Posted by abcoc on Aug 2, 2010 in
Uncategorized From Stacey Gitten
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club was the generous host of our All Member meeting on July 13th. Guests arrived for a summer evening of Wine Appreciation. Upon walking under the trellis into the Wedding Garden (which overlooks the 18th hole and the lake on the golf course), members were greeted by the smooth sounds of a 6-piece ensemble from Pete Jacobs Entertainment and a variety of wine tasting and education provided by Marcelino of Young’s Market. The venue displayed some of its new lounge furniture set amidst the lush foliage, rose bushes, and lemon trees of the garden and Designer Specialty Linens add a wonderful pop of color to the cocktail tables with gorgeous, rich Plum satin lamours and diamond pintucks.
After mingling and networking, guests entered the Trabuco Ballroom (which can seat up to 240 guests). White lanterns hung from the Napa-style exposed wood beams and wrought iron chandeliers cast a glow over the dark woods and the latte colored carpet and upholstered chairs. The plum linens were highlighted with lime colored napkins and accented by a unique combination of light color roses and dark succulents artfully arranged by Reher’s Florist. The nametags and menu cards designed by Paper Monkey tied all of these fabulous colors together.
Mixed greens salads were served during Marcelino’s presentation on new wine trends and guests dined on Manhattan steak or savory crepes as Pete Jacob’s Wartime Radio Review performed their 18-piece 1940’s era, big band swing show. While a few members danced and boogied, most headed to the Reception Patio basking in the glow of candles to enjoy Arroyo Trabuco’s chocolate fountain and mini Red Velvet cupcakes from Divine Desserts.
Samuel Gonzalez with Sammy G Photography and Cheers Video captured what was mentioned as one of the best meetings yet.
Thanks to following fabulous team for donating their time and service!
Venue: Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
Speakers: Marcelino of Young’s Market
Paper Goods: Paper Monkey
Favors: Divine Desserts
Entertainment: Pete Jacobs Entertainment
Photographer: Sammy G Photography
Linens: Designer Specialty Linens
Florist: Reher’s Florist
Posted by abcoc on Jul 28, 2010 in
Uncategorized From Michelle Tortuya
June’s ABC-OC meeting was held at AnQi, in Bloomingdales at South Coast
Plaza and featured the topic: Become a print and online PRofessional.
Jack Randall Photography captured photos of happy members and striking
details!
It was great to experience an entirely different type of venue and menu
featuring an Asian Fusion taste. Guests were welcomed with a signature
cocktail – the Lavendar Mojito – and treated to tray-passed appetizers
while networking with friends and peers.
After mingling, everyone moved into the private meeting room, decorated by
beautiful burnt-orange linens from Fusion and exotic flowers from Flower
Fusion. The linens complimented the room’s earthy tones and Jan used
succulents and woodsy elements for a natural, strong feel.
Our guest speaker was Kirsty King, Regional Director from The Knot.
Kirsty gave an overview of potential PR with The Knot and answered several
questions from the audience regarding print/online advertising, social
media and public relations. Some highlights and links for further detail
are as follows:
* Links for more information on the The Knot:
www.theknotinc.com
The Knot Market intelligence (TKMI): www.theknotinc.com/tkmi
* For submissions of weddings and events:
For celebrity driven submissions: casting@weddingchannel.com
Local Blogs: weddingnews@theknot.com
* Other resources:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weddingbuzz
Link The Knot on your pages: TheKnot.com/links or WeddingChannel.com/links
Real Weddings: TheKnot.com/my-real-wedding
For lunch, the menu consisted of Misoyaki Eggplant Sushi with asparagus
and avocado, a chicken wonton, and guest choice of either Ginger noodles
with roasted japanese eggplant or Yuzu chicken salad. Dessert included
mini tofu cheesecake, and delicious fresh-baked cookies from Christopher
Garren’s.
We would like to thank our wonderful, talented vendors, who donated their
time and services to make this another ABC-OC success.
Entertainment – Visions Entertainment
Favor - Christopher Garren’s
Florist – Jan Wilder, Flower Fusion
Linens – Fusion Linens
Paper Goods – Liz King, Li’k Designs
Photographer – Jack Randall Photography
Venue/Caterer – AnQi
Posted by abcoc on Jun 2, 2010 in
Uncategorized From Stacey Gitten
Our coordinators were treated to a wonderful meeting on May 9th at Mastro’s Ocean Club. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor private space for events of 30 up to buyouts of 350. Guests were greeted with a ‘smoking’ signature drink upon arrival and toured through the restaurant in to the Mastro Room’s Patio where they cozied up to the fireplace for breath taking ocean views.
