Photograph by Aengus McGiffen
foreword
Photograph by Aengus McGiffen
As a child, watching my father create and build was tremendously influential. For example, he not only constructed the wrought iron fence around our home, but he also hand-crafted the tools used to produce it. Everything he made was a product of his vision to achieve perfect functionality and beauty in design. These early impressions aided my own developing love of design, color, and creating unique environments. When I design, of all the components within art—line, form, space, and color—color dominates my thinking, though I give special consideration and thoughtfulness to the other important elements as well. Each event must be unique for the host, for the guests, and to the venue. It should ultimately provide an experience that takes everyone out of normal environments and into a world of fun and celebration. In the late '70s and throughout the '80s, event planning and design as we now know it was in its infancy. I am proud to have been part of the early stages, aiding in the development of what was considered the new party era. Everything changed and everything got bigger. I enjoy knowing that much of what I started has become an everyday staple for today's party. Some of the more common ideas used today were some of my groundbreaking firsts: under-lighting tables, building one-night structures, and using living room furniture in a party setting. The special events world has evolved in a huge way over the last few decades. Back then, there were just a couple of us inventing what is now considered the standard. Today, there are thousands of planners and specialty companies serving social, corporate, and nonprofit hosts. Art of Celebration Northern California embraces this wonderfully innovative industry on a regional scale, presenting some of the nation's most talented professionals and their iconic work. While celebrations are nothing new in the history of the world, how we express them is ever-changing. Here's to a great party and the continued success of the celebration. Let us seek to find significance in every event we touch and be willing to fully explore our most creative ideas with wild abandon. Cheers! Stanlee Gatti Stanlee R. Gatti Designs
i n t ro d u c t i o n
Welcome to Art of Celebration Northern California, a true showcase of our beloved wine country! Throughout these pages, you will follow the story of gifted luminaries and watch as their passions and talents unfold through photographs of fabulous events. They beautifully present the perspective, style, and values of the area's gracious social and corporate event hosts, our scenic locale, and our community. This distinctive, up-close-and-personal look into Northern California events, and the passion of those who create them, will help reveal the characteristic interpretation of style that makes our region so unique. Many believe that major trends begin in New York and LA, but I beg to differ. While those cities contribute greatly to what is considered glamorous, Northern California has long been a trendsetter for creative ideas that are timeless in nature. The very concept of "Californian Cuisine" began here and is now a credo for restaurants all over the world. It was also here that the term "locavore" was coined; it is not just a preference, but rather a value we embrace. Our celebrations are highly influenced by the sophistication of discerning hosts who insist that each occasion embody innovation, integrity, and creativity and trust the event professionals to develop and execute a fabulous vision. We are the epicenter of food and wine in the nation, but we know that Northern California is more than the culinary arts and vineyards. The region possesses cultural diversity, the heart of technology set by Silicon Valley, and an array of urban and rural landscapes—from magnificent San Francisco and our majestic Pacific coastline to the breathtaking beauty of the casual yet chic wine country. Northern California is primed for out-of-the-box creations and celebrations. These are more than parties, they're experiences that are forever etched in our hearts and minds. These wondrous experiences arise from the collaboration of visionaries who possess the creativity and passion needed to mastermind remarkable events. At our company, we are inspired by the motto "create, celebrate, and experience the extraordinary." I invite you to read on and do just that. Here's a toast to our region! Paula LeDuc Paula LeDuc Fine Catering
Before the Music Begins Morgan Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Tosca Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Viviani . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Blueprint Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Five Star Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Hartmann Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Joannie Liss Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Kristi Amoroso Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Location, Location, Location Wente Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Tehรกma Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Carmel Valley Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 San Francisco City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Annadel Estate Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Bardessono . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 The Fairmont San Francisco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Eat, Drink & Be Merry Paula LeDuc Fine Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Cindy Pawlcyn Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Elaine Bell Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Melons Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Melissa Teaff Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
contents Creating an Ambience Allegra Entertainment & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Got Light? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Floramor™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Hartmann Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Morgan Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 1000 Fine Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Bill Hopkins Events—Music & Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . 210 Blueprint Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 Fleurs du Soleil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 Rrivre Works, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 Wildflower Linen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Capturing the Moment Bill Hopkins Rock'n Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 West Coast Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 AVRfilms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 Justin Fone Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246 Modern Grace Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Major Annual Events Auction Napa Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 Freedom Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259 Pebble Beach Food & WineSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
M M o rg a n E v e n t s M organ D oan
Whether it's a Napa Valley wedding, an exclusive social soirée, a San Francisco corporate affair, or a glitzy nonprofit
gala, there's always a party somewhere in the greater Bay Area. If every little detail is to perfection, there's a good chance Morgan Events planned and executed it. Principal Morgan Doan, CSEP, PWC, has both the business savvy and the eye for design to flawlessly pull off the most stunning of special events.
