN MUSEUM OF ART
WHERE
This is an event the whole family will love! Leave your mark on a large mural Summer Family Mural Project
JUNE 9TH DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS
WHERE
The annual wine competition is coming back to the Del Mar Fairgrounds! Unlimited wine samplings offer you a chance to find the perfect bottl e to take home while small plates are prepared by the culinary team and circulate
the venue! Over 130 award-winning wines will be on display and available to taste. The purchase of a ticket also includes admission into the San Diego County Fair which will also be taking place at the fairgrounds! We’ll see you there! thetoastofthecoast.com
Surfing America 2018 Surfing Championships WHEN JUNE 10TH TO 14TH WHERE OCEANSIDE HARBOR
Travel up to Oceanside for the 2018 Surfing America Championships. Surfing America is responsible for holding the USA Championships each year and for selecting the official USA Surf Team to compete internationally. Come cheer on these future Olympians and soak up some sun on the beach while you’re at it! surfingamerica.org
Taste of Gaslamp WHEN JUNE 16TH WHERE GASLAMP
SQUARE
Join in on the fun at San Diego’s original culinary tour, Taste of Gaslamp! For its 24th year, this foodie event will be showcasing 24 restaurants in the historic area, all diverse and equally delicious. Participating restaurants will be preparing the best samples from their menus and local bars will extend drink specials all day long! Taking place on Father’s Day weekend, this will be a perfect gift for dad! tasteofgaslamp.com
Taste of Gaslamp
Father’s Day at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar
California Clambake WHEN JUNE 16TH WHERE HOTEL DEL
CORONADO
Celebrated chefs will be preparing this East Coast classic at the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Indoor and outdoor seating will be available during the meal, so diners can enjoy an unobstructed view of the sunset while live bands play into the night and children can take part in various beach games on the sand. This is an all-white-attire event, so make sure you have plenty of napkins before digging in! hoteldel.com/events/clambake
perfected their chili recipes, over two dozen entrants will be participating in the chili competition and will need attendees to vote on their favorite samples! Cool down your mouth with a craft beer from the sprawling beer garden or grab a famous burger from Hodad’s on Newport! Your taste buds are needed in Ocean Beach so mark your calendar! oceanbeachsandiego.com/attractions/ annual-events/ob-street-fair-chili-cook
Little Italy Mercato 10th Anniversary WHEN
Father’s Day at The Fairmont Grand Del Mar WHEN JUNE 17TH WHERE FAIRMONT
JUNE 9TH LITTLE ITALY
WHERE
GRAND DEL MAR
Treat your father to an unforgettable day at San Diego’s most luxurious resort! To honor this special day, The Fairmont Grand will be offering a special Father’s Day package including a full brunch in one of the resort’s topnotch restaurants and a free round of golf, followed by a golf revitalization massage at the luxurious spa. A complimentary craft beer for dad is the cherry on top of this very special day. fairmont.com/san-diego/specialoffers/dining-offers/fathers-day-dininggolf-spa
San Diego’s largest farmers’ market will be celebrating its 10thAnniversary on Saturday, June 9! A cornerstone of Little Italy, this downtown market is famous for fresh produce, meats, flowers and hundreds of vendors. To honor the Mercato’s 10th year, the market will offer commemorative shopping bags, t-shirts and a homecoming-themed celebration. Head down to Little Italy and help thank the dedicated farmers and vendors who have provided San Diego with fresh food for the past decade! littleitalysd.com/events/mercato
Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off WHEN
JUNE 23RD OCEAN BEACH
WHERE
Head down to nostalgic Ocean beach for a day of fun in the sun at the annual Ocean Beach Street Fair! Food and art vendors will line the streets as live entertainment booms from five different stages. Having
Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-off
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15
F RONT & CENTER
Tuxedo Dogs: The Cutest Trend in Weddings Today Why Couples Who Include their Pets in their Big Day are Winning at Weddings
An adorable Australian Shepherd waits patiently for her people
“Spread the love not just to your future partner, but all your friend and family members, furry ones included.” 16
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eddings are a beautifully intimate time for couples to be surrounded by all their loved ones, which is precisely why man’s-best-friend keeps making cameos at ceremonies. The best weddings are those that are shared with everyone closest to you. That’s why your special day shines brighter when couples include their favorite four-legged friends. Indeed, now more than ever, people are choosing to include their precious pups in their memorable day, and why wouldn’t they? Marriage is the joining of two people in love, along with loved-ones who celebrate the special day with them, so it makes perfect sense to include the dog—or any pet for that matter—in the wedding celebration. Spread the love not just to your future partner, but all your friend and family members, furry ones included. San Diego-based photography company, ABM Photography is one of many companies that’s embracing the tail-wagging trend of including pets in wedding celebration photos. Although all of their photography collections are breathtaking, the photos that include pet-loving couples are certainly some of the most adorable to grace albums. Including your pets in your wedding photography is such an easy and fun way to create a unique collection of photos that showcase not only the love you and your partner have for each other, but
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Bride Cassia Chevillon plays with her Greyhound and Bulldog pups before the ceremony
the love that you have for your animals as well. Whether it’s having your pet in your photography sessions, having them in your wedding, or both, it is a definite way to make your wedding stand out and a great way to include your furry friend in your big day. Brian Kent from ABM Photography says, “It’s tons of fun to photograph pets.” Naturally, he was especially excited to photograph his own wife with their adorable Boston Terrier, Bakon. Regardless of the breed, each pet has their own personality, but the one thing that all dogs have in common is that they love their owners. Dogs can certainly be included in their owner’s weddings… they’re family! Plus, it makes the ceremony that much more fun and is a great way to include your furry buddy. Since there are lots of dogs out there who have high-energy and active temperaments, it can sometimes be difficult to get them to ‘stay still’ in a photoshoot. In situations like these, it can be handy to take the dog for a walk before the shoot in an attempt to ‘tire them out’ and help them be less resistant to sitting pretty for a few minutes. Or, if your dog is food-motivated, bring plenty of treats to keep your furry friend distracted and perfectly posed for photos—and let’s be honest, what dog isn’t food-motivated? At the end of the day, nobody knows your dog better than you do, so be prepared with anything the pup might need to stay focused (or distracted) on your wedding day. Most importantly, albeit a little cliché, don’t forget to have fun. Dogs are incredibly attuned to their owners’ emotions, so if you start to stress out about your pup behaving poorly or anything else, they might be able to ‘sense’ your distress and become slightly affected. So, have fun, be carefree, and love each and every moment you hold with your partner, your friends, your family, and, of course, man’s best friend. A tired groomsman takes a break
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F RONT & CENTER
Wedding Music Makes The Party Having the Right Reception Music is Paramount By Blythe Sinclair
Grab your tissues, here are the top five father-daughter dance songs! “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John “You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins “Everything” by Michael Bublé “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran 18
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usic is all around us. It evokes various feelings and emotions in a person. It comes through the speakers at the mall, over the radio, and even keeps you company while you dine at your favorite restaurant. Music has the capability to set the mood for an environment, so it’s essential to choose music that sets the right tone for what you envision. You’re not going to hear classical music playing in a tattoo parlor, and you’re certainly not going to hear heavy metal music playing in an elegant restaurant. The right music is crucial in creating a fitting environment, and in the case of wedding receptions, the right music is the music that is going to get everyone up off their seats and onto the dance floor. The wedding reception is already such a highenergy and emotional segment of a wedding, when all of the family and friends come together to celebrate the marriage and the merging of two families. As such, the reception must have music that reflects all of those positive and warm feelings that occur during the reception. A reception with no music or the wrong music can really kill the vibe by putting a damper on the uplifted emotion people feel after a wedding ceremony. Having trouble picking out some songs to play? Here are ten of the most popular songs played at a wedding reception: “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. A great paradox of a song: an old classic that even the
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youngest family members know all the words to. This song is a hit with every generation and will have everyone singing their hearts out. “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas. An upbeat song to get the good vibes flowing and the crowd on the dance floor. “Cha Cha Slide” by DJ Casper. Don’t know the song? You don’t need to! DJ Casper coaches you through the dance steps in this song and will get everyone dancing and laughing. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra. A timeless song for when you want to slow down the tempo and slide in a romantic song for a slow dance. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. An outof-the-box song that is just as fun to sing to as it is to dance. “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees. Another great classic song to get everyone jumping around on the dance floor. “Shut up and Dance” by Walk the Moon. The name of the song says it all; this pop song is hard to resist and will have even the clumsiest dancers on their feet. “We Found Love” by Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris This upbeat song fits in with the theme of love and will make every single guest feel uplifted and ready to dance with love in their hearts. “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake. A great song about loving to love and loving to dance; this song brings all the great feelings to the surface and makes everyone bubble with happiness. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Another slow and romantic song that will bring couples together and set a romantic vibe; this would even be a great song to close the night. Songs like these are sure to either jump-start the dancing or close out the reception on a beautiful note. Fill your reception playlist with a variety of music to replicate all the various emotions that people are definitely going to feel on the night of a wedding. Fun, flirty, loving, uplifting, and sincere songs that make people excited to celebrate marriage are the types of music that should be on a reception playlist. If you’re not into DJ’s at weddings, there are tons of other options to bring the music to your wedding. Live music is always a great alternative to bring energy and excitement to the floor. The attractive thing about live music is that there are tons of bands for each genre, so the options are endless; there will always be a band to fit the vibe of your wedding. For a laid back and cool wedding, maybe audition out some jazz bands; for an upbeat and energetic wedding, try out some rock cover bands. Regardless of whether you use a DJ, live music, a jukebox, or any other type of music, always keep the theme of your wedding in mind. Then make a decision that will make you, and your guests, want to start dancing.
