Despite tough economic times and growing concern for the environment, Mercedes continues to produce the powerful performance vehicles which enthusiasts crave. In fact, we just reported on a pair of the latest just the other day. Unfortunately few have the cash to spend on them, but don't lose heart: Mercedes has other ways of getting you behind the wheel of one of its legendary AMG performance automobiles. Already in operation in Europe for a couple of years now, the AMG Driving Academy is preparing for an American tour. Less than two grand will buy you a full-day Stage I experience in a variety of Mercedes AMG vehicles, including the C63, SLK55, SL63, CLK 63 Black Series and the new E63 AMG. There's also a more advanced two-day Stage II program, but if you want the full-on experience, Mercedes is offering participants the chance to drive the upcoming new SLS supercar ahead of its market debut at the legendary Laguna Seca race track in Monterey, California. Programs are also available in Palm Beach, Florida, and Lime Rock, Connecticut, so unless you live in Wyoming, there should be an AMG experience coming to a race track near you.

Want the kind of wedding that your friends and family will always remember? A destination wedding can feel like a risky option in this economy, but you'll be surprised -- a vacation may be just what everyone needs. The Ritz-Carlton is making destination weddings even more enticing this summer by offering the Reconnect Package at many of their hotels, including their sunny Caribbean & Mexico locations!

The package is more than just a high-priced luxury wedding tied up in a bow. Actually, a lot of the services are free! The Reconnect package includes:

• Ceremony Location (such as the above)
  
• Wedding Specialist
• Wedding Concierge
• Minister
• Signature Bouquet
• Signature Boutonniere
• Signature Location Décor

Also, expect a $100 daily resort credit and a free three-night stay on your first anniversary! Sound to good to be true? It's not, you just need 25 friends and family members to book rooms.

What's more, your wedding guests will enjoy a $100 daily resort credit for use at restaurants, the spa, and for recreation activities such as the Culinary Center at The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, where guests can explore cooking, wine, and Mexican tequilas, the award-winning White Witch Golf Course at The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica, Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, BLT Steak at The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino, and sailing on the Lady Lynsey at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas.

Want to see what it will look like? Here are some exclusive Luxist photographs of the wedding setup at the Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa and Casino -- at sunset, no less.

Forbes' recent in-depth look at the impact of potential profits from legalized gay marriage on the struggling nuptial-driven industry sounds like a specialized stimulus package to me! Imagine if even half of the 781,267 same-sex couples already living together were to tie the knot. That alone would possibly boost the wedding industry by almost $10 billion! Currently the wedding market pulls in a whopping $160 billion with an average nuptial event costing over $20,000. But the industry has seen a steady 1.9 percent decline every year since 1999 and with the recent recession more couples are watching their pennies when planning the big day.

When it comes to gay marriage it seems most same-sex couples choose to spend about 34 percent of the amount straight couples shell out. But assuming their friends and family still spend the average $113 per wedding gift and the couple still receives the average 75 gifts, this category of the industry alone would rake in $3.4 million with just half the same-sex couples who already live together taking their vows. Add on catering and reception costs, honeymoon expenses, photography and jewelry and you're looking at roughly $9.5 billion of potential revenue just waiting to be scooped up.

With California's serious economic troubles I'm surprised they didn't use Proposition 8 as a way to jump-start their economy through the wedding industry? Isn't that a better alternative to legalizing marijuana?

This week legendary Italian eyewear brand Persol, a bastion of Dolce Vita style, is debuting its iconic INCOGNITO design exhibition in the U.S. at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. The invitation-only opening night celebration will feature a performance by Lou Reed.

Running from June 24 - 28, INCOGNITO by Persol is an interactive exhibition that was designed to "bring to life the emotions and richness" of a heritage born nearly 90 years ago in Turin, Italy and which today remains an icon of Italian design and craftsmanship.

Persol made its big screen debut in 1961 worn by Marcello Mastroianni in Divorce Italian Style, and its U.S. film debut in 1968 worn by Steve McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair (right). Two of the most stylish stars in the history of cinema, they catapulted the brand onto the international scene.

Other stars who have worn Persols over the years include Jack Nicholson, Richard Gere, Paul Newman, Roberto Rossellini, Cindy Crawford, Nicolas Cage, Pierce Brosnan, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Christian Slater, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Heath Ledger, Al Pacino, George Clooney, Adrien Brody and Daniel Craig, who sported two different styles in Casino Royale.

The tradition, quality, style and design that drive Persol's brand philosophy are embodied in the INCOGNITO exhibition, which involves all the senses. Along a path of images, sounds, colors, and technology, visitors can experience the world of Persol: the quality of the workmanship and materials, the uniqueness of design in the products and collections, the technological evolution and Persol's exclusive patents, as well as the magic and allure of the silver screen idols who made them famous.