Impeccable taste. Exceptionally creative. Seamlessly executed. These phrases just scrape the surface when it comes to describing events produced by Morgan and her long-standing core team. A successful event has to have a thoughtful, comprehensive plan and design. Once the concept is established, the ability to communicate that vision and execute the details is crucial. Morgan Events has a dedicated team within one design studio, allowing fluid communication and close attention to every detail, from concept to completion. Event clientele can then rest assured with all the peace of mind that comes with knowing the event will be celebrated in style. For more than 10 years, Morgan has been a solid name in the Northern California special events industry—in fact, she's acted as president of the Northern California chapter of the International Special Events Society and received two coveted Esprit Awards.
The amazing architecture and grand nature of the dome at San Francisco City Hall inspired the wedding for 325. Through color and lighting—including projecting the characters for "double happiness" on the walls—we transformed the space.
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Photograph by Geoff White Photographers Event Planning
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Photograph by Anna Kuperberg Photography
Photograph by Jade Studios Productions
"Our end goal is to impress our clientele and their guests at every turn—it's all about the experience." —Morgan Doan Top: The crystal cherry blossom chandelier hanging from the St. Regis ceiling, paired with thousands of crystals playing off hundreds of candles, produced a glamorous feel worthy of a former Miss Asia America's wedding. Lush orchids, manzanitas, crystals, candles, and six rows of 32-foot king's tables completed the look. Bottom: At the head table, vibrant orange and yellow hues honored the bride's Trinidadian heritage; the simplicity in the details generated an understated elegance that harmonized with the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. Facing page: Iridescent champagne linens and custom ruffle chair covers dressed the Bently Reserve at a quintessential San Francisco wedding. The timeless wedding exuded romance with details of lush florals, custom table décor, and soft ambient lighting that captivated the guests throughout the evening.
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Photograph by Michelle Walker Photography
Photograph by Lisa Lefkowitz Photogrpahy
Photograph by Lisa Lefkowitz Photography
"Don't be afraid to incorporate colors into your event. Colors exude life and evoke emotions." —Morgan Doan
Above: Complementing the gorgeous backdrop of Carmel Valley Ranch, an atmosphere of rustic elegance suits romantic outdoor weddings. Here the zephyr sailcloth tent was hung with crystal chandeliers, warm lighting, and gobo pattern projections to finish out the design. Facing page: Whimsical shades of lavender, violet, and ivory flowers in trumpet mercury glass containers and champagne wire-wrapped votives reflected the couple's refined taste.
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Photograph by Suzy Clement Photography Event Planning
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Photograph by Anna Kuperberg Photography
Photograph by Orange Photography Art of Celebration
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Photograph by Orange Photography
Right: A custom 12-foot by 12-foot ceremony structure in blush pink chiffon was constructed over the Four Seasons Silicon Valley signature fountain. The refection from the water was a perfect addition to the serene feel of the ceremony. Facing page left: Playing off the raw yet art-filled nature of a design gallery, we intertwined those natural elements with a sense of opulence for a chic wedding. The contrasting bold colors of plum and moss highlighted the organic feel of the space.
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Facing page right: Simplicity is key. From a sleek fuchsia orchid place setting at a Napa estate wedding to a pin-spotted table welcoming guests to a chic grand opening, every little detail matters.
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Photograph by Arrowood Photography
Regardless of the event's size, we hold a production team meeting the day before the event and review the entire timeline and floorplans to cover every detail. This allows our team to create and execute the event flawlessly.
