Here Comes The Guide's Blog

A California Husband with a Maiden Name

Whose last name will you have after you get married? The bride can keep her last name, take the husband’s surname, hyphenate, come up with an entirely new name…but what about the husband taking the wife’s name? California men, you are now in luck. Michel Bijon, né Buday, has gone to bat for you.

When he and his wife Diana filled in their marriage license, they decided both would use her surname, but the form didn’t have a place for that. Michael didn’t think it was fair that he’d have to go through court appearances and mounds of paperwork for something that is much more routine for brides, so he ended up filing a lawsuit, which resulted in a new law making it simpler for each member of a couple to choose whatever last name they prefer.

TheHairstyler.com: The Easy Way to Wedding Hair

As you may have already realized, finding a flattering wedding hairstyle is almost always easier said than done. My own wedding hair search involved me spending hours at my salon having my hair twisted, tugged, and curled into countless “almost perfect but not quite” styles. I’m not sure, but I may have even seen my stylist wield a crimping iron at one point (considering it was 2002, this was more than a little disturbing!). By the end of the day, both my hair and nerves were a bit fried. Sure, I found a style, but I also had to spend the next few days “resting” my hair and deep conditioning with pricey products.

When our resident beauty and fashion maven Jolene told me about TheHairstyler.com, I realized I have yet another reason to be jealous of those who are getting married with today’s technology at their fingertips! Upload your photo, select your hair color and skin tone, and you’ve suddenly got more bridal and wedding hairstyles to test out on your pretty little face than you ever thought possible. And when you find your favorite ‘do without having to sacrifice your hair’s overall health, you’ll be so glad you paid that nominal $14.95 membership fee for 3 months of online hair styling fun.

Of course it’s great for every day styles too, but I should warn you the site is totally addicting. As Jolene and I both discovered, you could spend hours trying out Victoria Beckham’s severe bob or going back in time to see your current self in The Rachel or Meg Ryan’s cute little shag cut. Oh, the possibilities!

Gourmet Cachet

If I were to make a wish list of 100 decadent indulgences, certainly having my own award-winning French chef would be among them. If you love fine food as much as I do, and wouldn’t think of serving ordinary cuisine at your wedding, then hear this: The Villa Amodei, the newly available country estate in the hills above Camarillo, has hired their own in-house chef to personalize and customize your wedding menu.

Gael Lecolley hails from the South of France, and is dedicated to providing you with the ultimate dining experience, enjoyed amid the Villa’s gracious gardens. A two-time Gold Winner, Gael was also voted Top Chef by the International Food and Wine Festival. He is often quoted in publications like the Los Angeles Times and Santa Barbara Magazine (who no doubt crave his input on everything from this season’s chicest garnishes to the proper way to eat escargot!). Gael’s “star power” extends to television, where he has been a frequent guest on Food Network’s “Chef du Jour”…which is exactly what he can be for you at your Villa Amodei gala.

Be sure to save room for dessert, though: Villa Amodei’s pastry chef is the highly sought-after NancyKay Dell’Anese of NancyKay’s Confections. A NancyKay original cake made an appearance at Sami and Lucas’ wedding on NBC’s Days of Our Lives. The on-screen couple’s green wedding cake was all natural, with organic flour and dairy products, free range eggs and other pure ingredients. Talk about star power!