Category Coordinator Meetings

October 25, 2016October 27, 2016 by ABC OC

October 2016: Beer and Wine Fall Harvest

Fall: A time when pumpkin patches are around every corner, Halloween candy haunts you in the grocery, and ABC members are racing to finish their Trendsetter submissions. But what better way to celebrate harvest time than with some beer and wine?

Erika’s Elegance Weddings & Events hit a “hole in one” with this October meeting held at Tustin Ranch Golf Club. She called on Sweet Salvage to provide the most stunning and festive vintage rentals to lounge on during some outdoor mingling. However, as we all know, one can’t stay sitting for long when food is in sight, especially when it has a perfectly paired drink to go with it! The Tustin Ranch Pretzels and Bitburger German Pilsner were a huge hit, as was the Smoked Salmon Tartar and Champagne. With a drink in one hand, an appetizer in the other, and the musical styling’s of Don Covel Entertainment in your ear, it was hard to imagine this meeting could get any better….but it did!

Members eventually found their way indoors where some more fabulous food pairings were waiting. As small plates and glasses began to fill everyone’s hands again, the tables adorned with GBS Linens were put to good use. Meanwhile, it didn’t take long for everyone to spot Frank Salas Photography’s fun photo booth. How could we miss it with all the creative props he provided? He was also there to capture the laughs and smiles on the dance floor, which wasn’t hard thanks to Visions Entertainment and Steve Burdick Entertainment who were dishing out some of their favorite tunes on the turn tables.

With this being the last meeting of the year, members were reminded about the Trendsetter Gala, which will be held at the Disneyland® Hotel in Anaheim on December 13^th. Although everyone was looking forward to that celebration, this one was far from over. The Pie Hole was there to put the cherry on top of a wonderful night. Yet, most surprising of all would have to be our honorary vendor, Mother Nature who spoiled us all with perfect weather. Thank you to everyone who came out and we can’t wait to see you dressed to the nines in December!

Thank you to all of our Sponsors!

Venue: Tustin Ranch

Event Planner: Erika’s Elegance Wedding & Events

Florist: The Pink Daffodil

Tables/Chairs/Heaters/Lighting: Apex Tent and Party

Stationary: Jen Simpson Design

Photography: Frank Salas Photography

Videography: Godfather Films

Desserts: The Pie Hole

Vintage Rentals: Sweet Salvage

Entertainment: Visions Entertainment

Entertainment: Steve Burdick Entertainment

Photobooth: Frank Salas Photography

Linens: GBS Linens

Entertainment: Don Covel Entertainment

Signage: Ollie + Elle

Coffee: Coffee Catering LA

September 26, 2016September 26, 2016 by ABC OC

September 2016 Coordinators Meeting: An Afternoon with Regina and Krista of Crosby & Jon and Archive Rentals

Simply Sweet Weddings and Events always puts together amazing events and this month’s meeting was no exception. Our Coordinators were treated to a charming luncheon hosted at the quaint Five Crowns Restaurant & Steakhouse of Corona Del Mar. Throughout the afternoon, guests couldn’t stop commenting on how stunning the ceremony location was put together. Who doesn’t love lounge seating nestled into the traditional seating? It was such a well-designed touch of romance thanks to Classic Party Rentals. Bella Blooms filled the room with elegant pops of white, leaving our eyes to wander in all directions. Meanwhile, we visited old and new friends before sitting down to enjoy our speakers of the afternoon.

Running your own business is not an easy task. Creative blocks prove to be a problem, such as not knowing if a paycheck will be coming in this month. Regina and Krista from Crosby and Jon Design and Archive Rentals inspired us to believe in ourselves and our creativity. Their knowledge and helpful tips brought inspiration to us all with the simple reminder that saying “You’ve got this” helps to power through and grow our businesses. Sometimes if the task seems difficult, you might just be doing things right. Make sure to delegate and hire out to get the entire job done and remember that we can’t do everything ourselves. Choosing jobs that bring value to your company helps to grow the big picture and you always want to be sure to get recognized for your work. In conclusion, we can’t be afraid to raise our prices; we are worth every penny!

After the inspiring lecture it was time to enjoy the luncheon. The delightful Five Crowns Restaurant & Steakhouse offered each guest a choice of prime rib, halibut or vegetarian entrée which was a real treat. Each plate looked as wonderful as it tasted. We ended the afternoon with a full plate of desserts provided by Mixed Bakery. Everyone tried their best to taste every scrumptious bite before heading back to the office for the day where they were left wishing for more!

Thank you to all of our Sponsors!

