Take a walk down the aisle

GREER WYLDER

Brides-to-be can experience the first-ever luxury shopping and

wedding-themed extravaganza at South Coast Plaza on Saturday and

Sunday.

The inaugural Wedding March, presented by Brides and Modern Bride

magazines, allows future brides access to a series of upscale bridal

events. It’s a treasure trove of stylish and sophisticated bridal

resources -- fashion, beauty, gift registry and accessories -- not to

mention the hottest restaurants, caterers, stationers, cosmetics

boutiques, hotels and spas.

Some of the best names in the bridal industry will be at the

event, including Preston Bailey, David Tutera, Sylvia Weinstock,

Yifat Oren, Sasha Souza, Mindy Weiss and more.

The admission fee is $135.

The event starts Saturday morning when guests embark on

personalized schedules that include private retail events, makeovers,

seminars, panels, one-on-one gift registry and bridal salon

appointments, and a Tadashi fashion show.

Also on Saturday evening, “The Saturday Night Engagement Party”

takes place at the Williams-Sonoma store, where trips to some

romantic destinations will be given away. Seminars continue through

Sunday.

To purchase tickets, visit https://www.wedding march.com.

SAY IT TEN TIMES FAST

Toy Boat Toy Boat Toy Boat has plenty to celebrate Saturday at

Fashion Island. The fun-filled day marks the store’s 10th

anniversary, and the grand opening of its flagship location across

from Barnes & Noble at Fashion Island.

Customers can enjoy drawings, activities and giveaways, including:

* A free squishy ball with any purchase of $10 or more.

* Amos Suncatcher craft activities from 10 a.m. to noon.

* Duncan yo-yo demonstrations from 10 a.m. to noon.

* Hama bead-making activities from noon to 2:30 p.m.

* Do-A-Dot Art activities from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

* Ravensburger game demonstrations from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

* A MindWare coloring contest that ends at 4 p.m.

Other activities are sched- uled until 6 p.m. Times of activities

are subject to change.

The store opened in 1995 as a follow-up to the Toy Shop, a Corona

del Mar landmark for more than 40 years.

Owners Gary and Diane Naumann appreciate the loyalty from

customers, crewmembers, toy reps, landlords and service providers.

They’ve enjoyed continued success with four Newport Beach locations:

Corona del Mar on East Coast Highway, Westcliff Court, Newport Coast

Shopping Center and the newest Fashion Island store.

Toy Boat has the best selection of toys -- many exclusive to the

store -- and excellent customer service, including free gift wrapping

and assembly.

Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. (949) 729-9800.

IT’S A MAN’S WORLD

Garys at Fashion Island hosts A Step Towards a Cure tonight from 7

p.m. to 10 p.m. It’s a special event benefiting the Leukemia and

Lymphoma Society.

Sponsors include Cole Haan, David Wilhelm’s Culinary Adventures

and Rodnik Vodka.

The event features live entertainment, as well as a live and

silent auction. Tickets cost $50 per person, and all proceeds from

the ticket sales go toward the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

To purchase tickets, please call (714) 644-2337.

‘THE OC’ IN THE O.C.

Karla Stevens, costume designer from the hit show “The OC,” will

be at the Aerosoles Fashion Island store Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.

Stevens will help Aerosoles reveal its spring 2005 AS-Aerosoles

Signature Collection, a stylish shoe collection. Shoppers can enter

to win a wardrobe of AS-Aerosoles Signature shoes or a Wickedawesome

Nail Kit from Varnish ($75 value). The first 100 customers to enter

at noon will receive a sample of Varnish’s “The OC” nail color.

Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. (949) 640-1668.

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

The eighth annual Home and Garden Tour happens May 12, from 10

a.m. to 3 p.m. The tour features six homes, a beautiful garden and a

lunch with bay views.

Visitors will have a chance to experience a range of interior

design, viewing homes in contemporary and craftsman styles. It’s a

great opportunity to see beautiful homes and gardens in Newport Beach

and Costa Mesa.

Proceeds from the home tour go toward Newport Harbor High School’s

academic programs.

Tickets, which include lunch, cost $50 and are available at Butera

Home Collection in Westcliff Court, Gatehouse on 17th Street, Marmi

in Corona del Mar Plaza and at Newport Harbor High School’s main

office in portable #3. (949) 642-9535.

FOOD (AND CLOTHES)

FOR THOUGHT

Today through Sunday, Lingerie et Chocolat at Corona del Mar Plaza

is offering a beach bag with purchases of $100 or more. It’s a

perfect accessory for summer.

Lingerie et Chocolat carries select fine European lingerie and

specialty chocolates. The selection ranges from casual day wear to

sexy and elegant pieces for special occasions. The Italian and French

collections include Claire Pettibone, Huit, Lise Charmel,

Argentovivo, Ritratti and others.

Lingerie et Chocolat also offers gourmet chocolate gifts,

presented in lovely boxes. New spring and summer lines are arriving

daily and shoppers can find ideal Mother’s Day gifts, bridal shower

gifts and more.

Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6

p.m. Sunday. (949) 718-0103.

* BEST BUYS appears Thursdays. Send information to Greer Wylder at

greerwylder @yahoo.com; at 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626;

or by fax at (714) 966-4679.