New Yorkers Tie the Knot in San Diego #jjcoasttocoast

John and Jen are not only amazing clients, they are also great friends of Events by Design Owner, Jessica Gillon. Jen and Jess were competitive figure skaters together for over 20 years! After moving to NYC, Jen spent a decade building her career and 10 years later, met the love of her life. She brought him to her home town for what turned out to be the best wedding day ever! After planning for over a year, the weather called for rain, wind and possible thunder and lightning! The EbD Team jumped into action and re-planned a wedding in 3 days…no problem! Because this bride and groom had such great attitudes, karma was on their side. Rain didn’t fall until the last song of the evening!

Thank you to all the vendors, in particular Affairs Party Rental who, like the pros that they are, jumped into action when we had to go with Plan B!

Thank you to: Kristen Vincent Photography, Sweet CheeksContinental Catering, So Cal Hair & Make UpPosies and The Martin Johnson House for creating such a beautiful event.

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See the beautiful photos on the link below!

Jen + John | Martin Johnson House | La Jolla Wedding Photographer

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Planner Retreat at The Ranch at Bandy Canyon

As we wrap up 2015, I wanted to take time to reflect on one of my favorite events of the year. I was honored to plan and design a planner retreat at The Ranch at Bandy Canyon. The Ranch wanted to host some of the best planner/designers in the industry to a relaxing retreat filled with friends, relaxation, wine and food from French Master Chef Patrick Ponsaty. The inspiration was “Birds of a Feather Nest Together”. Enjoy!

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02171592000100217159200012021715920000602171592000620217159200065021715920014802171592001460217159200158021715920010802171592000790217159200069021715920008402171592000680217159200110021715920013102171592000850217159200174021715920017702171592001870217159200162And the next morning we were paid a visit by this amazing Juice Truck!

 

Juice_Wave-_Truck_t540Thank you to all the amazing vendors that made this event possible!

Venue: Ranch at Bandy Canyon

Catering: Bellamys

Specialty Rentals: Hire Elegance

Floral Design: Blush Botanicals

Linen/Chargers: APR Linen

Table top dishes/glassware: Hostess Haven

Photography: Bauman Photographers

Music: Just Dave Band

Stationary: Love Paper Paint

 

Posted in Bandy Canyon Ranch, Culinary, Decor, Design, Events by Design, Food, Vendor Spotlights, Venues | Leave a comment

Why We Didn’t Hire a Wedding Planner… But Wish We Had

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I found this great article written from a bride’s perspective. It’s sad how many brides realize AFTER the wedding, just how important a wedding planner is. I hope that bride’s continue to share their experiences so that others will not make the same mistake. Planning a wedding without a wedding planner for one of the biggest events of your life, is like producing a movie without a Director. Can you imagine!? I hope this article will help at least a few brides understand the importance of hiring a Director for their big day!

Jessica Gillon – Events by Design

Until you really get into the preparations for your big day, it is impossible to fathom how much work is involved and how many details need to be taken care of.

Source: Why We Didn’t Hire a Wedding Planner… But Wish We Had

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The Pink Lady Gets a Face Lift – La Valencia Hotel

La Valencia Hotel

 

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 This wedding planner has had a crazy start to the wedding season! I haven’t had the chance, until now, to tell you all about my fabulous trip to the La Valencia Hotel for a delectable lunch with great colleagues.  I was honored to be invited by Mark Dibella (General Manage), Rita Moore (Director of Catering) and Bobby Fader (Sales Catering Manager) for a luncheon to see all of the wonderful changes in store for the property. It was so exciting to hear the passion and enthusiasm in the voices of the La V team. It’s one of my favorite properties. I can’t wait to bring my clients to this beautiful hotel!

Me and the Director of Catering, the wonderful Rita Moore.

Me and the Director of Catering, the wonderful Rita Moore.

Upon sitting down, we learned that we were actually the last event in the La Sala Lounge before the renovation. What an honor. This room is already so beautiful. It has the best view in all of La Jolla, and maybe even San Diego. I have been back since, and let me say, it is worth the trip to see it. I highly recommend their Sunday Brunch. It’s the best in San Diego.

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Our table decor was designed by the beautifully talented Jennifer Cole of Jennifer Cole Florals. I love this sweet design of a lil bling meets natural beauty.

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Place setting and favor

Lunch was fabulous! I’m going to let the pictures speak for themselves!

La Valencia Hotel

First Course: Champagne Gelee, Strawberry, Mint Caviar

Second Course: Clam and Scallop Stuffed Prawn

Second Course: Clam and Scallop Stuffed Prawn

Third Course: Salad   Boston Lettuce, Pomegranate, Bleu Cheese,  Pine Nuts, Red Onion

Third Course: Salad – Boston Lettuce, Pomegranate, Bleu Cheese, Pine Nuts, Red Onion

La Valencia Luncheon

Fourth Course: Roasted Corvina, Garbanzo Puree, Salsa Vera Cruz, Crusted Parmesan

La Valencia Dessert

Fifth Course: Dessert! A lil bit of heaven!

La Valencia Hotel Dessert

Fifth Course: Dessert…yes, their were two kinds of dessert!

This lovely get together was orchestrated by one of my favorite peeps, Susanne Duffy of Crown Weddings. This woman goes the extra mile to ensure everything she does is nothing short of fabulous.

Susanne Duffy of Crown Weddings

Susanne Duffy of Crown Weddings

After lunch, Rita walked us through more of the property. Though I am familiar with it, I want to share it with all of you. Here are some great photos of one of their beautiful suites.

 Suite La Valencia

Suite La Valencia Hotel

 

 

 What better way to end a great Luncheon than with gifts!!!

La Valencia

Swag!!!

Thank you to all the other Wedding Professionals that made this luncheon great!  Braja Mandala for the beautiful photography and Concepts Event Design for the gorgeous linen and chiavari chairs.

 

Posted in Culinary, Decor, Design, Desserts, Events by Design, Food, Vendor Spotlights, Venues, Weddings | Leave a comment

Charity Wedding Dress Sale

Did you ever think you could actually find a coupon pertaining to wedding gowns!? Us either! So we wanted to share this with you all. Find a beautiful gown, at an amazing price AND support a great charity! Happy shopping!

SD Dress Sale Nov 14-17

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