Speakers: Regina and Krista from Crosby and Jon Design and Archive Rentals

Coordination: Simply Sweet Weddings & Events

Venue: Five Crowns Restaurant & Steakhouse

Photography: Blue Sky’s Studio

Videography: Parallel Media Productions

Florist: Bella Blooms

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Entertainment: Steve Burdick Events

Desserts: Mixed Bakery

Stationary: Envelopments

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June 24, 2016June 26, 2016 by ABC OC

June 2016: Delight the Senses at Montage Laguna Beach

There’s nothing quite like an ocean view and although this Earth is primarily water, it’s safe to say The Montage Laguna Beach offers one of the best in the world! Our Coordinators were reminded of this at our June luncheon. However, our sight wasn’t our only sense getting spoiled. It didn’t take long for our members to notice the scent in the air, and no, we’re not talking about the ocean. Pastiche Perfumes was there promoting their amazing fragrance bar. Guests were able to choose from an array of different scents and combine their favorites, thus creating their own custom fragrance.

As our members were spritzing their new perfumes, tray passed hors d’oeuvres and champagne were making their way throughout the lawn. Our taste buds were in heaven, but it didn’t stop there! Once we were welcomed into the luncheon, Chef Craig Strong of The Montage Laguna Beach was there to answer questions on trendy dishes and explain just what we were going to be dining on. The description alone was enough to make us weak in the knees, but the actual taste was beyond expectations.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned at our meetings, it’s that you can never have too much dessert and Sweet Lady Jane was there to take our senses over the top! Everyone collected a delicious treat (or two or three) and brought them back to their table adorned with fabulous linens provided by Mikasa Fine Linens. They were a “touch” of perfection. And of course, DJ Chris Rox was there to set the mood and provide the tunes.

Thus, our five senses got a work out this day, but what would one of our meetings be without the sixth sense, a sense of humor. A huge thank you to all our members who continue to laugh, enjoy, and most importantly make connections!

A special thank you to all our Sponsors!

Venue: The Montage Laguna Beach

Planner: Nicole Marie Events

Photography: Jeremy Lucero Photography

Videography: Mission Visual

Florals: Nisie’s Enchanted Florist

Dessert Buffet: Sweet Lady Jane

Entertainment: DJ Chris Rox

Stationary: Sugar Press

Linens: Mikasa Fine Linens

Perfume Bar: Pastiche Perfume

Rentals: ChiavariChairRentals.com

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May 23, 2016May 23, 2016 by ABC OC

May 2016: An Evening Under the Stars

Lion, tigers, and bears…more like cheese, wine, and mingling oh my! This month’s meeting was held at the fabulous Rancho Las Lomas Resort and Zoological Garden on May 10th. As guests handed their cars over to the valet, a few zebras made an appearance, but let it be known they were not the only “party animals” in attendance.

Kelsey Events outdid themselves once again, bringing together some of the best vendors in the business to give us this year’s most social event yet. While we usually host a phenomenal speaker of some sort, this month focused on just getting to know one another! And we all know there’s no better way to mingle than over wine and delicious cheese arrays provided by 24 Carrots Catering & Events.

To add a little entertainment to the evening, guests were handed a fill-in-the-blank game, where the answers were actually names of your fellow guests. Thus, while everyone was on the hunt for those who can quote “Father of the Bride” or who have spent over ten years in the industry, business cards and crazy stories were exchanged. When guests weren’t racing to get their games filled out, they were either lounging on the classic furniture provided by Found Vintage Rentals or busting out their best dance moves to music performed by Undercover Live Entertainment. Overall, there were laughs, there were introductions, but most importantly there was a candy bar by Hollywood Candy Girls! It was the perfect cap to such a sweet night!

A special thank you to all our Sponsors!

Venue: Rancho Las Lomas Resort and Zoological Garden

Planner: Kelsey Events

Catering: 24 Carrots Catering & Events

Paper Goods: Wiley Valentine

Florist: Posh Peony

Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals

Photography: Happy Photos

Videography: Expressionary Films

Music: Undercover Live Entertainment

Photo Booth: Lucas Jeanne Events

Candy Bar: Hollywood Candy Girls

Valet: Special Parking Services

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April 19, 2016April 25, 2016 by ABC OC

April 2016: Making PR Your Priority

A night at the museum? Don’t mind if we do! Except unlike a normal visit to Bower’s Museum, signature pineapple martinis and delightful appetizers filled our fists instead of a brochure. We were greeted, per usual, by a familiar face, a name tag and an open bar. The first hour was used to mingle, form connections, reminisce on the good times, and of course, satisfy our appetite. Once the cocktail hour in the Huang Sculpture Garden was nearing an end, the doors to Bower’s Great Hall opened and guests began taking their seats.

