VENUE? D.C.-based LivingSocial Deals Site is Now Renting for Private Events

This week, tech blog VALLEYWAG  revealed there is a new private events space in Washington, D.C.  - the headquarters of LivingSocial. Like many companies with lots of space and not a lot of revenue (golf courses, historic buildings), LivingSocial wants to make some rent money by hosting your meeting, nuptials, memorial service or pop-up restaurant!

But, as Valleywag points out, just over a year ago the social deals site spent a lot of money and renovated the former National Union Insurance Company building.  At the time, LivingSocial supposedly stated their venue was not available for your wedding or some such:

"Want to hold your own amazing event at 918 F Street? Unfortunately, you can’t. The space isn’t available for private rentals – LivingSocial is committed to using the building for the greater good of all Washingtonians in need of good nightlife options. All events taking place at 918 F are open to the public via purchase of vouchers."

A good point made by a commenter: "Considering that weddings are often booked a year and more in advance, I wonder what the wisdom is of paying a hefty deposit to a company that may not be around in three to six months..."

VENUE: Hicksville Ceremony: Joshua Tree Wedding Officiant...

...i would like to be!  ;0]

from kpcc / Robin Davey and Krissie Gregory /
Jason Kandel's flickr slideshow.

A few months back, i heard a Weird L.A. segment on KPCC's Madeleine Brand Show about a "trailer palace" in Joshua Tree, California. It is part hotel, part recording studio, and it's called HICKSVILLE.

Hicksville has nine individual trailers, all with different themes, including The Lux, above, which is named after The Cramps' very own Mr. Lux Interior.  All trailers have air conditioners and heaters, and most rent for $100 per night.  Imagine removing yourselves and your celebration out of an everyday city or suburban setting, into the desert.  Hicksville could be a perfect wedding venue, especially as an alternative to Palm Springs or if you are a rockclimbing or outdoor enthusiast.  It's close to most of Southern California, but it's a destination wedding location. 

Have your ceremony, your way.  If you are looking for an experienced, modern and inclusive wedding ceremony officiator / officiant, please contact A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY, serving all of Coachella Valley, San Bernardino County, Desert Cities, Southern California and beyond.

Hear the interview with Hicksville founder/creator Morgan Higby Night.  Ethan Allen is Hickville's in-house producer and engineer.  Plus, see all of KPCC's photos plus these other images online.

FUNNY: Life Imitates 30 Rock - NBC Studios as Event Venues (Even for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs!)

Did you notice the scenes on Mrs. Donaghy, when amongst other things, Liz Lemon accidentally marries Jack, and he offers up a room adjacent to the TGS set for public use?

The week before i watched this 30 Rock episode, i happened to pick up a copy of a bar/bat mitzvah guide at the local CeeVeeeSs, and the back cover advertised the studios and sets of NBC Universal as special events venues.  What better place to consider, than an actual television lot to celebrate the Jewish rite of passage...or any occasion?  How very Hollywood/Los Angeles!

Both NBC Universal locations in Studio City, Burbank and New York City have locations to use/hire/rent for special events, whether you are planning a party or a bar/bat mitzvah.  Select from areas called 'Mexican Street' (above), 'Spartacus Street' (below), 'European Street', 'Court of Miracles' and more!  In Manhattan, even the 30 Rock exterior (i'm assuming not the exteriour of the show's set, but the actual 30 Rockefeller address) is available.

Strangely, the exact term "weddings" is nowhere to be found on any website or advert.

VENUE: Strawberry Farms in Irvine, CA

A colleague at work attended a wedding at Irvine's STRAWBERRY FARMS this weekend. He mentioned how there is a barn onsite (modern, not rustic), where the reception took place after an outdoor ceremony!

i am always on the lookout for unusual wedding venues, and i love to discover places i have never heard of, especially since there are SO MANY unique places in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas.

If you are looking for a modern, individualized approach to the ceremony tradition, please contact A Non-Denominational Ceremony! I am a certified Celebrant and ordained wedding officiant, clergy, reverend or minister serving Southern California.

WEDDING: in Elysian Park, Los Angeles CA

CONGRATULATIONS: Sheryl and Danny!

Another fantastic couple, and another beautiful wedding ceremony...this time, it was at a venue i have never performed at before: the GRACE E. SIMONS LODGE in Elysian Park.

The couple incorporated a sand ceremony in front of about 100 of their friends and family.

CONGRATULATIONS: Helen and Steve! (Laguna Beach)

It was an honour to perform a marriage ceremony for these two wonderful people! The bride's sister and groom's mother served as witnessness and wedding party. Although ominous grey clouds loomed inland on this day, the coast was absolutely clear and perfect. The sun shined upon the couple as they exchanged self-composed vows against a beautiful ocean background.

The couple concluded their ceremony with this lovely couplet:

"Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,
And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind."

---from A Midsummer Night's Dream, William Shakespeare

Laguna Beach is often chosen by couples as the site for their wedding. Of all the beach weddings i have performed, 90% of them have been in Laguna Beach! There are blocks of oceanside and sidewalks for small informal or intimate ceremonies, and you can reserve HEISLER PARK* or the gazebo* next to Las Brisas Restaurant, off of Cliff Drive, or the beach itself, for larger groups.

Please see the Laguna Beach city website for information about these fantastic venues!

* Links are for photos only, thanks to radified.com