Once upon a time…

Wait…no.  This is no fairy tale!

A long time ago, in a galaxy…

Hold on.  Scratch that – that’s not it either.

OK, here’s the deal.  My name is Laura Guerrie and I am the owner of Rebel Belle Weddings.  Several years ago I took my natural skills (creative, organized, proudly geek-ish) and founded this business to help all kinds of couples experience the type of wedding they envision with a minimum of hassle and a maximum of fun.  My core belief is that the “rules” of wedding planning are meant to be bent, broken or thrown out completely and that, in the end, it’s really up to you – not the wedding industry – as to what defines a spectacular wedding day.  Thanks in large part to this philosophy, my crew and I have had some amazing experiences ranging from sweet, simple backyard ceremonies to a giant T-Rex in the middle of a wedding!  This stuff is just too good to keep to ourselves, so we invite you to join us on the ride:  “Like” us on Facebook, “follow” us on Twitter, and check back here to see highlights of…The Adventures of Rebel Belle!

Friday, February 3, 2012

Teeny Tiny Natural History Vegan Hot Dog Wedding

Part I

(Stop for a moment and say that title again to the tune of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and you’ll get where I was going with that. And for those who did that automatically without being told, big shiny extra credit gold star for you!)

Just this past weekend RBW had the pleasure of helping Amber and Jeff, two of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, put together their intimate vegan wedding and reception at the Los Angeles Natural History Museum. And thanks to our new friends Sarah and Joshua over at Arrow & Apple Photography (two MORE of the nicest people you’ll ever meet!), we have access to a sneak peek in record time!

From Amber’s sparkle-star headband, ruffles and tattoos to Jeff’s Vans and custom bat-tie, these two were as adorable as it gets – very much in love and having a SO much fun as they celebrated with their closest friends and family.

By the way, did you catch that I said “bat-tie?” Didn’t think you’d miss that. Hand made for the groom and his guys by Amber’s maid of honor and Pretty. Darn. Cool.

Even the little dino centerpieces were as sweet as can be:

To see more, head over to Arrow & Apple’s blog and then stay tuned here for Part II where we’ll tell you more about the most delicious, spooky, kitschy, tasty vegan food we’ve ever had!

To be continued…

 Photography by Arrow & Apple 

**Love**

January 25, 2012

This week marks Meghann and Josh’s first anniversary of getting “weddinged.” After eloping the previous year, they formally celebrated their union on January 29, 2011 with family and friends at the Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church in Pasadena, California.

UU Chalice

Personal touches were everywhere in this color-infused ceremony featuring a couple of very adorable little Disney princesses serving as Bubble Gun Girls, a drop-dead-gorgeous dramatic red gown, and vibrant paper bouquets and boutonnieres.

Happy Happy Weddinged Day!

Husband and Wife - Again!

Hand Crafted Paper Bouquets

(Pssst – wanna know a secret? These unique floral-alternatives, crafted by Bookworm Eats Flower, contained an extra-special personal touch: At some point after they met, Meghann and Josh discovered they had each written a college thesis on the same, somewhat obscure, topic. Meghann was able to dig up a copy of that thesis and send it to the floral designer who then incorporated the document into her bridal bouquet!)

What do you think it says??

Meghann and Josh came to RBW after completing what they referred to as “the fun part” of their planning process, and it really was our pleasure to help them bring it all together. So it is with many fond memories that we say: Happy Weddinged-Versary, Meghann & Josh. May your future be filled with lots of love, rainbows and cupcakes galore!

Disney + Cupcakes = Happily Ever After!

Photography by Douglass McNamee Photography

Pretending to be Bossy McPlanner (Photo by Megan Finley Photography)

January 11, 2012

Happy New Year everyone!  And to the recently engaged: congratulations and welcome.

Often times when people first get engaged the planning bug sneaks up quickly and takes them over like a surreptitious zombie attack.  One minute you’re thinking you’re going to enjoy a leisurely engagement period and, the next thing you know, after taking “just a little peek” at some funky wedding fashions – chomp! - you’ve been bitten and are wondering how you managed to create forty-two separate Pinterest boards as you head off to work swirly-eyed on two hours of sleep.

With so much input from so many places, it’s pretty easy these days to get your panties in a bunch over all kinds of planning issues – so much so that it can spoil what should be a fun process just moments after you begin.  This is why I’ve decided to try something new in 2012 by sprinkling the Adventures page with occasional bits of sane, grounding planning advice.  My goal is to inoculate you a little bit, get those undies in a more comfortable place, and keep you moving forward so you can enjoy the ride.

