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May Open Meeting: ‘Craft Cocktail Night’

Thursday, May 9, 2013 – The Villa San Juan Capistrano

by Bethany Thomas, ABC-OC Communications Chair
Commemory Fine Art

There are so many gorgeous outdoor venues in Orange County for couples to choose from to host their wedding. The Villa San Juan Capistrano is without a doubt one of them.

From a recent bride’s perspective, “…the location is gorgeous, and our guests kept saying how the food was ‘the best they had ever had at a large event’ and how it was one of the best weddings ever. The staff’s personalities and attention to detail helped make the event go perfectly (and I’m not being nice — it actually went truly perfectly). They are an absolute pleasure to work with. An added bonus: you’re across the street from the Mission San Juan Capistrano — so we headed over there for an hour pre-wedding for pictures. I encourage anyone to check out the venue — I walked in and it was love at first sight — it took about five minutes to know that it was perfect for us. And everytime I went back, I noticed some other small detail that made me love it even more. The trains going by added charm — as did the mission bells, that ring at 4:28: a perfect start to a ceremony. Huge thanks to everyone at the Villa for an unbelievable day we will never forget.”

From the photographer’s perspective, it’s a gem, ”What an incredible and intimate venue! I can see how brides fall in love with this place! The perfect opportunity to take an amazing photo everywhere you look!” Christine Bentley of Christine Bentley Photography – the off-the-charts talented photographer of this event. Each photograph is a work of art, capturing the beautiful nooks and nuances of every detail.

Thank you sponsors for making the evening so memorable!

Trendsetter Update from Stacey Gitten!

An esteemed panel of wedding industry experts will judge your entries! We have secured An Editor of Style Me Pretty, the Editor in Chief of Modern Luxury’s Brides California and the fabulous duo who created the Engage! conference – Kathryn and Rebecca!

All of the rules, revised and new categories, and entry form are on our website: www.abc-oc.net/trendsetters It’s really easy! Complete the online entry form www.abc-oc.net/trendsetters/details for each submission before November 12th. Include your image(s) or video clip, a description and a list of all participating vendors.

If you have any questions about the submission process or award categories, please contact Stacey at ABCTrendsetter@hitchingpostpr.com . And please save the date: The Fifth Annual ABC-OC Trendsetter Awards Gala will be on December 10, 2013 at the Casino in San Clemente.

Look for registration information via email and on our Facebook page. See you there!

Not a member yet? Join today and attend our events at our member rates.

April Open Meeting: Chuck Jones by 24 Carrots

Tuesday, April 9, 2013 – Chuck Jones by 24 Carrots

by Bethany Thomas, ABC-OC Communications Chair
Commemory Fine Art

You know the saying ‘if the walls could talk’? Then you probably heard what this cast of characters said about last week’s ABC-OC event at Chuck Jones by 24 Carrots -

“Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Mud. Brilliance. That’s all I can say. Sheer, unadulterated brilliance!” Wile E. Coyote

“The way I run this thing you’d think I knew something about it (24) Carrots are devine… You get a dozen for a dime, It’s maaaa-gic!” Bugs Bunny

“You know, it is possible to be too attractive. Do not come wiz me to ze Casbah – we shall make beautiful musicks togezzer right here!” Pepe Le Pew

Afterward, our own characters had this to say about the evening on our group Facebook page -

“I learned about two new categories and other changes about the Trendsetter Awards from Stacey Hofflich Gitten of Hitching Post Public Relations. I also learned all about fabrics from Rrivre Davies ….I am now doing bridal gown design. No more event film making for me,” Steve Moses

“I’m an animated person. To be surrounded by animated characters was wonderful. Even the shyest of people were animated just being there.” Alan Katz

“The flourless chocolate cake by 24 carrots was INCREDIBLE!” Katherine Hoggard

“The salad bar was fun and delicious!” Niloufar Sanai Gibson

“The Trendsetter categories and rules are now posted on our website at http://abc-oc.net/trendsetters. Entries will be accepted starting mid-May!” Stacey Gitten

Thank you to our talented sponsors!

Look for registration information via email and on our Facebook page. See you there!

Not a member yet? Join today and attend our events at our member rates.

