by Bethany Thomas, Commemory Fine Art
The first ABC-OC coordinator luncheon of the year called “The Bright Way to I Do” illuminated many things that day. The first was a glowing hidden treasure in Laguna Beach called Hotel Seven4One on PCH just south of Forest Avenue. The Hotel Seven4One, a 12 room private address that guests can call their very own beach house while they host their guests and event in contemporary and thoughtfully designed spaces: the Euro-chic lobby lounge, urban courtyard, breathtaking sun deck, and relaxed yet totally wired guest rooms and suites. There was a real buzz about the one-way mirror in the master suite’s shower overlooking the ocean. You can see the manatees but they can’t see you!
Video Created by The Emotion Picture Studio: http://www.theemotionpicturestudio.com/
The brightness in spirit and mood were apparent as the coordinators were greeted by ABC-OC Co-Directors, Lindsay Longacre and Kevin Covey with lovely flutes of champagne and the light, mellow and hopeful sounds of singer, songwriter and acoustic guitar player Kevin Miso.
Calli Traub with The Event Company shed light on the importance of lighting to set the mood and give photographers a smile from ear to ear with a gorgeous landscape for their clients. Yes, these shots are from Hotel Seven4One. An unbelievable transformation of the space with light and color. Photographer Kristina Lee agrees, “It’s so important to have great lighting like The Event Company provides. It makes my job much easier.”
The food was sensational and the desserts from A Wish and a Whisk melted in our mouths. The creativity of each delicious morsel was stunning to look at and a delight to the senses. It was hard to tell where the flowers from Empora Flora began and the desserts ended because they were so perfectly designed together. I heard many say things like, “what ooey goodness stuffed in that strawberry!?”
As you can tell from the beautiful detail shots from Kristina Lee Photography that it was Valentine’s Day. From the whimsical touches of the decor, florals, desserts, paper goods by Jessica Lam, music plus the reds and pinks everyone was wearing, love was in the air. The love of weddings, the friendship between members and comradery of creating beautiful memories for people’s union of love.
Thank you to all the sponsors who made this beautiful event, beautiful! Please visit their websites and ‘like’ their pages for more information and ongoing updates about their services:
Venue | Hotel Seven4One | www.hotelseven4one.com
Speaker | The Event Co. | www.eventcompanyoc.com
Video | The Emotion Picture Studio | http://www.theemotionpicturestudio.com/
Photography | Kristina Lee Photography | www.kristinaleephotography.com
Rentals | Signature Party Rentals | http://signatureparty.com/
Florist | Empora Flora | www.emporaflora.com
Papergoods | Jessica Lam | www.jesslam.com
Lighting | The Event Co. | www.eventcompanyoc.com
Music | Kevin Miso | www.kevinmiso.com
Dessert/Sweets | A Wish and a Whisk | www.awishandawhisk.com
by Bethany Thomas, Commemory Fine Art
If someone was doing a keyword search on Google for the first ABC-OC open meeting of the year, the words they would enter are: welcoming, friendly, re-newed and rejuvenating. These words were repeated in many conversations I had personally or that I overheard. One in particular was a direct quote from Monique Matlock of The Knot, “I loved the event. It was one of the most rewarding ABC meetings I have EVER attended. And believe me I have been to MANY!”
Coordinated by ABC board member, Cori Sponagle and hosted by the Aliso Viejo Conference Center, the night began with the ‘old’ and new board members anxiously awaiting guests to arrive as this was the first impression for attendees to experience ABC-OC this year. Welcoming scents of candles burning was in the air as guests found their adorably designed name tags.
Guests were directed to walk around to back terrace to the sounds of Mister Piano Man, Hector Jimenez and the sights of beautiful round paper lanterns. So many new faces!
Following cocktails on the terrace, guests were invited into the ballroom.
Lisa Moon, the association’s outgoing Co-Director of Administration welcomed everyone and had each of the sponsors talk a little bit about themselves and what they donated that evening.
Lisa then passed the torch to her successor, Kevin Covey who gave a very important message about improvements to this year’s meetings and how important it is to join and attend.