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T T e h á m a G o l f C lu b
The Native Americans have a special word that inspires all who are fortunate to set foot on this land: teháma. It means
"abundance of nature," describing the picturesque acreage only a few miles from historic Carmel-by-the-Sea. It is an idyllic setting for Teháma Golf Club, a privately owned and invitation only golf club, founded by Hollywood film icon, former Carmel mayor, and native Californian Clint Eastwood, whose love of the region reigns supreme. Perched on 175 beautiful acres, the 18-hole golf course opened in 1998 with the clubhouse soon following in 2000, created to serve an elite membership.
Teháma Golf Club is an exclusive venue hosting corporate gatherings, social soirées, golf tournaments, private concerts, and a range of celebratory events. Just six minutes from the Monterey Peninsula Airport, near Carmel with its enchanting boutiques and art galleries, the golf club feels like a private lodge, making events all the more memorable. There is an inviting ambience with the clubhouse's early Spanish architecture exuding casual elegance and incredible vistas all around. Destination weddings are particularly suited to the property with the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception held in one venue while the newlyweds and immediate family reside in four VIP suites just off the courtyard with glorious ocean views. Teháma Golf Club is world renowned for giving the utmost in California hospitality, impeccable service, and memories to last a lifetime.
Surrounded by 2,000 pristine acres of rolling hills and rugged coastline views between Carmel Valley and the Monterey Peninsula, the club has a soft blanket of blue lupines in the spring. The venue's unique design offers a variety of comforts and opportunities for dining, lodging, and special events.
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Photograph by Joann Dost Venue
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Photograph by Anna Kuperberg
Photograph by Anna Kuperberg
Photograph by Anna Kuperberg Art of Celebration
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Photograph by Anna Kuperberg
Photograph by Scott Campbell
"I wanted it to be nice and roomy but intimate. It was important that people felt like it was their home." —Clint Eastwood
Above: Spectacular panoramic views of Carmel Valley and Monterey Bay extend ballroom events to the great outdoors, inviting relaxation and offering breathtaking photographic opportunities. Terraces are just steps away from four elegantly adorned guest suites, promising peaceful mornings after an evening of high-energy revelry. Facing page: With three award-winning executive chefs on staff, we are an inspiring culinary destination. Artfully presented and exquisitely delicious, gourmet cuisine is prepared for formal seated dinners in the clubhouse or alfresco receptions on terraces year-round. We select organic, locally grown and raised produce and meats to create world-class dishes, whether for a small wedding of 75 or a corporate party of 300.
on designing the clubhouse at TehĂĄma Golf Club
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Photograph by Anna Kuperberg
Above and left: Our ballroom offers a neutral color palette to complement any fabulous color scheme or theme. Constructed of Monterey shale, the stone walls form an architecturally interesting and textural backdrop, while expansive windows bring the abundance of nature indoors. Sandstone pillars flank two impressive fireplaces to further create warmth and intimacy. Floral designs by Fionna Floral. Facing page: We seamlessly extended a seated dinner party from the clubhouse to an elegant tented pavilion. Soft colors and flowing fabrics mirror the warmth of our ballroom in a sheer-draped tent replete with an illuminated dance floor and scenic vistas from every direction.
Photograph by Scott Campbell Art of Celebration
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Photograph by Scott Campbell Venue
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"We decided we needed a big fountain for Teháma, one that people could mosey around while having a glass of champagne outside." —Clint Eastwood
on designing the grand courtyard at Teháma Golf Club
Photograph by Scott Campbell
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Photograph by Scott Campbell
Photograph by Scott Campbell
Above: Warm, romantic Indian summer evenings beckon guests onto the terrace where sweeping mountain vistas rise from the south and the Monterey Bay cityscape sparkles from the north. Receptions easily extend from our ballroom to the great outdoors on spacious wraparound terraces. Right: Creating the perfect ambience both indoors and out is a must. Facing page top: Guests are always impressed as they meander up the private road to the clubhouse and are greeted at the grand entrance which extends out to the courtyard fountain. There, Spanish-style architecture and native gardens lead graciously to the ballroom. The purple pathway is our customized touch that we designed for one of our special events. Facing page bottom: As the magic hour of twilight approaches, glowing candles enhance the enchanting mood in the courtyard. While the clubhouse is more than 18,000 square feet, the flow is flawless; there is much space for comfort, yet there is a feeling of closeness amid the surroundings.
