Hooray for Hollywood

By Anne Christian
My daughter, Molly Christian, who moved to Hollywood six weeks ago, mentioned having been to many auditions, one in particular was a bride show. The following week, I got a call from Angela, a Casting/Producer of the TLC show “Brides of Beverly Hills”, who told me Molly had been selected to appear on their show! She asked me what kind of dress I saw Molly wearing at her wedding and how I felt about her wish for a destination wedding, general questions. Then she stressed how important it was for the mother of the bride to be present since the show centered around choosing a wedding gown and would my schedule permit me to be in L.A. the following Friday? What? To my surprise, and dismay, this meant I, too, would be on the show. Me on T.V., OH LORD!

My itinerary arrived via email with instructions to “dress to the nines” and “wear high heels”. Heels? Can they be high-heel flip-flops? No, probably not. OK, I have 1″ closed-toe black heels I keep in the back of the closet for weddings and funerals and a basic black dress, no problem. A few days later I arrive in L.A. and check into my suite at The Parc, a lovely little hotel within walking distance of the Renee Strauss Salon where we would be shooting. I love hotels, little lotion and shampoo bottles, big fluffy bathrobes, fabulous well-made beds with clean crispy sheets.

My idea of “nines” was “fours” to Molly, “Mom, those aren’t high heels,” she says, “And the dress is OK, but I don’t think it’s dressy enough!” Off she runs to a photo shoot after pointing me in the direction of the fashion district a few blocks away. Now, mind you, without her input I was quickly disenchanted with what was available in the first few stores, but I finally found a simple, but elegant red dress I thought she would love and a pair of black and white polka-dot pumps with 4″ heels to keep things fun, it was Hollywood after all, might as well show some flair! The outfit was perfect, a collaberation of Audrey Hepburn and Betty Boop! Back to my suite to train old beach feet how to walk on stilts.

Bright and early the next morning a make-up and hair artist arrives at my door with Molly and her best friend and Maid of Honor, Evelyn, right behind. I remember watching Molly and her friends getting ready for Prom, and now it was like I was one of them! A flurry of activity, countless “how does this look”, lots of giggling and excitement interspersed with “hurry up, we’re gonna be late!”

We arrive at the salon and were surprised to find our surroundings looked more like a movie set than a retail bridal salon. We were greeted by a friendly young man named Charles, the Director, who introduced us to the Producers, our delightful hostess, Renee Strauss, and the crew. Everyone was so helpful and for me, re-assuring, as I was a bit nervous. We were wired for sound, and it was time for action!!

We shot for 8 hours, Molly tried on three beautiful gowns, we ooh’d and ahh’d each time she came out of the dressing room. She fell in love with an amazing dress from an Italian designer, Atelier Aimee, a ruched silk mermaid style with layers of white tulle peeking out from the bottom. I was so proud of her, she was confident and articulate, a natural in front of the camera. Evelyn was so fun, a beautiful young woman with a dry sense of humor and a hearty laugh.

The crew ended the day by shooting us walking down the street as if we were just arriving at the salon, hmmm. Molly and Evelyn floated down the sidewalk in their 5″ heels and I looked like Frankenstein with lead boots. It was a long day for my feet but magical for my daughter Molly, her friend Evelyn and I. Will let you know when the show is scheduled to air!

P.S. My sister Liz’s life size doll, Miss Ruby, loves her new high heel shoes!

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One Response to “Hooray for Hollywood”

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