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This story first appeared in the Aug. 16 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.
WEDDING PLANNERS
? Yifat Oren and Associates
Oren — who wants gays to “loudly and proudly say ‘I do!’ I’m incredulous at how long it took” — has produced elegant events for attorney Skip Brittenham, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Anne Hathaway. 323-969-8656
? International Event Company
With stints at The Four Seasons and The Bel-Air Hotel, Jonathan Reeves has big-hotel events — including Armie Hammer‘s wedding — in his blood. 310-271-1900
? David Pressman Events
“I’ve done weddings on movie sets,” says Pressman, including one for Oz the Great and Powerful exec producer Grant Curtis. “I love bending the boundaries.” Anger Management‘s Mark Burg also has been a client. 310-498-5511
? Mindy Weiss
Since opening her own company in 1992, Weiss has catered to Hollywood’s elite couples from Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale to Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. 310-205-6000
? Bentleys Entertainments LA
Originally founded in London in 1984, Emma Summers and Georgina Reames opened the Los Angeles branch last year. The company is a frequent host of Elton John‘s AIDS Foundation and planned the wedding of David and Victoria Beckham. 310-774-6698; 348 S. Hauser Blvd.
? Aaron Hartselle Creative
Founder Aaron Hartselle recently started a new segment of his business, Mr + Mr, described as “a bespoke wedding planning service for artful gentlemen.” He’s planning the wedding of interior designer Jason Martin and SAG Awards coordinating producer Jon Brockett. (415) 815-8565
? Details Event Planning
In addition to organizing the nuptials for Halle Berry, Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney, founder Lisa Gorjestani executes weddings in exotic locations such as Riviera Maya and Cabo San Lucas. 310-476-8188
? Kristin Banta
From classic in the Hamptons to Hollywood opulence, Banta tailors wedding ceremonies specifically to her clients – who range from multi-platinum recording artists to Fortune 500 listers. 818-505-8971
PHOTOS: My Big, Gay Hollywood Wedding (Finally!)
CAKES
? The Butter End Cakery
This Santa Monica bakery (cakes to order only) counts Haim Saban, Kate Beckinsale and Judd Apatow among its fans. A passion-fruit cake is among the most popular offerings ($10-$15 a person for weddings). 310-943-9241; 2709C Santa Monica Blvd.
? Sweet Lady Jane
“Since the Prop. 8 ruling, we’ve gotten lots of next-day orders,” says owner Jane Lockhart, who is happy to oblige but prefers a month’s notice. “Our most popular cake is the triple berry.” Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi ordered the vegan red velvet for their wedding. 323-653-7145; 8360 Melrose Ave., 1631 Montana Ave.
? Vanilla Bakeshop
Four-time winner of Knot’s Best of Weddings award, Vanilla Bakeshop has crafted desserts for Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba and Katie Holmes. Owner Amy Berman shares that the shop has “seen a noticeable difference in business for upcoming gay weddings” since the Prop. 8 ruling. 310-458-6644; 512 Wilshire Blvd.
? Fantasy Frostings
This Pasadena-based bakeshop specializes in customized cake and cupcake designs, as well as dessert bars for a variety of special occasions. Rebecca Romijn, Kate Walsh and Hilary Duff are clients of the bakery. 626-799-2900; 301 Pasadena Ave.
? Lark
Popular among many Hollywood clients, the Silver Lake cake shop offers a wide range of baked goods, including stylized wedding cakes with custom decorations ($2.95 per slice for a two-tier cake, $3.95 per slice for a three-tier cake or more). 323-667-2968; 3337 W. Sunset Blvd.
DRESSES
? Paris 1900
Brides nostalgic for a piece of the Belle Epoque can turn to this Santa Monica boutique for dreamy vintage gowns. Paris 1900 has supplied garments for films such as Titanic and A Little Princess. 310-396-0405
? Claire Pettibone
The Los Angeles native is known for her fairy-tale-worthy gowns tailored for the modern woman. Pettibone outfitted Priscilla Chan when she wed Mark Zuckerberg in 2012. 310-360-6268
? JLM Couture
Conveniently stationed in West Hollywood, JLM Couture offers California brides a wide spectrum of designer gowns. More selective clients may commission a custom couture gown. 424-249-3909
? Mark Zunino
The Pepperdine grad evokes old Hollywood glamour in all of his designs. Zunino’s clients include Vanessa L. Williams, Halle Berry and Tori Spelling. 310-276-1454
? St. Pucchi
Located on Sunset Boulevard, Rani Torman’s bridal line was one of the first to introduce the use of silk and color into bridal wear. Emmy Rossum, Tara Reid and Lady Gaga are fans of the designer.
FLORISTS
? La Petite Gardenia
Alison Franchi elevates the bouquet with highly original arrangements — such as a delicate metal sphere filled with succulents, lichen moss and pearls — that have attracted clients like Reese Witherspoon. 323-424-4076
? Mark’s Garden
This favorite of the studios offers many styles including straight-from-the-garden whimsical creations. Owners Mark Held and Richard David did Ellen and Portia’s wedding and count Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Lopez as clients. 818-906-1718; 13838 Ventura Blvd.