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Photograph by Scott Campbell
Photograph by Anna Kuperberg
Photograph by Scott Campbell Art of Celebration
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Photograph by Anna Kuperberg
"Impeccable service means that every detail must be tended to, but more than this, anticipated." —James Kellogg Right: Working with the best of the best in the industry further highlights the excellence that our guests have come to know at Tehåma. We collaborate with preferred vendors to make every celebration an effortless masterpiece. Facing page left: Highly personalized service and a plethora of amenities at Tehåma can accommodate any style or size of event. It's all about meticulous attention to detail, from elegant lighting fixtures to sweeping fabrics, beautiful linens to thoughtfully selected outdoor flooring. Nothing is left to chance.
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Facing page right: Dreaming of a signature martini, nostalgic family recipe, or decorative sugar artistry? If one can imagine it, it can be created. Tiered cake design by Marina Sousa of Just Cake.
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Photograph by Scott Campbell
Trust a venue with vast experience, creativity, and standards of foodservice excellence to guarantee rave reviews. Aesthetic quality is important, but the highest level of personalized service is paramount. Reserve your date well in advance, especially for a destination wedding. Choose a privately owned venue that hosts one exclusive event at a time so your celebration is truly special, where everyone is treated like family.
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P au l a L e D u c F i n e C at e r i n g Paula L e D uc
Paula LeDuc remains just as passionate about her work today as in 1980 when she began—that's the magic behind
Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, one of Northern California's premier caterers. Thanks to exclusive venue partnerships and a profile in Martha Stewart Weddings putting her firm in the national spotlight, Paula hardly needs an introduction. What distinguishes her is an unwavering desire to provide the finest experience for all of her clientele and their guests. She's devoted to providing sustainably sourced food of the highest quality, exquisitely crafted and presented to entice and engage. Just ask President Clinton, Prince Charles, or Oprah Winfrey.
Paula's Italian heritage infused her with a love of entertaining and a familiarity with cooking and the kitchen; after years of culinary study to hone her talents, she answered a friend's request to cater a party and the rest is history. From the beginning she intuitively knew her company would focus on innovation, food as art, and the guest experience; she thoughtfully considers the effect of every decision. In 1988, an impressed event host suggested "Perfect will be just fine" as her company motto, a statement Paula and her team strive to live up to every day. "We prefer to set new trends rather than follow existing ones," says Paula. This level of perfection is apparent as celebrity chefs, like Tyler Florence and Alice Waters, often partner with the firm for their catered events. The iconic San Francisco Ferry Building, elegant Beaulieu Garden, and country classic Durham Ranch enable Paula's company to offer spectacular settings paired with exquisite cuisine. Paula LeDuc has hit on a winning formula of creativity, culinary excellence, and guest experience that reveals why she's a household name in Northern California. Perhaps food editor Michael Bauer summed it up best in the San Francisco Chronicle's "The Bay Area's Visionary Chefs" article: "If you're at an event where the food is great and you don't know who did it, it was probably Paula LeDuc Fine Catering."
The points of inspiration are endless and we love the challenge of integrating our food, beverage, and service to the theme or dĂŠcor of an event. This way of thinking is in our blood. A Japanese menu request and unique plates inspired the seafood appetizer: an ahi and hamachi crudo featuring ruby grapefruit, crenshaw melon, and tobiko caviars mingling with pickled ginger and nori chips, all ready to be dipped into tomato-ginger vinaigrette with a playful lemongrass "spoon."