Because SOMEONE needs to do it! (Photo by Rawtography)

Let’s begin with a general question I hear repeatedly:

“Is that bad??”

This question customarily references a planning choice the couple is considering for either creative or financial reasons and comes in a variety of forms:

“The venue is open to the public during our wedding.  Is that bad?”

 “Is it bad that we really want cupcakes?”

“Our wedding is pretty traditional, except for the fact that we’d really like to have a TARDIS at the reception.  Is that bad?”

What did we ever do to hurt you?? (Photo by Doug McNamee)

My initial response is almost always the same: No, it’s not bad.  I pretty much say that regardless because I really don’t care for branding anything “bad” or “good” when it comes to weddings.  I much prefer you do what feels right for you.

That being said, something did prompt you to ask the question in the first place and it’s important to figure out just what might be tickling your brain. Did you see this on some kind of “no-longer-hot” list or are you concerned your guests will be uncomfortable?  Is it a budget issue or more that you feel you might really piss off Aunt Zelda?  Once you locate the core concern, you can make a more focused, thoughtful decision on how to answer the question.

If you asked my opinion, I would happily tell you that weddings with public access make me a touch nervous, cupcakes have never made anyone sad and spotting a random science fiction prop at a traditional wedding would make me want to high-five someone.  You’re welcome to factor those thoughts into the equation, but your answers might be different and yours are the ones that count.  To find your personal truth, put yourself in the role of the guest and evaluate each item from that perspective.  More often than not, you’ll find the answer is still: No, it’s not bad at all.

And we shall call it the TARDIS Tradition! (Photo by Rawtography)

Remember, you truly cannot please all the people all the time so trying will only lead to disappointment and frustration.  You and your intended are the ultimate decision makers.  If you create an environment that makes you both smile, that joy will be infectious and both you and the vast majority of your guests will have a blast.

Trust me, I’m a wedding planner.

~Laura

December 16, 2011

A while back we told you about Dorian and Lynn, their Millennium Falcon wedding cake and its Bounty Hunter guard.  Well, we promised you some more and more there is!

We offer this wedding as a perfect example of how to take the things you love and incorporate them into a ceremony and reception that is truly yours and yours alone.   For Dorian and Lynn, that meant choosing to get married at the the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

Dressing up in clothing and accessories that rocked their respective worlds:

Getting married smack-dab in front of a T-Rex!

Incorporating references to Jurassic Park, Star Wars, World of Warcraft, Serenity and Battlestar Galactica into their ceremony and reception.

And choosing the museum diorama that most resembled the planet Hoth as the perfect location for their wedding cake.

Around Rebel Belle Headquarters, we nicknamed this wedding the “Dino/Star Wars Wedding” – but, to be honest, that isn’t quite right.  It’s not just Dino, not just Star Wars – and both doesn’t even do it justice.  This wedding can only be Dorian and Lynn’s spectacular wedding.  And THAT is what made it so darn cool!

Photography by Matt Miller and Jennifer Emerling, Our Labor of Love

(Read more about this wedding on Offbeat Bride!)

Post Script: Sometimes, when you’re really lucky, surprising friendships can develop out of a wedding vendor relationship.  Usually that involves getting together again for dinner or drinks.  Here is a far more interesting example that we never saw coming.  It turns out our Bounty Hunter is also an accomplished trapeze artist and, months after recruiting this man to guard her cake, watch as the bride takes her first lesson and trusts her wedding Bounty Hunter with her life:   

The Bride and The Bounty Hunter

November 30, 2011

Muppet Fever is sweeping the nation and we couldn’t be happier!  But before the new movie hit theaters last weekend and everyone went all Muppet crazy (frantically waving arms), there was Suzanne and Luke – the couple who will forever hold the title of first to get married  wildest wedding “possibly most awesome couple” ever to get married on the Jim Henson Company Lot.* 

Believe it or not, this was just last year!  Although The Henson Company had played host to plenty of Hollywood parties, high school proms and other soirées – up until July of 2010, no one had held a wedding at this truly historic location. (Or had they?  See editor’s note below.)

Childhood memories and Muppet fanaticism aside, one of the most wonderful things about this wedding was the couple’s sense of humor shining through in all the personal touches they included.

