Simple Elegance in Santa Monica

We recently had the pleasure of planning a gorgeous beach wedding at the Loews Santa Monica.  Our lovely couple Niki & Evan wanted to have a formal affair with a bit of a relaxed feel so the Loews Santa Monica was the perfect choice!

We loved working with Jean O’Loughlin and the entire banquet staff....talk about a flawless event!  They were so kind to include this wedding in their latest ad campaign...we are so thankful!

Check out some of the beautiful photos courtesy of Andre Niesing...we simply love his style & he captured the day perfectly! 

A special THANK YOU to all of our other vendors KC Campbell & Aaron Hillier with Vox DJs who provided the photobooth, lighting and entertainment, Floral Design by The Flower Lab, Cake by Jin Patisserie, Makeup by BeautifulFaces By Denise, Hair KojiToyoda Salon & Event Rentals by Town & Country who helped us put carpet over the sand to create a pristine ceremony site! 



Niki on the 6th floor feeling on top of the world

Yes that's carpet...beautiful setting & clean feet!

A Persian-Jewish ceremony with the Sofreh elements

Beautiful florals by Flower Lab

The Venice Room at The Loews Santa Monica

Fun way to display guests entree options: Beef or Fish?

Yummy cake by Jin Patisserie

 Having fun with the Hora

Congrats Niki & Evan!

Thanks Loews Santa Monica!!

Beach, Blanket, Bingo!  Happy Friday Friends!

Janel Gonzalez & Carrie Goldberg

 

Friday Favorite Find: Hotel Sofitel Los Angelels

Our social calendar has been quite busy as we've been scoping out the latest hot spots for cool and modern wedding receptions and we've got one for you: Hotel Sofitel Los Angeles.

Last night the Hotel Sofitel along with California Wedding Day hosted the first ever "Spring Into Summer" Event.  It was great to see the Beverly Ballroom completely transformed into a white oasis with gorgeous florals designed by our friend Inna Savluk from Butterfly Floral and all the custom lounge furniture provided by Reflections Event Rentals.  The music was provided by Biz Bash Nominee "Act of the Year" 11H Entertainment.

We've always loved the Hotel Sofitel for it's stunning interiors featuring French style and Hollywood glamour.  Now we love it even more as a unique venue for chic weddings and events in the Beverly Hills area.  The Beverly Ballroom is the ideal location for weddings and can fit up to 300 banquet style.  Your guests will be treated like stars with catering provided by resident celebrity chef, Kerry Simon.  Other fun perks include themed menus, an exclusive event floor and poolside VIP treatment for you to relax before your big night!

A special thanks to Jen O' Sullivan who gave us the "pre-party" VIP treatment along with Design Visage and The Original Mobile Barber Shop that gave the guys a nice shave...great for the groom and his men! 

Check out some of the pics from last night taken by one of our favorites Duke Photography.

Happy Friday!
Janel Gonzalez, Event Manager
Mary Dann Wedding & Party Coordinators

The Beverly Ballroom in crisp white

Crystals always add a warm glow

11H & The Infusion Experience getting the party started

Chamapagne Girl

That's Janel from our team dancing

We love Duke and Jen

Group shot with our wedding planning friends

Friday Favorite: Get Glowing!

We love summer, especially outdoor weddings where you can dance the night away under the stars and sip a fresh cocktail.  We also love lights, lots of them!  Sometimes certain venues can take the fun out of using sparklers to send the bride and groom off, but luckily our Celebration Wands bring the glow back.  They are super safe, multi-colored and do the job when you need to send the happy couple off in style.  These 14 inch plastic sticks can be placed on a solid "on" position or on "blinking" mode. They last for 10 hours and add tons of fun to the party atmosphere.  Use them on the dancefloor, departing your ceremony or reception or for directing traffic..jk.

Our Celebration Wands are more vibrant, safer, versatile and a keepsake for anyone to reuse…

Order now before they "glow" away...

Cost: $ 2.95 each + .50 for shipping and tax, per wand. Wands are sold in increments of 20 and may take up to 2 weeks from the date the order is placed. Please contact us directly for faster delivery, additional charges may be applied.


To Order 

Have a great Memorial Weekend! Safe Travels!

Janel Gonzalez, Event Manager
Mary Dann Wedding & Party Coordinators

Friday Favorite Find: The Legendary Sportsmen's Lodge

This week we were invited to tour The Sportsmen's Lodge, a Los Angeles landmark that was a popular gathering spot for cast and crew in old Hollywood, including Clark Gable, Bette Davis, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.  The property still remains a favorite in the San Fernando Valley because of it's charm, scenic backdrop and lush grounds. 

The newly renovated Event Center is located on the property and fit for weddings, social and corporate events.  The ballrooms are a vision of sleek modern white mixed with neutrals that still retain a historic charm.  There are ten different ballrooms that can accommodate any size gathering from intimate up to a 1,000 guests.  Each of the ballrooms have elegant chandeliers or light fixtures which create the perfect ambiance.  Eight of the ballrooms also have floor to ceiling windows, which offer spectacular views of the gardens with romantic bridges overlooking the legendary trout ponds.