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Photograph by Ron Manville Catering
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Photograph by Ron Manville
Photograph by Gene X Hwang, Orange Photography Art of Celebration
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Photograph by Ron Manville
"We create not just an event, but an experience that wraps its arms around you." —Paula LeDuc Right: To accommodate requests for family-style dining, we look for new and innovative ideas to bring to the table—so to speak! Edible centerpieces, replenished to keep them full and beautiful throughout the meal, present a guest-friendly, interactive dining experience. They immediately encourage conversation. The California-inspired menu included roasted tinkerbell peppers, marinated local white anchovies, Beaulieu Garden sweet 100 tomatoes, Iacopi Farm baby artichokes, heirloom baby carrots and French beans, Fra' Mani salumi and caper berries, fennel and castelvetrano olives, and parmesan-kataifi crisps. Facing page: We strive for the best five-star dining experience, no matter what the event type. Attention to every minute detail of the guest experience—each one of the million moving parts that go along with catering—is in our DNA. At our exclusive venue, The San Francisco Ferry Building, we produced an inviting restaurant-style environment, "A La Carte Café," for a corporate affair's small-plate menu. In the grand and sophisticated yet casual setting, we sought to create a warm and interactive atmosphere. Guests sat at the intimate bar counter, interacting with chefs offering individual menus with items paired to local wines and artisanal cocktails. We presented one of these, an organic quail egg baked in a prosciutto cup set in a micro-chive "nest," in our distinctive porcelain vessel. Accompanying beverages, like the Charentais melon, basil, and Persian lime cocktail, incorporated our herb-infused syrups which pair perfectly with our seasonal, local menu.
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Photograph by Naomi Fiss
The wedding couple chose hot pink and silver for their post-wedding reception party, for which we designed a customized, multi-layered dessert buffet that was beyond their imagination. Personalized, hand-made origami paper sleeves held cookie "twigs" of anise or savory rosemary and black pepper, dipped in dark chocolate and studded with pine nuts or espresso beans. We served strawberry shortcakes—almond butter cake layered with vanilla bean cream and fresh strawberries—in glass ovals, and dipped orange-flavored fortune cookies in chocolate, complete with love fortunes. To complete the offerings were hot pink macarons, raspberry-filled meringues with silver leaf, chocolate-dipped brownies, silver leaf eggshells filled with salty caramel, crème fraîche and candied rose petals, and pink peppercorn caramel popcorn in mini popcorn boxes personalized with the couple's name. During dancing, we passed frozen apricot-cherry mascarpone lollipops set in "smoking" dry ice. Photograph by Meg Smith Photography
Photograph by Meg Smith Photography Art of Celebration
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Photograph by Meg Smith Photography
Photograph by Ron Manville Catering
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Photograph by Michelle Pattee
Above and left: We work hard to serve food that is visually stunning, yet approachable, organic, and impeccably delicious. The cocktail buffet under the sycamore tree arbor at Beaulieu Garden, our exclusive Napa Valley estate, incorporated the best features of the beautiful historic venue and the garden setting. Our designer tailored the presentation; after all, food should reflect and round out the décor and be perfectly complementary. Our chef prepared made-to-order warm chervil crêpes rolled with our house-made Meyer lemon-cured gravlax and guests' choice of three caviars: salmon roe, golden, or tobiko. The blocks of ice that keep the salmon chilled in the hot summer months contrasted beautifully with the warmth of the crêpes. Facing page: We love to create a buzz. It's our goal to generate both drama and interest by serving items born of creativity to continually delight and surprise. There is nothing more fun than seeing the eyes of our guests when presented with something completely new. It is our job to inspire ideas our clientele have never imagined possible! It is a love of craft and passion for excellence that drives our team to see beyond today. Some innovative menu items uniquely presented include coconut rice pudding with a mango "yolk" displayed in a lime-white chocolate "eggshell," sour cherries and mini brioche "sandwiches" of duck confit with house-made sour cherry preserves, and our take on a peanut butter and jelly dessert that features chocolate-glazed peanut butter mousse with toasted Acme sourdough tuile and port gelée, concord grape sorbet, and peeled grapes.
Photograph by Ron Manville Art of Celebration
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Photograph by Ron Manville
Photograph by Ron Manville Catering
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Photograph by Ron Manville
Photograph by Irja Elisa Photography
Photograph by Ron Manville Art of Celebration
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Photograph by Ron Manville
"We are first and foremost in the relationship business; creating oncein-a-lifetime events is the best way we can celebrate that relationship." —Paula LeDuc When creating menus for events, we are happiest when we can bring the theme to life by marrying colors, textures, and flavors. Stanlee Gatti transformed the poolside garden area to reflect a South Asian outdoor market for an Indian-themed birthday celebration, for which we created dishes to match the bright colors of the event. The arbor showcased our cocktail buffets that included tandoori oven and onion bhaji menu items. During the meal, a coriander-spiced tomato soup sip offered as an amuse bouche featured red and yellow heirloom tomatoes from our own private garden at Beaulieu Garden. Following that, guests enjoyed lobster with a hint of curry in a chive "pillow" with spicy roasted red pepper sauce and a deconstructed bouillabaisse; to finish, we poured a hot saffron broth over the entrÊe plate tableside to spark both excitement and conversation during the meal.