Magazine Presents
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taste in your mouth! But some nationalities have done away with “rice throwing.” For instance, newlyweds in Italy have candy and sugared nuts sprinkled over them and in Morocco, the bride and groom are showered with raisins. There are also wedding day superstitions such as the bride and groom not seeing one another prior to their nuptials. This superstition dates back to the time of arranged marriages. People thought that if the soon-to-be-married couple saw each other before the ceremony, they may change their minds about the marriage. Thankfully, arranged marriages are not too common today and most couples opt to see each other several times before saying, “I do.” When it’s time for the bride to select a dress, does she typically opt for a purple wedding gown? Not quite. Prior to the mid-19th century, brides often wore red wedding dresses. During the 16th century, British novelist Thomas Deloney described a German bride as “being habited in a gowne of sheep’s russet…” while Rafaello Sanzio, the amazing Renaissance artist, painted the Virgin wearing a red bridal gown. The white wedding gown gained traction in 1840, when Great Britain’s Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg. The Queen adorned a white gown trimmed with lace. Illustrations of her white gown quickly spread. Since
Vogue says backless dresses are in!
The Evolution of Weddings Traditions, Rituals & the Color White
“The white wedding gown gained traction in 1840, when Great Britain’s Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg. The Queen adorned a white gown trimmed with lace.” 20
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hroughout the centuries, rituals have changed and evolved. Various cultures have different traditions and customs for weddings. In Western countries, we imagine the bride wearing a white dress and rice being tossed at the happy newlyweds after they have recited their nuptials. How did these traditions begin? What is the symbolism for throwing rice at the newly married couple? And why shouldn’t the bride and groom see one another prior to the ceremony? Let’s review some history and modern-day rituals. Similar to numerous other customs, “rice throwing” began with the ancient Romans, meant to wish fertility and prosperity for the newlyweds. But most people do not know that Romans, originally, threw wheat. Sometime afterward, wheat was replaced by rice as the Western symbol for fertility. In some cultures, surprisingly, it is custom for the bride and groom to eat the rice after it is thrown. Although that’s meant as a compliment to the bride, it leaves a distasteful and bitter
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By Celia Taghdiri that time, white has been the most popular color for wedding dresses among Western women. Today, women can select from a wide variety of dresses. From the traditional gown to the more edgy nouveau gown, brides often feel overwhelmed with gown selection. Alya Zahid, owner of H.KLES Bridal in Rancho Santa Fe, is no stranger to helping brides select the perfect gown. “Brides often come into our boutique with an idea of what they are looking for. But I always encourage them to try on as many dresses as they like in order to find ‘the one.’ Sometimes it works out, but most of the time brides fall in love with something completely different. You never know how a dress will look and feel until you put it on. This is quite unique to wedding gowns. Once you fall in love with a wedding gown, you will still love it long after your wedding day,” Zahid explains. For brides who are seeking a more unconventional look, a touch of color, transparency, or even two-piece gowns may suite their taste. Also, bell-
STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHY
HOME & STYLE
“We’re also seeing more nude or blush lining, giving dresses a touch of color. Some brides love long veils, while others prefer to have a jeweled accessory.”
Elegance and modern style combine beautifully
sleeved dresses, cap sleeves, and off-the-shoulder are trending at the moment for brides who wish to wear a more modern or nouveau dress. The openback bridal dress is also in vogue, coupled with illusion netting, which allows for greater creativity with the details of the dress. The lace alone, or in addition to beading, appear to be tattooed onto the skin. Sleek, sophisticated and soft accurately describe the modern trend for bridal gowns. Zahid adds, “We’re also seeing more nude or blush lining, giving dresses a touch of color. Some brides love long veils, while others prefer to have a jeweled accessory. Hairstyles are very much into the boho, natural-messy look.” Another bridal expert, Ginny Lopez, owner of A modern take on a traditional, full-bodied style
Something Bleu Bridal Boutique in Oceanside, aims to learn more about the bride before suggesting a dress type. “We initially start off every appointment with a private consultation. We love to find out who she is, her style, and vision for the most important day of her life. We want our bride to be in a silhouette that is made for her body, so she feels as beautiful and confident on the big day. If we are going for a traditional or classic look we would suggest either a full lace strapless form-fitting gown to give her a modern, clean, and crisp bridal style or we could go with the more traditional full-bodied gown that will highlight her beautiful figure while adding some fullness to give her that ‘princess’ feel,” shares Lopez. Lopez says celebrity weddings gowns are incorporating mesh and transparent components to show off more of the brides’ figure and add some sex appeal. “There is so much empowerment being embodied in these looks. For hair accessories, if the bride has a gown that is all lace, they tend to go for minimal accessories as they want their dress to be the center of attention. If the dress has minimal to no embellishment or lace, we suggest adding a little sparkle in their hair. A vine crown is a perfect example of a hair accessory that would be perfect for the more rustic-garden venue gown where the bride can highlight the beauty of the outdoors with her accessories to compliment her dream dress as well. We love it!” Regardless of your culture, wedding ceremonies are a joyous occasion and selecting a dress is a personal choice that should not be stressful or challenging. You have been waiting a long time for this day so just breathe and enjoy the moment!
Fashion forward in a stunning, jumpsuit style wedding gown
LANGUAGES OF LOVE... WILL YOU MARRY ME? Here’s how to pop the question in 10 languages. CR OATI A N
Hoćeš li se udati za mene? DU TCH
Wil je met me trouwen? FR EN CH PHOTOS: MIKE COLON
Veux-tu m’épouser? GER MA N
Willst du mich heiraten? I R I SH
Bpósfaidh tú mé?
I TA LI A N
Vuoi sposarmi? POR TU GU ESE
Você quer se casar comigo? R U SSI A N
Ты выйдешь за меня?(Ty vyydesh’ za menya?) SPA N I SH
¿Te casarias conmigo? SW EDI SH
Vill du gifta dig med mig?
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located right on the sand. For a wedding venue that is both elegant and hospitable, the Hotel del Coronado lives up to its worldwide reputation. hoteldel.com
Hotel del Coronado : A truly romantic venue
San Diego’s Finest Wedding Venues Wedding Reception Gems That Feel Like Vacation Retreats By Claire Thomas
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rowing up, everyone fantasizes about who they are going to eventually marry. It isn’t until a ring is placed on a very special finger that one begins contemplating where they will get married. Luckily, Southern California is a highly-coveted destination for weddings; home of perfect weather and breath-taking coastlines. As easy as it is to fall in love with almost any setting in America’s Finest City, we have compiled a list of some of our most elegant wedding venues, because we know you already have enough to plan.
