aroos magazine (winter 2011)

4 i Aroos Magazine • Winter 2011 / 2012

Aroos Feature

Winter 2011 / 2012 • Aroos Magazine i 5

Aroos Feature

Letter from the PublisherDear Friends: After five years publishing the only bridal magazine for the Persian American community, I feel that I have learned as much as if I spent five years in business school — things like marketing, communication, graphics, accounting and more. Over the last five years I have made lots of good friends with different ideas, who wanted to help and support me in this amazing job in magazine publishing. It’s been a long road to publish magazine issue 20, and I’m sure the road will be even harder in the future; to that end, I hope you don’t cease your support of me and Aroos.

Last November, one of my favorite artist couples married; I had the chance to do photography for them. To the new Mr. Andy and Mrs. Shani Madadian, I want to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart. We’re publishing a special session of photography as a wedding story in this magazine.

Our fourth annual wedding show was fantastic, with over 4,000 visitors at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. We had lots of feedback from our clients, vendors and visitors. I couldn’t have made this show possible without friends like Shideh Shahraies, Jeannie Savage and Jozef Bina. We’re now already planning a bigger and better show for next year; please keep an eye on our future ads, Facebook posts and news items to learn more about the 5th annual Aroos Magazine Wedding Show.

Once again, thank you to all of my friends, supporters and sponsors.

Navid SoheilianPublisher

Publisher: Navid Soheilian • [email protected] Editor and Graphic Designer: Candice YaconoPrinted by Metro Digital • Metro-Digital.com

AROOS MAGAZINE • P.O. Box 3453 Mission Viejo, CA 92690 • 310.753.9622 [email protected] • www.aroosmagazine.com • Circulation: 10,000

All rights reserved by AROOS. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission. The articles and advertisements appearing in AROOS Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion of AROOS, the editors, or other columnists. All topics and subjects discussed, including any legal or medical articles, are not for the purpose of answering specific legal or other problems. Readers are

strongly advised to independently research all issues and/or seek professional advice. Acceptance of advertising by AROOS Magazine does not constitute endorsement of products or services advertised. The content of ads is not confirmed by AROOS, and each advertiser is responsible for the content of their ad; no representations are made by AROOS. AROOS reserves the right to refuse any advertising and

articles. AROOS Magazine is a promotional distribution, and its sale and unauthorized use are prohibited under any circumstances.

Aroos Feature

Letter from the PublisherDear Friends: After five years publishing the only bridal magazine for the Persian American community, I feel that I have learned as much as if I spent five years in business school — things like marketing, communication, graphics, accounting and more. Over the last five years I have made lots of good friends with different ideas, who wanted to help and support me in this amazing job in magazine publishing. It’s been a long road to publish magazine issue 20, and I’m sure the road will be even harder in the future; to that end, I hope you don’t cease your support of me and Aroos.

Last November, one of my favorite artist couples married; I had the chance to do photography for them. To the new Mr. Andy and Mrs. Shani Madadian, I want to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart. We’re publishing a special session of photography as a wedding story in this magazine.

Our fourth annual wedding show was fantastic, with over 4,000 visitors at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. We had lots of feedback from our clients, vendors and visitors. I couldn’t have made this show possible without friends like Shideh Shahraies, Jeannie Savage and Jozef Bina. We’re now already planning a bigger and better show for next year; please keep an eye on our future ads, Facebook posts and news items to learn more about the 5th annual Aroos Magazine Wedding Show.

Once again, thank you to all of my friends, supporters and sponsors.

Navid SoheilianPublisher

Publisher: Navid Soheilian • [email protected] Editor and Graphic Designer: Candice YaconoPrinted by Metro Digital • Metro-Digital.com

AROOS MAGAZINE • P.O. Box 3453 Mission Viejo, CA 92690 • 310.753.9622 [email protected] • www.aroosmagazine.com • Circulation: 10,000

All rights reserved by AROOS. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission. The articles and advertisements appearing in AROOS Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion of AROOS, the editors, or other columnists. All topics and subjects discussed, including any legal or medical articles, are not for the purpose of answering specific legal or other problems. Readers are

strongly advised to independently research all issues and/or seek professional advice. Acceptance of advertising by AROOS Magazine does not constitute endorsement of products or services advertised. The content of ads is not confirmed by AROOS, and each advertiser is responsible for the content of their ad; no representations are made by AROOS. AROOS reserves the right to refuse any advertising and

articles. AROOS Magazine is a promotional distribution, and its sale and unauthorized use are prohibited under any circumstances.

