Review: David Tutera's My Fair Wedding 11/13/11

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1

He’s back! I’ve said it before – his is the only wedding show that I can watch. I love the whole idea of taking a bride’s vision and just upgrading it into something wonderful. Most of the time, what they’ve started out with isn’t bad, but with a little tweaking, it can be so SO much better. I’m a pretty good “editor” myself,and I have to confess that one of my favorite things as a planner is to say to a bride, “But you can also do it THIS way” and hear them say, “Ooh!” So, yes, I have a little bit of an ego, too!

So, this week, David is traveling to Topeka, KS. 17-year old Ryan, was diagnosed with cancer, and he was granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His wish? Give his Mom, Wendy, the wedding of her dreams by bringing in David Tutera.
David walks into a room filled with Make a Wish volunteers wearing snazzy “Team Ryan” t-shirts. David’s got one week to pull this off, so he’s going to need all the help he can get. The president of the foundation, David Williams, explains that not all wish grantees are terminal patients (Ryan is currently in remission), which I didn’t know, actually.
Kathy Griffin has this bit when she talks about Oprah – that people freak out when she enters the room – crying, screaming, jumping up and down. The same usually happens when brides open the door and David Tutera is on the other side. The 17-year old boy? Becomes monosyllabic. He’s obviously in shock, but really happy.

The theme of her wedding: Origami cranes and Cherry blossoms. Wendy is looking for peace and calm, a real zen experience. She’s made origami crane accessories for her bridesmaids, and favors for her guests – all 200 of them. Dinner will be a Chinese buffet catered by a local grocery store. And here comes the “Whaa?” Moment in David’s head. He’s trying not to judge, dude, TRYING not to judge, but his voice goes just a littlebithigher when he replies,”Sure!” Actually,on second thought, it’s not judging, it’s panic – a week out from her wedding, and all Wendy has shown him are accessories, centerpiece vases, and a pair of platinum pumps by Jessica Simpson. And the only thing that’s finished are the pumps. If Wendy had her way, she’d like the room filled with cherry blossom trees and an aisle runner. Pretty simple and elegant.
BUT, her bridesmaids are wearing heavy black dresses,and Wendy’s dress doesn’t really fit very well. As David points out, neither really fit into her zen style.
Time to try on wedding dresses! Go to minute 19:56 to take a look at her choices. Wendy doesn’t like the second dress, but is cool with the first and second one. When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, Wendy’s got some great options, too. She really likes the dark gold floor-length dress, but I’m digging the dark red knee length gown.

Then we’re off to tuxedos for Ryan and Rocky, Wendy’s fiance. Rocky thinks the first tuxedo makes him look like a UPS truck driver. Hah! Ryan doesn’t like the second tuxedo with the bow tie. Makes him think of James Bond. Wendy likes the third tuxedo with the long tie. What will David choose??

Now it’s time to pick the favors. Wendy’s favorite is a dollar coin that can be tossed in a wishing well and donated back to the Make a Wish Foundation. Not sure how that would work. Does Wendy buys the dollar coins, then basically she’s making the donation, right? Although I doubt if she’s paying for them…I’m thinking real world applications, and maybe I should just stop. Anyway, it’s a very sweet idea,and, hey, wishing well in the middle of your wedding reception! That’s pretty cool.

Dress Reveal! What do you think?
http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1

Go to 44:51 for the reveal of the reception. It’s beautiful! Wood, live and silk cherry blossom stands. Orchids and Topiaries and custom made linens, table cloths and overlays in a green and gold color scheme. Again, very simple and very elegant. If you’d like some tips on how to find something like this in your price range, email me and I can send you in the right direction. Because, really, each of these table set-ups is around $400 + each, easy.

And at the end of the night? A band and fireworks. Nice job, David.

See you at the end of the aisle,

Liz Coopersmith
Silver Charm Events
323-592-9318
liz@silvercharmevents.com