Tag kevin covey

February 19, 2013February 19, 2013 by ABC OC

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 13, 2013January 13, 2013 by ABC OC

January: Starting the New Year Off Right with Cindy Novotny

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 20, 2012December 21, 2012 by ABC OC

December Holiday Gala & Trendsetter Awards: Rancho Las Lomas

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.

in Events / Industry News / Trends 0 comments

June 25, 2012June 25, 2012 by ABC OC

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.

in Coordinator Meetings 0 comments

February 20, 2012February 22, 2012 by ABC OC

February Coordinator Meeting: “The Bright Way to I Do”

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