Aroos Feature

Aroos Feature04 Publisher’s Letter11 News All the latest news about Aroos and weddings.

18 A Dazzling Display The 2012 Aroos Wedding Show was quite the spectacle.

28 Color Story Black and white: cool and classic.

36 Coastal LuxuryDoes it get any more spectacular than the Montage?

41 Designed for Destiny Events by Shideh brings the details all together.

48 A Touch of Europe in OC The St. Regis brings Mediterranean style home.

54 An Eye for Aesthetics Shirvan Design doesn’t emulate trends; it makes them.

60 Wedding Report Sanaz Tousi & Alireza Mirsepassi.

66 For a Modern Bride The SLS in Beverly Hills beckons contemporary couples.

72 Something for Everybody 90210 Entertainment Group offers it all.

76 Wedding Report Neda Yazdani & Paymon Khaksar.

87 A Blooming Business Gorgeous florals are at the heart of Bella Blooms.

90 Wedding Report Chelsea McKnight & Omid Navran.

95 Diamond of a Business Expands Soraya Jewels offers custom style to a select clientele.

100 Wedding Report Shani Rigsbee & Andy Madadian.

109 Sweet and ‘Vivaciously Royal’ Sweets for the sweet abound at the Queen’s Bakery.

114 Contracts for Couples Aroos’ resident legal expert explains wedding contracts.

118 Wedding Report Goli & Alan Parsa.

127 Easier Than You Think All the details on laser hair removal.

130 Wedding Report Geeta Dastyar & Sam Namiri.

134 Directory: Orange County and San Diego136 Directory: Los Angeles

CONTENTSLetter from the Editor

Dear Readers,

What a year it’s been, and it’s only Feb-ruary! In addition to finishing our largest issue ever published (you’re holding it in your hands), we also put on a wildly suc-cessful bridal show. Apologies to everyone who didn’t get the chance to pick up a back issue at the Aroos table; we were shocked at how quickly they disappeared. Stop by early next time to get one!

I loved seeing people gasp as they walked into the room; the designers and coordina-tors did an absolutely gorgeous job con-verting the ballroom into one large wed-ding reception. Turn a few pages ahead to view all the memories from that day.

Our publisher, Navid Soheilian, also had the honor of photographing the celebrity wedding of the year — Andy Madadian and Shani Rigsbee turned their nuptials into a multi-night celebration. Flip over to their wedding report to see all the details.

Putting this issue together has been a year-long process — we always wanted the 20th issue to be something special. To that end, we’re ecstatic to feature exclusive interviews with some of the area’s top re-sorts and wedding locations, like the Mon-tage Resort & Spa in Laguna Beach and the SLS Beverly Hills.

As always, we also have included lots of the vendor information you yearn for (especially those to-die-for photos), from craveable cakes to fabulous florals. Read on for all the scoops on how to make your event one-of-a-kind.

Spring is coming soon,

Candice YaconoEditor

Aroos Feature

Aroos Feature04 Publisher’s Letter11 News All the latest news about Aroos and weddings.

18 A Dazzling Display The 2012 Aroos Wedding Show was quite the spectacle.

28 Color Story Black and white: cool and classic.

36 Coastal LuxuryDoes it get any more spectacular than the Montage?

41 Designed for Destiny Events by Shideh brings the details all together.

48 A Touch of Europe in OC The St. Regis brings Mediterranean style home.

54 An Eye for Aesthetics Shirvan Design doesn’t emulate trends; it makes them.

60 Wedding Report Sanaz Tousi & Alireza Mirsepassi.

66 For a Modern Bride The SLS in Beverly Hills beckons contemporary couples.

72 Something for Everybody 90210 Entertainment Group offers it all.

76 Wedding Report Neda Yazdani & Paymon Khaksar.

87 A Blooming Business Gorgeous florals are at the heart of Bella Blooms.

90 Wedding Report Chelsea McKnight & Omid Navran.

95 Diamond of a Business Expands Soraya Jewels offers custom style to a select clientele.

100 Wedding Report Shani Rigsbee & Andy Madadian.

109 Sweet and ‘Vivaciously Royal’ Sweets for the sweet abound at the Queen’s Bakery.

114 Contracts for Couples Aroos’ resident legal expert explains wedding contracts.

118 Wedding Report Goli & Alan Parsa.

127 Easier Than You Think All the details on laser hair removal.

130 Wedding Report Geeta Dastyar & Sam Namiri.

134 Directory: Orange County and San Diego136 Directory: Los Angeles

CONTENTSLetter from the Editor

Dear Readers,

What a year it’s been, and it’s only Feb-ruary! In addition to finishing our largest issue ever published (you’re holding it in your hands), we also put on a wildly suc-cessful bridal show. Apologies to everyone who didn’t get the chance to pick up a back issue at the Aroos table; we were shocked at how quickly they disappeared. Stop by early next time to get one!