The association is all about networking and learning from fellow wedding professionals. But it is also about setting standards and ethics for our industry. Guests may attend two meetings. At which point they must join ABC-OC if they would like to continue to participate. He then introduced the new Board/Steering Committee:
Ambassador Chair | Kelly Feeney of Disney Fairy Tale Weddings
Ambassador Subcommittee | Monique Matlock of The Knot, Jan Wilder of FlowerFusion and Heather Morgan of The Hotel Hanford
Trendsetter Awards Chair | Stacey Gitten of Hitching Post PR
Trendsetter Awards Subcommittee | Shashona Reynolds of Mastro’s Steakhouse and Alan Katz of SoCal Officiant
Co-Director of Programs | Lindsay Longacre of LVL Events
Programs Chair | Holly Schoenke of Simply Sweet Weddings
Programs Subcommittee | Gini Garner of Gini Garner Events, Cori Sponagle of Events by Cori, Courney Urquiza of InStyle Events Company, Kerri Hatter by Kerri Hatter Wedings & Events and Carolyn Leal of Ceremonies by Carolyn
Co-Director of Finance | John Goolsby of Godfather Films
Membership/Database | Erika Bowers of Erika’s Elegance
Communications Chair | Bethany Thomas of Commemory Fine Art
Dinner was delightful! The conference center made a pistachio crusted French chicken breast with herb beurre blanc, sauteed arugula and whipped potatoes. My neighbor to my right mentioned it was the best chicken he ever had at an event!
An unexpected highlight of the dinner was a video produced by Steve Moses and his team at Vantage Point Productions called ‘The Arrival’ based on how “The party starts when you arrive” at ABC-OC meetings. A fun and fresh look at the great time our meetings are with a great group of friends and colleagues. Watch it! You’ll be sure to see yourself or your friends if you attended last year’s event at Casa Romantica.
After dinner, the room next door awaited guests with the heart of night’s activities with ’speed networking.’ It was invigorating to have the opportunity to meet every person and give each other a peek at what service we give to our clients and each other. Artists, DJ’s, florists, photographers, planners, sweets, venues, videographers and more – many of which met for the very first time. Monique with The Knot agrees, “The speed networking really forces you to spread out and talk with people you never chatted with before. I have to say at prior events, I am guilty of sitting with people I know and am most comfortable with and not always mingling like I should. I hope we do more of these types of events in the future…..I still feel there are some I didn’t connect with!”
It was exhilaratingly exhausting by the time it ended. Now when the next open meeting comes around on April 10th (joint with the San Diego chapter) we’ll all know each other!
Thank you to all the sponsors who made this exciting night possible by donating their products and services. Please visit their websites and ‘like’ their pages for more information and ongoing updates about their services:
Coffee Service | Brew HaHa | www.brewhaha.com
Entertainment | DJ Tasos | www.lsmentertainment.com
Florist | Pixies Petals | www.pixiespetals.com
Rentals | Signature Party Rentals | www.signatureparty.com
Photography | Kate Noelle | www.katenoelle.com
Printing& Design | Kamka Designs | www.kamkadesigns.com
Sweets | Donna B’s Gourmet Cookies & Cakes | www.donnab.com
Venue | Aliso Viejo Conference Center | www.alisoviejoconferencecenter.com
by Bethany Thomas, Commemory Fine Art
In a word, the 2011 Third Annual ABC-OC Trendsetter Awards Gala on December 13th, 2011 at Disney’s Californian Hotel was sensational and spectacular. Okay, that’s two words but not nearly enough to describe the talent and fun had in one place celebrating literally the ‘trend setters’ in the wedding industry in Orange County.
Greeted by Jan Wilder of Flower Fusion on the step and repeat photographed by Studio EMP set the scene for the spectacular evening that was ahead for members and guests.
Members enjoyed cocktails and a wonderful selection of tray-passed hors d’oeuvres and live music as they greeted their friends and colleagues for the first time that evening at the welcome reception. And Mickey and Minnie were dressed in their holiday best to take photos with guests, taken by White Rabbit Photo Boutique!
Following the welcome reception, members were then invited into the ballroom where they were welcomed by a room filled with white twinkle lights, greens and golds with a splash of deep pink and red. The flowers were stunning yet creatively whimsical by Flowers by Cina. Beautifully rustic square tables by Classic Party Rentals provided intimate seating for guests. Li’K Designs provided creative menus and programs for guests to follow the events of the evening. Barker Décor Service provided a beckoning dance floor while the team at Our Wedding Dance showed everyone how they can look like Fred and Ginger with their graceful talent.
The premium accommodations, rich dining experience and service provided by Disney’s Californian Hotel provided was simply wonderful. Highlights included three cheese ravioli hearts, slow braised prime beef short rib and a romantic salad.

