It was an incredible and exciting night. We were given the opportunity to attend the Masquerade Ball and movie premier in Los Angeles, California on February 2nd. Wearing our evening dresses and carrying our masks, we arrived 20 minutes before the venue opened at Vibiana. When we went to collect our tickets at the Will Call desk we were given a choice of the Samantha Peach masks in either cream or silver such as the one Ana wears. There was also a black one like Christian’s which I wish I had chosen instead. I went with the cream one since I already was gifted the silver one.

We didn’t have to wait long in line to enter and it was nice to chat with other people attending the ball and seeing everyone in their fabulous dresses. Once we entered the venue there were waiters in black masks and tuxes on each side of us with hors d’oeuvres and champagne. Inside the venue they had several activities to occupy our time and entertain us. It was all decorated beautifully with red velvet couches, white roses and candles.

One of the most fun things was the Virtual Reality experience where we got to view Christian’s apartment and then were invited to the Masquerade Ball. It was amusing watching the people ahead of us using the Oculus VR headset but once it was placed on my head I understood why people where spinning, smiling and stumbling around. During the experience we were greeted by Mia and then Ana and Christian who when we walked in with him, acknowledged that we were there. It was surreal!

We had the opportunity to have our palm read or to do a tarot card reading. I chose the palm reading since I never had done it before. There were several tables set up with readers and was one of the most popular activities. Staci’s entire session was recorded. I’m hoping we see her on the DVD or such.

Sipping on champagne and eating pastries we waited in line to do the 360 video with Ana and Christian in the background. It was also a great opportunity to meet a few people and take pics of them with Pocket Jamie, who was a hit. While waiting, NBC Today Show’s Natalie Morales partook in the 360 picture. I even snapped a pic of Pocket Jamie with Natalie in the background. I didn’t care for my picture because it wasn’t explained that it was only going to be one picture instead of multiple pics but it was still pretty cool and the video was great quality.

A delicious buffet table was set up with lamb chops, Sea Bass, and two types of salad. There was also a desert table with macaroons, brownie bites and lemon tarts which we enjoyed while listening to the band that is actually featured in the movie and Eric Johnson who plays Jack Hyde came in to mingle with the crowd. I think he was a bit overwhelmed about the response he got from the fans because he was quickly bombarded but it was nice to see that he was genuinely pleased to be there.

Set up on the right side was a green screen where we were able to take a picture with Ana and Christian and it was printed instantly for us as a souvenir. Wish I had waited because Staci chose that moment to got to the ladies’ room and Jamie himself passed right by her since they were doing press in a tent outside of the venue. Knowing this I knew that the cast would be entering soon so we made sure to stay near the door. I was but a foot away from Erika, Dakota and Jamie as well as the director James Foley.

On stage James was the first to thank the fans, followed by Dakota, Erika and Jamie mumbled a bit. You could tell he’s still a bit uncomfortable talking to a crowd but he appreciated our energy and enthusiasm. I had a great shot of the stage and only wish I had stopped recording to take a selfie of me with the cast in the background. I was just so overwhelmed that I couldn’t think straight! On their way out of Vibiana I called out Dakota’s name which she gave me a smile and Jamie turned back to wave to us. Soon after, we were asked to start moving towards the front to catch the shuttle to the Theater at Ace Hotel where we would be viewing the movie. On our way out,we were given another gift of a VR viewer with the movie poster on the front of it. It truly was astonishing to see how generous the studio was with us since they had sent us a gift the day before which included a t-shirt, movie tie-in book of Darker, lip balm, drinking glasses, VR viewer and a cardboard Ana mask. We also received some fabulous lipstick by Sisley. We of course chose red!

We quickly got on the bus and were at the Ace in as little as five minutes where we were escorted to our assigned seats in the orchestra area, row Q, seats 18 and 17. The theater had a vintage feel and is beautiful. Once inside, a few of the other actors where arriving and I quickly recognized Victor Rasuk who of course is Jose Rodriquez and was able to get a selfie with the gorgeous Ashleigh LaThrop who plays Hannah, which is Ana’s assistant in the movie at S.I.P. Soon after it was announced for us to take our seats and James Foley, E.L. James came out and thanked the fans and then announced Dakota and Jamie. Did I mention how sexy and hot they looked? Well, they were off the charts! Dakota looked like an angel in her cream Valentino dress and Jamie couldn’t be any sexier in his blue suit. E.L. James dress was fabulous as well and she rocked it.

I had been debating as to whether I wanted to purchase the full soundtrack to the movie but after seeing how the songs corresponded to the scenes, I quickly made up my mind and pre-ordered it once I arrived home. Needless to say Darker was a roller-coaster ride of emotions! It truly delivered on everything that made us fall in love with these books and characters. Jamie was marvelous and owned the role of Christian Grey this time around. He exuded sexiness, humor masculinity and did I mention SEXINESS?!?! As where in the first movie all eyes were drawn to Dakota Johnson’s Ana, I have to say that Jamie outshone her in this one. Not to take anything away from her performance either but we saw how wonderful she brought the role to life in the last film.