Archive for June, 2010
Once Upon a Time in Britt Scripps Inn
Posted by: Liz, Blogger
June 29th, 2010 >> Other, Preferred Venues, Weddings
Bankers Hill is a truly beautiful part of San Diego, and nestled quietly in it rests a venue that brides dreams are made of. Britt Scripps Inn has a fairytale charm which isn’t just contained to the inside, and stood on the corner of Maple St and 4th Avenue, it’s impossible not to notice this strangely enchanting building. Every inch of the exterior is perfectly sculpted to show an authentically restored example of luxury living in the late 1800s.
And the beauty doesn’t end there, throughout this 9-room hotel you will find antique furniture, treasured textiles and rich woodwork carefully filling every inch the hallways, common areas and boutique guest rooms. Staff are attentive to your every need and all the rooms include flat-screen TVs, heated towel racks in bathrooms filled with high-end toiletries and 1,000 thread-count linens in beds you will never want to leave. If you do manage to tear yourself away from your room, the chef will be sure to reward your efforts with a full breakfast cooked to order, and free fine wine and cheese later in the night.
If you’re looking for a fairytale castle to retreat to, bring your prince charming to Britt Scripps Inn. From the welcome-chocolates on the pillow to the ‘anything you need’ 24-hour butler service, you’ll wish you could stay here happily ever after.
The Truth About Crash Diets
We’re not going to lie, every bride will experience that one-month-to-go panic about their weight, the dress and how the photos are really going to look. It makes perfect sense to be concerned, after all, it is your special day and you deserve to look perfect for it. The chances are you’ve probably already thought about a crash or fad diet, but is it really that good of an idea?
For starters, crash diets are detrimental to the condition of you skin, hair and nails on the big day. Essential vitamins come from fat which keep you glowing, so cutting these out may cause a few pounds to disappear, but you’ll also have to say goodbye to that healthy glow too.
Cutting your intake is also a bad idea. Why? Because the body has a setting we like to call ‘starvation mode’. As soon as you limit intake to the body, it will think there is a problem and slow down the metabolism to counterbalance it. Not only will this limit fat burning, but will leave you sluggish and fatigued. Not a good idea for anyone who’s still got last minute planning to do.
Finally, denying yourself the little pleasures life allows could also add more stress to the rest of your week. While you might have the willpower to last a few days without any chocolate or alcohol, eventually any craving can make you snap, given the right amount of pressure. Instead of cutting out your favorite tastes altogether, limit them and replace them with healthier alternatives. Try a chocolate health shake or replace beer with wine.
Dieting isn’t always easy, but it is something you can achieve with a little willpower and a lot of common sense. The weight-loss equation is simple, burn more than you consume. Work in some of the exercises previously recommended in this blog for real and achievable results to get wedding day ready in a snap!
Deborah J Shields Photography Creates Memories
Posted by: Liz, Blogger
June 25th, 2010 >> Other, Preferred Vendors, Weddings
When the confetti has been swept up and the honeymoon whirlwind has past, every bride wants to be able to look back on perfect memories of her wedding day. Deborah J Shields Photography of San Diego is a top choice for happy couples who want their photographs to capture every carefully planned moment of their big day. Her cinematic style will show all your special moments with the silver-screen lining they deserve.
The Abbey Catering & Event Design chooses to work with Deborah for her professionalism and attention to detail. She has worked in the field of wedding photography for many years which will show in the perfection of her images. Evocative, romantic and treasured, any bride and groom who choose Deborah will be delighted with their photographic memories of their special day together.
Choosing a photographer for your big day is a difficult task, and you want to choose someone who leaves no margin for error while being personable and kind to work with from beginning to end. Our photographers are all exclusive, award winning photographers that we have invited on our team after years of experience with them on a contractual basis. As one of their biggest clients, we demand nothing short of perfection for our clients, and know that Deborah Shields and The Abbey will work together to ensure the memories of your perfect wedding day stay crystal clear forever.