Rancho Valencia: A room filled with love, romance, and light
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THE TIMELESS VENUE HOTEL DEL CORONADO This architectural gem is as stunning as it is historical. Towering on the shores of Coronado Beach, Hotel del Coronado is the perfect venue for a wedding by the sea with the beach holding up to 1500 guests. This iconic hotel takes pride in accommodating its guests as evidenced by the services they provide. These include full catering and alcohol services, firework displays, or romantic skydiving shows upon request, and even wood platforms for the beach if the bride prefers to keep her dress free of sand. And, once the guests have successfully danced the night away, they can retreat to the guestrooms
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THE DREAMY VENUE HERRINGBONE For a whimsical and more intimate gathering, Herringbone in La Jolla is the venue for you! This charming restaurant combines indoor and outdoor seating areas all adorned with coastal, stylish décor and lush greenery. Wedding guests will enjoy the customized food menu containing high-quality meats, fresh produce, and locally-sourced seafood while sipping from the extensive wine and cocktails list. The cozy ambiance of the interior lounge is complimented by 100-year-old olive trees embellished with sparkling lights, plus the outdoor areas will allow guests to dine al fresco. By booking at Herringbone you will be reserving a wedding venue straight out of a fairytale. herringboneeats.com THE LAVISH VENUE RANCHO VALENCIA This sprawling resort in stunning Rancho Santa Fe is the epitome of luxury. The rolling 45-acres boasts romantic courtyards, lush lawn and terraces with breath-taking views. With plenty of indoor and outdoor venue options, it can be hard to pick one! Thankfully, Rancho Valencia offers inhouse wedding specialists who will accommodate your needs and provide tasteful advice every step of the way. Along with the property’s visual opulence, the resort prepares award-winning cuisine and is able to organize hot air balloon landings as well as horse-drawn carriage sendoffs. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that exudes luxury, the extravagant Rancho Valencia is the perfect place to say, “I do.” ranchovalencia.com Herringbone: Stunning indoor venue with trees
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Hiring A Wedding Planner… A Must By Veronica Talia
Beautiful and fragrant flowers grace each table
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hen planning your wedding, questions abound. Who should be on the guest list? Where should they be seated? What kind of dress looks best? What florist? A band or a DJ? Guest parking or valet? These comprise only a few questions that come to mind when one of the biggest days of your life approaches. Certainly, this is the day when everything changes, including your last name. But with so much planning to do, it’s hardly an enjoyable process without extra help. You shouldn’t try to do everything by yourself. Something will be forgotten, or the stress of it all may bring on early amnesia. That’s why wedding planners are in business—they are needed. But, it’s important the planner you choose has adequate experience to arrange your perfect day. Cara North, an expert wedding planner says, “We are here to be a tool, sounding board and guide through your wedding planning journey!” As owner and designer of Luxe Events Del Mar, she knows that wedding planning requires strategy, hard-work and experience. When hiring a wedding planner, you are truly delegating a personal advocate.
PHOTOS: DANI BLASENA AT HAUTEFÊTES
A beautiful canopy tops this outdoor wedding venue
Wedding planners are experienced in the art of multitasking. Not only are they helpful in eliminating stress, but they also help with everything from keeping cocktail hour on track to making sure legal contracts are dealt with in a timely fashion. They reinforce budget constraints, help apply vendor discounts and secure ceremony and reception decorations. However, in order to ensure all needs are met, wedding planners often need at least nine months advance notice before the big day. “We know exactly how you want your day to look, feel and flow,” North points out. How do they know this? Because you spend hours with them going over everything your heart desires. North realizes that it can be a nerve-racking day without extra help. That’s why wedding planners, like herself, make it their mission to deliver your personal vision of the perfect day without feeling overwhelmed. Every aspect of a wedding takes a considerable amount of planning. Clearly, securing assistance is wise. A reputable wedding planner takes on the nitty-gritty a couple may not have even considered. It’s their job to anticipate potential issues and have them resolved. They’re employed to coordinate seating, hire caterers, organize floral arrangements, bring in make-up artists, help with bridal gown preparations and oversee photography. However, the amount of involvement you wish your wedding planner to have in your big day depends on your preference. Regardless of the amount of responsibility you hand over to an expert, wedding planners are trained to organize these events and make them appear effortless. And effortless is precisely how you want your day to feel. Planning the wedding day is pivotal, and for that reason hiring someone who has substantial experience is essential. Some couples have unique ideas for their wedding. Think a clown, henna artist, salsa dancers, or even a magician. If this is you, make sure your planner has a large selection of vendors should your entertainment wishes be unique. Discussing these things ahead of time will keep wrinkles in your color-coordinated outfits, and forehead, at bay. Wedding planning with the help of a professional should be fun, not exasperating. Engaged couples do themselves a favor by hiring a wedding planner so they can properly enjoy their wedding day. Besides, you have the rest of your marriage to tackle life as a couple alone.
Beautiful color coordination plays a huge part in wedding décor
“Wedding planning requires strategy, hardwork and experience. When hiring a wedding planner, you are truly delegating a personal advocate.”
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HO M E & STYLE
Dine in style and truly enjoy your time here
Get Away Without Going Away Vacation at the Luxurious and Local Fairmont Grand in Del Mar By Claire Thomas
The hotel pool exudes luxury
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ith summer’s arrival it is time again for vacations to be planned and trips to be booked. One of the benefits of living in Southern California is you can step right out your front door and be in paradise! If you’re not feeling up to tedious car rides or long layovers, spend less time getting there and more time kicking your feet up by staying local in the easiest city to vacation in, San Diego. If the idea of leaving your house at noon and having a poolside cocktail by 1 p.m. sounds tempting, you’re in luck! The Fairmont Grand in Del Mar provides every amenity needed for an indulgent vacation, plus much more! All 249 fine rooms within this resort feature unobstructed views of the canyon or world-class golf course, spanning 1.5 million sprawling square feet and including an 18-foot waterfall and over 250 trees. The spa on the grounds of the Fairmont Grand, honored as “Favorite New Spa in the U.S.” by “Spa Magazine,” includes 12 treatment rooms as well as dozens of facials, massages, and other pampering services. While staying at this resort, 24 hour room service is available, making breakfast in bed is as easy as pressing a button. For lunch, head to one of five delicious eateries on the grounds. The Lobby Lounge serves delicious starters and cocktails while the Clubhouse Grill is open all day and offers outdoor seating overlooking the lavish property. If pampering yourself has you refreshed, energized and ready to dance, the Clubhouse Grill transforms into Club M on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring guest DJs. For the most refined palettes, dine at Addison, the first restaurant in San Diego to earn the AAA Five Diamond Award and a Forbes Five-Star rating. Within the Fairmont Grand, Addison is open for dinner only as Executive Chef William Bradley prepares French-inspired cuisine which is as stunning as it is delicious. During the day, adventure next door to Los
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Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. The property boasts 37 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails comprised of rolling meadows, beautiful canyons, gentle streams and a natural waterfall. Take a stroll down one of the many tree-lined paths or venture to the resort’s 20,000-squarefoot, eight-stall Equestrian Center to ride around the coastal canyon on horseback. Besides having four pools and thousands upon thousands of acres to run and play, The Explorers Club makes it a go-to resort for family vacations. The interactive kids’ center offers youth programs, including many marine and canyon-related activities. An onsite instructor leads programs and excursions into the adjacent Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve for outdoor activities such as bird watching, hiking, nature walks, and mountain biking. Along with the seemingly endless amenities, The Fairmont Grand surpasses all other resorts in terms of architecture and design. The property exudes luxury and class as it was built to be an architectural masterpiece. Romantic verandas, arched doorways and ornate Italian stone decorate the property as wood-beamed ceilings and wrought-iron embellish the gorgeous interior. More than 2,000 pieces of furniture and art decorate the property. Sparing no expense, many of the art frames are exact replicas of authentic frames found at the Louvre or the Cluny Museums of Paris. Over 50 chandeliers dangle from the high ceilings throughout The Fairmont Grand and, being that a decent portion of the resort is outdoors, over 10,000 trees, both indigenous and imported, scatter the grounds, creating a lush and tropical setting. Named “#1 Luxury Hotel in the United States” by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice in 2017, along with a lengthy list of awards, The Fairmont Grand in Del Mar is unparalleled. The amenities offered make it one of the most hospitable resorts in the nation while the lavish interior and sprawling property make it the most stunning. Take the stress out of planning this year’s vacation and book a room at The Fairmont Grand. fairmont.com/san-diego
PHOTOS: THE FAIRMONT GRAND, FAIRMONT.COM/SAN-DIEGO
A nighttime treasure
Lingerie Accessories Events Parties Sensual bath and body Luxury bedroom toys
Deja Vu Love Boutique, 2130 Industrial Ct., Vista, Ca 92081 (760) 598-5889, dejavuloveboutiquevista.com
HOME & STYLE Spa at Estancia in La Jolla
Bridal Bliss Beckons Pamper yourself before your big day at a luxe San Diego Spa By Claire Thomas
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bride-to-be’s wedding day ranks as one of the most important and special days of her life. The days leading up to the wedding, however, rank as some of the most stressful. From choosing a bridesmaid’s dress that flatters every shape within the bridal party, to delicately designing a seating chart so Aunt Donna sits far enough away from Uncle Joe, wedding planning can be exhausting. But, in addition to bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and dinner rehearsals, there is another ceremonious rite of passage which a bride MUST undergo: Spa Day. Exhale. One, two, three… it’s time to lay in the steam room and let the limbs go limp. Every bride deserves a break before the wedding to be pampered. Thankfully, San Diego is no stranger to relaxation—there are many spas in which to soften your skin; but since a bride-tobe already has enough to do, we’ve picked three bridal-centric spas for you.