March Open Meeting: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

March 19th, 2013 by BethTags: ABC-OC, asana, calligraphy katrina, designer specialty linens, floral riot, hyatt regency newport beach, invisible touch dj, invisible touch music, millies coffee, once upon a cupcake, radiant photography, the chansons, wedding business tips
Posted in Educational Meetings, Events

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Tuesday, March 12, 2013 – Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

by Bethany Thomas, Commemory Fine Art
ABC-OC Communications Chair

As the sun went down on the beautiful tree-lined patio of the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, the energy began to rise as friends and colleagues sipped their ‘wedding cake’ martinis and dined on delicious tray-passed h’orderves. Everyone recognized each other with the beautifully hand-crafted calligraphy name tags by Calligraphy Katrina.

As everyone gathered in their assigned-seats – that’s right, assigned so that guests sat with new people to get to know and share ideas they learned recently to help their businesses grow. Here are some highlights each table shared -

Get to know your client. Don’t assume you know them before you “sell” them
Upgrade your website and consider a blog format
Consider opportunities you didn’t necessarily plan. More doors will open from them.
Set a timer for everything that you do
Pick up the phone before emailing
If your business isn’t going well it’s because you are not doing something right. It doesn’t have to do with your competitors.
Productivity tools like Asana (www.asana.com) for tasks and assigning tasks is very helpful to keep everyone on schedule.
Don’t put anything you will regret on Facebook
Pinterest is paying off – A bride just brought in my photo for me to duplicate.
Lighting makes a big difference.
We have 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason – listen more than you speak.
Don’t shoot for blogs. Shoot for the clients.
Be more personable.
Reply quickly – brides are shopping and you want them to stop with you.

Do you have a tip you’d like to share not listed above? Feel free to post on our Facebook group page!

Thank you talented and generous sponsors!

Not a member yet? Join today and attend our events at our member rates.

For information about our next event on the first Tuesday of each month, look for registration information via email and on our Facebook page. See you there!

February Coordinator Luncheon: Officiant Panel at Scott’s Restaurant & Bar

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 – Scott’s Restaurant & Bar

Saying “I Do” with Great Officiants.

by Bethany Thomas, Commemory Fine Art
ABC-OC Communications Chair

It was two days before Valentine’s Day and the bridal consultants of ABC-OC got prepared for wedding ceremonies with the sights of bright and beautiful springtime flowers by Three Petals, the sounds of classical music by the Los Angeles Quartet, and a content rich seminar. We learned from the top Wedding Officiants in the industry about all the ins and outs and do’s and dont’s of different types of religious, non-religious ceremonies, and everything about the marriage license process.

The Panel of Experts:

Alan Katz/Great Officiants | Reverend Clint Hufft | Rabbi Barry Tuchman | Father Brian Delvaux

The panel provided extremely insightful information. Some highlights include answers to the following questions:

- Do you know the difference between a public and a confidential marriage license? That if it’s public, anyone has access to the couple’s information like their mother’s maiden name?
- Do you know how long a marriage license is good for as it has an expiration date?
- Did you know a marriage license can be issued minutes before the ceremony but if it isn’t issued, the couple is not legally married?
- Have you witnessed the marriage license process? If not, our panel highly recommends it to get a real feel for it.
- Every wedding is different, just like every couple is different and no two ceremonies are the same?
- “I Do’s” were arrived at to show consent by both parties?

If you missed it, feel free to contact the panel if you need information for your couples. And contact Alan Katz to sit in on the confidential marriage licnese process with one of his couples.

New this year to ABC-OC – attend every event and receive a fabulous prize! Questions? Ask Kevin Covey or Lindsay Longacre.

In the words of Rabbi Barry, “An Ichad Moment is the ’a ha!’ when all our energy is focused and everything is realized at that moment.” On behalf of everyone who attended, thank you Rabbi Barry and our panel for giving us that understanding of clarity in the importance of what we do for our couples.

A heart felt thank you to our sponsors:

Look for registration information via email and on our Facebook page. See you there!

Not a member yet? Join today and attend our events at our member rates.