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Photograph by Ron Manville
Just as important as the relationships we have with our clientele are the relationships we have with our employees and vendor partners, our "internal" clientele. These relationships are absolutely critical to our success. A solid, close-knit team fueled by mutual admiration and collaboration can then go on to provide exceptional service and extraordinary experiences. At the end of the day, what we are really selling is trust.
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A ll e g r a E n t e rta i n m e n t & E v e n t s Kier L a Crosse
Kier LaCrosse can trace his love of music to a young age; trained in multiple instruments and involved in numerous
musical ventures over the years, it's no surprise he grew up to run an entertainment company by the name of Allegra Entertainment & Events. For Kier, it was a natural transition from entertainer to producer to planner-designer. Once he's listened to a host's vision, the extravagant event comes to life almost effortlessly.
It's effortless because Kier, as a performer, has a natural rapport with the musicians and entertainers he procures; he and his staff easily communicate the needs of the hosts to the artists, and then go back to the hosts to speak just as fluidly of the business side. In that way Allegra acts as the perfect liaison that makes sure everyone's on the same page. That's the recipe for events executed just as requested.
Launched in 2001 after Kier spent seven years building up a Bay Area entertainment firm, Allegra has a simple motto: Get it right the first time. The firm also prides itself on its one-stop-shop status; it's one of the only places in the area to get entertainment, dĂŠcor, sound, lights, staging, tenting, and other Ă la carte options all included in event planning. From party bands capable of performing in any genre to children's entertainment to DJs to comedians to high-profile acts and big names, Allegra has it all. Kier and his team are truly event specialists capable of orchestrating everything from start to finish or just a few aspects, but always with elegance and ease.
The now-closed Carnelian Room at the top of San Francisco's Bank of America building hosted a dinner and meeting for 200. The elements of candles, great views, and clean, modern design accommodated our event host and guests hailing from Italy.
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Photograph by Kier LaCrosse Event Design & Entertainment
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Photograph by Jan Lundberg Photography
Above and left: Lighting is everything. We washed the Carnelian Room's ceiling in palm tree shadows with LED uplighting to reinvent the room for the executive dinner for 200. At the time, LED illumination was a relatively new technology, and it successfully jazzed up the venue's conservative wooden walls. Facing page: Little Rock-based renowned interior designer Kaki Hockersmith retained us to manage and execute the dĂŠcor, design, and production at a party for a Hastings School of Law graduate at San Francisco City Hall. With only a little over an hour to set up the venue, we installed state-of-the-art battery-operated LED uplighting to cast layered patterns on the walls overlaid with illuminated images of Lady Justice. We also shone textured designs on the staircase, arches, and floors while adding pin spots. The end result was vibrant color that stayed true to the theme of the party and the building's origins while creating something innovative and remarkable.
Photograph by Jan Lundberg Photography Art of Celebration
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Photograph by Pat Johnson Studios
Photograph by Kier LaCrosse Event Design & Entertainment
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Photograph by Kier LaCrosse
Photograph by Kier LaCrosse
"What's wonderful is to see a raw space gain vibrant warmth and undergo a complete transformation." —Kier LaCrosse Left: We coordinated the décor, lighting, sound, and power management for a 50th birthday party, taking the Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club main ballroom to an entirely new level. In addition to supporting Kenny Loggins as the entertainment, we illuminated onto the dance floor a custom monogram created from an image on the host's invitation. Facing page: We make full use of the best gear in the industry and examine every nook and cranny of a venue to consider how we can highlight the positives and downplay anything we'd rather hide. Riding the wave of a newly launched green initiative, Apple hosted an event with a green theme at the Computer History Museum and called on us to handle the ambience. To bring out the best of the food, greenery in the décor, and the room's industrial textures and architecture, lighting was key. We added LEDs in rich hues, then layered patterns to add depth.