Hotel del Coronado
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PARADISE POINT RESORT & SPA Located along the shores of Mission Bay, this resort exudes tranquility and leisure. At this aptly-named paradise point, palm trees droop above secluded bungalows as sunlight dapples across the crystal blue pool. Their Bridal Spa Packages entice with manicures, pedicures, massages and soaks as well as hair and make-up stylings for the big day! The resort is happy to accommodate a bridal party or, if the bride seeks some peace and quiet, we recommend one of the spa’s signature treatments, the “HydraFacial.” This celebrated facial uses award-winning technology to improve skin’s elasticity and erase unwanted lines and wrinkles, leaving the bride-tobe with a radiant bridal glow. Uber-cool option before tying that knot. destinationhotels.com/ paradise-point/spa
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HOTEL DEL CORONADO The timeless Del’s oceanfront lawn outside of the spa is scattered with palm trees viewable from the private pool and courtyard, providing a lavish yet secluded getaway. The spa, celebrated as one of the “top 20 hotels and spas in the world” by Travel & Leisure magazine, features an array of marine-themed facials, deep-tissue massages and salon services, including bridal hair styling, to melt all pre-wedding stress away. While pampering at the Hotel del Coronado spa, bridesto-be are encouraged to try the “Pampering Paradise” spa package. This unique combination of soothing and invigorating treatments is designed to restore mind, body, and soul. The five-star package includes a body scrub, massage, facial, manicure and pedicure, complimented with cheers, a glass of champagne. hoteldel.com/coronado-spa SPA AT ESTANCIA IN LA JOLLA Here, guests are encouraged to lounge in quiet cabanas, relax in the spa’s lush meditation garden or retreat to the eucalyptus steam room. The spa is also perfect for a ‘bachelorette spa-party’ by reserving plush, poolside cabanas or a lavish bungalow complete with private deck and outdoor soaking tub. Get your best gal’s “ommm” on with guided yoga and meditation classes (available upon advanced notice.) For the bride-to-be, the spa suggests the “Breathe” package. This treatment combines a deep tissue massage, invigorating scalp massage, facial and mani/pedi that leaves a bride feeling revitalized and calm. The spa’s deluxe features make for a beautiful day’s stay-cation. It’s easy to get caught up in every little detail of a wedding. Of course, the deadlines, reservations, tastings, fittings, and accommodations take months to prepare, but brides must never neglect themselves. Rely on the spas at Paradise Point, Hotel del Coronado and Estancia to rejuvenate, uplift and relax. At the end of your single days, if there ever was an excusable time to be pampered, it is now! meritagecollection.com/estancialajolla
Paradise Point Spa
http://www.insightlistings.com/26452-sky-dr-escondido92026/b/324oX8qv
Michael Citrin Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty Marketing & Sales, San Diego County BRE # 00936083
858.688.6277 cell/vmail/text MichaelCitrin@EstateManForYou.com
26452 Sky Drive, North Escondido, 92026 Near Full Mountaintop Estate with Bathing Suit Optional Pool and separate spa with waterfall plus slide. TOTALLY PRIVATE!!! Could easily be gated for more privacy. New windows and doors, new balconies New Spa Like Master Bath, walk in closets, Designer Kitchen with adjacent instant light pantry. Country and City views. Amazing by night with city lights twinkling in the distance with the stars brightly above you. Look over the clouds! Wood floors downstairs, carpeted and tile upstairs. offered at $888,200
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The spectacular view from Rainbow Point
Get Back to Nature Make Utah Your Next Dream Destination Story and Photos By Asma Mohammed
Breathtaking view at sunset
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veryone wants to get back to nature. It’s part of the human experience to be able to bond with the environment that we call home. Hiking trails can be one of the greatest ways to get in touch with the wilderness in a safe and organized way. If you’re not too fond of sleeping in a tent or bathing in streams, but love nature and the beauty it has to offer, then spending a couple of days in a national park might just be the perfect compromise. Utah is home to some of the most beautiful natural phenomena in America. Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are just two of the beautiful parks that you can find in this gorgeous state. So, if breathtaking views, lush green trees, and stunning rock formations sound like something you’d be interested in, look no further than Utah. Zion National Park offers campgrounds within the park, so you can really get the full experience. When you purchase your entry at the gates, the pass is only $30 and is good for seven days, which ensures that you are able to explore all the parts of the park that you intend to see without having to pay for multiple entries. Zion is extremely
large, spanning over 147,551 acres full of trees, rock formations, natural bodies of water, wildlife, and hiking trails. There’s a shuttle that will take hikers to each hiking spot, or of course you can always walk from trail-to-trail if you’re brave enough. Some of the must-see trails are The Narrows, Angel’s Landing, and Weeping Rock. There are varying levels of difficulty for these hikes however, so these won’t be for everyone, and if you’re traveling with kids, you may want to avoid The Narrows and Angel’s Landing as they can actually be quite dangerous. Angel’s Landing provides the most stunning view of the park, however it’s an extremely narrow hike at high elevation and is the most dangerous trail in the park. The Narrows isn’t dangerous in and of itself, but most of the trail does require you to dredge through a river that can be freezing cold (even in summer) and has many rocks at the bottom so falling in is a very real possibility. But if you are willing and able, these are some of the greatest trails in the park and are not to be missed. Of course, Bryce Canyon National Park is an essential part of any Utah trip. Bryce is signifi-
Surrounded by beauty at every angle
cantly smaller than Zion spanning a mere 35,835 acres. Despite its size, it truly is a sight to behold. This park also has a $30 entrance fee, but you can absolutely do it all in one day. The park isn’t much for hikers, but instead is more of a scenic drive-up park. There are four main viewpoints in Bryce Canyon that feature the most spectacular views and a small parking lot, so you can get out and look over the entirety of the canyon from different angles. The most famous of all of these is Sunrise Point, which is about a mile from the visitor center, so be sure to make it your first stop. Since the park is open 24 hours, you can be sure to see Sunrise Point at sunrise and have the rest of the day to hit all of the other viewpoints on the scenic drive. Be sure to catch the sunset at Sunset Point, and make your way to Rainbow Point, which is the highest point in the canyon at 9,100 feet, to see the magnificent blanket of stars that covers the canyon at night. These two parks really give a sense of where you stand in the universe, as they are enormous natural parks that will stun your senses, and maybe even cause you to shed a tear. They’re absolutely worth seeing, so add it to the top of your travel list and make your way to these beautiful Utah destinations. nps.gov/zion and nps.gov/brca All of nature’s beauty comes together in Zion
A RT & SOCIETY
Tale of Two Cities Photos and Story by Rosalie Cushman
“The atmosphere, while at times raucously overwhelming, was phenomenally joyous. They’re overflowing with joy and as loaded with life’s energy as San Sebastian’s establishments themselves.”