January: Starting the New Year Off Right with Cindy Novotny

January 13th, 2013 by BethTags: Association of Bridal Consultants Orange County, commemory fine art, kevin covey, lindsay longacre, lvl weddings & events
Posted in Educational Meetings, Events

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January 8, 2013 Educational Event at the Hilton Costa Mesa

by Bethany Thomas, Commemory Fine Art
ABC-OC Communications Chair

Members and guests started the new year off with a motivational shot in the arm with guest speaker Cindy Novotny last Tuesday night at our kick-off meeting of the year at the Hilton Costa Mesa.

“Cindy was awesome! What a great kick start to the New Year!!” – Veronica T.

“Thoroughly enjoyed it all! Thanks Kevin and Lindsay and all of the committee! – Steve M.

“Great ABC event tonight featuring Cindy Novotny – totally worth the time and money! Thank you Kevin, Lindsay and everyone else who helped make this event a success!” – Katherine H.

“The food amazing. Sushi really good. Pasta station. Mashed potato bar. Really good dessert. 80-90 people.

Here are some key takeaways that Cindy had for the group:

One-on-One Relationships with People. Getting to know people on a deeper level is so important. Stretch to go beyond the surface.

Social Media. We need to be careful about what we put out there. She gave an example of a planner she knows that tweeted about a bridezilla client of hers. It’s not the forum to vent about clients when prospective clients are reading. Also, be careful about how much information we put out there. Don’t give all our trade secrets away and have people think they can just do the service on their own.

Goal Setting. There’s nothing like getting what you want to accomplish on paper. Hold yourself responsible. If you don’t have a business plan, write down for example how many weddings or what kind of revenue you’d like to generate this year and how you are going to accomplish your goals.

The Relationsip Doesn’t End with the Wedding, Client or Not. Be sure to say thiank you to your clients with as simple as a thank you note. And even if a bride didn’t book you, follow up with them to see how their wedding and honeymoon were. You may find that they wish they booked you and will refer their friends and family to you for taking the time.

Keep Your Value. It’s easy to be taken advantage of by clients asking for a lower price. Hold your value. You’re worth it.

Thank you sponsors for your wonderful services!

Mark your calendars for the next two ABC-OC events:

- Tuesday, February 12th at Scott’s Restaurant – For coordinators only, this will have an officiant’s panel

- Tuesday, March 12rh – This will be an open event. Venue TBD

Why Join ABC-OC? Take a look at this video by Perryfield Films recorded from this event, dedicated to our friend Tasos Tsirtsis:

Look for registration information via email and on our Facebook page. See you there!

Not a member yet? Join today and attend our events at our member rates.

December Holiday Gala & Trendsetter Awards: Rancho Las Lomas

December 20th, 2012 by BethTags: 24 Carrots, Barbara Wallace Weddings, bethany thomas, Bottega Louie, Chic Productions, Commemory, Copper Willow Paper Studio, cozy wedding, design visage, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, DJ Tasos, Elegance, Erika's, Flower Fusion, Found Vintage Rentals, Frank Salas Photography, Gini Garner Events, Godfather Films, Great Officiants, Green Wedding Shoes, Hilton Costa Mesa, hitching post public relations, Intertwined Events, Jeni Maus, Joanie Scott Award, Kelly Feeney, Kelsey Events, Kerri Hatter Weddings & Events, kevin covey, Kristin Banta, lodge wedding, lvl weddings & events, Mastro's Steakhouse Costa Mesa, Onehope Wine, pine cone accent, Plug Wedding Films, rancho las lomas, Recycled Moments, Rock Me Up Makeup Studio, Sharon Gall, Superfine Bakery, The Knot, Ticket Chocolate, Tim Espinosa Entertainment, Two's a Party, wendy dahl, Wine straws, winter decor, winter wonderland wedding, Zingiber Publisihng
Posted in Events, Industry News, Trends

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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

2012 Holiday Gala & Trendsetter Awards

“What a beautiful night it was at the ABC-OC Holiday Trendsetter Gala. Larrissa Rehder with Inviting Occasions and Jeni Maus with Found Vintage Rentals knocked it out of the ballpark with the cozy winter-lodge decor. Jeannie Lawrence and Kara Felton and Brett Lawrence with Rancho Las Lomas graciously hosted us while 24 Carrots Catering truly created a 5 star dining experience. Thanks to Gini Garner of Gini Garner Events for creating a beautiful gift tree and those that adorned the tree with gift cards for DJ Tasos who is battling cancer it was much appreciated! A big thank you to all involved and who donated! A shout out to all our Trendsetter Award Winners and our Trendsetter of the year Jeni Maus with Found, our honored coordinator award to Sharon Gall, Once Upon a Time Weddings and Susan MacDonald our Joanie Scott recipient. Thank you to Lindsay Longacre, LVL Weddings & Events and Stacey Gitten, Hitching Post Public Relations, for making this a truly successful event!”