Sometimes, when there’s an eclectic mix of decor, a wedding guest will quietly ask us “What exactly is the theme of this wedding?” to which we usually reply “Things-The-Couple-Really-Likes.”  There really couldn’t be a better example of how to do that theme right!

In & Out Burger SEMI truck (pulled right on to the lot!), hand crafted personalized centerpieces based on…EVERYTHING!  On top of all that, Luke is also the one who figured out how to make a Lightsaber Cake Knife  – and then was kind enough to share the instructions!

We have to admit, we feel forever indebted to this super-fun couple for including us in their fantastic wedding plans.  Seriously, it was an honor to have played a part in this very special event!

(Photography by Megan Finley Photography)

(Read more about this wedding on Offbeat Bride!)

 *For many months we were under the impression this was the first wedding ceremony held on this property.  However, shortly after posting this piece on Twitter, we received word from another couple stating they were married on the Henson lot in 2008.  We therefore stand corrected and apologize to any other couples who were cool enough to get married in Muppet-land of whom we were not previously aware.  (However, until someone else pulls in a semi truck dispensing burgers next to an At-At cake, I think we’ll hang on to the title of  “possibly most awesome” for while!)  – Laura

Monday, November 14, 2011

When the awesome broads over at Offbeat Bride give us the opportunity to write a guest post, we get pretty excited and proud and honored…and a host of other adjectives that mean: HOORAY!  Please take a moment to click over there and read about our adventure in TV land aka Why Reality TV Is Missing The Boat With Non-Traditional Weddings.

Are You A Rebel Belle? Photograph by Doug McNamee

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

A couple of months ago we were contacted by a television production company interested in discussing the possibility of a Rebel Belle Weddings TV show.  Unfortunately it didn’t pan out (and you can read all about it in greater detail in the guest post we wrote for Offbeat Bride).  In the end it seemed they were a lot more intrigued by an offhand joke we made about a Wedding-Planners-Turning-Warehouses-Full-Of-Crap-Into-A-Glorious-Wedding competition show.  (It was a JOKE!  We were not serious.  However, if anyone runs with that, dang it, we better get credit!)

During the development process we were asked to define our clients, which is a bit more challenging than you would think.  Rebel Belles are gloriously complex and part of the beauty of our niche is that we don’t see the same bride, the same couple, the same wedding over and over.  After thinking about it, though, we realized that if we’ve ever seen the concept of a “Rebel Belle” represented in one photograph, it’s actually the one at the top of this post.  A bride being laced into a vibrant, ruby-red, corseted dress.  Her young daughter – dressed in Star Wars gear – completely engrossed in practicing her upcoming Bubble Gun Girl responsibilities, her little cheek freshly kissed.  Love, family, freedom of spirit, delicious personalization and, yeah…ok…a touch of Star Wars –  all in one shot.  Beautiful!

Still, what constitutes a Rebel Belle cannot possibly be summed up in one photo since being a Rebel Belle isn’t about being “unique” as much as it’s about being “YOU-nique.”  And what makes you YOU is quite a list.  Rebel Belles are often:

Charming

 Colorful

Enthusiastic

Photgraph by Digiorgio Photography

 Natural

Photograph by Erin Hearts Court Photography

Playful

Photograph by Megan Finley Photography

Romantic

Photograph by Dreamtime Images

Silly

Photograph by Heidi Ryder Photography

Sophisticated

We could go on, but you get the picture (pun intended).  In the end, we found that while the television people had hoped all Rebel Belles were larger than life and over the top (and some of you are), truth be told, you are all…dare we say: People.  Who are getting married.  In your very own special way.  And we LOVE that about you!  

A first person account of Rebel Belle’s first geeky road trip, by Laura.

Friday, October 14, 2011

It’s no secret that I am well in touch with my inner geek.  I get REALLY excited about Muppets, Star Wars, Doctor Who and many of the other geeky touches that reside in The Rebel Gallery.  So last weekend was a particular thrill for this geeky business owner as my assistant Rebel Megan and I took a little trip to Seattle to attend the first annual GeekGirlCon. 

We originally heard about this female-centric convention in this post on Offbeat Bride and had tickets in hand days later.  (Offbeat Empire attendance + anything science fiction related were more than enough to get me to go.)  Megan and I donned pink & black wigs, tee shirts with slogans like “Luke, I am your wedding planner!” and “Boldly going where no wedding planner has gone before!” and had an unbelievable time – first at the Offbeat Empire reception and then over the con weekend itself. 