In the heart of San Sebastian
THE SIREN CALL OF SAN SEBASTIAN
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f you want to be grabbed by the heart, travel straight to Spain’s Basque country of San Sebastian! It is the tenor, the tone, the mood of the place that beckons. It’s the insistence on living, and living well, as defined by the native’s that is so seductive. Just ask Anthony Bourdain, San Sebastian is one of his favorites, if not the favorite cornucopia of eatery locations on earth. It is loaded with exceptional cuisine, fresh fish and Tapas-driven dreams. Food is front and center in the San Sebastian experience, and what an amazing, lavish, delectable, not-enough-adjectives-inthe-English-language to describe it experience it is. Yet naturally it is more than the food. Food is merely the carrier of a culture. It speaks with the passion and purpose of a people that grab you by the heartstrings and won’t let go. Geographically, the town rests in an impressively wide Bay of Biscay, along with another smaller bay. A paltry 12 miles from the French
Hamlet stands proudly in Elsinore, Denmark
border, it serves as an enthralling invitation to Basque country. Rich in centuries-old history, the Basque area and its people are an autonomous entity all their own though still clearly part of Spain; often much to their chagrin. The Basques have preserved their identity and culture, including their own language, as richly as any indigenous group on the planet. The city proper was founded in 1180 and is home to about 189,000 inhabitants with the larger metropolitan area boasting nearly half a million. On a recent trip to Europe with my son, our first stop was San Sebastian. See, my son had a life-changing experience after running a youth hostel here after college. And while he had spoken of the experience and location with a near mystical reverence, I never truly understood the city’s profound impact on him until joining him on a journey. IMMERSION, BASQUE STYLE We stayed at the Hotel de Londres, a fabulous hotel on the beach, easily accessible to “Parte Vieja,” or Old town, the hub for food and libations. And what a hub it is! The area throbs with people, simply throbs, pulsating an incredible
array of Tapas bars and restaurants along narrow streets laid out in maze-like style. Locals and tourists crowd into eateries in (mostly) standing-room-only style venues to pick out delectables. It’s all fresh and predominantly seafood, prepared with the most amazing ingredients propped on small crusts of bread. From crab to squid, or octopus to caviar and rue, I stuffed myself, stuffed myself to my proverbial gills and beyond, so much so I needed another stomach! Pulling back from the counters crammed with trays of tapas, everyone, whether standing or lucky enough to grab a seat at a table, was happy. The atmosphere, while at times raucously overwhelming, was phenomenally joyous. They’re overflowing with joy and as loaded with life’s energy as the establishments themselves. I don’t even recall hearing background music as one does in so many eateries in America. Instead, the music was made up by human voices with the uneven beat of laughter and conversations, crescendoing at times with a pulse of camaraderie; all with an almost unbelievable intimacy that permeated the people that thronged there, many of them strangers to one another, yet soon fast friends. Both adults and children, along with locals and tourists alike moved like a school of fish to grab their favorite food only to retreat back again and devour it. It seems, life in San Sebastian insists on itself through the intimacy food brings recreated through the pleasure of togetherness. It was in a word: exhilarating. LIVING LARGE And while “living large” is not quite big enough, the human community in San Sebastian is not confined to just the joys of sharing tapas. We were there during Semana Santa (Easter), a big deal in many parts of Europe. Indeed, a celebration of life’s rebirth and vibrancy. People were everywhere: families with children, couples, elderly folks pushed in wheelchairs and more. Always. Day and night. It was inspirational in every way—the aliveness palpable. There were jugglers and musicians on the esplanade with people ambling by as they drank in the atmosphere of the simplest ‘street theater’ on the planet which was almost gypsy-like. Oddly, there was a kind of sophistication in the very fusion of ‘old and new,’ of ancient and contemporary, preferring neither one over the other but appreciating both together. There is so much more in San Sebastian to see also including museums, centuries-old churches that flank both ends of the town’s core quaint shops. The beach has an impressively wide expanse of flat sand that seemingly begged to be walked upon, regardless of temperature or season. Mountains and hillsides outline the other three sides of the city as if to protect it with beau-
ty greater than the sum of its geographical parts. I’d recommend San Sebastian to anyone with an interest in the human community as this is one city that reflects the best of human closeness and lively interplay between all inhabitants, whether local or world travelers. I don’t speak Spanish, let alone Basque, and yet I felt a part of life there that defies simple languaging. In short, San Sebastian is an ineffable place, a siren call reminding me of what it is to be alive.
Beautiful yellow buildings add to Denmark’s charm
“Known for their sleek and
I DREAMED OF DENMARK
innovative sense
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of design, the
he contrast between San Sebastian, Spain and Helsingor, Denmark couldn’t be starker. While the former wears their heart on their proverbial sleeve, the latter hides theirs, yet not with unkindness. In fact, they are incredibly gracious. A reserved people possibly by climate along with culture, natives are easy-going and available. Smiling comes natural to them and is genuine yet suggests a sense of mystery lying just beneath. Oddly, for me it reflected the human condition in another way—the conscious and subconscious—the public and private self we all possess. It was a different mood and energy more
Danes are an efficient lot with a keen eye towards organization and practicality that results in a sophisticated simplicity.”
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SHAKESPEARE AND BEYOND Yet it is one of the most important castles in European history, Kronborg Castle, that is poised at the town’s “tip of the spear” aimed to both separate and ultimately to connect the Danes and Swedes. Used as a vanguard to control the strait and therefore commerce, Kronborg was used to defend and attack those who would challenge their supremacy. Between taxing ships and sometimes “claiming cargo booty,” Helsingor benefited greatly from the fortress that dominates the landscape to this day. While Sweden captured it in the 1600s, it didn’t hold onto it for long, with Kronborg ultimately reverting back to Danish control. Of equal and perhaps greater interest to the wider world, the castle, also known as Elsinore, was inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet—an architecture that is both foreboding, seemingly impenetrable (though not entirely), while impressively beautiful. Throughout history it has been home to both kings (Frederick II) and prisoners. The castle also has areas filled with bright sunshine two stories up in the former royal chambers, and darkness in dungeon-esque areas. No wonder Shakespeare thought it fitting for Hamlet’s setting!
Narrow roads lead to grand adventures in Denmark
measured that greeted me at Marienlyst Spa and Resort on the sands on the north edge of town. It is not a difference in substance but rather one of style -a people less spontaneous yet kind, welcoming and considerate in their own right. LOCATION IS AS LOCATION DOES Established in the 1420s, Helsingor is a town of approximately 62,000 souls resting on the shores of Oresund Sound on the Baltic Sea, a short distance across the straits opposite Helsingborg, Sweden. As one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world even today, I watched ore boats and tankers, pleasure craft and paddle boarders traversing the waters. The history of the town boasts one of significant industry through a massive port and shipping area approximately one hour north of Copenhagen. The architecture is compelling. Homes and businesses are of well-kept centuries-old style and construction residing easily alongside very modern glass and metal structures. Known for their sleek and innovative sense of design, the Danes are an efficient lot with a keen eye towards organization and practicality that results in a sophisticated simplicity. I felt very comfortable both at the lovely seaside resort as well as tromping through town. An easy walk to both the ferry and train station, several historic churches and lovely turmeric-colored homes are juxtaposed against innovative modern apartments.
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STYLE AND SUBSTANCE Pivot approximately 180-degrees and one is pointed towards the rest of Helsingor town center with its ultra-chic geometric shaped Culture Yard filled with shops and galleries, eateries and the town’s library. There are several museums in Helsingor as well including the Danish Maritime Museum and the Danish Museum of Science and Technology. They also have an aquarium along with their centuries-old churches, and there is a large compound of the formally Carmelite Monastic priory just across the road. St. Mary’s Church on its grounds is filled with impressive frescos equaling those in Italy, and a stunning 1600s baroque organ. I loved the ease of walking around Helsingor. Everything was accessible. It was far from the madding crowds of San Sebastian and offered the perfect contrast from earlier intense energy and stimulation to a more contemplative and reflective ambiance. Everyone spoke English too, making it exceedingly convenient to ask the locals questions or directions. By the end of the trip, in no way could I choose between San Sebastian and Helsingor. It would be like demanding one make an impossible choice between two essential parts of their own head and heart. Ultimately, all roads lead to a magnanimous whole filled with nature’s interplay of light and dark, and moods and energies that express what it means to be alive.