Coordinators were escorted to square tables bathed in a Dusty Aqua Dupinonique provided by Designer Specialty Linens and surrounded by rich black leather high-back chairs. Fantasy Florals created 2 different types of centerpieces – one was a treebranch with orchids and candles and the other was a clear globe with holes filled with tulips atop a silver base. Placesettings were impeccably arranged with accents of a double Black and Dusty Aqua Dupinonique napkins in a pewter ring, a cute silver to-go box filled with fortune cookie favors supplied by Candee by Sandee, and a menu and vendor card that complimented the linen color exactly by Paper Melange.
Lisa Cole, a Lingerie Fit Expert, educated guests about the importance of properly fitted undergarments for the bride. She also recommended using clear bra straps for pictures, having double sided tape in your emergency kit, and keeping 2+ pairs of hosiery on hand. Jan Bohn with Margaret’s Cleaners spoke about bridal gown emergencies and preservation. She explained that in order to fix a stain, the 2 most important things to know are the type of fabric (natural or synthetic) and the type of stain (water soluble, non-water soluble, or a mix). They offer emergency kits to assist. And Lauren Meskell from Friar Tux gave a demonstration on 2 ways to tie a tie and a tutorial on how to fold a pocket square. All three vendors provide referral programs!
Afterwards, coordinators feasted on a delicious lunch of Caesar salad, choice of salmon, Petite Filet, or Herb Roasted Chicken, and a decadent dessert trio of chocolate cake, butter cake and cheese cake. Tom Bethel with Major League Music serenaded us with acoustic guitar.
Our photographers, Gavin and Erin –with Gavin Wade Photographers, captured great photos of the attendees.
Thanks to following fabulous team for donating their time and service!
Venue: Mastro’s Ocean Club
Speakers: Lisa Cole, Margaret’s Cleaners, Friar Tux
Paper Goods: Paper Melange
Favors: Candee by Sandee
Guitarist: Major League Music
Photographer: Gavin Wade Photographers
Linens: Designer Specialty Linens
Florist: Fantasy Florals
Posted by abcoc on May 21, 2010 in
Uncategorized Marbella Country Club hosted our first Vendor Fair of 2010 in their beautiful spanish-style clubhouse. There was not one area left undecorated by Jenny B. Floral Designs and Elegant Design Specialty Linens.
The format of this vendor fair changed from previous events in that it was limited to only three vendors per category. This gave a more intimate feel and allowed guests to visit with more showcasing vendors.
As you can see from the stunning pictures below from Ron Levy Photography, guests enjoyed mingling, catching-up with old friends, and experiencing new trends while listening to a Harpist, provided by The Event Consultants.
Boardwalk Bars provided custom-dipped ice cream bars and that was a huge hit! No shortage of delicious food & drinks.
A huge thanks to the following vendors who donated their services and ensured a fabulous event:
Linens: Elegant Designs Specialty Linens
Tote Bags: LVL Weddings & Events
Florals: Jenny B Floral Design
Venue: Marbella Country Club
Photography: Ron Levy Photography
Sweet Treats/Favors: Boardwalk Bars
Entertainment: The Event Consultants
Paper Goods: Pica Press
Posted by abcoc on Apr 2, 2010 in
Uncategorized Our very own esteemed wedding expert, Barbara Wallace has released the second edition of her book, Wedding Vendor Handbook: Get to the Top and Stay There. The book is backed with 13 years of wedding industry experience. It outlines the elements that make up a top wedding planner, including 26 disciplines. Autographed copies may be purchased from ZinGiBer Publishing. They are also available on Amazon and will be available at this year’s ABC National Conference.
Title: “Wedding Vendor Handbook: Get to the Top and Stay There”
Author: Barbara Wallace, Master Bridal Consultant ™ (MBC), Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP). One of the first Co-Directors of ABC-OC and a highly regarded wedding planner with 13 years experience in the wedding business and known for doing amazing, high-end weddings.
What: The first “how-to” book written especially for wedding vendors
Format: Part I Defines what a Top Wedding vendor is; Part II gives the elements of being a top wedding vendor and Part III discusses 26 different wedding vendor disciplines and what each should consider on the way to the top. Also includes Iron Clad Rules and interesting and amusing anecdotes that illustrate wedding vendor etiquette.