Photograph by Kier LaCrosse Art of Celebration
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Photograph by Kier LaCrosse
Photograph by Kier LaCrosse
Photograph by Kier LaCrosse Event Design & Entertainment
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Photograph by Kier LaCrosse
Above and left: At a wedding held at Rosewood Sand Hill, our task was to turn a tent with no walls pink and recreate the look of the host's inspiration image that had been Photoshopped. It was a challenge to bring an imaginary creation to life, but our lighting technology bathed the tent in pink and made it pop. Facing page: While we can swoop in to save the day with singular elements like lighting, we love the chance to do A-to-Z event planning, production, and design, as at a corporate holiday party held at Fort Mason Center's Herbst Pavilion. Lucky for us, it was Christmas and the company's color is red. We projected moving lighting patterns onto stretchy spandex fabric and brought in unique tables topped with spandex linen and our signature candle trees to make over the warehouse in a historic pier on the water.
Photograph by Kier LaCrosse Art of Celebration
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"From entertainment to event design to production services, we're a lot of different things to a lot of people." —Kier LaCrosse
Photograph by Kier LaCrosse Event Design & Entertainment
Photograph by Kier LaCrosse
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Photograph by Kier LaCrosse
Photograph by Jan Lundberg Photography
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Photograph by Jan Lundberg Photography
"Letting entertainment and ambience dictate the tone of the whole party is a great way to guarantee consistency." —Kier LaCrosse Reply Italy hosted an executive presentation and dinner for 200 at the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Despite the rainy weather that night, our unique wireless LED technology turned the exterior green to match the company branding in accordance with our host's wishes. Inside, it was all about light and technology to drive home messages—custom gobo logos, rooms awash in specific colors, and a slick, modern overall look.
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Photograph by Kier LaCrosse
Photograph by Kier LaCrosse
Photograph by Kier LaCrosse Art of Celebration
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Photograph by Kier LaCrosse
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We brought Reply's green shades to the California Academy of Sciences for a corporate dinner event, making the lighting rich and colorful to warm up the huge space. A giraffe skin pattern projected onto one wall and the multihued interior environment called to mind an impression of polished, clean elegance.
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Photograph by Kier LaCrosse
It's nothing short of miraculous to be able to check off event planning and design, entertainment, dĂŠcor, lighting, and rentals all in one place. But convenience shouldn't cost you quality, and that's what we work hard to ensure.
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W W e s t C oa s t M u s i c J im E ppolito
One thing Jim Eppolito has learned after decades in the event business is that the food can be delectable, the dĂŠcor
sublime, and the service impeccable, but if no one's enjoying the music then the party can't be considered a success. Luckily, as the owner of West Coast Music, Jim knows exactly how to remedy such a situation.
Since 1988, West Coast Music has been supplying California with some of the most engaging live musical performances to be found anywhere. With seven bands and numerous specialty entertainers capable of performing anything from current pop hits to classic soul and Motown to elegant orchestras and everything in between, there's not much that West Coast Music can't do. With the help of his dedicated staff, Jim handles all the details to ensure that his musicians deliver awardwinning performances at every event. West Coast Music develops the majority of its bands in-house, meaning it ultimately has more control over wardrobe choices, rehearsal time, and repertoire selections. As Jim sees it, this management is what makes his company special; with everyone working hard toward the same goal, the results are always spectacular.
With clientele that spans pop culture, professional sports, the film industry, award shows, and music industry legends, Jim is often considered the go-to guy for topnotch entertainment. After watching guests sway and bop when his performers take the stage, it's not hard to see why.
Nothing is set in stone; we can arrange a single guitarist or an entire 20-piece band, and even add on musicians if the event would benefit from a larger sound. It's all about determining what would provide the right tone and quality for the event.
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Photograph by Jay Lawrence Goldman Entertainment
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Photograph by Sean Holt
Photograph by Sean Holt
Our performers are extremely diverse. In addition to ˝icon artists," who specialize in the songs of such idols as Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé, we have bands that can switch from The Beatles to Rihanna and Coldplay with complete authenticity.
