$4 MILLION MOCA GALA BREAKS FUNDRAISING RECORDS

The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles celebrated its 30th anniversary with a gala on November 14—and the benefit broke fund-raising records for the museum: The event for 1,000 guests—including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Jeff Koons—took in $4 million.

Following a performance piece starring Lady Gaga and dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet, the museum auctioned a Steinway & Sons piano customized in pink with blue butterfly motifs by Damien Hirst—and it alone fetched $450,000.

“Never before have so many people come from around the world to support an L.A. arts institution,” said MOCA founding chairman Eli Broad, who also served as gala co-chair, in a statement announcing the event's final tally.

The event at MOCA Grand Avenue began with cocktails and a private preview of the exhibition, followed by "The Happening." It took place inside of a 24-foot-long tent topped by a dramatic art installation in the ceiling: a sculpture made from 2,400 running feet of running white PVC pipe interspersed with 191 pieces of Versatube, originally conceived by L.A. architect Barbara Bestor and designed and executed by Bounce. Tent walls were a black-and-white-striped pattern inspired by a type of camouflage used in World War I known as "razzle dazzle." And on them were artworks in poster form from 18 different local artists, from Ed Ruscha to Catherine Opie. 

The night included musical performances by Devendra Banhart, Beck, and Caetano Veloso. Dinner included organic foods gathered from local community gardens by chef Joanna Moore, owner of Venice-based restaurant Axe; the meal was executed by Along Came Mary. Chanel Fine Jewelry served as sponsor.

NINE HONORED FOR GREATEST GIFT TO OTHERS

With the exception of the Girl Scouts color guard, Megan Mahdi of Laguna Niguel was easily the youngest person in the room at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon honoring Orange County's top philanthropists.

But Megan, 15 years old, held her own before an audience of about 900 guests to salute honorees that included such megawatt beacons of local charity. The distinguised awards included:

• Donald Bren, the chairman of the Irvine Company, has given more than $1.3 billion focused in the areas of education, conservation and research.  Univeristy fo California in Irvine has received over $60 million from Bren.
• Marion Knott has donated to Orange County arts, science and healthcare organizations, including $8 million to Chapman University.
• Phil and Mary Lyons have given financial support and many volunteer hours to Orange County arts programs, including the Pacific Symphony.
• Jerri Rosen founded Working Wardrobes, a nonprofit that helps unemployed women with professional "wardrobing" and career development services.

Paradise Delight, Orange County's leading floral and special events designer, was honored to be part of the design for the celebration.

ST. REGIS WEDDING CELEBRATION OF DAISY AND JOHN

Daisy and John tied the knot at the beautiful St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach. The amazing wedding planner Maria Lindsay orchestrated the celebration.

The couple selected the colors of  ivory, creme and white to permeated the event. Touches of plum and fuchsia were incorporated into the ceremony.

Orange County Wedding Florist, Paradise Delight, created a monochromatic look. For all the guest centerpieces, clusters of six tiered arrangements created a harmonious unit.  It was embellished by sand dupionie table linens.

Check out amazing images taken by Justin Lin.  Click here for the slide show from Lin and Jirsa photography!

PARIS + SPAIN + PENTHOUSE IN SANTA MONICA = AMAZING CELEBRATION!

The couple met in Paris.  Their first  date in Los Angeles and lived in Spain.  They tied the knot at The Penthouse above the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica. 

The couple has selected a chic seaside flair of teal, sand and ivory.  Check out these amazing photos by Marianne Lozano.  The amazing Jeannie Ward of the Wedding Jeannie orchestrated the celebration.  Paradise Delight created a contemporary style for their wedding.