Luminaire Images Blog • by Molly Ann

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.

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.

On Thursday several of the event industry’s up-and-comings threw an event designed to inspire today’s bride and planners looking for unique creations and delightful concepts.  It was held at Party Rental King and attracted over 200 visitors.

The tent setting. Tables and furniture courtesy of the fine folks at AFR Event Furnishings.

Fantastical tunnel constructed by Party Rental King, ending at the wondrous chocolate fountain from Chocolate Delights with some cool curtains a lá West Coast Drape

A pretty gnarly room designed and decorated by Patricia (right) of Charm Events

INSANE cakes by Cake Fusions!

The ever-cheerful Wenda from More Than Just Weddings

Delectable candy table by Charm Events

I may or may not have pilfered a lolly…

An amazing, inspired design by J’Adore Florist and Flowers on Mars (and influenced in part by the movie Avatar!)

Joan, the visionary behind J’Adore Florist

A crystal detail from White Feathers Events

Stunning makeup by Jesse Sillas, and delightful candied apples by Berry Beautiful Creations

Magical butterflies from Flowers on Mars and J’Adore Florist, as well as scrumptious cupcakes by Miss Priss Cupcakes & Such

With Mars & Nancy from Flowers on Mars.  Mars is a pro DJ and mixed up some serious tunes that night, too.

I seriously don’t know how everyone else isn’t squinting against the bright lights like I am. I also don’t know how I managed to dress like Han Solo and not notice until after I took a picture of myself…but there you go.  A little Star Wars for your evening with Sweetest Perfection.

Thanks for a great event, everyone!

Feb 18th, 6pm: Party/wedding vendors as well as brides-to-be are invited to stop by this delicious event at Party Rental King in Santa Fe Springs and sample succulent treats, marvel at magnificent floral designs, and soak up the atmosphere of sweetest perfection with some of 2010’s most perfect event designers.  Admission is free.

Last night was the New Year’s party + tabletop decoration contest hosted by online wedding ‘zine Utterly Engaged.  And what a party!  There must have been a couple hundred of the industry’s finest in attendance, easily.  Thankfully it was at the very spacious and accommodating Astor Classics Event Center in Anaheim.

Ahoy!  Point and shoot pics!

Utterly Engaged’s super sweet wedding diva Eva, (wo)manning the registration table.

OMFG there was cotton candy, courtesy of Tasty Clouds. You’d be making this face if Piña Colada was filling your mouth, too.

Our saucy favorite florist Nancy from Flowers on Mars was there!

Other cool cats we met and ran into included tabletop co-designers Joan from J’Adore Florist, Nancy from Fancy Nancy Events, foodie Mary Lallande from Jay’s Catering, fabulous florist Doyle Borden from My Flower Guy, movers and shakers James and Nadine from Firefly Group Events, delectable delight divas The Fry Girl(s) all the while DJ “The Human Jukebox” from FlashDance kept the party moving!  Thanks for the good time, everybody!

You’re invited! Several reputable wedding vendors will be on-hand to discuss wedding details, answer questions, and even give away some freebies, so RSVP as soon as you can and we’ll see you there!