? The Velvet Garden
Flowers mixed with exotic greenery and stunning fruit make for dramatic arrangements, attracting such clients as Drew Barrymore and Natalie Portman. 323-852-1766; 8327 West 3rd St.
? The Empty Vase
Planning for weddings and other events with Empty Vase not only consists of creating innovative floral designs, but also providing services of lighting, floor plan, and drapery. Floral arrangements include decorative bouquets and lavish site decor made up of exotic flowers. 310-278-1988
? Eric Buterbaugh
Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, Buterbaugh’s studio specializes in floral designs showcased through elaborate bouquet arrangements. Buterbaugh’s keen eye for design has helped him garner clients in the entertainment industry and political sphere. 310-247-7120; 300 S. Doheny Drive
? Krista Jon Floral
An expert florist skilled in creating displays of vintage and modern styles, Jon has fashioned floral designs for themed events and traditional weddings. Her original art pieces, including framed succulent designs, are also available for purchase or rental for special occasions. 888-659-4598
PHOTOS: Gay Marriage, or Not, in Global Cinema
BANDS
? West Coast Music
The company’s slate of bands has entertained at Channing Tatum‘s 2009 wedding and at a New Year’s party at Ron Meyer‘s Malibu estate. 310-278-6848
? Elan Artists
This music outfit supplied the band for President Obama‘s inaugural ball. 888-800-3526
PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO
? Next Exit Photography
Adi and Cat Benner — HBO Entertainment president Sue Naegle is a client of theirs — have won The Knot’s Best Of award for five consecutive years. 310-474-7871
? Fifty Foot Films
Shooting only on film, prices start at $22,500; lower-priced Super 8 film options are available. In its portfolio: Brad Grey‘s Bel-Air wedding. 323-464-7700
? Kathryn Hamm
President of Gayweddings.com, Hamm specializes in lesbian and gay wedding photography. In searching for the right photographer for the job, she advises couples to find one who shares the same vision. 703-224-8115
? Lara Porzak
Though her photography portfolio extends beyond wedding ceremonies, Porzak has photographed Lucy Fisher and Doug Wick and Annette Bening and Warren Beatty. 310-535-5640
? Gia Canali
Wedding photo shoots and children photography are among Canali’s fields of expertise. Clients include Scott Stuber and Molly Sims, as well as Matt Tolmach and Page Goldberg. 877-514-8059
PHOTOS: Straight Actors in Gay Roles: From River Phoenix to Michael Douglas
CATERERS
? Along Came Mary
Notes owner Mary Micucci, who’s catered some of Hollywood’s most lavish premieres (but remains mute on private A-list weddings, which start at $5,000): “Using local, organic ingredients is still a huge trend, but we keep each event unique to every couple, gay or straight.” 323-931-9082
? Good Gracious Events
Owner Pauline Parry, who has catered for Angie Harmon and lawyer Bradley S. Small, predicts 2014, which already is filling up, will be “the year of love” as a result of the ruling. $250-$300 a head, from soup to silverware; 310-954-2277; 5714 Pico Blvd.
INVITATIONS
? Marc Friedland Couture Communications
For gay couples who send invites themselves, no parent doing the bidding, owner Marc Friedland — who designs the winner’s envelope for the Academy Awards — advises the following wording: “Together with our families, we invite you … ” He did the invites for the 2008 wedding of ID-PR’s Kelly Bush to Linda Novak. From $3,500; 323-936-9009
? Tiny Pine Press
The eco-friendly studio founded by Jennifer Parsons in 2005 counts Kevin Costner and Nick Lachey as clients. 818-625-3723; 2309 Burbank Blvd.
SPACES
? The Four Seasons
In honor of the recognition of same-sex unions, the Hollywood classic is offering a “Celebrate Love” package for LGBT couples. International chef Ashley James — the former executive chef at the hotel’s Buenos Aires location — serves as the in-house caterer. 310-786-2212; 300 S. Doheny Dr.
? The London
The chic West Hollywood retreat’s “One Love” wedding package does all the work for you. The service provides couples with a personal wedding consultant, a three-course dinner prepared by the Gordon Ramsay culinary team, honeymoon arrangements and more. 310-358-7776; 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd.
? Sunset Marquis
The Sunset Marquis’ prime location off the Sunset Strip has played host to George Clooney, Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston in the past. The 3.5 acres of garden space provide a lush backdrop to exchange “I do’s.” (310) 657-1333; 1200 Alta Loma Rd.
? The Chamberlain
The hotel’s residential location offers a quiet retreat from L.A.’s usual bustle. A rooftop patio offers a postcard-ready view of the city, perfect for receptions. 310-657-7400; 1000 Westmount Dr.
? Loews Hollywood Hotel
Same sex couples can say their “I do’s” in the style of a Hollywood movie opening with the hotel’s new package, which includes all the necessities expected at a Hollywood wedding, from a celebrity event planner Shay Watson (who has produced events for the likes of Anne Hathaway and Monique Lhuillier) to exquisite food by Wolfgang Puck Catering. (323) 491-1201; 1755 N. Highland Ave.
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