Return to the Bel-Air

Return to the Bel-Air

While in Los Angeles recently, Joseph and I went back to our beloved Bel-Air Hotel for brunch. It is still as beautiful as ever, with attentive service and wonderful food. We were both suffused with memories, evoked as we watched a bride having her pictures taken and the staff worked to create the special day that she will never forget. Sixteen years later, he is still the kind, loving, thoughtful, intelligent man I married.
Joseph and I made our choices from a truly amazing brunch menu:
Kir royale, bellinis, Greyhounds, Bloody Marys
foie gras, truffle and blue prawn macaroni gratin,
prosciutto-gruyere quiche, herb-crusted Chilean bass,
French lentil salad with walnut-sherry dressing
Atlantic salmon pizza on Indian Naan bread
Kobe beef burger with fried egg and truffles with gruyere cheese
Maple-Bourbon crème brulee French toast
Strawberry shortcake with Chantilly cream
Hot chocolate souffle

My usual low-carb eating plan went out the window for this brunch. Brunch at the Bel-Air is equivalent to at least three sessions on the exercise bicycle while watching Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa on the Food Network. But - you only live once.

We were just in time, too! On October 1, the Bel-Air closed for renovation, with plans to refurbish the 91 rooms and its famous champagne bar. The staff promised us that they wouldn’t take away the Bel-Air’s distinctive charm, but are planning to add larger facilities for special events and six more suites. I’m so glad that we were there to say good-bye to our old friend and look forward to seeing its new look in 2011. http://www.hotelbelair.com/

My marriage to Joseph was the happiest day of my life. You can see my joy in my face and eyes. Joseph arranged for such a lovely wedding for me. He wanted me to have it. We had a long-distance courtship, with Joseph living in Los Angeles and I in London.

I picked out my clothing and accessories in London, with the help of dear friends, Josephine and Peter, who owned a clothing store in Knightsbridge, London called A la Mode. http://london.unchainedguide.com/shop/a-la-mode/

My dress was made by Antony Price, a dress designer, who currently designs for Camilla Parker-Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles’ wife. (http://www.antonyprice.com) He had some exquisite lace which I fell in love with. He took all my measurements and fitted a linen pattern for my dress. Antony gave me a sample of this beautiful lace for my headdress which was made by Philip Treacy. When I went to Philip’s beautiful studio in Belgravia, his Jack Russell called Piggy because of his pinkish skin and black spots kept a watchful eye on the planning. Phillip still designs fantastic hats in London. http://www.philiptreacy.co.uk/

I went to Jimmy Choo for my shoes, which were custom made. We chose an off-white grosgrain with pointed toes, a curved back, and kitten heels. I still have these beautiful shoes. Jimmy has also become very famous. His designs were often featured in the Sex and the City television show and movies and are worn by actresses and socialites all over the world. http://www.jimmychoo.com

There is nothing like the couture experience Everything was made especially for me, to my specific measurements, and fabric choices. It was so wonderful. All three designers have gone on to be very famous. Many years later, my daughter, Chantel, wore my head dress for her wedding. All she had to do was add a new veil

My son Jamie walked me down the aisle. He wanted to race, I wanted to walk slowly to take everything in, to observe everyone, and keep these visions in my memory forever. I didn’t want to miss even a moment of that day. I was myself, the bride, and yet there was also a part of me that was an observer. As I walked down the aisle, I heard Dusty Fleming, a flamboyant friend of mine, say “Oh my goodness, she’s poured herself into that dress.”

The dress was close-fitted, as you can see, but not in a vulgar way. The funny thing was that three days before the wedding, I tried the dress on and couldn’t zip it up! Panic! Horror! I lived on Saltines and bouillon until the wedding and it zipped up. Halleluiah!

A quartet played lovely music. The Bel-Air is the most romantic hotel ever; the grounds are simply spectacular. We loved the lake and the symbolism of the swans, which mate for life. As you can see from the pictures, there were masses of white roses surrounding us. I am so happy now that I was determined to remember every aspect of my wedding. It was an idyllic, beautiful day which I shall remember forever.