Santee Alley

Welcome newcomers! To the wonderful & terrifying world of wedding planning! A lot of my job is simply designing. I can receive thousands of e-mails, texts, phone calls & Facebook messages from a single bride just on the subject of colors, linens, centerpieces & "hardware". All to be used to wow her guests and tie in the couple's personality to the event. I DO NOT BUY RETAIL. In speaking these blasphemous words to my Whipperchicks Heather & Whitney, the subject of where I shop came up...Lean a bit closer so I can whisper these precious words to you....~Santee Alley. AKA Downtown LA~

There is about an 18 or so block radius that encompasses LA's garment, fabric & floral district that is brimming with wholesale goodies. I'm sitting here laughing because I feel like a magician that is exposing all of her secrets!! If you look at my wedding facility's Facebook page: Secret Garden Weddings, you will see our indoor reception room swathed in miles of white chiffon. I purchased this in a light-hearted haggle situation for only $1 per yard. Not bad considering I needed 1,000 yards!!

Of course, all of my friends know that is also where I hit the "alley" (or as I call it, black market heaven!) to purchase designer goods for next to nothing! Hair goodies for $1 each, fashion clothing, purses & jewelry for awesome prices. Even amazing children's shoes & attire for a bargain! It is the run-off of wholesale purchasing so you can individually purchase items for a good price instead of having to order in bulk. OH! My husband would literally kill me if I didn't mention the famous "Alley Dog"! You must complete your experience by consuming (from an actual street vendor) a polish sausage, wrapped in bacon, grilled alongside onions & peppers, topped with homemade salsa, mayo & an edible jalapeno. Enjoy! For more pictures from the fabulous trip go click on this link for the WhipperBerry fan page on Facebook.  Hey, while you’re there you can become a fan!!

Erin