Healthy good looks come from the inside out. This is why it is essential for any image-conscious bride to have a diet plan solidly implemented before the wedding day. Follow these simple nutritional tips to make a big impact on the waistline without being a big burden on your time.
Eat breakfast. Known as ‘The Most Important Meal of the Day’, they weren’t lying. Make it a priority to have a large and healthy breakfast to wake you up and kick start a healthy metabolism. To avoid the urge to skip it, prepare it the night before.
Drink water. That’s the clear stuff that can also be found in coffee, soda and a refreshing G & T. Many people forget that it’s a drink in it’s own right, but water is a key trick to maintaining good health. The benefits include (but are not limited to) weight loss, improved concentration, suppressed hunger and younger looking skin. Get into an easy routine by drinking your 8 glasses at the same times each day.
Plate down. Your brain is a clever organ, but it can be mislead. Using a smaller plate for smaller food portions will trick your mind into feeling full up quicker. Learning to enjoy and chew your food for a little longer will also give your stomach time to tell your brain you’ve had enough.
Enjoy fruit. Sweet, tasty, juicy, colorful and varied. Learn to cram fruit into your eating routine. Whole, blended, cooked, dried, there really is no argument against swapping out a few nutrition no-no’s for a delicious selection of fruit. Add to that the endless health benefits and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a blushing bride.
The Abbey Golden Coconut Shrimp
It was a beautiful sunny day in La Jolla
California on May 30th when Mr. Dutton
opened the doors to his vacation rental,
over-looking the ocean and his wife
walked in to a room full of special friends
and family. SURPRISE!!! It was Sharon’s
50th birthday and boy was it ever a
surprise. The room was full of tears of joy
and laughter. We couldn’t find the Kleenex
box fast enough. After everyone dried
their tears they were welcomed with trays
of champagne and beautiful golden coconut
crusted shrimp. As the sun started to set
we escorted everyone up stairs where a formal dining room was set by candle light on the deck over looking the ocean. What a
spectacular view. While the guest were enjoying their Salmon en Croute the birthday toasts began a flow of tears again. The
Duttons truly are a loving and remarkable family. With good food, a beautiful setting, wonderful people I couldn’thave picked a
better place to be then on May 30th.
Only love lets us see normal things in an extraordinary way.
Posted by: Chris Campbell
June 17th, 2010 >> Events, Other, Preferred Vendors, Preferred Venues, Weddings
Darlington House Ceremony
Bright Yellow Roses for the Sunny Day.
The gorgeous weather was a perfect wedding day that
matched the beautiful array of yellow flowers provided by
ArtQuest Floral. 160 guests came together to enjoy the love
this couple share. June 12th was dream come true for a new
bride and groom! Located at the Darlington House, the pristine
rose gardens were in full and magnificent bloom. DJ Randy
played everyone’s favorite music while the sun fell, leaving
behind an unforgettable sunset! This couple chose the
Abbey’s ultimate package to include a wonderful honey moon
in beautiful Maui, Hawaii. We waved them goodbye and wished
them well on their honeymoon and life together.
Would you like to find out more about our Luxury Maui Condo?
Perhaps details on one of our All Inclusive Wedding Packages?
We can provide you with all the information you need.
Ceremony with the elements and a reception in elegance.
Posted by: Chris Campbell
June 15th, 2010 >> Other, Preferred Venues, Weddings
The Majestic La Jolla Coast Beckons.
The Darlington House Wedding Venue
Babycakes always dazzles with sweet perfection.
Guests watched on as waves crashed in
and our couple exchanged heartfelt vows
of love. A beautiful day in La Jolla’s Cuvier
Park(AKA The Wedding Bowl)- was the
setting for our bride and grooms nuptials.
A few blocks away, our Abbey team was
hard at work putting the finishing touches
on a reception that was sure to please.
Headed up by Abbey Captain Linda, the
historic Darlington House was transformed
into perfect vision that welcomed guests
with the sounds of big band and tantalizing
appetizers. After a perfectly executed
dinner service, guests were delighted by a
picture perfect creation from Babycakes.