Diane is my mother and the first time I have ever created a portrait of her. It was fascinating to me as I looked through the camera and saw a beautiful woman. I’d never looked at my mother through the eyes of a photographer and it forever changed how I see her.
Yuru Studios:
Masters of Commemoration
Scott is a retired professional photographer. Often, photographers are actually quite uncomfortable on the other side of the lens. Scott was extremely comfortable and truly let his character show through the images.
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Suzy is a beautiful woman inside and out. She had poise and grace and I wanted to be sure that I captured that for her and her family.
Tony is a retired judge in Utah. He held his office in the court system for over 30 years. I could see that he was a very perceptive, serious person. My goal was to capture that and his wisdom and experience in a single image.
Celebrate the life of your aging loved ones with this eternal gift BY CLAIRE THOMAS
Yuru Photography Studios has
gifted the San Diego area with a service as sentimental as it is rare. Photographer Eric Adams, alongside his wife Marci Adams, have built a business honoring the stories of the elderly. Yuru Studios has made it their mission to celebrate the rich lives of those who have come before us in a world where they are often overlooked. Through portraits and interviews, this studio captures the endurance and wisdom of the elderly population and reminds us that we still have much to learn. As founder of Yuru Studios, Eric Adams is a fourth-generation photographer. He mastered the craft of photography through his father, who learned it from his father. It is this familial tradition which invoked a deep desire in Adams to exhibit the virtue in aging and the importance of lessons passed down. Marci Adams works alongside Eric as a business partner and source of eternal inspiration. Together, this talented husband and wife team forged a photog-
raphy studio dedicated to the pursuit of elderly recognition. The work done at Yuru Studios is perfect for honoring your parents and grandparents to be passed down for generations to come. When purchasing a package for your loved one, there are a few steps. The first is the video interview. This 90-minute interview is designed to allow them to explain the extent of their lives; their unique, priceless story. A oneon-one consultation with a family member is advised before the taped interview so one may familiarize themselves with the process and offer important questions for the video. The video interview immortalizes your loved one, bares their true character and gives you an inside look into the lives they have lived. The second step is the photo session. This customized photo shoot will perfectly capture who they are as well as who they’ve been. The skilled photography of Yuru Studio is both flattering and authentic. They capture a twinkle in the eye of someone who has seen many places, a crease in the
mouth of someone who has spoken many words. Indeed, they honor every wrinkle earned. As well they should. The owners recognize the vital role our elders play in society. We must both acknowledge and respect their journey, for it’s a reflection of ourselves. Two weeks after the photo session, a reveal gathering is held at the studio. While sipping on refreshments, swaying to the music and mingling with those closest to you, the photos are revealed. Then the muse chooses their masterpiece. Eric and Marci Adams are committed to commemorating your precious loved ones and they have succeeded with the upmost taste and sentiment. To prove their dedication, Yuru Studios is willing to travel to you upon request if residing outside of the area. Their San Diego location is located in La Jolla, otherwise known as the ‘Jewel of San Diego.’ The location could not be more appropriate as Yuru Studios, itself, is a jewel. To learn more about the studio and packages offered, please visit yurustudio.com.
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HE ALTH & BEAUTY
Well-Being Haven in the Hills Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with The Pearl Laguna’s specifically curated retreat. By Jenny Werth Sitting one mile off Laguna Canyon Road this sublime retreat is nestled in the lush hills of Laguna, offering restorative peace and quiet in the otherwise chaotic locale that is Southern California. While the programs at The Pearl are globally recognized as being successful in harmonizing mind, body and spirit, they are specifically geared towards enhancing well-being through yoga, massage, and nature. See, The Pearl is ingenious when it comes to building your stamina and ability. Their program works because it involves a substantial amount of exercise, but, with it, a terrific daily massage. “I never would have believed I could do all this and still stay away from chocolate,” one Pearl-goer told me on day four during water aerobics. The owners of The Pearl are world-renowned yoga masters and motivational gurus. The caring husband and wife team, Geo and Katresha Moskios, opened their retreat center and haven’t looked back. They’ve not had time. With troves of guests signing up to experience a full week or even a month (some people stay for multiple months), they’ve created an oasis for detoxing from all bad-for-you food and instilled an amazing appreciation for an afternoon energy-giving broth and alkaline water. And it works. Mornings begin with a knock at your door, time for yoga. Following, guests are treated to an organic, vegetarian breakfast and naturally-made teas. A hike to clear the mind
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I
t must have been around mile number seven when I noticed a woman walking barefoot on the dirt trail scattered with industrious red ants. She strolled along the path singing the National Anthem; Nike shoes swung over her shoulder by their laces. I was panting under the sun and feeling proud to have made it to the summit. Darn proud. I said hello to Superwoman and she replied “Bonjour.” Clearly, just another brisk walk for her atop a Laguna mountain hiking trail. And so goes a week’s long stay at The Pearl Laguna. Had a guide suggested I would make it through even a five-mile hike involving steep hills on my first day, laughter would have been my response. But, this was my sixth day and there I was hiking along the summit with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean as my reward.
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A warm, well-made bed is good for the soul
Nourish your body and bathe in light
Everything. Every. Thing. Is fresh and organic at The Pearl. After the early morning wake up knock, guests spend about half an hour drinking that day’s fresh blend of infused tea, and water with lemon. Then comes yoga. The yoga helps wake you up and prepare for that day’s hike. While everyone is busy doing the downward dog, a crew of at least four guides are preparing everyone’s camelbacks. Not familiar with this item- I had no clue either. This is the handy pack people have stapled to their backs that has a straw popping out so alkaline water is available at all times. It’s also a place of treasured surprise. That being your snack of apple slices and, depending on the day, six or seven almonds. Yes, there’s a precise science behind the rationing of food. AGAIN, IT WORKS. The hikes are not for the faint of heart. But if you’re someone who exercises daily, they won’t be an issue. For those who aren’t exercise-buffs, you do your best or the guides are more than happy to alternate your exercise regime. For example, on day three, another guest and I felt called to a nice walk on the beach. Okay, we were being lazy. Regardless, off to the beach we ventured power-walking through the waves. We conquered. And then I felt guilty. Part of what keeps you motivated is being with a group of people who are doing the hike. It is often more a mental challenge than anything else. As the guides often reminded me “just put one foot in front of the other.” It works. Make no mistake, the guides become your best friends, quick. They are like a fan club who multitask by ensuring no one gets lost on the trails, everyone stays hydrated and has a good experience. After the daily hikes comes lunch and a heavenly fruit juice. The menu is different everyday yet always vegetarian and skillfully prepared by a
private chef who transforms the healthy items on display in the kitchen into fulfilling meals. Amazingly, I was satisfied after each meal. Yes, I sometimes ate another guest’s last piece of lettuce (literally... everyone does this; you become fast friends in record time). But, in general the meals do fill you up. As Katresha explains in her sweet singsongy voice, “All the meals build upon one another.” Her menu is precise, and each ingredient has a purpose. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle that all comes together to promote weight loss and health. Plus, the food is aesthetically beautiful, as is the communal dining table’s decorations. This is the best table; it’s where everyone shares their meals and commiserates about life away from reality, while also determining what the ingredients are in that day’s meal. Following lunch is the daily hour massage, ahhh. What more needs to be said? A massage by skillfully trained hands kneads out the kinks and soothes the tired muscles. Following, guests have time to either soak in the salt water pool, relax in the sauna or meditate by a fountain. Or…take a nap! Some days there may be another activity such as water aerobics, weight training or even tai-chai or yoga at the beach. It depends on the itinerary, the weather and the energy of the group. The evenings are a time for relaxation, quiet contemplation, boasting over that day’s success and looking forward to dinner. After that, it’s off to bed. Or, at least, off to sip on tea. The communal kitchen is always open, the kettle just a click away from being heated and the quiet evening all for yourself. Most of my group was asleep by 9 p.m. There were 10 of us. Cell phones, TV and computers are allowed. But no one bothered in my group. The TV in the living room was never once turned on; people actually talked! It was a welcome reprieve from our fast world. The results? After six days I lost a little over seven pounds. My skin was literally glowing, my eyes were shining, and I was completely off caffeine. No more Diet Cokes. No more Cherry Cokes. Did I miss my morning coffee? Absolutely! Can I live without it? Yes. Can I live without constant noise, traffic, and fried foods? Indeed. Did I leave my health retreat and go order a coffee? Yes. But, I’ve only had two sodas since my stay. And that my friends, says something. As for the woman on the crest hiking barefoot? A guide told me she is there every week. Perhaps you’ll meet her yourself. Visit thepearllaguna.com for more information on this globally-recognized retreat.
