When Helena contacted me for portraits, the reason she gave me was “I feel like it’s a good time for me. 2010 is my year.”
Go Helena, it’s your birthday! Actually, the session date really was her birthday. Lookin’ good, girl!
I really love the look on the right. I’m going to have to find a tunic and necklace like that.
National Assn. of Catering Executives (LA) held a special meeting in conjunction with BizBash at the Hotel Maya in Long Beach this month. Cool design, great food, and great view.
A little Nuvo Sparkling Vodka to lubricate your sociability.
Floral designs by Dave’s Flowers.
Attendees mingling and exchanging business cards
This is how excited Doyle was to win a resort stay in the raffle!
A sumptuous chocolate fountain was furnished by Chocolate Delights.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner as well as a program on “Event Style and Trends” by BizBash Editor and Bureau Chief Alice Dubin. Lighting was furnished by Sight & Sound Events.
Tuesday with the Pros is an ongoing blog series featuring experts in the wedding and event industry. Today’s authority is Rachel Coffin, catering sales manager at Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa in Dana Point, CA.
LI: What is your job like?
Rachel: I do corporate and social events and handle many wedding occasions here at Laguna Cliffs.
LI: What is it that makes this resort unique among other event venues in Southern California?
Rachel: Aside from our fantastic view? Well, we’re a Marriott, for starters….so for clientele who want to use their Marriott points, or want the level of comfort that they’re accustomed to at a Marriott, they can be assured that they’ll receive that here. At the same time, we are also a franchise and therefore given the authority by Marriott to stretch our legs a little, which allows us to have this beautiful resort atmosphere but still furnish Marriott rewards points and service at a familiar Marriott standard.
LI: How did you become involved with the event team here at the resort?
Rachel: I used to work at a trade show technology company and while I loved doing events and tradeshows, I really hated technology. So it was time for a change…I started revisiting the hotels that I’d worked with as a trade show event specialist and talking with the staff and was eventually fortunate enough to be hired on as an event specialist here!
LI: What are some of your favorite things about being a catering manager here?
Rachel: Working with people, not being stuck in a cubicle all day…and I get to meet all different types of people and hear all these interesting stories!
LI: Do you work exclusively with brides?
Rachel: No, we have a pretty fair mixture here. I work with wedding clientes as well as associations and businesses who host awards, parties, and fundraisers here.
LI: What do you think would be a dream event to host here?
Rachel: A themed, outdoor dinner party would be fun. Something where we get to exercise our creative idea muscles and stray from traditional concepts about what a party should be like and focus on how different and interesting it could be.
LI: What do you recommend to the wedding couples or corporate clientele out there who are looking to save some money on their event?
Rachel: Use sites like eBay, Craigslist, and Etsy to your FULL advantage. You’ll want to be careful because some things like photography and wedding attire are probably best left up to thoroughly-researched professionals and NOT uber-cheap Craigslisters, but many details like invitations, jewelry, hairpieces, etc you can buy unique, and high quality items online without totally breaking your bank. You also don’t have to do favors at all…party favors are old-fashioned, unappreciated by most guests, and the money could be put towards so many other things for the event instead.
LI: Are there any exciting events coming up here at Laguna Cliffs?
Rachel: We’re hosting a joint Chamber of Commerce event here soon, and in June we’re doing an event for the Ocean Institute of Dana Point.
LI: What would your professional advice be a festive, stress-free event?
Rachel: Just let go and enjoy your day. You don’t have to be SO involved that you’re detached from the moments you should really be savoring or enjoying—hire true professionals and let them handle it! Let go of the reins on the day of the event, and understand that not everything is going to be EXACTLY as planned, either. Just remember that the calmer you are the more smoothly everything will run regardless of what snags we might hit. It’s all about focusing on the importance of the fact that this is the day that you’re finally getting married, not how late your ceremony is starting or whether the ring bearer pillow was forgotten at home! Because that is all trivial in comparison to the big, lifelong step you are about to take with your fiancée!
For more on Rachel and the Laguna Cliffs Resort, visit:
The Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa official website.
Laguna Cliffs’ official Facebook page
Laguna Cliffs on Twitter
Last Saturday Matt and I had the pleasure of photographing a charity dinner and fundraiser fashion show at the Huntington Beach Hyatt Regency for the PADRE Foundation, a non-profit serving families of diabetic children and teens. The organizers held a large silent auction, raffle, told personal stories, and produced dance performances by the kids as well as a runway fashion show with apparel donated by Macy’s. It was a raging success with all fundraising goals met and exceeded!
The event was inspirationally themed “Soaring to New Heights”
A host of professional hairdressers and makeup artists donated their time and talent to make the PADRE kids sparkle onstage
Image by Matt
Image by Matt
(L) The event was hosted by local ABC newsman Sid Garcia. (R) Event organizer Ryan gets personal.
Local generous medical groups such as Hoag Hospital were honored as VIP sponsors
Numbers fly during open “donation bidding”.
Gearing up for the fashion show.
Image by Matt
(L) Backstage minutes before a big dance number. (R) A handful of professional models were brought in to walk the runway for Macy’s as well
Images by Matt
Leading into the final number.
For more information about PADRE and work towards a cure of juvenile diabetes, visit their website.
My friend Ana from Berry Beautiful Creations made me this amazing candy apple with my logo on it! It was shimmering white chocolate with sweet gold sparkles layered over caramel on a granny smith apple and it tasted INCREDIBLE. If you’re looking for some delicious party favors (or you just have a sweet tooth like me) look her up!
I thought I’d share this nice e-mail I received the other day from Sue, whose family I photographed over the holidays for their 60th anniversary.
You’re welcome, Sue! 60 years is a BIG accomplishment !