– Kevin Covey, ABC-OC Co-Chair, Kevin Covey Wedding & Event Coordination

Enjoy the glorious photography by Joseph Martinez Photography. Be sure to see the entire gallery at the bottom of the post…

Stacey Gitten of Hitching Post Public Relations said it best, “We have some of the best wedding talent in the country, right here in Orange County. Tonight was all about celebrating that talent.”

2012 ABC-OC Trendsetter Award Winners

Best New Idea or Concept
Plug Wedding Films – Dan Douglas & Matt Givot

Best New Food Concept, Presentation, or Display
24 Carrots Catering

Best New Memento
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings

Best Captured Moment
Frank Salas Photography

Best Tablescape
Kelsey Events

Best Overall Theme / Thematic Follow Through
Intertwined Events

Best Design Transformation of Space
by Kerri Hatter Weddings & Events

Members’ Choice
Chic Productions

New Member of the Year
Tim Espinosa Entertainment

Joanie Scott Award:
Coordinator of the Year

Sharon Gall, Once Upon a Time Weddings

Elevation of Industry
Wendy Dahl, Chic Productions

Trendsetter of the Year
Jeni Maus, Found Vintage Rentals

Trendsetter Committee

Stacey Gitten, Hitching Post Public Relations – Chair
Shashona Reynolds of Mastro’s Steakhouse
Alan Katz of Great Officiants
Heather Hoesch of LVL Weddings & Events
And Vanessa Miller, here at Rancho Las Lomas

Trendsetter Awards’ Judges

Rebecca Crumley, Weddings Photo Director of The Knot
Jen Campbell, Founder & Editor of Green Wedding Shoes
Kristin Banta, Celebrity Planner

Event Sponsors
Our event could not be possible without our generous sponsors:

24 Carrots Catering and Events | www.24carrots.com
Allison Kate Invitations and Stationery | www.allison-kate.com
Classic Party Rentals | www.classicpartyrentals.com
Elevated Pulse | www.elevatedpulsepro.com
Found Vintage Rentals | www.vintage-rentals.com
Godfather Films | www.godfatherfilms.com
Inviting Occasion | http://www.invitingoccasion.com/
Joe Martinez Photography | http://www.joseph-martinez.com/
Mi Media AV | www.mimediaproductions.com
Napa Valley Linens | www.nvlinens.com
OneHope Weddings | www.onehopeweddings.com
Pharmacie LA | www.pharmaciela.com
Venue and Lighting | Rancho Las Lomas | www.rancholaslomas.com
Shane Jordan Entertainment | http://jme.la
Special Parking Services
The Ticket Kitchen | www.theticketkitchen.com
Gift Card Tree for the Tsirtis Family Donated by Gini Garner www.ginigarnerevents.com

Swag Bag Donors
A sincere thank you to our generous donors who have made the award winners’ gift bags so fabulous (and envious):

Great Officiants, Alan Katz | www.greatofficiants.com
Bottega Louie | www.bottegalouie.com
Rock Me Up Makeup Studio & Spa, Britney Moya | www.rockmeup.com
Commemory Fine Art by Bethany Thomas | www.bethany-thomas.com
Copper Willow Paper Studio | www.copperwillow.com
Design Visage | www.designvisage.com
Erika’s Elegance, Erika Bowers | www.erikaselegance.com
FlowerFusion | www.flowerfusion.net
Hilton Costa Mesa
Godfather Films, John Goolsby | www.godfatherfilms.com
Mastro’s Steakhouse Costa Mesa
ONEHOPE Wine | www.onehopewine.com
Recycled Moments, Holly Schoenke
Superfine Bakery | www.superfinebakery.com
Ticket Chocolate | www.theticketkitchen.com
Two’s a Party | www.twosaparty.com
WineStraws | www.winestraws.com
ZinGiBer Publishing / Barbara Wallace Weddings | www.bwallaceweddings.com

Blogger/Communications Chair | Bethany Thomas | Commemory Fine Art

Start the new year off on the right foot – register to attend the first ABC-OC event, with world renown speaker, Cindy Novotny! Mark your calendar for January 8th. See you there!

