Allied Arts Guild Bridal Showcase • Palo Alto, CA

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Amidst blooming wisteria and a day full of blue sky and sunshine, this was the first year for the Bella Intima Bridal Showcase hosted at the Allied Arts Guild in Palo Alto, CA. If you've never been to the Allied Arts Guild it's right off of El Camino just west of the Stanford Shopping Center. The Guild consists of a collection of shops, artists' studios, gardens and a café that you can discover as you amble through the gardens along the pathways, fountains and courtyards.

I'd like to thank Patty Lee at 8events, an event and floral design company, for inviting The Flirty Guide to be a part of this premiere  showcase.

How much do you love this chair cover and fitted table cover from Wildflower Linens? I LOVE them both!

Down the pathway a collection of wedding photos by Myrtle & Marjoram fluttered in the breeze.

This gorgeous tabletop by 8events was adjacent to my booth so I had the pleasure of enjoying it all afternoon. The model was carrying a clay flower bouquet by DK Designs. I wish I had gotten a close up but to see more you can always visit her website.

I LOVED this bouquet by Outburst of Palo Alto. How flirty is this? The colors match the background of The Flirty Guide website perfectly!

For alternative brides these fun and feathered fascinators by Iwomdesigns are an option to consider if a tiara isn't your style.

Here Megan Woods from Enhanced Lighting models one of the floral fascinators from Iwomdesigns that looked gorgeous on her and would be perfect for a bride. Megan was there because Enhanced Lighting provided the wall washes and special lighting for the day.

There was a fantastic group of brides and grooms that attended the showcase. It was a steady stream and the fun part was that I made new friends and got to visit with some I hadn't seen in a year or two.

Bonnie Harper from One World Designs was there with her vast collection of jewelry and hair ornaments.

Could the weather have been more gorgeous? I don't think so. This is the second outdoor ceremony option and a big plus for outdoor ceremonies is the quiet residential neighborhood the Guild is nestled in.

Esther Lee the harpist provided music as the guests strolled through the courtyard.

And that was the day I first tasted Red Mango frozen yogurt. I had the pomegranate and boy was it great. I'm going to have to head over to one of their shops this week to get a big container of frozen, tangy fro-yo goodness. A special Thank You to Red Mango for hosting a bone marrow donor drive for HelpingTami.org a few weeks ago. To see the details about the drive CLICK HERE.

There were companies set up both inside and outside. Did you know that Kiehl's started as a New York Apothecary and has been in business since 1851? Now that is withstanding the test of time! I know they have one location on 4th Street in Berkeley because my friend Karen took me there once.

And Raspbarri Jewelry is a company I'd never heard of before. Their display was adorable and their chunky, semi precious, gemstone pendants have just the right look for summer... or any time of year for that matter.

The Dessert Room was full each time I strolled over for a peek. There were several cake companies, chocolate and a chocolate fountain to sample as the guests milled about.

Studio Cake was there. I finally had the pleasure of meeting BethAnn for the first time. Beth Ann was the creator of the awesome turtle wedding cake I featured in a past post as well as some of her other creations that I shot at the Ralston Hall showcase earlier this year.

The chocolate fountain by California Chocolate Fountains was yummy looking with fresh strawberries, Rice Krispy treats and dried fruit all skewered and artfully arranged for passers by to enjoy.

And how gorgeous are these shiny bite sized chocolates by Dolce Bella Choclates. I didn't get to try one but I'm certain they tasted as gorgeous as they looked.

Here are just a few of the studios and shops that greet you as the enter the property.

If you like to support local talent the Allied Arts Guild is the perfect place to go shopping for yourself or for a gift.

In total there are 16 shops and studios to peruse.

ETA on 7/8/2010: The restaurant has changed since this post and is now "Cafe Primavera."

The Red Currant Cafe offers Mediterranean-California cuisine for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea by Executive Chef and Owner Ayelet Perry. I'm thinking The Allied Arts Guild will be a fun place to meet up with a friend or two this summer for an afternoon of light shopping and a nice lunch :)