ABOVE What
a relaxing itinerary should look like; CENTER Katresha and Geo, founders of The Pearl Laguna
“The yoga helps wake you up and prepare for that day’s hike. While everyone is busy doing the downward dog, a crew of at least four guides are preparing everyone’s camelbacks.” F INE S D.CO M
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WINE & DINE
Make Your Reception’s Food & Drink a Delicious Memory By Nicole Bradley-Bernard
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A perfectly grilled chicken breast
A mouthwatering steak appetizer
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hen it comes to planning your wedding, selecting a food caterer can be one of the most difficult, albeit tasty, parts. Between your dream menu, your budget, dietary restrictions and the fairytale-like picture you have in your mind of what your wedding feast will look like at the reception, picking a food caterer can sometimes feel like an impossible task. But, with our research into delectable catering options, we’ve got a quick tasting of some top wedding caterers’ menus. Sure, you could opt out and choose to self-cater; but let’s get real–this strategy tends to be a recipe for disaster. Plus, by the time you purchase all the food, serving equipment, and deal with the stress of actually serving the food, the small amount of money you’ll save won’t be worth the tremendous effort. On your special day, you shouldn’t have to worry about feeding all your guests. Hire the perfect caterer and let them take care of it all so you can focus on enjoying your wedding. A solid caterer will have options to handle everything from the dinner and drinks; cake cutting and appetizers; to complete set up and clean up. When deciding on a caterer, you’re going to want to prepare a MINIMUM of six to nine months before the wedding. However, it is better to start planning and researching caterers as soon as you have a date. Ideally, you should think about what you want and begin your research at least a year prior to the wedding date for the ultimate stress-free experience. Check out these three great catering options right here in San Diego! BEKKER’S CATERING Bekker’s Catering is a delish choice for those desiring complete meal packages that include appetizers, dinner, and essential wedding services in one price with lots of options. One of the most popular packages is the “Happily Ever After” package (how cute is that?!) They also have a great (and delicious) variety of popular appetizers from which to choose. The watermelon, feta and fresh mint kabobs are a tasty and pretty appetizer ideal for spring and summer weddings. Bekker’s Catering also has a variety of drink options ranging from sodas and coffees to supplies
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for a full-service bar with a licensed professional bartender (customers will have to provide their own alcohol.) Also, they have a plethora of dessert options should you desire to step outside of the traditional wedding cake for your dessert choice. Pricing: While pricing will vary depending on the package and foods you pick, Bekker’s Catering offers an example on their website to give you a rough idea of their general costs: Sample price for 100 Guests is $5,337.66* This includes all additional fees, including gratuity. bekkerscatering.com AFFORDABLE AFFAIRS GOURMET CATERING Affordable Affairs Gourmet Catering is a reasonable option for the happy couple on a budget. Their slogan is: “Make it great, give them plenty, and don’t charge a lot.” They offer a popular all-inclusive wedding package with customizable presentations and choices of appetizers including hot artichoke parmesan fondue and chicken waldorf cups. Plus, Affordable Affairs now offers a wedding dessert table as well. Sometimes, it’s less expensive to buy a small wedding cake for the traditional cake cutting and offer a dessert table for guests. They also have options for drink services including their “signature cocktails setup.” Pricing: Affordable Affairs offers cheaper pricing per guest for larger parties. For less than 100 guests – $22.95 per person. For 100+ guests – $21.95 per person. For 150+ guests – $19.95 per person. For 200+ guests– $17.95 per person. The Affordable Affairs website says additional discounts may apply for larger events. These prices are for the all-inclusive wedding package (desserts and bar setup would be priced separately.) affordableaffairscatering.com BROTHERS SIGNATURE CATERING Brothers Signature Catering is a flavorful choice for those who fancy their reception and catering needs highly personalized. To ensure catering is exclusive to your wishes, they offer their signature “4-step process” to ensure your wedding is exactly the way you like it. This process includes an initial consultation, a proposal of your “wedding draft” and finalizing and tasting services. They have a plethora of delicious food options and also feature several venue options for you to consider including the Junipero Serra Museum and the Museum of Photographic Art (both breathtaking locales.) Pricing: While prices will vary depending on the menu you choose and the number of guests attending, it tends to start at $50 -$65 per person for a buffet and approximately $70 per plate for full service catering. brotherssce.com
BEKKER’S CATERING AND BROTHER’S SIGNATURE CATERING
Scrumptious Wedding Caterers
Where Summer Never Ends 5 GREAT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!
Del Mar Plaza 1555 Camino Del Mar, Plaza Level, Del Mar
San Diego
Headquarters at Seaport Village 789 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego
Carlsbad
2975 State St., Carlsbad
Palm Desert
J W Marriott-Desert Springs: 74855 Country Club Dr. Palm Desert Desert Springs Market Place: 72924 Country Club Dr. #G-130 Palm Desert
cocorose.com
A Trip Down the Aisle
By Claire Thomas
Even the bride needs to rest sometimes
TEAM CREDITS BRIDAL GOWNS ... Posh
Brides & Grooms, Carlsbad, CA, PoshBridesSanDiego.com and 858-373-8608
PRODUCTION, CREATIVE DIRECTION, FASHION & HAIR STYLING ...
Deena Von Yokes, Studio Savvy Salon, StudioSavvySalon.com and @studiosavvysalon
MODEL ... PHOTOGRAPHY ... Meg MAKE-UP ... Eileen
Haligowski MUA, EileenHaligowski.com and @eileenhaligowskimua
FLOWERS ... Kimberly THE LOCATION ... Viewpoint
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Lauren Vitale, @vitale.lauren
Nobriga, MegN. Photography, MegNPhotography.com and @megnphoto
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Pines, Pine Street Floral, @pinestreetfloral
Brewing Company, Del Mar, CA, ViewpointBrewing.com
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une’s ravishing bridal shoot was held at Viewpoint Brewing Company, a welcoming brewery and restaurant located right here in coastal Del Mar. The San Dieguito Lagoon borders the brewery’s back patio, providing romantic views and gentle sea breezes. Deena Von Yokes of Studio Savvy Salon is the creative genius behind this dreamy photoshoot, while photographer Meg Nobriga skillfully captures the beauty and devotion of a bride-to-be. The two dresses modeled for the shoot were provided by Posh Brides & Grooms in Carlsbad while MUA Eileen Haligowski channeled old Hollywood by applying makeup to model Lauren Vitale. The dress from the Wildlery Collection is timeless and feminine as it displays a delicate pattern and figure-hugging shape. This look is complimented by natural, rosy makeup and polished waves while the model holds a lovely floral arrangement designed by Kimberly Pines of Pine Street Floral. Vitale’s hair is swooped to the side in an effortless, low bun and her makeup is smoky and bold. Highlighter from Becca Cosmetics and MAC lipsticks were used for both bridal makeup looks. Wedding season has arrived in Southern California and it is looking as beautiful as ever!
Well-arranged bouquet to match stunning silhouette
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Rustic Romance
By Claire Thomas
The young couple embraces life’s happy future.
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hese stunning images were captured by the talented photographers Lana and Igor Dovbenko of Stunning Photography in San Diego. The draping California birch trees, weathered wood and warm hues create the perfect rustic backdrop for a photoshoot as whimsical as it is romantic. Lead hairstylist, Brooklin Hopkins of Headlines Salon, along with team consisting of Devin Tallaksen, Rachel Gallardo and Zack Fulbright created the stunning braid for model Alex Bennetts as well as Paige Buttington’s curls and Katie brown’s gorgeous up-do. Makeup artists Ceb Zaitz and Alexis Noelle used their invaluable talents to give each of these brides a natural glow utilizing neutral colors while applying sultry undertones. The men’s suits, modeled by Aaron Schilling and Will Swanner are effortlessly dapper. All dresses and jewelry were provided by Archive Bridal in Carlsbad and flowers by Francos Florist in Carlsbad.