Who Should Read?: Any wedding vendor either new or experienced who wishes to get valuable tips on running their business professionally so they can join the ranks of the top wedding vendors.
Available at: ZinGiBer Publishing (for an autographed copy) and on Amazon.
Posted by abcoc on Apr 1, 2010 in
Uncategorized From Stacey Gitten
ABC-OC’s first Educational meeting of 2010 was held at Renaissance Club Sport in Aliso Viejo on March 9th. This unique hotel and sport club opened in July of 2008 with 174 guest rooms, a 70,000 sq foot spa and fitness club, and over 5,000 square feet of total event space bathed in buttercup with accents of cobalt blue and burnt orange.
Guests were able to take a tour of this new property and mingle in the foyer with tray passed hors d’ouevres and wine before taking their seats in Ballroom Renaissance A. Constance Hoffman of Social and Business Graces, Inc. gave an informative yet approachable talk about communication etiquette – from first impressions, posture and handshakes to email protocol, using persuasive words, and reading a buyer.
Pipe and drape provided by Fleur de Lis Events separated the 2 sections of the ballroom. While uplights provided by Crystal AV warmed the room.
Afterwards, guests chose their seats in Ballroom Renaissance B to correspond with their color-coded name tags provided by Calligraffiti. This provided semi-assigned seats to represent varied vendors at each table. Feedback has been positive about the mix. Tasty beach inspired chocolates prepared by The Chocolate Soldier greeted guests at the tables. Coordinating menu cards by Calligraffiti noted our delicious lunch including Poached Pair Salad, Filet and Jidori Chicken, and a dessert trio to be served. Kudos to the Chef! Vive Entertainment spun tunes during lunch to provide background music.
Our photographer, Jared -with Scott Nelson Photography, captured great photos of the attendees, the venue, the bright green, pink, and orange shantung satin linens by Fusion Linens, and the spectacular tropical floral arrangements created by Reher’s Florist.
Thanks to following fabulous team for donating their time and service!
Venue: Renaissance Club Sport
Speaker: Constance Hoffman
Pipe and Drape: Fleur de Lis Events
Lighting: Crystal AV
Paper Goods:Calligraffiti
Favors: The Chocolate Soldier
DJ: Vive Entertainment
Photographer: Scott Nelson Photography
Linens: Fusion Linens
Florist: Reher’s Florist
Posted by abcoc on Feb 26, 2010 in
Uncategorized From Michelle Tortuya
Another fun and informative meeting was held for the ABC-OC Coordinators on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010. Our host venue, The Dock in Newport Beach, was the perfect site for us all to mingle, dine and listen to a couple of fabulous Orange County ladies discuss the “it” factor of OC and beyond. Our guest photographer, Joel from Studio EMP captured lovely pictures of our afternoon.
The topic was Hot Trends and we invited several winners of the ABC-OC first annual trendsetter awards to come and display their talents such as the lovely Larissa with Inviting Occasion, Steve Shanahan with Honored Occasions, and linens by Wildflower.
As guests entered the Dock’s reception area, beautiful paper name tags and entrée selection disks were displayed, created by Artiface. Once they entered the dining area, champagne was served, as well as delicious hors devours . On display to take home were favors by Mindy Himmel from Just a Bite Cake Pops. Yummy!
Cloudy skies didn’t take from the beautiful view of the marina. The interior of the room was decorated by moss green and plum linens, hanging glass vases with fresh blooms, several varieties of fresh flowers in mixed vessels and comfortable benches and cushions for pure relaxation!
Our first speaker, Greer Wylder, from Greer’s OC spoke of the hottest trends in local dining and activities. As a wonderful mention for us, she spotlighted several ABC-OC members such as The Spiraled Stem and Wildflower Linens.
Amy Squires, from Wedding Chicks, then informed the group about how she and co-owner, Jocey, choose what to post about on their blog and how vendors can best submit their own work to be featured.
Thanks to following fabulous team for donating their time and service!
Venue: The Dock, Christine Overstreet
Speakers: Greer Wlyder, Greer’s OC/ Amy Squires, Wedding Chicks
Photographer: Studio EMP
Florist: Inviting Occasion
DJ/AV/Music: Honored Occasions
Linens: Wildflower
Favors: Just a Bite Cake Pops
Paper Goods: Artiface
Posted by abcoc on Feb 20, 2010 in
Uncategorized from Lisa Moon
January 12, 2010 was a wonderful evening to welcome the New Year for ABC-OC members at the lovely Atrium Hotel at Orange County Airport!
