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The beautiful location on Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma was the location for the joining of Katie and Matt, as they started off on a new journey as husband and wife.  The reception was held at one of the most beautiful venues, The Thursday Club in Point Loma. The Abbey Catering &  Event  Design provided a fabulous appetizing menu compliments to our  Chef Matt Berardi. The tasteful menu offered a variety of the Abbey’s special dishes. The highest caliber food is always prepared by the Abbey and we would love for everyone to come  taste the difference and enjoy our assorted buffet menus, like our mouth watering spare ribs and our truffle mashed potatoes, which are only a few items off our great menu. I would just like to say congratulations again to Katie and Matt, and that this wonderful day could not have been possible without the special care of the Abbey staff.

For more on The Thursday Club and The Abbey Catering & Event Design, we would love to hear from you here.

Photos Courtesy of Gemini Photography

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Balboa Park was honored in celebrating the joining of Brian and Ally. Their event took place in three specially chosen locations throughout the park. The ceremony was located in the Casa del Prado patio. With the high arches and unique architecture this wedding was a beauty from the get go.  Afterward, the guests traveled down a long sidewalk that was bordered by a narrow water feature. The pond was inhabited by greenery, flower, and various forms of wildlife. Cocktail hour was sure to spark smiles, thanks to both the delicious hors d’oeuvres and stunning views. Later that evening guests were escorted to The Museum of Photographic Arts where their night would unfold with music, food, laughter, and joy. With over a hundred guests to witness, the bride grabbed the microphone and sang her love to her new husband. As all guests stared in awe and you couldn’t help but feel thankful to witness one of the most magnetic chemistry between two individuals.  Congratulations to the newlyweds.

The Abbey Catering & Event Design would love to help you plan you wedding at this preferred venue or any other one in San Diego.

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The sun broke early at La Jolla Shores to welcome our happy couple & their guests. The La Jolla Bridge Club is a great space perched just above the beach with a perfect view of the ocean. Guests were greeted to the soulful tin-drum of Pat Burke and a bevy of sumptuous appetizers prepared by Abbey Chef & Founder Zapher Dajani. Lauren was an absolute vision & John very cool & dashing in his tuxedo. Lauren organized a magnificent candy bar which delighted her guests with sweet treats all through the evening. Our Abbey team worked diligently to satisfy every need and accommodate every request. As the evening wound down, I had opportunity to spend some time with Johns groomsmen and Laurens bridesmaids. All lovely and completely happy for our perfect couple. John, Lauren & I spent a few minutes at the close of their day chatting about the day. I have to say they are a wonderful couple & its a true pleasure to know them. Happy Honeymooning!

For more information about the beautiful La Jolla Bridge Club and The Abbey Catering & Event Design, contact us here.

Photos courtesy of Julie Buchta Davis Photography

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On a picturesque day in Del Mar, California, the beaming bride and groom tied the knot at the Del Mar Powerhouse.  The sun glittered over the waves and a cool breeze blew as the two exchanged the vows time has woven into their relationship.

During cocktail hour, guests celebrated the union with a champagne toast and appetizers that included tri-colored bruschetta, mini beef Wellington and chicken satay.   Guests were welcomed into the dining room where they were greeted with the couple’s own take on the traditional pre-set Abbey Signature Salad including leafy greens, caramelized walnuts, fresh strawberries and dressed with a raspberry vinaigrette.

Dinner was a home-style dual presented entree that included panko crusted Tilapia, braised superior Angus beef, truffled cream cheese  garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies and perfectly seasoned risotto to which the guests were hungrily obliged.

The new couple danced the night away and decided on a kiss and a cupcake for dessert.  A perfect end to a wonderful day!

We look forward to providing you with the same exquisite day in the near future by contacting us here.

Photos courtesy of Julie Buchta Davis Photography

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Each week in San Diego, I serve as event captain for a wedding I fall in love with.  Last week, as I busied myself preparing for the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Bednar, I relished once again, the idea of being part of such a quirky, hip, wonderful couple’s happy day.  From the regal Calla lilies that stood audaciously in 3ft cubes vases over black and white satin linens at each table, to the delicate moss balls that hovered from a giant oak, dancing above deliriously happy guests.

The hopeful couple marked their special day in front of the beautifully famous La Jolla Woman’s Club fountain. Each guest was given a stone and asked to take part in a special ceremony, each stone holding wishes and blessings for the couple who, up to this point, have led separate lives and will now live happily united as one.

Glasses full of spirited cocktails, cucumber water, beer and wine were raised in celebration as the freshly minted Mr. and Mrs. Bednar greeted each guest during cocktail hour and dinner.  As ambrosial appetizers such as Ahi Poke and mini Beef Wellington teased the taste-buds of hungry guests, the chefs were busy preparing the much anticipated Salmon en Croute, Chianti Braised Black Angus Beef, and my personal favorite, Truffle Rosemary Garlic Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes.

The rest of the evening unfolded seamlessly and 184 full-bellied guests danced the night away in celebration of the happy couple and this wonderful day we were all blessed to be a part of.  The Abbey wishes you both the best.  Contact us here for more information about The Club or any preferred venue in San Diego.