Entertainment
"Two days later, nobody is going to remember exactly what we played— they're going to remember the energy we created." —Jim Eppolito
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Photograph by John Solano
Photograph by John Solano
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Photograph by John Solano
"Music is supposed to convey a mood. If it doesn't make you feel anything, it's just noise." —Jim Eppolito Right and facing page bottom: One of the benefits of having live performers is that they are very adept at gauging the energy of the crowd. Getting the guests more involved or mellowing them down so the bride and groom can share a special moment is a valuable skill. Facing page top: Sometimes the addition of a "name" can provide that extra jolt of excitement to an event. We can help with selecting, acquiring, and booking a guest artist, and then completely coordinate their performance so that the host doesn't have to worry about a thing. In the past year alone, we've worked with over 100 celebrity musicians. Legendary performers such as Lionel Richie and Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds have given guests extremely memorable nights.
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Photograph by John Solano
When choosing the types of music for your event, don't rely solely on your own preferences. Not only should you think about the mood you want to set, but it's wise to take into account the ages, backgrounds, and preferences of your guests. Nothing will elicit a better response than when the band strikes up the first few notes of a certain era's standard or a particular song that holds special meaning for those in attendance.
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Auction Napa Valley
Above: Established in 1944, Napa Valley Vintners is a nonprofit association comprised of more than 420 local wineries. One of the most renowned such organizations in the world, it promotes Napa's finest and leads industry issues such as protection of the land. Its fundraiser Auction Napa Valley attracts bidders from across the country and internationally. The annual four-day event has given more than $100 million to local charities since its inception in 1981. Every community in Napa County, from American Canyon to Calistoga, benefits from the event's efforts, a testament to the success and generosity of local wineries and other businesses. In 2011, vintners joined the on-stage festivities to toast an auction landmark: exceeding the $100 million milestone. Right and facing page right: Since 1981, the lawn at Meadowood Napa Valley has been the site of the centerpiece live auction, where vintners offer unique collections of wine like the one-of-a-kind vertical of magnums from Harlan Estate. Many of the lots are accompanied by vintner-hosted events. Facing page left: The weekend offers private dinner parties hosted by vintners at their homes or wineries. In 2011, Jean-Charles Boisset entertained invited guests in the Crystal Cellar at Raymond Vineyards. Photographs by Jason Tinacci, Napa Valley Vintners
Freedom Fields
Above and right: Teháma Golf Club hosted the 2011 benefit for Carmel-based Freedom Fields, a charitable organization that raises awareness and funds to remove landmines in war-torn countries throughout Asia. Women dressed in traditional Cambodian attire greeted guests, establishing the evening's tenor. Facing page top: Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, Sean Penn, and Clint Eastwood attended the event in support of the organization. Facing page bottom left: Clint and Dina Eastwood, Teháma proprietors and lifelong philanthropists, mingled with guests throughout the affair. Facing page bottom right: A number of celebrities, including Dina Eastwood, addressed guests about Freedom Fields' latest efforts and the organization's progress over the years. Photographs courtesy of Moss Media Carmel
Pebble Beach Food & Wine
SM
Above and right: Enthusiasts of fine wine and gourmet fare flock to Pebble Beach Food & WineSM each year to indulge in four days of wine tastings, cooking demos, and some of the most exclusive, unique dining opportunities available in the world. In 2011, Coastal Luxury Management's fourth annual event featured more than 100 celebrity chefs, including James Beard award winners Clark Frasier and Mark Gaier. Facing page top: The Lexus Culinary Masters were unveiled in a special cooking demo that brought together celebrity chefs Michael Symon, Masaharu Morimoto, Michael Chiarello, Daniel Boulud, Christopher Kostow, and Dean Fearing. Facing page bottom: Champagne Krug was among the 250 acclaimed wineries featured at seminars, lunches, dinners, and strolling receptions. Photographs by Patrick Tregenza
Pebble Beach®, Pebble Beach Resorts®, The Lone Cypress™, The Heritage logo, and their respective underlying distinctive images are trademarks, service marks, and trade dress of Pebble Beach Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
C a r m e l — S a n F r a n c i sc o — W i n e c o u n t r y
Art of Celebration Northern California $45.00 ISBN 13: 978-1-933415-88-8 ISBN 10: 1-933415-88-6
Creating Spectacular Publications for Discerning Readers www.panache.com