Not a member yet? Join today and attend our events at our member rates.

October Coordinator Progressive Luncheon: OC Mart Mix at SOCO

Tuesday, October 9, 2012 – OC Mart Mix Courtyard at SOCO

DREAM. CREATE. IMAGINE. INSPIRE.

Making couple’s dreams come true is what we do. And this progressive luncheon was designed to deliver creative experiences for coordinators to draw inspiration for them.

The afternoon started with checking in at the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity where the open and large space delighted the senses with cartoon characters we all knew and loved. As everyone moved the the courtyard to mingle outside, we strolled through B Bride and Design Visage where refreshing cocktails and h’dourves were served on this hot late summer day. Now available at B Bride is the Jenny Yoo collection of bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses with all the gorgeous accessories and talent to create a bride’s look like they had their very own personal stylist. A fun surprise was having DV artists give everyone a lip look for Fall that everyone really enjoyed.

The tables were designed for an afternoon tea with blush, ivory and white. Delicate lace linens provided by Wildflower Linen created a dreamy effect accented with the beautifully textured glass and tableware provided by Archive Vintage Rentals. The florals were filled with roses and orchids by White Sakuras. Eight randomly selected guests received the table art that complemented the decor in lieu of table numbers. Hand-painted by Bethany Thomas of Commemory Fine Art in the theme of the luncheon’s colors and names, the artwork became memorable keepsakes for guests to take home.

Culinary creations by Christopher Garren provided everyone with food combinations with the finest ingredients from scratch. Once especially delightful that so many raved about was his cucumber, onion and mint salad that was refreshing in a sweet and savory way. As everyone enjoyed lunch, the sounds of Marieve Herington Band and Dirty Sugar set the smooth sounds for new and old friends to catch up.

The afternoon concluded with a tour of Wildflower Linen by Youngsong Martin where our senses were filled with sumptuous colors, textures and delicious dessert – wedding cake varieties by Christopher Garren.

Special thanks to our hosts and sponsors -

Check-In Venue | Chuck Jones Center for Creativity | www.chuckjonescenter.org

Luncheon Venue | OC Mart Mix courtyard at SOCO | www.southcoastcollection.com

Catering | Christopher Garren | www.christophergarrens.com

Linens | Wildflower Linens | www.wildflowerlinens.com

Tabletop Rentals | Archive Vintage Rentals | www.archivevintagerentals.com

Hair and Makeup | Design Visage | www.designvisage.com

Bridal Accessories | B Bride | www.bbridestudio.com

Photography | Pure Love Photography | www.purelovephotography.com

Music | Marieve Herington Band | www.themarieveheringtonband.com

Music | Dirty Sugar | www.dirtysugarmusic.com

Florist | White Sakuras | www.whitesakuras.com

Table Art | Commemory Fine Art by Bethany | www.bethany-thomas.com

Paper Goods | Hot Shot Industries

September Educational Meeting: Bride and Groom Panel – 9.11.12

September 11, 2012 “Bride & Groom Panel” Educational Event

by Bethany Thomas, Commemory Fine Art
ABC-OC Communications Chair

If you were lucky enough to be able to attend last week’s ABC-OC educational meeting at the Wyndham Orange County, you know what a treat it was to be able to not only feast your eyes and tastebuds at the venue’s new Silver Trumpet restaurant and bar, but you were all ears as you heard the experiences and desires of four recently married couples about their wedding planning and wedding day. Don’t miss key takeaways the couples said and the night’s sponsors, below!

