Star-Studded Style: Celebs Setting Wedding “Trends”
by Mia Bolaris-Forget (Staff Writer)Every girl wants to, should, and usually “does” feel like a princess on her wedding day. It’s the one time she and the love of her life get to be totally pampered, and in the limelight. In fact, from the minute he asks and she says yes, to the last minute of the reception after the “I Dos”, the couple are the stars of this lovestory.
For months, and for some, years on end, the couple along with their friends and family, spend endless hours pondering this production and doting over every fine detail that will define the storyline of this masterpiece. And celebrity couples are no different…well, except for what, compared to us, they can afford. Still, it’s all about the details and when it comes to precision in party planning, these lovebirds help set the trends for the rest of us.
Here’s a few of the latest “trends” in Tinsletown celebrations.
Wolfgang Puck and Gelila Assefa
He’s a master in the kitchen, and now the world-renowned chef and his famous fashion-designer bride recently hosted a wedding that’s truly something to dish about.
Popping the question: In a relationship for four years, this happily “in-love” couple admits that the wedding was merely a reason to celebrate and a “formality”; one that began with a proposal during at stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, in Dana Point California, back in 2005.
Destination “I Do”: Besides the size of the ring, which, when it comes to celebrities, often “does” seem to matter, these star-studded couples know that a successful party starts with, location, location, location. They decided on three-day gala, organized by event producer J. Ben Bourgeos and florist Kevin Lee, in Capri; an event replete with a five course Italian meal rehearsal dinner as an appetizer to the main event. The wedding took place on the next day, with the island’s may officiating over an authentic Italian ceremony in a public garden.
Moda Italia: The beaming bride wore an ethereal custom-made J. Mendel silk chiffon gown. Her bridal party also wore J. Mendel creations.
Viva d'esposes: In celebration of the happy couple and their union the reception took place at the Grand Hotel Quisisana by Scilapopola. In fact they were escorted to their party by a local folk-dance troupe.
When life hands you lemons make cake: Mr. Puck and his bride treated guests to a bountiful five-tiered tower made with Capri lemons as their sweet start to happily ever after.
The sky’s the limit: The festivities ended with a “big band” as the midnight sky was lit up with a spectacular fireworks display over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Picture perfect thanks: From creating wonderful memories for those who were there to “including” those who were not, a location photo/postcard thank you is great way to show your gratitude.
Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan
After first meeting on the set of Step Up back in 2006, the two were engaged on the Island of Maui lat September, when Channing presented Jenna with a signature Neil Lane engagement ring. This charming couples had a beachy-keen affair on the shores of Malibu. Their fairytale wedding took place on a private estate overlooking the ocean.
Making The “Magic” Happen: This ceremonious gala, attended by 200 guests was organized by event planner Mindy Weiss, who in tribute to the twosome fervor for fairies featured two flower girls who walked down the aisle wearing wings.
Fairytale fashion: Jenna took her place by Channing in a Remm Acra gown, while he sported a Giorgio Armani two-button peak lapel tux with a classic evening shirt and silk tie. The groomsmen also wore Armani tuxes with classic evening shirts and black silk ties.
The circle of love: Channing and Jenna “sealed the deal” by exchanging wedding bands designed by Neil Lane.
Outdoor opulence: The festivities took place under a tent adorned by Mark’s Garden and featuring thousands of roses, hydrangeas, and orchids in hues including shades of red, fuchsia, and blush. Guest dines on mini burger, bacon wrapped dates, mozzarella sticks, mararoni ruffles and lobster friend corn dogs, as well as on chicken and beef dishes for the main course.
To the beat “of their own drummer”: The couple shared their first dance to the tunes of Hawaiian artist Israel “Iz” Ka’ano’I Kamakawiwo’loe’s version of Somewhere over the Rainbow”.
Having their cake and eating it too: Cake Divas designed this decadent dessert; a magic castle filled with fairies composed of several flavours including chocolate with chocolate fudge, red velvet, and fwhite with “funfetti” frosting.
A “sparkling” ending to their fairytale fete: Channing and Jenna, in keeping with their theme, gave gusts crystals a parting gifts/favours.
Robert Redford and Sybylle Szaggars:
After many years together, Robert Redford and his Fiance Sibylle Szaggares hosted a “secret” and intimate wedding ceremony in Hamburg Germany.
Standing on ceremony: The ceremony, which officialized the couple’s union, and said to be a very important step for them, was officiated by Evangelical Pastor Frank Engelbrecht of St. Katharinen Kirche. This milestone in their long-term relationship was held at Hamburg’s luxurious luxury Elb-Hotel Louis C. Jacob, the retreat where the couple had been staying at for a few days. It was attended by 30 friends and family member only, as this is the second marriage for both of them.
Euro-chic bride: How do you dazzle as a sex-symbol’s bride…well by exemplifying elegance, sophistication and a sex-appeal all your own. The new Mrs. Redford did just that in a champaign-cloured bridal dress.
Kendra Wilkinson and Hank Baskett:
She may have started out by touting herself as a “Girl Next Door”, but unless you next to the Playboy Mansion, Kendra Wilkinson is not your typical neighbourhood girl, and neither was her (pun totally intended) “over-the-top” nuptials to Hank Baskett.
Sentimental setting: The happy couple and expectant parents exchanged vows at a place Kendra had called “home”, Former “flame”, Hugh Hefner’s Mansion, where Hugh, along with his three new femme-fatals was in attendance, along with Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt, (also former Girls Next Door), who served as Bridesmaids. And, while Hugh was supposed to walk Kendra down the aisle to take the plunge, (again, pun fully intended), a “change of heart”, translated into brother Colin doing the honours.
Post-celebre Celebration: What better place to satisfy your taste for the exotic (besides the Playboy Mansion) than in the Caribbean. Well, that’s exactly for where Kendra and Hank headed to celebrate their honeymoon, babymoon, both. They retreated to the Island of St. Lucia for nine days of post-wedded bliss.