Some great features provided by Sportsmen's Lodge Event Center:

• Built-in bars, which create more space for guests
• Built-in stages and dance floors for your entertainment needs
• State-of-the-art audio, video and lighting systems
• Two entrance options depending on the location of your event
• Two outdoor ceremony options as well as an indoor ceremony location
• The historic Sportsman's Lodge located on site to accommodate your sleeping rooms
• Creative menu options that are uniquely presented, freshly prepared and will please even the most discerning palates.

Check out the photos below:

Beautiful bridges and legendary trout ponds



Lush gardens



 

Sleek Entrance

 

Cascade-Starlight-Waterfall Ballroom (Accommodates 60 to 700 guests)

Beautiful chandeliers

Empire-Regency Ballroom (Accommodates 80 to 1,000 guests)

   

The Sportsmen's Lodge is truly an LA treasure and makes for the perfect turn key venue. 

We want to thank General Manager Laurence Whiting and Catering Manager Melissa Saldibar. They were such a pleasure to meet!

For more information, please contact the Catering department at (818) 755-5000 or check out  http://www.sleventscenter.com/

Hope you have enjoyed the tour!

Happy Friday!

Janel

Janel Gonzalez - Event Manager

Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators







Greetings Everyone!


Our support for Hathaway-Sycamores continues, this time for the "Shot-at-a-Million" Golf Classic, which will be held at the beautiful Angeles Golf Course on May 18th.  You don't need to attend to get in on the action, but you can buy a raffle ticket ($20 each) and enter to win a trip to Maui or New York! The drawing will be held on May 18th and the winner need not be present.

For the past year I have been assisting Hathaway-Sycamores Child Family Services with counseling
children who are suffering from the unfortunate trauma of losing someone significant in their life.  As I share a little about my work, so many people have asked how they can help.  The best way to help children of Los Angeles (living below the poverty line) is to contribute to the Largest Family Services agency in L.A. serving over 1000 families. Hathaway-Sycamores Child Family Services (www.hathaway-sycamores.org) is based in Pasadena and is one of the best run organizations I have ever encountered!

Thanks for making a difference by buying a raffle ticket and hopefully one of you will win the trip!
Just follow these easy steps to get your raffle ticket:


1) Print out the flyer below
2) Fill it out and mail to:

Hathaway-Sycamores Child & Family Services
210 S De Lacey Ave # 110
Pasadena, CA 91105


For more info on the Golf Classic go to:  http://www.hathaway-sycamores.org/2012/04/shot-at-a-million-golf-classic/

Much Gratitude,
Mary

Charity Shootout 2012

This week our team assisted Jen O' Sullivan at her annual Charity Shootout Event, where engaged couples test drive various wedding photographers in hopes of finding the right one.  The event raised over $5,000 for Hathaway Sycamores, an organization dedicated to helping families and children who have suffered a severe loss.

This year's shootout was held at the Historic Castle Green in Pasadena, which is an ideal location for couples who love a lush outdoor garden ceremony, but prefer an indoor reception.  The main ballroom equipped with beautiful hardwood floors can fit up to 220 seated. This location is truly a standout in the Southern California area.

The day's events began with a little pampering for the brides as they were treated to complimentary hair and makeup by the industry's top artists.  After some primping the brides met their grooms for mini photo shoots with up to 5 photographers.  There were over 15 Southern California wedding photographers in attendance working their magic behind the camera with the help of the gorgeous Castle Green backdrop. 

Meanwhile in the main ballroom we had close to 20 vendors showcasing their best products, food & services.  The vendors included Jen O'Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography, Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators, 11 H Entertainment, Smile Lounge, Calligraphy by Katrina, Anna Elyse Bridesmaids, Designer Specialty Linens, Cake Studio, Castle Catering, Castle Green, The Fry Girl, Best Party Psychic Ever - Suzanne Wyman, Heels Above, Butterfly Floral and Event Design, Rasta Taco, Independent Beverage, Fresita USA, Painter of the Moment-Richard Flynn.

As if that weren't enough, there was an exciting auction going on with over $25,000 worth of items up for grabs!  Items included tiara's, shoes, 15 dresses (5 wedding and 10 evening), purses, a photo booth, dessert station, one night stay at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, makeup, personal training, restaurant gift cards, wedding planning with us and so much more! Our team couldn't resist, we bid on some fun items and won a few!

Check out this beautiful video of the event from Ariel Amaro

http://www.charityshootouts.com

If you missed out, but would still like to donate click below.  Every little bit helps!  Thanks for supporting us & Hathaway Sycamores!

http://charityshootoutpasadenadonate.eventbrite.com/


Happy Friday!

Janel Gonzalez, Event Manager
Mary Dann Wedding & Party Coordinators

Calligraphy by Katrina

Flowers by Butterfly Floral

Jen O Sullivan Photography

Heels Above

The Fry Girl

Fresita Cocktails

Our lovely clients Michelle & Wes

Thanks Jen for my new headshot!

Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show & New Sales Position Available

Monique Lhuillier has a couple of fun things going on over on Melrose Place!  They have their bridal trunk show next Thursday – Saturday for their brand new Spring 2013 bridal collection. 

Here is the info:

More exciting news from Monique Lhuillier is that they are hiring a new sales consultant for Los Angeles.  If you have bridal experience and are interested in learning more about the position, email your resume to Hannah!

We hope to see you next weekend at the Spring 2013 Bridal Trunk Show!

Love, Laughter and Happiness,

Mary Dann & Wedding & Party Coordinators