Kelli Hayden Photography covers Cinco De Mayo at Hollywood's
La Velvet Margarita Cantina
La Velvet Margarita Cantina
Who loves ya, baby?! I've never had a bad night at the Velvet Margarita Cantina. If there's any place other than where I lay my head that I would call home, it's the VMC in Hollywood, baby. I got introduced to the scene about 3 years ago and never left. In fact, I've even found myself proudly working for the establishment and it's owners, Carlos Adley aka Big Daddy and Ava Berman, for their private parties and special events and I always love every minute of it - even though I definitely don't remember every minute of it, but that's the beauty of the place.
If anyone's ever been lucky enough to find their way inside to one of their private parties, they know how incredibly fun they usually are, especially when it comes to their biggest day of the year, Cinco de Mayo, and this year was no different. Cinco de Mayo marks not only the Mexican tradition, but the anniversary of when La Velvet Margarita Cantina opened it's doors six years ago. Sponsors such as Monster Energy, Asahi, El Jimador, Tequila Herradura, Dan Akroyd's Crystal Head Vodka, Binion's Hotel & Casino, etc always stock the bar for complimentary beverages. I'm not joking when I say complimentary...the house margaritas will fuck you up! This year, they were also sponsored by RESURRECTION Anti-Hangover drinks that contain a Chinese root that fights against hangovers the next day...so drink up!
The night began with me photographing the red carpet arrivals outside alongside photographers for Wireimage, and Getty Images. Such talent included Verne Troyer, Shanna Moakler who hosted the Charity Celebrity Poker Tournament, Shannon Elizabeth, Troy van Leeuwen and Serrina Sims (Queens of the Stone Age/Sweethead), Jesse Hughes, and Joey Castillo (Eagles of Death Metal) and girlfriend Pixie Acia (LA Ink). There were two DJ's filling the house with great tunes, one inside in the main room, and the eccentric Travis Keller aka Buddyhead outside on the patio. Guests DJ's included Troy van Leeuwen, Serrina Sims and Jesse Hughes. On the other side of the patio was Paul Vato and wife, Sarah Vato representing their beloved Paul Vato Cuban Cigar lounge. The back patio outside was cheek-to-cheek with guests and their drinks, awesome loud music, good vibes, and an inescapable cloud of cigar and cigarette smoke that you didn't notice until you woke up the next morning because it's stench is still in your hair.
The party RAGED all night long. Both dance floors were hoppin' with guests dancing, and the bartenders continously slung out those drinks as if this place were the only place and last place to ever serve a margarita ever again. The Charity Celebrity Poker Tournament tables were heated up by such celebs as Shannon Elizabeth, Shanna Moakler and Verne Troyer, Big Daddy Carlos and Terry Caudhill of Binion's Casinos and were of course directed by chief dealer, Johnny Navarro. The proceeds of the charity poker tournament were donated to El Faro Mexican Orphanage. The house reached capacity in no time, leaving remaining guest list arrivals outside in a line behind the velvet ropes while waiting for people to exit. I'm sure once they got in, they realized it was worth it after walking through the door and crossing to the other side, through the velvet curtain, that they've entered an entirely different world. It's the environment and atmosphere in which you're not just invited into a party, but also invited into a home. I've been to many parties and definitely cannot remember the last time the place was THAT packed which means the turnout was a success, particularly if (as rumor has it) the Fire Marshall was outside.
Aside from the fact that I was shooting since 6pm til 4am in heels with a stomach ulcer of some sort (a HUGE thank you Raulie for the Tums!) and thoroughly annoyed by unnecessary things/people, I had an amazing time after the tummy pain subsided. I love my friends, I love seeing old ones and I always love making new ones. The party carried on after hours til about 4am, but as usual, details remain undisclosed. If you ever find yourself in Hollywood, make it a priority to stop by for some great food, stiff drinks and unforgettable memories. In the words of Big Daddy Carlos; "Come for the cuisine, stay for the scene."
Ciao,
Kelli