Things We Love This Week

Named the King of Cakes by Modern Bride magazine, Ron Ben-Israel have been a favorite among celebrities and the style-conscious since 1993. A popular guest on TV, Ron often appears on Martha, the Late Show with David Letterman, and the Food Network. His cakes have been featured in The New York Times, New York magazine, In Style, and Vogue, among others.

Ron has received numerous gold medals and awards in culinary competitions, and shares his passion, techniques, and secrets with the students of the French Culinary Institute in New York.


Ron is a Master Pastry Instructor at the French Culinary Institute in New York City. His students there complete an intensive hands-on, six to nine months’ classic pastry program. In that professional setting, Ron teaches the fine points of cake decorating, and offers select students the possibility of working with him at the bakery.

Networking Mixer at Contempo in Irvine

Welcome to the Contempo Events Center, Southern California’s newest premiere wedding and reception venue. Backed with 27 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, their talented staff provides personalized "5 Star" service from start to finish to help meet all your event needs. When you step into their lobby, you will be met with Classic Event Atmosphere combined with a edgy modern contemporary twist.

They are specialists in helping you realize your idea of a perfect event. No hotel or resort can come close. This unique event facility was artfully crafted by a renowned designer of spectacular properties for Hollywood insiders and Business Superstars and has become a favorite choice for the rich and famous.

With added touches like complimentary parking (valet available), wireless internet capabilities, a chefs kitchen, theater, gym and presentation room, your guests will truly appreciate the carefully thought out conveniences this location offers.

Photography by A. Michaels Photography, catering by M Foscari, Dj by Music on the Move, and Photobooth by Party Booth!

Networking Mixer for Bridal Professionals

This month's networking mixer will be at the new OC Contempo in Irvine.

Southern California’s newest premiere wedding and reception venue. Backed with 27 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, their talented staff provides personalized "5 Star" service from start to finish to help meet all your event needs. When you step into the lobby, you will be met with Classic Event Atmosphere combined with a edgy modern contemporary twist.

Specializing in helping you realize your idea of a perfect event, no hotel or resort can come close. This unique event facility was artfully crafted by a renowned designer of spectacular properties for Hollywood insiders and Business Superstars and has become a favorite choice for the rich and famous.

With added touches like complimentary parking (valet available), wireless internet capabilities, a chefs kitchen, theater, gym and presentation room, your guests will truly appreciate the carefully thought out conveniences this location offers.

And a bit more about the event:

C.W. Originals will be raffling exhibitor booths for the April 25th Bridal Show at the Anaheim White House Event Center

Chocolate/Carmel Apples by Berry Beautiful Creations

Wine Tasting for 2 at M Foscari

Catering by M Foscari
DJ Services by Music on the Move
Photography by A. Michaels Photography
Linens by Glow Concepts
Pastries by Pacific Bakery

Photobooth by Party Booths
Limo by Plyocity Limousines
Featured Vendor -- As You Like Services

Guest Speaker -- Jennifer Canady      Topic:  Advertising on a Very Limited Budget!

Hope to see you there!!

Berry Beautiful Creations

Berry Beautiful Creations

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Posted in Vendors, Weddings

A few months back, I had the pleasure of meeting Ana Gonzalez from Berry Beautiful Creations at an AFWPI Mixer. I met her because as I was walking past one of the tables, I saw her apples and immediately fell in love with her product. They are the most creative, and pretty apples I’ve ever seen. And I thought to myself…”Oh…I need to meet the person that created these!” So, I took a moment to look over the apples, and I introduced myself to Ana.

Over these past few months, I’ve been communicating with Ana back and forth via e-mails and Facebook. And when she called upon me to photograph her apples, I was more than pleased. I just love how detailed each one of these apples are. Each one is hand decorated! I know she puts a lot of time into her artwork, and I can appreciate her dedication to her craft.

So here are just a few images from the product shoot we did this weekend:

Not only do these apples look beautiful, they taste GREAT too! Ana let me take a few home after the shoot and I just gobbled them up! These apples make wonderful gifts for weddings, showers, or any other special event you may have. They come in a variety of colors and Ana will work with you to go along with themes you may have.

For more information about these apples and more, please visit:
Ana Gonzalez
Berry Beautiful Creations
(909)630-4082

Post and photos courtesy of Lucy Manalo, Manalo Empire

Mardi Gras Networking Mixer at The White House Event Center

The White House Event Center is a fairly new venue for weddings and is surely a site to see.  No description can really do it justice.  you just have to see it to believe it! A one-half scale replica of the White House in Washington D.C., built in 1978 as a museum, now along with the West Wing provides one of the best facilities for banquets, corporate events, weddings, receptions, quinceaneras and school functions. This facility is located on a 10 acre site with ample parking.

Four different venues are available to meet a wide range of entertainment needs. The White House is well suited for large corporate events. The West Wing has a more intimate “night club” feel for social events. The Rose Garden provides a beautiful outdoor setting for weddings, quinceaneras and  outdoor dining.

The White House/ West Wing complex can accommodate capacities ranging from 100 to 800 guests. In addition the Adventure City theme park can be used for private events for families or transformed for teens at night for up to 3000 people. The Theme Park is located on the property and is available as a separate rental or included with one of the other venues. 

Our mixer for wedding professionals was surely a hit with a Mardi Gras theme.  Atmosphere Entertainment provided some awesome New Orleans tunes, Chef Anahita prepared traditional N'awlins grub, Country Garden Caterers poured some signature southern beverages such as the Mint Julep and Hurricane!  And Party Booths supplied the always fun photo booth with Mardi Gras props!  Thanks to all who helped make this event a success.


Oh, and I must mention that C.W. Originals gave away 6 exhibitor booths for their upcoming shows.  Can't beat that for the price of admission!  Be sure and come to our April mixer at the new Contempo in Irvine.  They will be raffling off more show booths then too!

Click on the Header above to see the slideshow.

Launch Party for Contempo in Irvine

Friday, March 19th, was the launching of the new venue Contempo in Irvine.  What a beautiful event center this is in the middle of a business complex.  With it's contemporary look and feel this venue is going to be a hit!  We were invited to display our line of shoes and wine.  This will be the venue for our April Networking mixer for wedding professionals!  Come check it out.  for more info on the mixer contact cindy@ocbrides.com

Photos courtesy of A. Michaels Photography

Here's to a Great 2010

Today I welcome Michelle Groom to the OCBrides.com team! She is a very energetic, motivated professional and I am very excited for her to be joining the company. We have some fabulous new ideas for 2010 and are looking forward to the new changes we will be making. Our first is that monthly we are going to visit site locations and post photos and blog entries on the OCBrides.com site. Stay tuned, it's going to be great!