Skillfully moderated by Clint Hufft, here are some key takeaways:

Vendor selection – Finding and coordinating vendors is much easier with a wedding coordinator because they have the skills, knowledge and the couple’s best interest at heart.
The venue and photographer were top on the list to get first. Some had their hearts set on a venue but because of a disconnect with the people there, they went elsewhere. They chose based on the venue wanting to ‘wow’ them and help them visualize what their day will be like and where everything will take place.
Have extraordinary customer service like having a florist that wanted to go 1.5 hours each way (to the venue in Fallbrook) to see the couple’s vision.
Be interested in what the groom says/feels – great to feel included.
Be organized.
Communication – Vendors, please touch base here and there if your booked well in advance. Don’t wait until a week before the wedding to check in (don’t let the bride/couple call you first).
Be responsive to emails – within that day.
Key reasons for selecting their wedding coordinators are that they felt a personal connection with them like friends. Making their wedding dreams come true and ensuring them that they won’t have to worry were very important to them. Some coordinators come off too formal or too stricct of a process.
Venues include day-of coordination but they didn’t realize what it didn’t include that they needed like ensuring the photographer took all the shots on their printed lisStuck Out?
Having a personal touch and going out of their way to make them feel special.
None of the vendors asked if they had a wedding coordinator.
Sources – Found vendors on the venue’s preferred vendor list, Yelp, WeddingWire, The Knot, Ceremony magazine, Etsy (shoes, jewelry, cake/bakery). Some vendors were found via Google (read up to page 3). None looked at blogs.
Bridal Shows – Went to 2. One at their venue. Everything in one place. Hired their photographer.
Magazines (Ceremony) – Liked having physical mag to show vendor.
Meeting Space – Meeting at a coffee shop or third-party location is fine especially if professional photos and information is provided.
Videographer – Yes! So important to relive the experience through video. Time lapse of build up. Have watched the video at least 15 times in the first year. It doesn’t seem as important to have until after the wedding.
DJ – The timing was everything, and it was perfect thanks to our DJ. It was my one responsibility at the wedding (the groom) and I felt like the wedding was perfect because of him.
Ceremony – Suggesting unique ceremony ideas like having a prayer circle was so special and just for them.
Lighting – They did have lighting provided by either the DJ or venue. Not coordinated well between the two though (would have if there was a coordinator!)
Referrals – Getting referrals for vendors are appreciated – ask if they need help finding anyone.
Having family be a part of the decision making process and feeling included.
Having photos online (vendor’s websites) of vendor’s work from their selected venue was very meaningful for them to know the vendor knows the location, especially photographers.
Not sure online reviews can be trusted. It depends on the source.
Budget – Having a prioritized list of what was important to them. Then got quotes ‘from the best.’ Price shopped a bid, then made their decisions.
Special touches – The florist and coordinators did a great job of making their wedding special. But nothing different outise the list was recommended.
In looking back, they wish that the vendors all met or coordinated about their wedding prior to the day.

Phew! That’s a lot to take in but how valuable to hear.

Don’t forget to submit your work to be recognized by your peers to win a Trendsetter award. It’s easy and complimentary – just complete the entry form for each submission by November 11th.

Thank you sponsors for creating such a wonderful night for everyone -

July All-Member Meeting: Mastro’s Steakhouse

July 10, 2012 Event

by Bethany Thomas, Commemory Fine Art

The evening began behind in Costa Mesa by the Orange County Performing Arts Center at Mastro’s Steakhouse in the Noguchi Garden. Most of us didn’t know such beauty existed in Costa Mesa let alone host a modern and California enriched wedding ceremony in this outdoor sculpture. Commissioned by Henry Segerstrom in 1979 and completed in 1982, Noguchi Garden is recognized as one of the country’s preeminent sculpture gardens and the most vital publicly accessible outdoor sculpture oasis in Southern California. Situated on 1.6 acres, the garden in its design symbolizes various geographical characteristics in California, incorporating indigenous plants and materials. Six principal elements comprise California Scenario: “Forest Walk,” “Land Use,” “Desert Land,” “Water Source,” “Water Use” and “Energy Fountain” captured beautifully by Ron and Gabrielle of Ron Levy Photography.

Owned by the Irvine Company, Mastro’s Steakhouse takes reservations for events in the Noguchi Garden and the site fee for the property is $500. The garden is open to the public so if you’d like to grab your Nook or meet a client there, feel free.

We were immersed in what family and friends would experience with a wedding hosted there, with a ceremony set up beneath the “Forest Walk,” champagne, delicious tray-passed h’orderves (the crab stuffed mushroom caps were a favorite) and cocktail reception with the cool sounds of Brian and Mike. The decor was bright and summery and the uber cool lounge furniture by Lounge Appeal was the perfect ensemble for guests to relax and chat.