Lisa Moon, the association’s Co-Director of Administration recognized the ABC-OC 2011 Steering Committee for all of their hard work:
Stacey Gitten (Ambassador Chair), Kathy Jo Peterson (Trendsetter Chair), John Goolsby (Communications Chair), Michelle Tortuya (Co-Director Programs) and Kelly Feeney (Co-Director Communication) – many of whom’s faces were flawless thanks to make-up by Flawless Faces!
Following Lisa’s acknowledgements, Kathy Jo Peterson presented the 2011 Trendsetter Awards! Congratulations winners on your achievement -
Best New Food Concept, Presentation or Display | Catherine Joanne Cakes | www.catherinejoannecakes.com
Best New Concept | SoCal Officiant | www.socalofficiant.com
Best New Memento | Godfather Films | www.godfatherfilms.com
Best Introduction or Final | Once Upon a Time Weddings | www.onceuponatimeweddings.com
Best New Decor Under $50,000 | High Society Wedding & Event Planning | www.highsocietyeventplanning.com
Best New Decor Over $50,000 | LVL Weddings & Events | www.lvlevents.com
Best Captured Moment | Jim Kennedy Photography | www.jimkennedyphotographers.com
Members Choice | Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort/Waterfront Weddings | www.waterfrontresort.com
Trendsetter of the Year Honors Award | Barbara Wallace | www.bwallaceweddings.com
The celebration continued with decadent desserts featured at the creme brulee station and crepe station. Brew Haha‘s coffee cart was on-demand with custom made cappucino and lattes to fire up guests energy level for Undercover Live Entertainment who provided a 7-person band offering guests hip, fresh, professional and exclusive live entertainment to dance the night away.
Thank you to all the sponsors who made the magical night possible by donating their products and services. Please visit their websites and ‘like’ their pages for more information:
Beverage | Adult Chocolate Milk | www.adultchocolatemilk.com
Coffee Service | Brew HaHa | www.brewhaha.com
Dance Floor | Barker Decor Service | www.barkerdecorservice.com
Entertainment | Undercover Live Entertainment | www.undercoverlive.com
DJ/Lighting | Invisible Touch | www.invisibletouchdj.com
Florals | Flowers by Cina | www.flowersbycina.com
Furniture | Classic Party Rentals | www.classicpartyrentals.com
Make-up | Flawless Faces | www.flawlessfacesinc.com
Programs | Li’K Designs | www.li-kcustominvitations.com
Photography | Studio EMP | www.studioemp.com
Photo Booth | White Rabbit Photo Boutique | www.whiterabbitphotoboutique.com
Venue | Disney’s Californian Hotel | www.disneyland.disney.go.com/grand-californian-hotel
Trendsetter Award Swag Bag Sponsors:
Adult Chocolate Milk | www.adultchocolatemilk.com
Candee by Sandee | www.candeebysandee.com
Classic Party Rentals | www.classicpartyrentals.com
Commemory Fine Art | www.bethany-thomas.com
Disney Fairy Tale Weddings | www.disneyweddings.disney.go.com
El Adobe Capistrano | www.eladobedecapistrano.com
El Canito Cigar | www.thecigarrollers.net
Flower Fusion | www.flowerfusion.net
Itty Bitty Sweets | www.ittybittysweets.com
Kathy Joe Peterson Weddings & Events | www.weddingsbykathy.com
Mary Dann Weddings and Events | www.marydann.com
Our Wedding Dance | www.ourweddingdance.com
S&A Jewelry | www.safashions.com
Signature Events by Tania | www.signatureeventsbytania.com
Trader Joes | www.traderjoes.com
Attention all ABC members! Now is your turn to cast your vote for your favorite Member’s Choice Submission. Please review all of the submissions below and at the end of the post please cast your vote. Please note only one vote per computer is allowed. Voting will close on Friday December 9th, 2011 so be sure to get your vote it.
Best of luck to all our nominees!!
