Archive for the ‘Corporate Events’ Category

A Lunch Fit for a Queen

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

Last week we had the privilege of attending an industry event hosted by Steve Fortunato of roomforty. While we expected to join some of LA’s premier event industry for a tasty meal, we had no idea we were about to experience an exquisitely prepared and artistically presented six-course meal for lunch!

The six-course lunch (which felt like 12 courses with all of the goodies they served us) took place at Vibiana.  The lone wooden table in the center of Vibiana was adorned with beautiful custom-made linen and scattered with vibrant wildflowers and fresh herbs of all kind, which we found to be an excellent detail. Not only did the aroma of the herbs contribute to the rustic atmosphere of the lunch, the very presence of these individually-wrapped plants also happened to be a great talking point for the guests, whom amused themselves by smelling and guessing each other’s herbs.

We dined on treasures like spring corn bisque with langoustines, chives, and laced croutons; heirloom tomatoes with house smoked burrata, balsamic caviar, and opal basil vinaigrette; and, a dish we will be dreaming about for weeks – the prime braised beef short ribs with parsley root puree, baby vegetables, and braising jus. The cocktails served by roomforty’s very own mixologist were just as exciting, with a special nod to the “Smoky Baby Burns,” a woodsy gentleman’s drink that was brought to the table literally smoking.

Although there was much chatter between courses, the only thing we could hear once each dish was served were indistinct “mmm’s” and the soft Spanish guitar in the background. Overall it was a beautiful experience…

Thank you roomforty!!

Bring it on 2012!

Friday, January 6th, 2012

2012 is off to a great start! Our table designs have been featured in a 4-page spread  in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style’s 2012 Spring/Summer issue. You’ll have to wait until the spring to pick up an issue, but here is a sneak peak!

Ewan McGregor’s Premiere!

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Last week we produced a fantastic event for GO Campaign, an amazing non-profit organization that is dedicated to empowering orphans and vulnerable children throughout the world to secure a better future. Besides learning more about their important programs and seeing guests enthusiasm to support these programs, it was exciting to see Ewan McGregor’s first ever live musical performance.  He admits he was nervous but his performance ended the night on a high note! Congratulations GO GO Gala!

Click on the image below to see the clip from E News!

Jack, Ace, Queen, King . . Wine!

Friday, October 7th, 2011

Last Friday, Wade’s Wine in Westlake Village hosted the last stop on JAQK Cellars Epic Summer Tour. Special Occasions never misses a good wine tasting!

David Dees, JAQK Cellars’ National Sales Manger, was on hand to pour and discuss all 8 wines from their collection. They were all truly amazing wines; from the crisp “Charmed” Sauvignon Blanc to the pinnacle of Napa Valley splendor the “High Roller” Cabernet. David had a full house and everyone enjoyed sipping while learning about each individual wine. We all left with big smiles!!

To learn more about JAQK Cellars, like them on Facebook or check out their website at www.jaqkcellars.com.

Three Lessons From Mr. Hearst

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

For some time now, I had been wanting to experience the famous California coast. I finally had a chance to sneak away and make the drive!

Along our drive we stopped at Hearst Castle.  I loved three things about Mr. Hearst’s main dining room.  First, the table was intentionally made narrow to encourage conversations.  Often times in events we want wider tables to allow more room for table top decor; yet we forget about the importance of conversation.

Second, he always used paper napkins, never cloth.  He felt this would make all of his guests, no matter their background, feel more comfortable.  A great host always considers the comfort of their invited guests.

Lastly, I loved how he fell in love with wooden wall panels that ended up being too short for the walls, but that didn’t stop him from using them…he put them on the ceiling!!

We are finalists!!

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

We are happy to announce that we are finalists in two categories for  the 2011 BizBash Event Style Awards!

Best Entertainment Program:

Adobe Max Bash

Best Overall Event Decor:

L.A. Opera Season Opening Gala

Winners will be announced at the BizBash West Expo on June 14th. Wish us luck!!

(Living Fountain at Adobe Max Bash)

(Mediterranean fishing boats adorn the LA Opera Season Opening Gala inspired by “Il Postino”)

The stakes are high!!

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

Last night, we attended a private wine tasting by JAKQ cellars . . . it was amazing! We thought we were attending a wine mixer event, but lo and behold, it was a full tasting of their complete wine portfolio!

(JAQK Cellars wine portfolio)

Inspired by the jack, ace, queen and king in a deck of cards, JAQK wines has both a clever graphic bottle design (with a cool story to go along with each one) and an impeccably smooth wine to boot! Looking for gift ideas? Their flagship wine, the “High Roller” would make an excellent groomsmen gift and any level of their “Tipsy King” wine club would be a great thank you gift for a client.

(Laura and Ali with David Dees of JAQK Cellars and their favorite bottle!)

Adios Cabo, until next time…

Saturday, April 30th, 2011

One last exciting thing I would like to share about my Cabo adventure was my excursion to a small artisan town.  There was so many different types of art – I wanted to buy it all! Among the many types of mediums used, were tin and glass. I had the pleasure of meeting a very young and talented artist that specialized in glass art.  The abundance of talent in such a small community was amazing.

I loved this glass heart.  The color was beautiful. I bought plenty of glass and tin art and cannot wait to integrate it into a design concept!

I also loved this chandelier.

The resort did an amazing job utilizing the local art.  Check out their “glass trees”.

A very simple design made a huge statement throughout the resort.  Look how it is transformed at night.

More from my Cabo trip . . . Lighting!

Saturday, April 16th, 2011

Sorry for the blog absence! Between our event on Monday and another event last week, which we had one week to coordinate . . .  let’s just say, my office was pretty busy!! But we’re back and I want to continue to share more of my Cabo trip.

A couple of years ago I saw a photo in a travel magazine of a lantern design that inspired me. I actually re-created it for an event we did last year, so I had to make it a point to visit the source of inspiration in person!

(Lanterns in Cabo)

(Lanterns at an event produced by Special Occasions)

We really do believe in details. Take a look at the details in the landscape lighting at this resort. Such a small element can have a big effect on the environment you are creating.

Hola from Cabo!

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

Believe it or not – this is my first time in Cabo! I am here on a site visit for a client’s upcoming birthday party at Las Ventanas al Paraiso.  We started the trip on the right track – with a drink tasting! Look at some of the amazing drinks created by our personal bartender, Gerson!

In between drinks, they made us delicious shrimp tacos and wood-fired pizzas in this gorgeous outdoor wood-fired oven. I love the detailed tile work!

This is just the beginning! Much more to come!  Stay tuned…