My Fair Wedding party with David Tutera, & Masquerade party with Kathryn Joosten

Fun Parties around L.A.

A spectacular “wedding reception” was held at the legendary Park Plaza Hotel, where celebrity wedding planner David Tutera played host to more than 1200 fans, VIPs, and brides for his fifth season launch of My Fair Wedding. Airing on WE TV, its popularity lies with Tutera’s knack for helping brides-to-be make their dream weddings come true. It is far from the Bridezilla-type of reality show, because David selects deserving women from the tons of tapes he gets from people asking for help with their wedding plans. And magically, he does it all in just a few weeks before the big event.

Tutera proudly explained, “I’ve enjoyed having successful seasons with shows about weddings and the transformation of brides. It’s still that story but it’s more now. Every episode this season is about women who have had challenges. I embrace them and I send them on their way, not only as new brides but as new women with new outlooks.”

Dozens of women who were turned into happy brides courtesy of Tutera were on hand for the lavish event. Many bridesmaids and a bunch of grooms were among the guests too. But none were beaming as much as Wendy and Rocky the couple featured in the screening of the new season’s first episode. The Kansas newlyweds got their dream wedding when Wendy’s 17-year-old son Ryan sought Tutera’s help through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ryan thought his mom deserved something special after helping him through his cancer, which is now in remission. A marching band was part of their wedding celebration, and so the Riverside College Marching Tigers went strutting through the My Fair Wedding event. In addition, there was an exciting performance by Broadway star and Grammy nominee Frenchie Davis (best known for The Voice and American Idol).

At the reception after-party, a wedding band had guests dancing the night away. Seen enjoying the festivities were American’s Next Top Model’s Miss Jay, and the fabulous top designer Sue Wong.

What does Tutera think of his job? “It’s just little old me transforming lives, and that’s turned into great television,” he said. “People are watching my show around the world. Celebrities are tuning in too, and when they get engaged they call my office.” But every woman can get the star treatment from Tutera because he also designs bridal gowns that are now available.

My Fair Wedding with David Tutera heads down the aisle every Sunday night on WE TV.

Masquerade party for the SoHo Project

Rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of all the wonderful people who came out to join the party with the theme “Masquerade– Unmasking the Face of Lung Cancer.” It was a festive event at the London Hotel in West Hollywood, which started with masked carnival performers creating a wild atmosphere as they greeting guests at the cocktail reception and silent auction bazaar.

It was enormously fun, but serious about raising funds for the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation. The SoHo Project (Sisters Offering Hope to Others) was behind the event, organized by sisters Lindsay and Kim Scheel. The evening had delectable faire from Chef Gordon Ramsay, and there was a French flavor in the tented rooftop dinning room when Can-Can dancers came out to perform. Other entertainment included singer Jared Lee, with Madison Hildebrand (Million Dollar Listing) and Kristina Guerrero (E! News) hosting.

The evening was as informative about the cause as it was entertaining. The two-time Emmy-winning actress and two-time lung cancer survivor, Kathryn Joosten (Desperate Housewives), was presented the Inspiration Award. Kathryn said, “I’m a survivor. I’m here because of the drugs developed to fight my cancer, and I want to help others and erase the stigma.” Edi Gathegi (Twilight, X-Men) presented the honor.

Reality star Kendra Wilkinson (Girls Next Door) and her husband, football player Hank Baskett accepted the Inspirational Philanthropist Award on behalf of Stand Up To Cancer co-founder Rusty Robertson. Baskett also shared touching words about his father’s cancer battle.

GBK Productions brought pizzazz to the Parisian event with the presenting sponsor Beaudry raffling off stunning diamond earrings. Plus De”Bite”Ful Cakes were sweet while showing off a Marie Antoninette cupcake gown, and the Masquerade handcrafted masks came from Cosmik Souls. GBK’s own fantastic founder Gavin B. Keilly supported the cause by conducting the auction, which featured luxury experiences such as Rock‘N‘Roll Fantasy Camp, and a walk-on roll in the next Batman movie. All for an important cause.