On June 13, Swiss watchmaker JeanRichard launched its latest watch amidst a gathering of over 50 exotic MV Agusta motorcycles at the David Orgell jewelry boutique in Beverly Hills. The Chronoscope MV Agusta Brutale (above) was produced in partnership with the legendary Italian motorcycle brand. The design of the watch reflects the signature features of MV Agusta's Brutale motorcycle. The large case is clothed in a highly resistant rubber that gives the watch a lighter touch. The dial is clad in carbon fiber highlighting three counters inspired by the motorcycle's dashboard. Several red accents also echo the classic colors of MV Agusta motorbikes. Also at the event, MV Agusta previewed its 2009 Brutale 1078 model to a large group of MV Agusta enthusiasts who lined up their motorcycles along Rodeo Drive.

Many towns are cutting back on fireworks and other public events and another public draw nearly ended up cancelled. The Boston Globe reports that Sail Boston, the international regatta of tall ships, has been saved after the state agreed to provide $1 million to cover security costs. Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Governor Deval Patrick worked on a deal to get the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority to pay for the event, In 2000, the Sail Boston event ended up costing the city $1.6 million. But this time Boston will receive $750,000 directly from the state and Sail Boston is also paying $250,000 toward state police costs.

This year's event will be smaller. The event will no longer include the parade of sail, the most striking event when 50 ships fill the harbor watched by throngs of people. Related fireworks displays have also been canceled. This time they will sail in on a staggered schedule and dock for five days. But visitors can still get on board the ships and meet the crews from around the world. The event takes place from July 8-13.

Some wonder whether the downsized Sail Boston event will attract major tourism. It is more likely that the event will attract day visitors more than those staying overnight especially since the event has been up in the air for months. The event remains free for spectators.

Looking for a fun and free Father's Day event in the Los Angeles area? On June 21 the 2009 Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance will take place in Beverly Hills featuring more than 100 exotic cars on display lining Rodeo Drive north of Wilshire Boulevard. "In addition to our traditional and classic collector cars featured at the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, this year we are also proud to showcase a unique selection of alternative energy vehicles, micro and electric cars, and solar vehicles, amongst others," notes Bruce Meyer, co-chair of the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance. "From the display of luxurious, cutting-edge automobiles to the world-renowned fashion boutiques, Rodeo Drive offers something for everyone to enjoy on Father's Day."

Here's one for all the Star Trek fans. One couple can win the chance to get married on the bridge of Star Trek's U.S.S. Enterprise. The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is offering the ultimate Star Trek Wedding inside the Exhibition. The Franklin Institute seeks couples whose dream would be to get married or renew vows on the bridge of the Enterprise inside STAR TREK: THE EXHIBITION. The winning couple, which will be determined by online public vote , will plan a ceremony aboard the bridge in the Exhibition and a reception inside The Franklin Institute.

To enter a couple have to submit a photo and a short paragraph explaining why they want to win. The deadline is June 24. Local judges will choose finalists and then the public will vote from July 6 - July 20. The package includes exclusive use of the Exhibition for one hour for the ceremony and private use of reserved space inside The Franklin Institute for a four hour reception for up to 100 guests, as well as two nights' accommodations for the couple at a nearby hotel. The Franklin Institute will supply the wedding cake and exhibition and reception space only the couple has to take care of the rest of the details. The interactive exhibit will be at the Franklin Institute until September 20,2009.

[via ArtDaily]

Photos by Pawel Litwinski © 2009 Courtesy of Gooding & Company

On August 15 – 16 Gooding & Company is holding its annual auto auction during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The centerpiece of the sale is an incomparable piece of Bugatti history: marque founder Ettore Bugatti's personal 1938 Type 57C Coupe (above), which is expected to fetch several million dollars. Bugatti factory employees originally assembled the car as a birthday present for Mr. Bugatti, and the car's one-off coachwork is believed to be one of the last designs penned by his son, Jean Bugatti, before his death. It's a truly unique piece of automotive history.

Deemed one of its most cherished automobiles, the Bugatti factory went to great lengths to protect the precious vehicle during World War II when its premises were in danger. After Ettore Bugatti's death in 1947, the car continued to be maintained and stored at the Bugatti workshop in Molsheim, France, where it received upgrades as over the years. These included tailored interior accessories, a unique engine and transmission combination and other subtle technical improvements that distinguished it from any other Type 57.

Since leaving the Bugatti factory in the late 1950s, the precious vehicle has had only a few protective caretakers and remains one of the most correct and original Bugattis in existence, untainted by later restoration. The car is being sold without reserve, no doubt to encourage bidding. Last year at Gooding's Pebble Beach sale a rare 1937 Type 57SC Atalante Coupe sold for $7.92 million, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for an automobile at auction in the U.S.A. It remains to be seen what effect the recession may have on the chances of this sale topping that feat.

