Our thriving chapter has definitely set out to ‘Raise the Bar’ in 2016, and the gathering of Coordinator and Planners for our February Coordinator luncheon was proof of this. Guests were welcomed to a completely beautiful Spring-hued setting at Fig & Olive, with gorgeous warm and sunny weather to match. Everyone mixed and mingled and sipped on refreshing sparkling wine ‘piscines’ as the afternoon got underway. Once seated, a delicious first course salad was brought out and our esteemed panel of wedding professionals kicked off a candid conversation on how to be the best Planner and Coordinator partner possible. A great big thank you to our panel members: Jessica Claire (Jessica Claire Photography), Julie Hill (Elysium Productions), and Patty Burns (Montage Laguna Beach) moderated by Co-Director Kerrie Underhill (Platinum Weddings by Kerrie). After a lively and informative discussion our main course was devoured followed by a sweet treat. All in all a gorgeous afternoon among friends and peers!

Thank you to all of our sponsors!
Venue, Food and Beverage: Fig and Olive
Planning: Kelsey Events
Florist: The Blooming Bud
Stationery: Wiley Valentine
Linens: Luxe Linen
Entertainment: Undercover Live
Photography: Davello Photography
Videography: The Yodsukars

It should come as no surprise that the Trendsetter Awards are our favorite night of the year. Not only does it give us an excuse to dress up and dance the night away, but it gives us the opportunity to recognize those we admire most, our friends and fellow vendors.

The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach served as the perfect venue to celebrate our unbelievable year and we extend our warmest congratulations to everyone on setting a new standard of excellence in 2015.  Kerrie Underhill along side AOO Events really out did themselves this year and we send a special thank you to them for creating such a stunning gala for us!

Here is the highlight video from Godfather Films:

Association of Bridal Consultants – Orange County 2015 Trendsetter Awards Gala Highlight Film from Godfather Films on Vimeo.

The Trendsetter Committee:
Shashona Reynolds, Mastro’s Steakhouse
Sheena Mehta, Westin South Coast Plaza

Sophia Caramanoff, Les Belles Affaires
Courtney Urquiza, InStyle Events Co.
Carmen Fuentes: Expressionary Events

Jessica Tijan: Tustin Ranch Golf Club

 

Panel of Judges

Amy Squires, Wedding Chicks

Beth Helmstetter, Beth Helmstetter Events

Kristin Banta, Kristin Banta Events

Congratulations to all our winners of the 7th Annual Trendsetter Awards.  Photos taken by Lucero Photography

 

Once the dresses were zipped and the bow ties were straightened, guests embarked upon the lovely venue to be entranced by glitter and gold. As old friends captured pictures in the festive photo booth provided by Joy Squad, new connections formed while waiting in line for the signature drinks. Once the doors to the ballroom opened and guests were taking their seats at their stunning tables, the awards ceremony was upon us. The winners accepted their glass trophy and incredible swag bag in the center of the custom dance floor, with a custom black and gold logo by TMMPRO. Meanwhile, square wooden boxes filled with gourmet cheeseburgers and French fries were delivered to our tables and although it was hard, everyone was able to make room for the next course: Root beer floats. How could you not, right? Once all the categories were announced, Society Music and Sound got everyone to the dance floor with their renditions of both classic and new hit songs. They then handed the night over to Invisible Touch, who brought down the house in spectacular fashion. It is can definitely be said that there was no finer way to end the year. 2016, you have a lot to live up to!

Relive this amazing night through the incredible photos below by Lucero Photography:

 

2015 Trendsetter Winners

Best Captured Moment: Lin & Jisra Photography

Best Design Transformation of Space Over $50,000: A Good Affair Wedding and Event Production

Best Design Transformation of Space Under $50,000:  Platinum Weddings By Kerrie 

Best New Idea or Concept: Luxury DJs 

Best New Memento: Water Tree Events

Best New or Refreshed Venue: Estate on 2nd 

 

Best Overall Theme/Thematic Follow-Through: Heather Hoesch LVL Weddings

Best Tablescape: A Good Affair Wedding and Event Production 

Elevation of Industry: Lindsay Longacre, LVL Weddings and Events 

Trendsetter of the Year: 24 Carrots Catering and Events

Joanie Scott Award: Laurie Davies 

Member of the Year: Erika Bowers

Swag Bag Sponsors:

Center Club* Conscious Bean* Delovely Details* Frank Salas Studios* Happy Photos* Hilton Costa Mesa* Hollywood Candy Girls* HotShot Awards & Engraving* ll Fornaio* Left Coast Brewery* Mammoth Mountain Ski Area & Resort* Mastro’s Steakhouse* Red O Restaurant* Tustin Ranch Golf Club* The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar* What a Betty* Simply Sweet Cakery*

A Special Thank You to All of Our Sponsors!

Executive Producer & Event Design: AOO Events

Planner: Kerrie Underhill

Floral Design: AOO Florals

Venue, Food and Beverage: Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort

Draping: Amber Event Production

Rental Furniture: Glam Events

Linens: GBS Linens

Chargers: BBJ Linen

Dance Floor: TMMPRO

Lighting and DJ: Invisible Touch

Entertainment: Society Music and Sound

Audio Visual: Encore Events Technologies

Acapella Group: These Guys

Stationary & Graphic Designs: Honeycrisp Designs

Wood Etching: Happily Ever Etched

Photo Booth: Joy Squad

Beauty: Vanity Belle Beauty Boutique

Balloon Decor: Balloonzilla

Cogu Bar: Mad and Ovel

Dessert Buffet: Mixed Bakery

Photographer: Lucero Photography

Videographer: Godfather Films

Sometimes Tuesdays call for an escape from your everyday routine.  Where better to find yourself than at Plaza De Magdalena.  Nestled on a quaint street in San Juan Capistrano, this venue had it all: an outdoor courtyard brought to life by Italian string lighting, a spacious and elegant dining room featuring stunning windows, and food provided by Sundried Tomato that left your taste buds begging for more!

Color and comfort were just around every corner as the areas were enhanced with romantic furniture from Sundrop Vintage.  However, textures are what really tied the night together.  Within the enchanting brick walls, tables were donned with exquisite linens, patterned glassware and burlap chargers.  These helped serve as the perfect backdrop for our Newlywed panel.

This panel wasn’t like the game show, and the couples didn’t get points for answering questions right about their spouse.  Instead they won us over with their feedback from their perspective as the Bride and Groom.  From how they chose their vendors, to what was most important on their big day, to the following up process, we were enlightened on some of the best ways to do business from start to finish.  Their stories truly served as validation that all our services are needed and memorable.  One bride was quoted as saying “my only wish is that I had more time with her [planner].”  Well our only wish is that we get to enjoy another gorgeous event by Platinum Weddings by Kerrie in the near future.  To cap the night off we all took a piece of cake home with us in the most adorable cake boxes provide by Plumeria Cake Studio.

Thank you to all of our Sponsors!

Planner:  Kerrie Underhill: Platinum Weddings by Kerrie

Venue: Plaza de Magdalena

Caterer and Bar: Sundried Tomato

Videographer: Perryfield Films

Lighting: 3J Events

Florist: Floral Occasions

Stationary: Jen Simpson Design

Linens: Luxe Linen

Photographer: Brett Hickman Photographers

Vintage Furniture and Glassware: Sundrop Vintage

Chargers: Something Borrowed Events

Entertainment: Hey Mister DJ

Favors: Plumeria Cake StudioABC August Meeting