2011 Annual Trendsetter Awards & Holiday Gala

Lindsay — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:49:34 +0000

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