NUMBER 1
The Gazebo helped to make a striking ceremony site for this beautiful Bride. We created a widfer arch of white hydrangeas, roses, and yellow cymbidium orchids for one of the loveliest ceremonies. The bride arrived by horse and carriage and walked down an aisle lined with cylinders of yellow cymbidiums and yellow rose petals. After the ceremony, the guests moved into the completely draped ballroom, where the giant crystal chandelier set the theme for the ex-tall table arrangements with crystal drops that we designed. Blue and yellow made a striking combination for this lovely wedding
NUMBER 2
It appeared to be a cloudy morning, but as the hours clicked by the sun moved the clouds away to a beautiful blue sky. As the hour hand moves toward two o,clock in the afternoon the Baby Grand Piano’s soothing sound mixes with the wind and the waves while perched on the pristine sand. The private cove surrounded by cliffs and the Pacific Ocean has a covered surfboard flat and raised, with tropical flowers flanking each side on the beach for the Bride and Groom’s I do’s. The wedding guests emerge on the sand in their gifted Quicksilver flip flops to stand and await the ceremony. The groom, his men, the priest watch as rose pedals part the guests as the beautiful Bride appears to the theme song from her home state of Georgia. After a moving and intimate ceremony the couple exit to the piano tune of the Beach Boys “Wouldn’t it be Nice”. This 48 year old first time bride is living her dream experiencing this magnificent beach wedding. The simplicity of the beach mixed with the character of the Piano on the sand is a testament to the planners innovation and vision.
PASSWORD: Trendsetter2011
NUMBER 3
It was love at first site. Between the couple and the venue, that is. The bride and groom fell in love with the architecture and the feel. Although a serious couple, my job was to keep them lighthearted in the planning process. What better way to than to be whimsical by pulling inspiration from the venue and highlight the elements they fell in love with? While thematic wedding decor is nothing new/trendsetting, the fact that the vintage/ eclectic look may be on its way out, makes room for the return to the cohesive theme. The terra cotta painted tiles throughout the venue lent themselves to the perfect beginning inspiration, color scheme and them. They were shown in the invitation colors and pattern, flower variety and colors, cake design, and choice of guest favor. In addition to the exceptional attention to details, this wedding stayed within the couple’s budget as we mastered and highlighted the inherent feel of the venue, while bringing in incredible personal touches.
NUMBER 4
This waterfront boutique which is located in the lobby of a popular resort, offers couples a new wedding and event venue that has style and sophistication with modern design and interchangeable features to meet each client’s needs. As we all know clients are visual so we spent months creating a room that would allow them to touch, see, and experience a taste of what their wedding will be like.
There are many fun features in the room that the clients will experience. There is a pin cushion as a wall where clients can pin up sample linens to see the different colors and such. The main table does rotate out every month and a new centerpiece every week to bring new ideas to the table (literally). Surrounding the table are different color drapes and mirrors so the client can get the perception of many tables by looking in the mirrors and also what the effect of pipe and drape would look like. We have also installed uplights with a wall panel where guests can simply push a button to see the different colors. We also have a pin spot and gobo to give clients the full effect. There are five large plasma televisions in the room to show guests previous setups, food displays, and decor elements. Clients can shop with their eyes and not just words. We create diagrams as well and detail their event with them on the big screen. There is also lounge furniture that guests sit on so that they can experience that as an option as well. It truly is an entirely new way to create a real vision of their weddings and bring it to life.
NUMBER 5
They say “Everything old is new again” That could not be more true than the vintage look when it comes to wedding films. We have spearheaded the movement the last year in popularizing using actual film cameras (8mm) to shoot weddings. This is becoming ever so more popular with chic, forward thinking brides. Here is a cute example of a Wedding Film Highlights shot at the beautiful Southern California Resort….enjoy.
PASSWORD: Trendsetter2011
NUMBER 6
This couple had a Twilight/Avatar theme. As you can tell they were huge fans of both movies trying to combine and incorporate both into their wedding and reception.
If you have any trouble voting, call Kathy Jo Peterson at 949-362-9000 or email kathy@weddingsbykathy.com.
By: Michelle Tortuya, Co-Director Programs
Great wine, delicious food and fabulous company were all elements of our July Association of Bridal Consultants, Orange County meeting on July 12th, 2011.
Huge thanks to the beautiful Hilton Waterfront Resort for hosting our group and educating us on the pairing of wine with wood. The menu was perfectly paired with the night’s menu and each course was served with the most interesting information about the wine being served.
Thanks to the following vendors for donating their time and products to ensure yet another great ABC-OC Event!
Linens: Mikasa
Florist: Jackie Combs
Photography: Two Rings & A Dress
Photo Booth: EPOD
Chairs: Chiavari Chairs 4 Rent
Calligraphy: Liz Mickelson
Name Tags & Programs: Li-K Designs
By Michelle Tortuya, Co-Director
Thanks so much to Dove Canyon Country Club for hosting an educational, fun and beautiful event for ABC-OC member on June 14th, 2011. Our topic was Cultural Night, where four speakers gave us information on various ethnic wedding traditions and customs.