Yellow tulips in square glass vases arranged by Flawless Flowers served as the centerpieces, atop clear, acrylic tables with textured, navy runners provided by GBS Linens. This contemporary design with a pop of color was met by some history with ancient artifacts lining the walls of the museum. Leila Lewis took to the stage to discuss PR tips and the power of positivity. She stressed on the importance of working with your fellows vendors, especially when it comes to publicity. She opened the floor for questions and once that was finished, we dined on the impeccable catering of Patina Restaurant Group. Finally, we capped off the night in the back courtyard with some cappuccino from Brew Ha Ha. It was such an exciting evening, even the mummies in Bower’s new exhibit were coming to life!

A special thank you to all of our Sponsors!

Speaker: Leila Lewis

Planner: Erika’s Elegance Weddings and Events

Venue: Bowers Museum

Catering: Patina Restaurant Group

Florist: Flawless Flowers

Music: Del Lago Trio

Paper Goods: Rebecca Calagna Events

Linens: GBS Linens

Coffee Station: Brew Ha Ha

Rentals: Absolutely Fabulous! Events and Productions

DJ: Scratch Weddings

Videographer: The Emotion Picture Studio

Photographer: Brian LaBrada Photography

Be sure to check out the video from The Emotion Picture Studio:

http://www.theemotionpicturestudio.com/orange-county-weddings/oc-abc-april-meeting/

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April 4, 2016September 26, 2016 by ABC OC

March 2016: Branding You

The Estate on 2nd, winner of Trendsetter’s “Best New or Refreshed Venue”, opened their doors to us as we hosted our third meeting of the year. Upon arrival at this gorgeous location, guests were led upstairs to a cocktail hour. Music by Undercover Live set the mood as we networked and mingled over sangria and delicious paella whipped up by Jay’s Catering.

As the evening progressed, it was time to migrate downstairs where guests were welcomed by a shabby chic display of farm tables topped with rustic centerpieces involving some of our favorites for weddings, succulents. As we took our seats, we were introduced to the shining “Star” of the soiree, world-renowned wedding photographer and branding genius, Jasmine Star. This creative entrepreneur taught us a thing or two (or twenty) about “keeping it real” and how to market yourself on social media without spending a penny. With our minds enlightened and our goals set, it was time to quench our appetite. Thus, Jay’s Catering wowed us again with an extravagant buffet complete with a meat carving station. From then on, the rest of the night was ours to wine, dine and build connections with newfound friends

Thank you to all of our Sponsors:

Speaker: Jasmine Star

Planning: Green Apple Event Co

Venue: The Estate on 2nd

Catering: Jays

Rentals: Sundrop Vintage

Paper Goods: Fabulously Unique Designs

Linens: Mod Mix Studio

Flowers: Sweet Sage

Music: Undercover Live

DJ/Lighting: Ampersand Event Co

Photography: Victoria Johansson Photography

Videography: Hoo Films

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January 19, 2016January 20, 2016 by ABC OC

January 2016: Networking Event

We certainly started the year off right at Pacific Hills Banquet and Catering . Their gorgeous ballroom was dressed in the Pantone colors of the year, Rose Quartz and Serenity. Wildflower linens really showed off these colors coordinating table linens and chivari chair covers fit for a princess. Dave’s Flowers provided centerpieces that perfectly complimented the event’s color scheme. The overall look was exquisite.

Instead of our traditional speed networking, we decided to mix things up with assigned seating, and networking at your table during dinner service. This allowed each table to make multiple connections using industry related questions to spark the conversations. Everyone met new people, enjoyed great food, and ended the night with the perfect array of desserts from Drive Me Cookie.

Looking forward to a successful 2016.

Thank you to all of our sponsors!

Venue, Food & Beverage: Pacific Hills Banquet & Catering
Planning: Kelsey Events
Photographer: Mark Martinez Photography
Florals: Dave’s Flowers
Linens: Wildflower Linen
Lounge Furniture: Absolutely Fabulous! Events
DJ: Extreme DJ
Stationary: Ampersand Ink
Dessert: Drive Me Cookie

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October 21, 2015October 21, 2015 by ABC OC

October 2015: Creative Planner Day

Kendra Scott replaced “diamonds” as our so-called best friend this month, when they opened their doors to our Event Planners, allowing each person to customize their own piece of jewelry. With mimosas and pastries in hand, a convenient touch screen display at their Color Bar made it a synch to create unique pieces tailored to individual personalities and styles.

Donned with our new favorite accessories, we sashayed over to the Red O Restaurant for a patio luncheon. La Tavola Fine Linens created a chic, yet casual atmosphere with their beautiful floral linens, while The Blooming Bud perfectly complimented the affair with quaint centerpieces. Chips, salsa, and of course, margaritas also dressed the table and later, along with various entrees served as a delicious addition to our stomachs.

As if that wasn’t enough, we finished off the event with an exclusive calligraphy lesson by Jill Velez of Copper Willow. Equipped with the proper tools to learn the lovely art of decorative hand writing, everyone was able to put ink to paper and give it a try. After seeing the result, I feel some of us will just leave this art to the experts. This event was truly an experience, one that created friendships, good memories, and even some future jewelry designers or calligraphists.