After some dancing and time with good
friends and family, Ran & Eric were whisked
away into the night to celebrate the first
night of their new marriage. It was a
pleasure to witness the joining of these
two very special people and their families.
Best wishes,
Robert Battoe
To find out more about the historic La Jolla Darlington House venue, please get in touch with us here. We can answer any of your questions and even help with some planning ideas.
San Diego Convention Center Stairs
A Glorious Day on Glorietta Bay
Posted by: Chris Campbell
June 11th, 2010 >> Events, Other, Preferred Venues, Weddings
Lavender florals abounded.
Glorietta Bay Views
Delectable Dessert
On a picture perfect day at The Coronado Community Center, Amber and Robert, tied the knot and became “Mr. and Mrs.” in front of a gathering of their family and friends. After a lovely ceremony held on the lawn overlooking Glorietta Bay, the new couple led their guests to the patio to enjoy cocktails and hors d’ourves . The pulled chicken and mango quesadillas with Mozzarella and Pepper-jack cheeses were a winner and everyone also enjoyed the Tri-color bruschetta on oven-warmed crostini.
After cocktails, the guests were invited into the beautifully decorated Nautilus Room where a champagne toast was followed by a first dance by the “B & G”. Father-Bride dance and Groom-Mother dance brought tears and applause from the happy guests.
Guests were treated to a sumptuous lunch which started with The Abbey signature salad, followed by Panko crusted Chicken Parmesan topped with homemade tomato-basil sauce and shaved Parmesan cheese. A medley of sauteed summer vegetables and roasted new potatoes accompanied the main entree.
The bride and groom cut the cake as a final course to the delicious lunch and everyone enjoyed a sweet treat. The three tiered wedding cake from our good friends at Eidelweiss Bakery was as beautiful as it was tasty.
The Nautilus Room looked lovely in tones of lavender and the cake was decorated with gorgeous lavender roses. The cake table stole the show with lavender rose petals and tealights enhancing the scene.
From each tastefully decorated table, each guest had a spectacular view of the Glorietta Bay. Tables had party favors of tiny champagne glasses filled with elegant lavender candies and wrapped as a gift! Each guest also received a small scroll tied with a personal message from the “B & G” tied with ribbon and tucked into their tuxedo folded napkins. A personal treat that everyone enjoyed.
It was a memorable day and The Abbey Catering & Event Design staff was honored to be a part of it!
To find out more about how The Abbey Catering & Event Design and the Nautilus Room at the Coronado Community Center are the right fit for you, click here.
Making Miracles Happen–Mercy Outreach Surgical Team
Posted by: Chris Campbell
June 9th, 2010 >> Other
Dr. Machado
The Abbey Catering & Event Design is proud to be associated with a wonderful group of doctors that are truly helping make a difference in the lives of those in need in our community and abroad. Dr. Machado, long time friend of The Abbey, continually labors to reach out to those with limited access to health care. The Mercy Outreach Surgical Team(M.O.S.T.) provides medical and surgical care to underprivileged children and adults from other countries. The volunteer group of physicians, nurses and technicians perform life-changing surgeries to correct cleft lips, cleft palates, burn scars, crossed eyes, hernias and a variety of other conditions.
The compassion and care provided by M.O.S.T. helps uplift the spirit and self-esteem of nearly 300 children and adults during week-long outreach missions in the heart of southern Mexico. Corrective care is also provided during weekend outreach missions in Tijuana, Mexico.
Dedicated to serving as many children as possible, M.O.S.T. operates with minimal overhead expenses. The team is supported by monetary contributions, donations of supplies and equipment, and hundreds of volunteers who give their time and expertise to help those in greatest need.
To find out more about this wonderful group of people, to donate your time, resources or supplies, or to to make a monetary donation….please follow this link to read on.
The Abbey Catering & Event Design, Mercy Outreach Surgical Team and hundreds of deserving young ones thank you.
