What if you were one of those people on house arrest -- the ones with the ankle bracelets -- but you still wanted to get married? You'd have to do everything local ... like 2 or 3 blocks local.
We coined this rare circumstance a "Martha Stewart Wedding." Then we applauded our own cleverness for two hours straight.
After coming down from our ego trip, I thought about how a couple might make that work ... if, for instance, the braceleted bride could travel no more than 1,500 feet from home. Would it be possible?
To find out, I purchased a home detention kit on Amazon.com and Velcro-ed on the black tether anklet. 2E's then released me to the streets, into the wild, monitoring me as I traveled within a 1,500-ft radius (approx. 0.3 miles from home). She and I could communicate back-and-forth through the electronic monitoring device, and if I ever went outside of said radius -- or attempted to remove the device -- the sensor would sound and she would promptly alert the authorities. Amazing to think that I was only arrested once.
Here's what I found:
THE REHEARSAL DINNER
Ca'Brea, 346 South La Brea
We might not know the difference between Antipasti, Insalate and Paste, but this place has bruschetta and that's all we need to know. Besides, if Mom weren't a full-blooded Cuban, she'd be an Italian without hesitation. And with breadsticks.
THE ATTIRE
The Way We Wore: Vintage Clothing, 334 S. La Brea Ave.
Vintage BKLYN becomes Vintage HLYWD. Black-and-white horizontal stripes. Bare branches. The Frankie Avalon Beach Party film series. We'll make it work.
THE CEREMONY LOCATION
Albertson Wedding Chapel, 5318 Wilshire Blvd.
According to their website (which has the most anxious html ever - www.wednow.net), the all-in-one Albertson has been providing "tasteful and affordable weddings in Los Angeles since 1974."
But the best thing about the chapel is that they can add anything to your bill for a nominal fee: marriage license, $79; live cellist, $125; bouquet and boutonniere set, $85; standard video, $99; free fresh flowers in the chapel ... priceless.
THE RECEPTION VENUE
Busby's East, 5364 Wilshire Blvd.
Busby's has a bar. Busby's has pool tables. Busby's has a men's and a women's bathroom. It's got it all. And though our guest count might double in size when we factor in the bar staff, wait staff and the "usuals," we'll have enough flat screen TVs with SportsCenter to go around.
THE CATERER
Subway Restaurant, 5353 Wilshire Blvd.
Look at those values! $5 for all those subs?! That's ludicrous! And if we come in a little under-budget, you better believe we're going to get some avocado on the side.
THE FLOWERS
House of Petals, Couture Florists, 340 South La Brea Avenue
Taking into account the "For Lease" sign on the window, it doesn't appear that House of Petals will be on La Brea much longer, but we're hoping there'll be some couture floral leftovers out back.
And if the House of Petals doesn't work out, our backup -- the local Ralph's supermarket -- is right down the street. Ralph's got some sweet orchids. And I've got the Club Card, so it's ... like ... cheaper.
THE DECOR
Linens: The Silk Trading Co., 360 S La Brea Ave.
Furniture: L.A. Rocking Chair Store, 304 S La Brea Ave.
Lighting: Lamps Plus, 200 S La Brea Ave.
Three storefronts all within 1,000-ft of one another. After this Martha Stewart Wedding is complete, people won't be able to shut up about that silk-gliders-&-lamps shindig at Busby's.
THE AFTER-PARTY
El Toro Cantina, 5368 Wilshire Blvd.
I've never been to El Toro, but the place has a circular window, potted palms and the word Cantina in its name. Enough said.
THE HONEYMOON
Starbucks Coffee, 5353 Wilshire Blvd
Suite A (Honeymoon Suite)
Suite A (Honeymoon Suite)
So it's not on the water or luxurious or even private ... but there is a romance about Starbucks. Leather club chairs, good customer service and -- let's face it -- the Peppermint Mocha is back, and we haven't given that enough attention.
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