What happens in Vegas...

"What happens in Vegas" doesn't necessarily have to stay in Vegas. In fact, I'm going to share my recent jaunt that included: An incredibly delicious brunch in Paris - a steal of a haute hotel room - a walk down the isle - and a couple of other shenanigans.

Did you know, if you go to Vegas around Christmas time, that hotel rooms are incredibly affordable and restaurant/lounge reservations are a breeze to snag? It's the low season and, in laymen's terms, all that really means is that you can't swim outdoors. Now, while that may be a total bust to you sun goddesses, I can't imagine a more miserable situation than roasting in 115-degree dry, summer heat. I'll take the winter, thank you very much.

One of my best friends from college, Erin, decided that she wanted to get married on the weekend before Christmas. In Vegas. With scheduled plans to visit my family in California for the holidays, Vegas was all too conveniently on my way. While most of the guests had plans to stay at the Wynn, I chose The Four Seasons. Why? Because I had Lucy, my lil' pup, in tow. And the Wynn is not dog-friendly. And neither are too many other properties.

Lucy gets some fresh air on our way to JFK

The Four Seasons is connected-ish to Mandalay Bay which, aside from being inconvenient to most of the other casinos, is located alllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll the way at the beginning of the Strip. However, if it's tranquility (there is not a casino in the hotel), outstanding service, updated guest rooms, and a pet-friendly environment you're after, look no further than The Four Seasons.

Looking up from the pool at The Four Seasons

Since checkin wasn't until 3pm, I began to panic. What would I do with Lucy while I hosted Erin's bridesmaid's bruncheon at 10:30am? Luckily, the hotel's concierge was quick to reassure me and arranged for a pet sitter to watch my lil' girl while I was entertaining.

I hosted Erin's bridesmaid's bruncheon at Mon Ami Gabi, a French brasserie, in the Paris Hotel. This particular venue was chosen because:

French food is romantic. So is getting married.
It received very high rankings on Zagat.
They offer a $25, 2-course, prix-fixe menu.
Working with onsite event planner, Rebecca, was seamless.

In order to sass things up a bit, I quickly decorated the table with plastic "gems" (from Party City) and placed a salted-caramel macaron at each lady's coffee saucer (I purchased a dozen from Macaron Parlour here in NYC. Transporting them was simple, as Macaron Parlour has indestructible packaging!).

Erin and, on her left, the maid of honor and, to her right, the flower girl.

First course: Fruit salad and fresh croissant

Second course: Entree. I chose the traditional Eggs Benedict. — Second course: Entree. *I chose the traditional Eggs Benedict*.

After brunch, I went back to The Four Seasons to fetch Lucy and check in.

I scored a room with two double beds and a killer view for only $179/night. Beat that, bitches! — I scored a room with two double beds and a killer view for only $179/night. *Beat that, bitches!*

The hotel gifted Lucy with an adorable stuffed animal that looked just like her!

The Four Seasons provided a doggie bed, a place mat topped with a food and water bowl, and homemade doggie treats! FYI: Those two green cups in the center of the mat were ones that I brought from home.

My sweet friend made the most beautiful bride.

Post nuptials, we clinked glasses of bubbly and enjoyed some outstanding hors d'oeuvre at the property's stunning Lakeside Restaurant.

On Sunday, Lucy and I spent the day shopping at The Forum Shoppes and Barney's, where I did some serious retail damage on the sale racks. Ultimately, with the dough that I saved on marked-down items, I caved and bought this lil' number:

For dinner, I met Erin and her husband for a 'meat and potatoes' fix at Gallagher's Steakhouse in New York, New York (...obviously not my choice of venue, since I live in "New York, New York").

For a night cap, we decided to grab another round at Bar at Times Square, where we caught an unbelievably entertaining "dueling pianos" performance...