Category: Off Beat

Those of us at Here Comes The Guide who are married did not have cookie-cutter weddings: Meredith and her husband had an intimate beach wedding (a.k.a elopement) in Half Moon Bay, Jolene wore a raspberry wedding gown, my husband and I served pizza—old school, unfancy pizza, and Sharon and her husband had their lively reception in a dojo where the black belts in attendance took turns throwing the groom.

How about adding some puppy (or kitty) love to your wedding gift registry?

We’ve all heard of toilet paper wedding dresses, but what about dresses made of trash?

When a man decides to commit, he drops a healthy portion of his nest egg on a sparkly engagement ring. But what does he get in return, besides that meaningful “yes” from the love of his life? Nada. Call me crazy, but has anyone else noticed that men get the raw end of the deal here? Not to mention the fact that it seems a little hypocritical that a woman gets “marked” as betrothed while the man’s fingers get to stay bare until the wedding day!

Most people wouldn’t guess by looking at me now, but back in my high school days, I was a wannabe punk rocker. My daily wardrobe consisted of dyed-black hair, fishnets, plaid miniskirts, and combat boots. (Yes, even during the cold and rainy months.) I also dreamed of marrying Joe Strummer (may he rest in peace). If you sound anything like my alter-ego, then http://www.rockstar-bride.com/” target=”_blank”>Rock Star Bride might be your cup of tea.

Even though I’m usually a total foodie, I have a not-so-secret addiction to doughnuts. I have doughnut magnets on my fridge. I call my cat “Alice Donut” as a nickname. I know every doughnut shop within a five mile radius of my apartment.

Ah, your bridesmaids…those girls who have been there for you for years, living through all your boy-drama and, lately, all your wedding-planning drama. They’re shelling out hundreds to be in your wedding and you’re supposed to give them a gift at the event to show your thanks. My problem is that so often those “attendant” gifts are just…lame.

As the Location Scout for Here Comes The Guide, I’m always on the lookout for really intriguing or unusual places where brides or meeting planners can hold their weddings or events. Going to the free concerts at Rancho La Patera & Stow House seems like a wonderful way to check out an event site. If you make it to any of these concerts at the Ranch or have visited this property, let us know what you think of the place. Should we include them in our next book or on our website?