For the second half of the event, our group of approximately 100 people were led through Mastro’s romantically lit ambiance where the impressive display of fine wines sparkled in what appeared to be the walls of the restaurant as we walked upstairs to a beautiful ensemble of lighting and decor. Without a doubt, a big highlight of the evening was the food. From the decadent mac and cheese to meticulously made sushi and let’s not forget the seafood tower with the largest shrimp I think I’ve ever seen (that disappeared in the blink of an eye).

John Goolsby of Godfather Films and California state coordinator and membership director for ABC reminded everyone about registration for this year’s annual ABC conference ‘Business of Brides’ themed ‘Diamonds & Denim’ November 11-13 in Denver. The cutoff for regular registration is September 15th. Late registration is an additional $90.00 after that.

Stacy Gitten of Hitching Post P.R. and Trendsetter Chair of the ABC-OC gala this winter gave an update about this year’s awards and updates to the nomination process. Stay tuned for communications about how and when to nominate for these prestigious awards. Be recognized for all your innovative work for your clients! For more information, visit the website at, http://abc-oc.net/trendsetters/

Did you know ABC-OC has a Facebook page? Join the group today!

Not a member yet? Members enjoy preferred pricing for events, sponsorship opportunities and recognition in Orange County. Non-members can attend two events to decide. Join Today!

Don’t miss the next event held on Tuesday September 11th at the Wyndham Orange County. We will have a panel of brides to get insights on their experiences and vendor selection process. Click here for the event calendar and bookmark it!

hank You Sponsors!

June Coordinator Luncheon: Five Crowns

by Bethany Thomas,
Commemory Fine Art, ABC-OC Communications Chair

Five Crowns, the host of the June ABC-OC coordinator luncheon, is a charming replica of one of England’s oldest country inns and a Corona del Mar landmark. The venue offers warm hospitality and cozy fireplaces set among authentic antiques and period paintings. We all enjoyed the sunlit Greenhouse and colorful English garden where the event took place. We experienced the award-winning food and wine, exceptional service and distinctive style that have made Five Crowns by Lawry’s a dining destination since 1965.

The theme of the event coordinated by Kerri Hatter Weddings & Events was inspired by the ferns in the greenhouse and the new herb garden where ceremonies take place. It was a gorgeous feast for the eyes where each element was hand-picked to complement each other. ”Everything matches perfectly,” said Barbi Walters of Bluebirds PCH. From the blue and tan burlap linens by Designer Specialty Linens, to the florals by French Buckets - it all coordinated beautifully.

An unexpected detail were the thoughtful and creative gifts provided by Tasha with AmpersandInk Designs, the paper goods sponsor. Tasha packaged up a delightfully printed recipe/thank you card on seed paper with the avocado mash recipe that was served at Five Crowns. Behind the card was a wooden spreader with a perfectly ripe avocado in a crisp white bag!

There was so much helpful information provided at the event by the speakers. Here are just a few highlights -

John Goolsby | Godfather Films | ABC State Coordinator - The Association of Bridal Consultants ‘Business of Brides” national conference Nov. 11-13 in Denver, Colorado

Kevin Covey | Kevin’s Parties- Highlights from Engage!12 Summit like how to speak to ‘Millenials’ – “necessity vs. luxury.” Everything is necessary!

Laurel Mungo | Mon Amie Bridal Salon – How to be prepared for brides when emergencies happen. Like how to fix a torn gown in a pinch to getting lipstick and wine stains out of the dress. Laurel encourages all planners to get a tour of their 20,000 square foot salon to see all the designers available at the salon and to meet their expert team of consultants.

Friar Tux – Bowties are coming back! 10 years ago they were worn 2% of the time. Now they are at 30% and rising! Plus, Friar Tux has a referral program just for planners.

Couples, their families and friends can enjoy a full-service experience at Five Crowns with the entire space giving everyone the feel that they are in a private English home. In the same space is SideDoor, an English style, neighborhood gastropub. And upstairs has private rooms where the bride and groom can get ready with their bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Thank you sponsors for your amazing services!

Don’t miss the July ABC-OC all member meeting on July 10th at Mastros Steakhouse South Coast Plaza. Register today.

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