Guests were greeted at registration with lovely name tags by Li’K Designs, then went on to enjoy Aki’s sushi rolls, Dove Canyon’s full bar and other appetizers. After some mingling, our presentation began and offered valuable information relating to Jewish, Asian, Persian and Indian Weddings. After our great classroom discussion, several ethnic food stations, music and more drinks awaited us all.
Room décor glowed and sparkled with florals from Designs by Tricia, a preferred vendor at Dove Canyon, linens/chairs by Fusion Linens and lighting by Carcano DJ.
Thomas from Agent Entertainment kept the party going for quite a while, we hear some members were having too much fun to go home before 11 pm! And for dessert, delicious and gorgeous cupcakes from The Cupcake Store, plus hot brewed coffee beverage from Brew Ha Ha.
Photography excellence by the one and only Joel at Studio EMP, always willing to help us out and provide his services and amazing pictures.
Huge thanks to our fabulous speakers for their time and expertise:
Beth Slavin – Jewish – www.facebook.com/bethslavinproductions
Caroline Chang – Asian – www.serenityevents.com
Mili Shah – Indian – www.planningelegance.com
Farah Fazl – Persian – www.sallysfloraldesigns.com
Also many thanks to the following event professionals for their donations to our meeting –without them, we couldn’t achieve the same results! Please make sure to visit their websites to learn more about their services offered.
| Caterer/Sushi | Akioni’s | www.akionis.com |
| Linen & Chairs | Fusion | www.fusionlinens.com |
| Florist | Designs by Tricia | www.designsbytricia.com |
| Photographer | Studio EMP | www.studioemp.com |
| Entertainment | Agent Entert. | www.agententertainment.com |
| Favor | Ali Ann Designs | |
| Lighting | Carcano DJ | www.carcanodj.com |
| Coffee Station | Brew Ha Ha | www.brewhahacatering.com |
| Cupcake display | The Cupcake Store | www.thecupcakestoreonline.com |
| Papergoods | Li-K Designs | www.li-kdesigns.com |
By Michelle Tortuya, Co-Director
The Fairmont Newport Beach hosted our Coordinator meeting on May 10th, 2011 and it was fabulous. Guests walked into the beautiful outdoor space decorated with florals from Elegant by Design and linens by Classic Party Rentals. Evyn Charles provided live music both inside and out, adding to the relaxing, warm ambiance.
Our guest speaker, David Ramos, Banquets Manager, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel gave us all a brief summary of TIPS, Training for Intervention Procedures relating to alcohol consumption among guests. Very informative! After our speaker concluded, we continued with an open discussion among fellow wedding coordinators.
Photographers Ron & Gabrielle Levy, Ron Levy Photo, were our featured talent on-site to capture all of the striking details and mingling of guests. One of these amazing details included the cake and favors donated by A Wish and a Wisk. Not only gorgeous to look at but delectable to eat! Lovely designers Mercedes and Susana from BG Design Studio provided the name tags and vendor cards.
Huge thanks to the Fairmont and all of our talented vendors that made our May meeting another successful and fun afternoon.
By Michelle Tortuya, Co-Director Programs
There is still talk going around about what an amazing event ABC-OC members had at the Marriott Newport Beach on April 12th, 2011. Thanks to Summer Rubio and her team for helping us put on a truly different and distinguished event experience for all.
As we entered the property, Photographers Moore & Cruz were on-site to snap pictures of guest’s arrival at the ‘step & repeat.’ Our featured ABC-OC Photographer was Stefani Welsh, who took breathtaking photos of all the details and guests. Once outside for cocktails, appetizers and DJ by The Event Consultants, pear champagne cocktails and wine sampling, donated by Purry Communications, awaited. Delicious foods included scallop skewers with wasabi mayo, fresh-made sushi and hand rolls, and handmade tacos made with Korean short rib and Asian slaw.
Florals were provided by Bound, An Event & Floral Studio and consisted of urban, modern elements. The bright punches of color on the tables were linens provided by Fusion Linens.
After the cocktail hour, guests were invited inside to the ballroom filled with more beautiful floral pieces by Bound, pipe & drape and sleek, white lounge furniture by Fusion Linens, stunning lighting by Carcano DJ, and our featured DJ, Geoff with GME Entertainment.