Think that the ZAP Festival is San Francisco's only varietal fest? There is also the Pinot Days event held in the same place, Fort Mason. The event, which takes place from June 24 to June 28 includes winemaker dinners, focus tastings and more. The big event is the Grand Festival on June 28th which hosts over 220 Producers from California, Oregon, New Zealand and Australia and like the Zinfandel festival offers the chance to compare the different expressions of pinot from a variety of places and producers. The tagline for the event is Serious Wines, Serious Fun, a phrase that embodies the spirit of the food-friendly and sophisticated pinot noir. The main tasting is $50.

Stubbs Winery in Petaluma, California, one of Marin's first organic vineyards, is hosting the Schools for Kabul Second Annual Midsummer Party on June 20. The event includes great food, wine, dancing and an auction to benefit for Schools for Kabul, a student-run fundraising group supporting educational development projects in Afghanistan. The rustic diinner will include a spit-roasted pig and local wines from Stubbs Vineyard, Turley Wine Cellars, Messina Vineyards. The auction lots include wines, classes and gift certificates to great restaurants. Tickets are $60 in advance for the outdoor event.

While the second man on the moon, Buzz Alrdin was the first to be recorded saying anything while on the surface. Now we will speak and meet with the public - along with select interviews at the Omega Boutique store in New York City on June 3rd, 2009. He is due to meet the public 4:00pm and will be joined by Omega CEO Stephen Urquhart. Omega's on going pride of it's status as developer and provider of the one one and only "moon watch" is now celebrated by its 40th year.
After all this time, Omega has preserved the basic elements that collectors love in the Apollo 11 Speedmaster Professional Moon watch. Omega regularly releases new Moon Watch models, but each stays true to the original. Buzz will bring along some moon landing memorabilia as well on the June 3rd event. It should be a noteworthy gathering for all Omega and Moon landing event fans. The Omega Flagship Boutique is located at 711 Fifth Street between 56th and 55th, New York City.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

A couple weeks back we wrote that Prince Harry would be competing in in the second annual Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic during his first official visit to the U.S. In the match, which took place this past weekend on Governor's Island, the Prince's Sentebale polo team triumphed over Ralph Lauren's Black Watch, captained by Polo model Nacho Figueras, five goals to four. VIP spectators at the historic event who enjoyed afternoon tea prepared by Sandro Micheli, executive pastry chef at Adour Alain Ducasse at The St. Regis New York, included Madonna and her male model pal Jesus Luz, Kate Hudson, Louis Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Chloe Sevigny and LL Cool J.

Swiss makers Thomas Prescher and Angular Momentum have organized a special multi-day presentation of some of the most interesting and exclusive independent luxury watch brands out there. Such makers often struggle to get the message out about their watches, but once their timepieces are known, they are often very well received by the watch lover population. By banding together, they draw on each others' products resulting in what should be a very interesting exhibition of watches and watch makers. The event will take place from June 18 - June 21 at the Angular Momentum Time Gallery (located at Brunngasse 58 in 3011 Bern, Switzerland).

The Time Gallery is a special multipurpose watch store and gallery which is a perfect location to showcase the wonderful watches. Aside from luxury novelties from both Angular Momentum and Thomas Prescher, notable brands will include Svend Andersen, Vianney Halter, Voutilainen, Pita, and Louis Moinet - among a few others as well. In addition to the watches being on display (and for sale most likely) the watch makers themselves will be present during the duration of the exhibit available to discuss their fine timepieces. And excellent opportunity to meet and mingle with true modern masters.

For more information contact Thomas Prescher or Angular Momentum (link to e-mail addresses), or call 41 (0)32 315 28 66.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

This is something you should certainly see if you are in, or going to be in Paris at the right time. Breguet watches will be having a special exhibition at the splendid Louvre museum in Paris, France from June 25 until September 7, 2009. The special exhibit is will be known as the "Apogee of Watch Making" a pretty lofty title, for what is essentially a history of Breguet, but what a history it is! Abraham-Louis Breguet is often known as the father of modern watch making. A lot of what he developed in his lifespan in the latter half of the 18th century (up to 1823) is still used in many of today's luxury wrist watches, even though he never made a wrist watch during his life (just clocks and pocket watches). The exhibit will showcase historical pocket watches and clocks, watch making tools, art, and historical documents and watch-related patents. Breguet watches were, and are today extremely inventive and also beautiful. They are probably the "favorite-child brand" of Nicolas Hayek, leader of the Swatch Group that has Breguet under its brand umbrella. The exhibit of course was helped by a generous contribution from Breguet to the Louvre.

The exhibit will require a separate entrance fee and will be open regular hours, and until 10pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. For more information please visit www.louvre.fr or call 01 40 20 53 17 (France number).

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.