As members arrived…they were greeted into a trendy poolside welcome reception. From the ultra hip private cabanas with glow tables to the amazing specialty lighting and music, provided by Atmosphere Entertainment, it created a wonderful sense of arrival for the members! The Atrium also created wonderful and unique specialty drinks and hors d’oeuvres to tantalize our taste buds! Bob Ortiz was also present taking wonderful pictures of this special evening.
Following the welcome reception, members were then invited into the Garden Ballroom where they were welcomed by warm colors of terracotta and green. BBJ’s linen was wonderfully accented with Sussanna Davidsons (Roger’s Gardens) beautiful floral designs along with Jeni Maus’ (Studio EMP) creative menus! And to finish off the well dressed tables Classic Party Rentals provided the elegant gold Chameleon Chairs.
Prior to dinner service Wendy Dahl (former co-director) and Sharon Gall (former co-director) took the stage to introduce the new 2010 – 2011 ABC-OC Co-Directors.
Lisa Moon (Co-Director of Administration), Kelly Feeney (Co-Director of Finance) and Michelle Tortuya (Co-Director of Programs) were thrilled and honored to have been given such a warm welcoming by all members as they took the stage to then introduce the new 2010 Steering Committee:
Linda Ly (Communications Chair), Marianne Besseling (Ambassador Chair),
Stacey Gitten (Programs Chair), Lindsay Longacre (Programs Sub-Committee),
Natalie Vishney (Programs Sub-Committee) and Tania Aguayo (Membership/ Database Chair).
Following Introductions, General Manager Ron Nugent, then entertainingly welcomed members to the Atrium Hotel!
Following the unique and creative dinner designed by Executive Chef Chris Reischl and Director of Catering/ Conference Services Sheryl Taylor of the Atrium Hotel; members then traveled to the Hibiscus Ballroom to enjoy the warm gourmet coffee provided by Brew HaHa Catering and delicious cupcakes provided by Itty Bitty Sweets! And alas…
SPEED NETWORKING began!
With members sitting at tables dressed by BBJ Linens new Madeline Table Linen, members were then able to make new friends and colleges to start off the ABC-OC New Year with a Bang!
Special Thanks to Our Participating Vendors:
The Atrium Hotel at Orange County Airport
BBJ Linen
Bob Ortiz Photography
Atmosphere Entertainment (DJ/ Lighting Services)
Roger’s Gardens
Brew HaHa Catering
Itty Bitty Sweets
EMP Studio
Classic Party Rentals
Posted by abcoc on Dec 30, 2009 in
Events 2009 ABC-OC TRENDSETTER AWARDS
December 8, 2009
It was a beautiful night filled with stars at the Island Hotel Newport Beach, for the first annual ABC-OC Trendsetter Awards on December 8, 2009!
As guests arrived down the red carpet and experienced their very own Step & Repeat, Lauren Hillary Photography was there to take photos of each attendee in front of the custom designed ABC logo backdrop (provided by Justin Hawkins Artistry Photography), which was later a keepsake of this star-studded event!
During the Cocktail Reception, guests enjoyed the holiday sounds provided by The Event Consultants, while delighting in tasty hors d’ourves and being treated to inviting warm beverages by Lattes on Location.
At last, it was time to enter the glamorous ballroom that was filled with luscious crushed red velvet linen (provided by Wildflower Linen), amazing and magical centerpieces featuring a unique, tall lamp effect, adorned with holiday décor and florals in turquoise, silver and white, and accented with beautiful red roses (provided by Couture Flowers). The room glowed in turquoise hues and star designs (provided by Invisible Touch), a beautiful Program (provided by Posh Printing) lay atop the silver-beaded charger at each place setting, and petite red swag bags draped the silver chiavaris (provided by Classic Party Rentals).
ABC-OC Co-Director, Sharon Gall, welcomed everyone and thanked all of the *Participating Vendors, including Glen Hodson, Director of Catering for the Island Hotel, who shared with us the multi-million dollar renovations that the Island Hotel had undergone recently.
Guests enjoyed their Amuse-Bouche of “Macaroni and Cheese” made of Elbow Pasta with Taleggio Cheese, Crushed Truffles and a Parmesan Tuile, and second course of Butternut Squash soup.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for had arrived, as Wedding Planner and Awards Committee Chair, Kathy Jo Peterson, took the stage for the much-awaited presentations!
Kathy Jo stated that she believed that Orange County does some of the most beautiful weddings in the world and was delighted to finally honor some of those who have taken our events to new heights.