I loved seeing people gasp as they walked into the room; the designers and coordina-tors did an absolutely gorgeous job con-verting the ballroom into one large wed-ding reception. Turn a few pages ahead to view all the memories from that day.

Our publisher, Navid Soheilian, also had the honor of photographing the celebrity wedding of the year — Andy Madadian and Shani Rigsbee turned their nuptials into a multi-night celebration. Flip over to their wedding report to see all the details.

Putting this issue together has been a year-long process — we always wanted the 20th issue to be something special. To that end, we’re ecstatic to feature exclusive interviews with some of the area’s top re-sorts and wedding locations, like the Mon-tage Resort & Spa in Laguna Beach and the SLS Beverly Hills.

As always, we also have included lots of the vendor information you yearn for (especially those to-die-for photos), from craveable cakes to fabulous florals. Read on for all the scoops on how to make your event one-of-a-kind.

Spring is coming soon,

Candice YaconoEditor

Aroos Feature

Aroos FeatureAroos NewsThe traditional Persian New Year — marking the arrival of spring — has been

celebrated since ancient times. This year, join your neighbors in a program of festive Persian music, courtesy of the Pacific Symphony and the Farhang Foundation.

Attendees also will celebrate the world premiere of Richard Danielpour’s Peace Oratorio, commissioned by Pacific Symphony as part of this year’s American Composers Festival.

Enjoy “Celebrating Nowruz” nightly at 8 p.m. from March 22 to 24 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in the Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts in Costa Mesa. Tickets are $25 to $185.

The event is conducted by Carl St.Clair and Farhad Mechkat, with famed soprano Hila Plitmann, the highly in-demand Shams Ensemble and the Pacific Chorale, with artistic director John Alexander.

The program includes: Kodaly: Dances of Galanta; Traditional Persian Music - performed by the Shams Ensemble and the Symphony; and Danielpour: Toward a Season of Peace.

Information: scfta.org.

Celebrate Norouz with Hila Plitmann & the Pacific Symphony

ing. With ten different colors to choose from, KTO lip glosses offer

vibrant variety and protection against the elements. This without

the worry and critical danger associated with harmful chemicals,

like lead, typically found in

most of today’s makeup and

skin care products.

“My daughter is the reason

I added lip gloss to KTO’s line

of skin care products. Just

look at the ingredients on

most lip products, they aren’t

something that should be on

or in your mouth!” stated Kelly

Teegarden, the company’s

founder.

“When formulating our

products, all ingredients are

researched in relation to carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting

properties and tendencies.”

KTO lip glosses feature an applicator with an LED light that

shines perfectly on your lips. Available now at kellyteegardenor-

ganics.com.

Lip Gloss OfferS HEALTH AND MOISTURE‘Tis the season to bid goodbye to dry, chapped, colorless

lips! Kelly Teegarden Organics is giving you a reason to smile

this holiday season with their new KTO Lip Gloss. Made with

dragon’s blood (sap from

dragon’s tree) and other

healing ingredients, KTO’s

lip gloss leaves the lips feel-

ing moisturized and radiant

with color. Available now for

a MSRP of $25.00 these re-

freshing glosses make the

perfect stocking stuffer.

• No cancer-causing

ingredients

• No organ toxicity

• No endocrine disruptors

• No toxic levels of

ingredients

• Natural preservatives based on salt

• Never tested on animals

With the dry winter season just around the corner, main-

taining skin and lip care is essential to avoid cracking and dry-

Aroos Feature

Aroos FeatureAroos NewsThe traditional Persian New Year — marking the arrival of spring — has been

celebrated since ancient times. This year, join your neighbors in a program of festive Persian music, courtesy of the Pacific Symphony and the Farhang Foundation.