There were not one, not two signature entrée rooms, but four! These included Handmade Lobster/ Scallop Gnocchi (Italy) featuring a Stolling Accordian Player, a Chimi Churri Beef Carving Station w/ Morrocan Style Mint Potato (Argentine/ Latin) featuring a Flamenco Guitarist, Pan Seared Halibut w/ Asian Pepper Sauce- Asparagus & Shitake Mushroom Risotto (Asian) and grilled Polenta w/ Roasted Red Peppers, Feta and Kalmata Olive (Vegetarian). Huge thanks to The Event Consultants for providing all of the live entertainment within the entrée rooms. Wine pairings were also provided in each of the rooms, courtesy of Purry Communications.
For dessert, All You Can Sweet provided a Smores Buffett that was not only gorgeous but delicious! We also had a fabulous, colorful cake provided by Catherine Joanne Cakes, featuring a custom-made cake stand, by Raise The Cake. To go along with the sweets, Brew Ha Ha provided yummy specialty coffees as a perfect ending treat.
Everything documented and taped for us by The Event Consultants Videgoraphy. Paper goods and name tags were spring-theme and so pretty, provided by Calligraffiti. Strolling models in Enzoani gowns showed off beautiful designs. Hair & Make-up provided by Hair Comes The Bride. Swag bags were a super special end of the night surprise, donated by Bloomingdales, Fashion Island.
By Michelle Tortuya, Co-Director
A big response was expected for our March 8th, 2011, educational meeting featuring Kelly Aguilar, The Chic Geek, and we received that and more. Over 90 guests came to hear Kelly speak about Facebook and all of its updates and changes. We could have sat with Kelly for another two hours, with all of the useful information she shared.
Tustin Ranch Golf Club was our hosting venue, featuring a classroom set-up, cocktail area and main dinner seating. Their staff was the ultimate in professionalism, hospitality and service. It’s no wonder Tustin Ranch Golf Club is booking its 2011 calendar fast!
After class with Kelly, guests were escorted to the cocktail and appetizer area to enjoy catching up with friends while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Troy and Aimee Grover were our featured Photographers and they did an amazing job of capturing the many details that our donating vendors provided to us.
Table linens by La Tavola were fresh, modern and really transformed the look of the ballroom. Jan, Flower Fusion created floral arrangements to compliment the beautiful, bird and branch printed linens, using mini birds, twig nests and more. Paperie & Planning also coordinated our paper goods – menu/venue cards and name tags to match. Such a dream team to work with….Fabulous!
Music and lighting provided by Rick Burgess, with Black Tie Events. A beautiful tower of cake pops and an innovative cake pop “bouquet” was provided by Mindy at Just a Bite Cake Pops. Thanks for the delicious treat!
Thanks so much to Mike at Chiavari Chairs 4 Rent for donating chairs for our March meeting. And thanks to John, Godfather Films, for this fabulous video clip of meeting highlights. We have such a great mix of Professionals, always ready to help make our meetings a success!
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1944975749063&oid=39355728525&comments
Special thanks to our Programs Committee for their continued work and dedicated efforts to creating fun monthly events for our members.
by Lindsay Longacre
Tuesday, February 8th, 2011 was a very special day for the ABC-OC coordinator group who had the privilege of being wowed and inspired by some of the top wedding professionals at the beautiful Franciscan Gardens. Stepping into the space you were immediately drawn in by the vibrant color palette designed by the very talented and innovative Inviting Occasion. Sayeh Studios hand written paper accessories along Wildflower Linens were the perfect compliment to the overall design.
As guests arrived they were greeted by bite size gruyere grill cheese sandwiches with a shot of french onion soup provided by 24 Carrots Catering. It could not have been a more perfect fit for the breezy start to the afternoon. Guests were able to enjoy the sounds of C Squared Events while they were mingling.
The highlight of our luncheon was our lovely guest speaker Summer Watkins, creator and writer for Grey Likes Weddings. Summer filled the audience with great insight on wedding trends for 2011 and was a true fresh of breath air.
After lunch guests were also invited to try the ever so amazing sweets provided by Itty Bitty Sweets which were displayed on Raise the Cake’s custom cupcake stand. On the way out guests were handed another dose of sugar from The Cookie Chew who provides custom truffle stuffed cookie favors.
The afternoon was perfectly captured by Studio EMP and Godfather Films which you can preview below.