The lifestyle experts who judged all of the nominees were also in attendance and introduced with thanks; Carol Poon, Editor of Bride and Bloom Magazine, George Nickles, Catering Director of Pelican Hill Resort & Spa, and Jean Piccard, ABC California State Coordinator. A preview of the judging was shown prior to the Presentations (provided by Elysium Video Production) and a surprise Live performance of Canon in D was played on electric guitar by rising star, Cammarota.
Reverend Clint Hufft accompanied Kathy Jo with the Presentations while the winners were announced and given a beautiful, crystal award that encompassed a star design and personal inscription of 2009 ABC-OC Trendsetter Award Winner and the category in which each winner had won. Winners were also treated to a lavish swag bag that included goodies from Frostings Cupcakes, Design Visage, Candee by Sandee, Shorebreak Hotel, Wedding Chicks, Wonderland Bakery, and many other treats.
Bleu Cotton Photography was there to snap the photos of the winners, while also capturing the evening festivities.
And the winners are…….
Best New Idea: Flower Fusion
Best New Concept : Fantasy Flower Design
Best Introduction : Honored Occasions
Best Finale : Once Upon a Time Weddings and Special Events
Best Memento: Wedding Video
Best Captured Moment : The Pampered Bride
Best Design : Inviting Occasion
Trendsetter of the Year : Youngsong Martin from Wildflower Linen
Congratulations to all of the 2009 ABC-OC Trendsetter of the Year Award winners!
After all the excitement, guests then enjoyed their Main Entrée and Dessert of warm pudding cake with espresso ice cream, while watching the ABC-OC highlights of 2009 (provided by Ashley Video Productions).
ABC-OC Co-Director, Wendy Dahl, gave a final goodbye with fellow 2009 ABC-OC Steering Committee members at her side (Kelly Aguilar, Lauren Hillary, Allison Howell, Stephanie Lairson and Sharon Gall) and invited everyone to enjoy the rest of the evening. Guests did just that by dancing the night away on the white diamond-shaped dance floor (provided by Best of the Best Events) to the outstanding and amazing band by Jordan Music Entertainment!
As guests departed, they enjoyed the fabulous treat station provided by Candee by Sandee and Raise the Cake Custom Cake Stands.
It was a truly an exciting and memorable night!
Many thanks to all of our Participating Vendors who helped make the magic happen!
The Island Hotel, www.theislandhotel.com
Ashley Video Productions, www.ashleyvideo.com
Best of the Best, www.btb-events.com
Bleu Cotton Photography, www.bleucottonphotography.com
Candy By Sandee www.candeebysandee.com
Classic Party Rental. www.classicpartyrentals.com
Couture Flowers, www.coutureflowers.com
Invisible Touch, www.invisibletouchdj.com
Jordan Music Entertainment, www.jme.la
Justin Hawkins Artistry Photography, www.digitalimpactphoto.com
Lattes on Location, www.latteonlocation.com
Posh Printing, Terry McCarthy tjmccarthy@cox.net
Raise the Cake Custom Cake Stands, www.raisethecake.com
The Event Consultants, www.theeventconsultants.com
Wildflower Linen, www.wildflowerlinens.com
2009 Trendsetter Awards Committee : Kathy Jo Peterson, Lindsey Longachre, Stacy Hofflich, and Sandee Creagor
Posted by abcoc on Sep 21, 2009 in
Business,
Events,
Industry News
Please take a moment to consider attending a proposed October 27th luncheon networking event for the ABC-SBLA Chapter at the exquisite Terranea Resort, located in Rancho Palos Verdes.
The South Bay group has not been active of late, as two of the co-directors stepped down due to other commitments. However, there is a unique opportunity to experience a beautiful venue in our own backyard and a very exciting event is in production.
The best negotiated price I’ve been able to obtain is $40, plus a firm $5 for self parking ($10 for valet), which will be the charge for ABC members. I hope that the amazing location, an interesting agenda and positive support for our chapter will attract you to this occasion.
The approaching date requires that I sign a contract very soon and I must be assured of at least 100 attendees, so I ask that you contact me within the next 72 hours (by Wednesday evening September 23rd) if you are interested in attending.
Please feel free to forward this to other event professionals within your own network and also forgive me if you receive duplicate e-mails, as I’m attempting to reach as many people as possible.
Kate Kenny
A WORK OF ART
http://www.weddingconsults.com
mailto:kateweddings@cs.com
toll free – 888.928.8835