Attendees also will celebrate the world premiere of Richard Danielpour’s Peace Oratorio, commissioned by Pacific Symphony as part of this year’s American Composers Festival.

Enjoy “Celebrating Nowruz” nightly at 8 p.m. from March 22 to 24 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in the Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts in Costa Mesa. Tickets are $25 to $185.

The event is conducted by Carl St.Clair and Farhad Mechkat, with famed soprano Hila Plitmann, the highly in-demand Shams Ensemble and the Pacific Chorale, with artistic director John Alexander.

The program includes: Kodaly: Dances of Galanta; Traditional Persian Music - performed by the Shams Ensemble and the Symphony; and Danielpour: Toward a Season of Peace.

Information: scfta.org.

Celebrate Norouz with Hila Plitmann & the Pacific Symphony

ing. With ten different colors to choose from, KTO lip glosses offer

vibrant variety and protection against the elements. This without

the worry and critical danger associated with harmful chemicals,

like lead, typically found in

most of today’s makeup and

skin care products.

“My daughter is the reason

I added lip gloss to KTO’s line

of skin care products. Just

look at the ingredients on

most lip products, they aren’t

something that should be on

or in your mouth!” stated Kelly

Teegarden, the company’s

founder.

“When formulating our

products, all ingredients are

researched in relation to carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting

properties and tendencies.”

KTO lip glosses feature an applicator with an LED light that

shines perfectly on your lips. Available now at kellyteegardenor-

ganics.com.

Lip Gloss OfferS HEALTH AND MOISTURE‘Tis the season to bid goodbye to dry, chapped, colorless

lips! Kelly Teegarden Organics is giving you a reason to smile

this holiday season with their new KTO Lip Gloss. Made with

dragon’s blood (sap from

dragon’s tree) and other

healing ingredients, KTO’s

lip gloss leaves the lips feel-

ing moisturized and radiant

with color. Available now for

a MSRP of $25.00 these re-

freshing glosses make the

perfect stocking stuffer.

• No cancer-causing

ingredients

• No organ toxicity

• No endocrine disruptors

• No toxic levels of

ingredients

• Natural preservatives based on salt

• Never tested on animals

With the dry winter season just around the corner, main-

taining skin and lip care is essential to avoid cracking and dry-

Aroos Feature

Aroos FeatureAroos NewsAroos News

Excerpted from an article by Michael Shah-

ani, Director of Operations at Nebraska Cultures

The New Year is a time when many take a

fresh look at their lives and choose areas where

they wish to make a change – presumably for

the better. Starting with a review of your person-

al health regimen is always a great way to begin.

1. Detox – throwing out the good with the

bad? With the growing popularity of “detoxing”

many often overlook the fact that while your

body may be purging itself of negative “junk”

that’s been built up over the years, you are also

ridding your body of potentially needed nutri-

ents and probiotics. It’s important to follow your

detox with an appropriate course of nutritionally

stable probiotics.

2. Diet Fads Need to Fade. It’s no secret that

a healthy diet and exercise burns calories, and

burning calories reduces weight. So why all of

the fad dieting? Drastic diets can harm your

body and digestive tract by depleting your body

of essential nutrients.

3. Don’t forget your vitamins. Certain probi-

otics (L. acidophilus DDS-1) have been shown

to produce B vitamins naturally, which support

and increase the rate of metabolism, help main-

tain healthy skin and muscle tone, and enhance

nervous system function. Vitamin B9, or Folic

Acid, is essential for children, adults, and espe-

cially expectant mothers.

4. Strep throat or other bacterial infection

in 2011? Remember, if you took a course of

antibiotics in 2011, it’s extremely important to

replenish your body’s balance by reintroducing

probiotics into your gut/system.

5. You’re only as confident as you feel. Re-

gardless of how much exercise you’ve invested

to look your best, it’s always hard to feel your

best when you’re not conditioning your inside

as well! Digestive roadblocks can cause un-

wanted side effects like feeling constipated or

bloated if you’re not eating enough of the right

foods to produce healthy bacteria.

6. Slow and steady wins the race. Losing

weight to be healthier is a commendable goal,

but for some, the task can be intimidating. Re-

sorting to extreme diets is not only unhealthy

but sometimes life threatening, so losing at a

pace your body can ‘understand’ will only ben-

efit you in the long run. Keep in mind that for

every two pounds of excess weight lost, you

also drop your cholesterol an average of three

points, so shedding a few points can have a sig-

nificant impact on your health.