Photo by Stephanie Kaloi

We even found a little time to tour Seattle and take in some of the geekier sites like the Seattle EMP where I enjoyed the Battlestar Galactica exhibit while Megan discovered she has a closeted heavy metal drummer living in her soul.  (Who knew?!)

Blurry, yes, but - dude! - that's a life size Viper!

Back to business – the topic of weddings at a geek convention was not as far-fetched as you might think.  I met a woman who told me the deeply moving story of how the 501^st appeared at her wedding to pay tribute to, and honorarily induct, her brother who had passed away (brought me to tears, that one!), a burlesque producer who turned me on (pun intended!) to Jamie Von Stratton for out-of-this-world custom designed wedding attire, and the hilarious Jenn of  JustJennRecipes.com, whose blog is full of geek treats and really crafty Star Wars party food ideas.

(I also realized that Rebel Belle is dreadfully lacking in the Star Trek wedding department.  I really REALLY want to say “Make it so!” to a vendor at a Star Trek wedding so, c’mon Trekkers – I know you’re out there!!)

As if that all weren’t enough fun and games, when we returned home exhausted and happy, I was both surprised and flattered to be contacted by a friend over at Fanboy Planet asking if I’d write a review of the convention for them.  So for even more juicy details of the event, click here: Fanboyplanet.com

And that, my friends, is the story of Rebel Belle Weddings in geek heaven.  Of course, I realize that this stuff is not for everyone.  But for clients past, present and future who do get a kick out of the geekier things in life –  just know that I have been, and always shall be, your wedding planner.

Laura

This week our old website, left up to help redirect stragglers as we changed over, will shut down forever.  Although we love our snazzy, geeky, comicbook-alicious new home, this feels a little bit like saying goodbye to an old friend.  In doing so, we’d like to take a little memento with us:  The Story of Rebel Belle.

Some of our past clients-turned-friends have asked what happened to this story that told of the fairytale beginnings of this business.  Truth be told, Princess Belle is all grown up and has shed her previous persona in favor of her new badder, bolder self and the story just doesn’t suit her anymore.  That being said, it does still ring true to the roots and early beginnings of Rebel Belle Weddings and so it is this little piece of the old site that we chose to tuck away lovingly in this blog and keep forever and ever.

So, without further ado and by popular demand, we give you:

The Story of Rebel Belle

Once upon a time, in the not-so-distant past, there lived a talented, creative and…um…disturbingly beautiful Princess named Belle (with absolutely no relation whatsoever to any other Princesses named Belle owned by any large and powerful corporations).  Her Handsome Prince had arrived, swept her off her feet, and won her hand in marriage!  And yet, Belle was troubled.

You see, in the weeks following the engagement the Princess had become increasingly bored…even despondent…as the local merchants paraded their wedding concepts and wares before her.

“These all look the same,” she sighed, stifling a yawn.  “Where is the personality?  The spark?”

Sir Knotty, the Royal Wedding Planner, anxiously stepped forward.  “Your Majesty, this is how weddings are done. There are rules, matters of etiquette, items that must look a certain way!”

Belle’s eyes narrowed.  “Have him removed!” she ordered with a wave of her hand.  The crowd of merchants gasped as the guards dragged Knotty away.  The Princess, who had had quite enough, addressed the room:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I will NOT get married like this.   If you cannot help me, then I will do this myself.  I choose to be unique.  My wedding will have fresh concepts, fun invitations, lots of color, creative favors, and….”

The crowd held its collective breath as she paused.

“I will find these things at reasonable prices!”

Chaos broke out among the merchants!   Reasonable prices for anything related to a wedding?!?  Now the Princess had simply gone too far!  This was unheard of!  Unspeakable!

“STOP!”  A voice bellowed from the back of the room.  The mob fell silent as the handsome…uh…devastatingly handsome prince strode forward.  He stood next to Belle and took her hand.

“My bride-to-be is known throughout the kingdom for her creativity.  Call her a rebel if you must, but if she wants things to be different, fresh, creative and fun – then that they shall be!  Together we will plan one of the most unique, beautiful and touching weddings you have seen.  And when we are finished, my Princess Belle, rebel that she is, will help others do the same.”

And with that decree, and a kiss so passionate it caused the merchants to avert their eyes, Rebel Belle Weddings was born.