Thank you to all of our sponsors!

Venue and Catering: Red O Restaurant

Planning: A Good Affair

Photography: Ashley Kelemen

Videography: Emotion Picture Studio

Florist: The Blooming Bud

Linens: La Tavola Fine Linens

Stationary: Honeycrisp Designs

Favors: Mixed Bakery

Entertainment: Geoff Maddox Entertainment

Special Thanks to: Kendra Scott

Special Thanks to: Copper Willow

Special Thanks to: Wedding Chicks

Love the video from The Emotion Picture Studios

Beautiful Photos by: Ashley Kelemen

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September 17, 2015September 19, 2015 by ABC OC

September 2015: Havana Nights

Our Havana Nights soiree was a blast, ending our summer on a high note. Located in Huntington Beach, Venue by Three Petals definitely knows how to throw a celebration. The lavish area was filled with tropical colors, making this one HOT ending to our busy summer. The light up bar invited guests to try their themed drink of the evening. Cuban food stations and tray passed delights were a plenty throughout the beautiful space. Sprinkles Cupcakes served ice cream for dessert, while Urban Espresso offered wonderful coffees and espressos perfectly capping off the night.

The dance floor did not stay empty long thanks to Visions Entertainment who provided the music and lighting for the event. El Canito Cigars really played up the theme with their cigar bar stationed on the patio. If that wasn’t enough to keep you entertained, Vox DJ’s had fun props to pose with in their photo booth and Water Tree Events provided a Video Dare Booth… The question is, did you dare to try it out?

The “plus one” was a nice touch as guests loved being able to bring their significant other and friends to the party, adding a whole new level of networking. It’s no surprise that this “meeting” was one of the highest in attendance. It’s safe to say, there was no better way to conclude our summer!

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors!

Planner: Simply Sweet Weddings and Events

Planner: Platinum Weddings by Kerrie

Photographer: Joan Fuller Photography

Videography and Video Dare Booth: Water Tree Events

Florist: Three Petals

Stationary: Honeycrisp Designs

Dessert: Sprinkles

DJ & Lighting: Visions Entertainment

Linens, Lounge Furniture & Draping: Chiavari Chair Rentals

Photobooth: Vox DJ’s

Coffee Bar: Urban Espresso Catering

Cigar Bar: El Canito Cigars

Beauty: Erica Pennings

Love our Orange County Videography

ABC OC Havana Night Highlight Video from Water Tree Events Videography on Vimeo.

Photography by Joan Fuller Photography

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July 22, 2015July 23, 2015 by ABC OC

July: Wedding Coordinator Panel

Kelsey Events put on an amazing July meeting. Breathtaking views, signature drinks, and exquisite décor certainly created a night to remember. As we set our eyes on the venue we were immediately immersed into the amazing architecture of the Santiago Canyon Estate. Casual mingling among friends poolside seamlessly turned into an elegant dinner under the stars.

Upon arrival to the upper level our eyes wandered from the enchanting table settings, to the stunning floral arrangements, to the dessert table. The lounge style seating for our speakers was perfectly put together in all white with pops of fuchsia. The tropical centerpieces with Magenta Phaleonopsis Orchids and Ti Leaves completed the event’s overall look.

It’s always inspiring to hear success stories from our peers. All three speakers are considered some of the top Event Planners in the industry. Their success in business goes hand in hand with their love for their clients. Brooke Keegan emphasized having great relationships with your vendors to ensure a flawless event. While Lindsay Longacre’s leaderships skills have helped her build a strong event company that offers training for aspiring event planners. Since entering the industry in 2004 Wendy Dahl not only runs a successful event company but also coaches wedding professionals. All of the speakers enlightened the group with their past experience and how it contributed to their achievements over the years. From making the decision to join the industry, to where they are now has been quite the journey for each of them. It was truly an honor to hear each of their stories.

Jason’s Catering provided a delectable menu that certainly did not disappoint. The hearty portions were delicious. The dessert table by Pacific Patisserie Bakery had so many choices it was hard to decide which ones to bite into. Brew Ha Ha’s gourmet coffee station with fresh beignets really hit the spot at the end of the night.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors!

Coordination: Kelsey Events
Venue: Santiago Vineyard Estate
Catering: Jason’s Catering
Photography: Allison Maggin Photography
Lighting and DJ: Extreme DJ
Flowers: Flowers by Cina
Bakery: Pacific Patisserie Bakery
Coffee Station: Brew Ha Ha Catering
Greenery: Green Effect
Linens: Something Borrowed Party Rentals
Specialty Furniture Rentals: AFR Event Furnishing
Rentals: ATB Party Rentals
Stationary: Jasmin Michelle Designs