7. Where’s the love? Caring for your health is

not only a smart move for your body, but also

for your well-being! By eating right, staying ac-

tive, and taking your probiotics regularly, you’re

giving your body the care and attention it de-

serves, plus a little extra love!

8. I don’t know what you’ve been told... Probi-

otics should be cold! Keep them cool and dry so

they will be alive when they get into your body.

For best results and for long-term storage, most

probiotics need to be kept refrigerated.

9. Quality Over Quantity! Losing weight can

sometimes be a daunting task! We all want to

look and feel our best, and we want it right now!

This makes it easy to forget how harmful fad

dieting can really be, especially on your diges-

tive system - a vital component to weight loss.

By keeping a well-balanced and realistic diet, as

well as adding probiotic supplements to your

health regimen, the frustrations of weight loss

will slowly but surely disappear for good.

Body Beautiful: Top Health Tips for the New Year

Culinary Fun with AphrodisiacsTo celebrate the month of romance, sign up for an aphrodisiac culinary

class hosted by RAYA Chef Marissa Gerlach and and guest chef Richard Sandoval at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel on Feb. 11. The demonstra-tion-style class is $109 per person and will be presented from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Following the demonstration, guests will enjoy a five-course menu, along with paired cocktails. The menu highlights such aphrodisiacs as pomegranates, oysters, avocados, salmon, and of course, chocolate. Oysters are brimming with zinc, a mineral that cranks up the production of testosterone, which has been linked to a higher sex drive. The pomegran-ate owes its passion power to antioxidants, which protect the lining of blood vessels, allowing more blood to course through them. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which keep hormone production at its peak.

Information: ritzcarlton.com/LagunaNiguel.

Pelican Hill Gains Prestigious Award

Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report has se-

lected The Resort at Pelican Hill, in Newport

Coast, as its 2012 “Grand Resort” honoree

in the January 2012 Grand Awards issue.

Each year, the highly respected luxury travel

publication profiles the top hotels, resorts

and travel experiences selected by Editor in

Chief Andrew Harper.

“We are absolutely delighted by Mr.

Harper’s selection of Pelican Hill as the 2012

Grand Resort,” said Giuseppe Lama, Pelican

Hill Managing Director. “This prestigious

honor is a testament to the Pelican Hill

team’s vision, passion and dedication to cre-

ate a luxury destination to serve the world’s

most discerning guests.”

Information: AndrewHarper.com/

grand-awards-2012.

sTELLAR New Products for the New YearBrilliantFx Body Serum, trinityofyouth.com. Retail Price: $39.99.This new body serum is a combination of Lactic Acid and Arnica montana delivered

in a concentrated, 4 ounce/120 mls serum. Lactic Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)

that contributes to greater cellular turn-over allowing new cells to surface. Lactic acid is

noted for its rich moisturizing attributes and its ability to exfoliate dead skin cells with-

out provoking skin irritation. BrilliantFx contains the highest % of Lactic Acid by volume

on the market today. Arnica tinctures act in a similar way as glucocorticoids, which are

commonly prescribed in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions.

417 Body Kit, minus417.com. Retail Price: $61.85.Aromatic Body Peeling: Aromatic and gentle body peeling. Based on microscopic

grains of Dead Sea salt, which gently exfoliate dead and dry skin cells, encourage skin

regeneration and reduce signs of aging. Lightly fragranced and contains horse chestnut

extract. Aromatic Body Butter: Enriched with Shea butter that nourishes, relaxes the

skin, protects it from UV radiation and prevents aging. Sweet almond oil, avocado oil and

mango extract give a feeling of silkiness. Contains their unique Vitamin Mineral Complex.

Encourages skin regeneration. Prevents Skin Aging.

417 Miracle Immediate Wrinkle Filler, minus417.com. Retail Cost: $92.00.This is a unique cream for instant care and filling of expression and age wrinkles.

Its features a potent combination of natural chestnut seed oil, calcium and clay that

solidifies and penetrates deep into the wrinkle. The cream helps rejuvenate and protect

against free radicals thanks to vitamins A and E and Camila leaves extract. It is also rich

with caffeine for instant firming action. This velvety smooth cream increases the skin’s

moisture level through a mixture of wheat germ, oenothera and avocado unripe oils

combined with the Dead Sea’s natural minerals. Recommended for all skin types.