As this bride prepares to say “I do” to her husband, we say “I do” to this headpiece!
The groom finally met his match
Bride prepares for the ride of her life on her wedding day
TEAM CREDITS Photographers ... Stunning Photography, Lana and Igor, stunning-photography.com Hair ... Headlines The salon, www.headlinesthesalon.com Lead stylist ... Brooklin Hopkins, Devin Tallaksen, Rachel Gallardo, Zack Fulbright Makeup ... Ceb Zaitz, Alexis Noelle, noellebanting.com/about Models ... Lauren Delashmutt - Red Head with cowboy boots, Paige Buttington – Brunette with hair down and with male model Katie Brown - Blonde hair up, Alex Bennetts - Blonde with long hair, Braid hair, Aaron Schilling – Blue Zara Suit, zara.com, Will Swanner – Grey Joseph Banks suit, josbank.com Bridal dresses and Jewerly ... Archive Bridal, Carlsbad, archivebridal.com Flowers ... Francos Florist, Carlsbad
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A RTS & SOCIETY SOCIAL SCENE
Gold Diggers’ 25th Anniversary Celebration The hard-working Gold Diggers held “Hat’s Off to San Diego: Celebrating 25 Years of G.O.L.D.” last month. Twelve non-profit organizations modeled incredible hats competing for the top prizes of $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000. Plus, two $750 prizes were awarded for “Best Theme Hat” and the “Wild Card.” Each organization received a $500 donation for participating in the hat-happy affair. Attendees enjoyed a luncheon and creative fashion show featuring extravagant hats. The G.O.L.D. Diggers (Gifts of Loving Donors) is a non-profit volunteer membership organization concerning itself with members of our community with special needs including, but not limited to children and their caregivers, the elderly, crime victims and others. The fundraiser was held at the stunning Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa. Five beneficiaries were chosen for the event and each will receive $5,000. That’s $25,000 for The Gold Diggers with an amazing 25 years running! The beneficiaries include B.A.B.E.S, Challenge Center, Gleaner Center, SDMOMs and a Bridge for Kids.
Ashley Wagner (Model for Light One Little Candle Foundation)
Charlotte Perry (Gold Diggers President)
Lori Shelton (Gold Digger Member)
Sandra Maas (San Diego KUSI News Anchor and MC), and Diana Cavagnaro (Celebrity Milliner and Instructor)
Building Awareness for Youth Over 250 people gathered in honor of the Ayana Chaldean Mentors 2nd gala held atop the remodeled Westfield UTC’s rooftop event space. It was a night to remember with heartfelt thanks to the special donors. The fundraiser was a success with live music, gourmet food, handcrafted cocktails, a photo book and midnight snacks featuring Baked Bear along with catering by Press Box and Sahara. A lively raffle was conducted at the end of the evening allowing guests the opportunity to receive special prizes such as the iPhone X, a laptop, and gift cards to hot spots. Bryan Bazzi is the founder of Big Brothers Big Sisters Ayana Chaldean mentoring. The event’s purpose is to build awareness for Chaldean refugee youth in San Diego by inviting attendees to join the program and be matched as a Chaldean mentor. Ayana gives the opportunity to anyone who has the desire to strengthen the Chaldean community by shaping the life of Chaldean youth. Bazzi believes that Chaldean refugee youth need to be guided and being there for them is all that matters. Bazzi says he began to understand the children after spending just two to three times a week with them. The time spent allows mentors to lead them on the right path of decision making.
Anthony Mansour, Alan Bazzi, Kevin Mansour, Shantell Mansour, Jasmine Dehessy, Veronica Talia, Vincent Talia, Luke Miller, Steven Jarjees, Martin Talia, Shantel Bazzi
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Bryan Bazzi (founder of Ayana), and his father Aphram Bazzi
Jackie Bazzi (Co-Founder of Ayana) and Bushra Jona (Ayana Volunteer)
A RTS & SOCIETY SOCIAL SCENE
San Diego History Center’s 90th Anniversary Dinner San Diego is rich in history! From Old Town to Del Mar, San Diego has been home of California’s most historic sights. Recently, the San Diego History Center hosted their 90th anniversary dinner recently at the Grand Ballroom at the Prado at Balboa Park. The theme for the night was “Celebrating our past—Embracing our future.” All information to sponsor their next annual event is on their website at sandiegohistory.org.
Julie C. Novak (co-chair), Senator Toni Atkins and Kristi Pieper (co-chair)
History Center Board President, Tom Fetter; Keynote speaker, Kisi Aapak; and History Center Executive Director, Bill Lawrence
Attendees, including KPBS-TV personality, Elsa Sevilla (red), hear remarks from dignitaries
Former San Diego Mayor and California Governor, Pete Wilson and wife Gayle.
Assemblymember, Todd Gloria and Senator Toni Atkins give proclamation to History Center.
Success for the 2018 Innovate Beverly Hills Event INNOVATE is the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce’s largest event. Leaders come together at this annual symposium hosted by the city’s collaborative visionaries to enlighten us and create synergy. This year, INNOVATE, held at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, hosted by journalist Erica Mandy, was no exception. Chief Information Officer at Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Brennan Spiegel, spoke on utilizing virtual reality to ease pain. Restaurateurs, Chef José Andrés, Chef Curtis Stone’s, and Sally Camacho are investing wisely in charities, while, Ellen Pittleman, Rob Dyrdek, and Roy Taylor are recreating our reality with entertainment. Join next year and INNOVATE until then! –Michele Saldana
FINE magazine writer, Michele Saldana; and PromoShop Account Executive, Meredith Stern.
Todd Johnson; and Chef/Owner of Maude, Chef Curtis Stone.
CEO Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, Todd Johnson; Founder & CEO of Drydek Machine, Rob Drydek; and Mayor City of Beverly Hills, Dr. Julian Gold.
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O NE MORE THING
Hawaiian Island Beach
Venice, Italy
Pop the Question! The most romantic places to propose
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hen it comes to planning the perfect proposal, location is a key piece of the puzzle. To find that perfect place, premium dating site EliteSingles recently conducted a survey to uncover the most romantic places to propose in 2018. So, prepare to be swept off your feet with these top five dreamy destinations for the best proposals this year.
HAWAII, USA Naturally, this is an island of love. Hawaii is full of idyllic beauty making it an ideal environment to pop the big question. The tough part will be deciding whether to get down on one knee as the sun splashes across the sky at sunrise, or caresses the skyline as it sets. The options are endless when you’re in the island of love.
VENICE, ITALY Claiming top spot, Venice was voted as the most romantic destination for a proposal in 2018. The enchanting canals, with countless bridges and meandering gondolas, are an irresistible blend of beauty, heritage and ambiance. This ancient city on water proves itself to be irresistibly charming, oozing romance around every corner.
THE BAHAMAS The Bahamas is a blissful beach destination for an indulgent proposal. With Paris, France
PARIS, FRANCE The dame of romance, Paris secures second spot as one of the most romantic places in the world. With cobbled streets and fabled history, love is in the air. This classic European destination will sweep a lady off her feet and bring a man to his knees! The iconic Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral have seen many a love story and remain a firm favorite through the ages. 48
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white sand, aquamarine waters and palm-lined beaches, the sun shines all year around. It’s easy to see why the Bahamas is one of the most desired destinations for a proposal. VANUA LEVU, FIJI This Fijian island is a tropical paradise. Along with the picture-perfect beaches, crystal clear waters and unparalleled dive spots, it also offers unspoiled rainforests and exotic appeal, making for one breathtaking proposal.
La Jolla After Dark... is here!
Join us Friday & Saturday Nights in Covo Lounge FEATURING LIVE MUSIC 8PM-1AM • LOUNGE DINING MENU FROM 7PM
COVOLAJOLLA.COM
Covo La Jolla... Your Next Affair
Covo La Jolla, is the exquisite new event venue hidden in plain sight on Prospect Street in downtown La Jolla. Expansive and elegant, Covo La Jolla is ideal for intimate gatherings or galas up to 400 guests. Contact Cruz to showcase your next event. cruz@covolajolla.com | covolajolla.com | cell 619.204.2789 | office 858.246.6755
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