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Hiking in the sand down to beach was no problem for the groom and his entourage, who all sported “flip flops” and elegant tuxedos!  The bride and her bridesmaids looked cool and elegant as well, however they chose chic footwear  for the ceremony and “comfy shoes” for later.   (We girls do love our shoes!)

The reception was held at Levyland, a magnificent private residence nestled into the lagoons of Carlsbad.This stunning 6,000 sq ft home, located on a three acre private peninsula, offers a unique combination of privacy, open space, ocean and lagoon views , and inspired architecture.  Guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers from 2 outside decks with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean on the west and beautiful valleys on the east.

Dinner was served in the lovely East Garden where elegant tables were dressed in classic black and white. The exquisite florals found throughout the entire day were provided by San Diego’s own, Exquisite Blooms.  Each guest was greeted with a chilled split of champagne at their place setting.  It wasn’t long after dinner and champagne, that the dancing began and guests mingled and shared stories.  A traditional wedding cake was provided but miniature cupcakes, from the exceptionally talented Sweet Cheeks Baking Company, also were on the menu to keep things fun and playful.  And to accommodate Many memories were made on this magical night.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Donovan and thank you choosing The Abbey Catering to be a part of it!  We were very proud and honored to work with Courtney Tibbets of AfterTheEngagement.com.  Best Wishes from The Entire Staff!

We would love to help plan your wedding at the wonderful Levyland in Carlsbad, San Diego. Please get in touch with us so we can talk here.

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On a picture perfect day the bride and groom tied the knot at the beautiful Coronado Community Center.  Though the  ceremony was performed at the Hotel Del, the entire bridal party made their way to the beautifully decorated outdoor patio at the CCC for the real festivities.  The bay view was the backdrop for cocktail and appetizers.  Blue paper lanterns were swinging in the breeze and added a magical touch to the scene.

To add a personal touch to the occasion, the guests names were painted on sand dollars and displayed in sandboxes to help everyone find their tables.  The Nautilus room was lovely in blue, silver and white with spectacular flower arrangements on each table.  Each guest had a delicious lemon flavored cookie in the shape of a sand dollar at their place setting.

It might be one of those little details that get over looked by most, but The  Abbey Catering  works very hard to work with clients to help make sure that the wedding they have envisioned is the wedding that they enjoy on their special day.  We would love to make your day just as special. Contact us here for details.

We congratulate the B & G and thank them for letting us be a part of their special day!

Photos Courtesy of Darin Fong Photography

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It was  a distinct privilege for The Abbey Catering & Event Design to be a part the recent launch party for the Rob Benzon Foundation here in San Diego.  It was a beautiful evening in terms of weather and in spirit.  This foundation trades pride in being able to not only help people in need, but to help others help people in need.  Without the tireless effort by those involved, many would not benefit to the extent that they do now.  It truly was a magical evening.  The Abbey Catering & Event Design was proud to be a major part of making the magic for the party.

The special VIP lounge, as well as the  silent auction, where special attractions which brought in generous donations.  The hundreds of guests enjoyed beautiful views from this spectacular private property and lounged around the grounds which included a glamorous pool with a water fall attached.  Guests enjoyed food stations and mingled while enjoying 4 open bars which served up cool, refreshing drinks all evening.

It is being a part of events like this that make working with The Abbey so fulfilling and delightful.  And the behind to the hundreds of local people was the icing on the cake.  If you have an upcoming event that The Abbey can help with, please feel free to contact anyone of us at our site.

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“Life moves pretty fast….If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.”   The immortal words of Ferris Bueller ring more true in this day and age of cell phones, tweets and instant messaging. Whether it is our work, our family or friends…life pulls us in so many different directions it can be hard to take a moment and reflect on the past and how enjoyable life can be. Here at The Abbey, we are not much different. 2009 was a great year for us and 2010 is following the same course. We are expanding each day and there are a number of new surprises around the corner for us as a company.

What does this all mean? Well, in thinking over the past, with just this blog in mind, we have had the honor of being part of so many happy, joyous, fun filled days with our brides, grooms and clients. One focus of the blog has been to highlight, not only us, but our brides and their amazing creativity in envisioning their wedding days. San Diego weddings have a distinct charm and feel to them. Catering to those ideas and needs has always been a great way to help a couple realize that their special day is just the start of their journey together. It also gives them something to stop and look back on as well(when life is moving pretty fast). And we want to celebrate all of them in their journey.

As our Blog moves into the second phase of maturity, we are looking forward to bringing local brides-to-be, great information that they can benefit from in the planning stages leading up to their special day.  Being able to connect to people, brides, companies, corporations and organizations in the San Diego area that help the community, give back to society and continue to make the industry we have come to love one of the most fulfilling industries to be in. We couldn’t be more excited about what the near future holds for us as a company and what that will mean to those we help in the coming weeks, months and years.  It is with a deep appreciation that we would like to thank the wonderful people of San Diego for their continued support.

Further details about upcoming events, prizes, parties and giveaways will be coming soon, so stay in touch with the blog. Or feel free to follow all the goings on with the company at Twitter and Facebook with updates to stay in the know.  Or you can get in touch with one of our professional event consultants directly by clicking over to our website here.

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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.

Surprise parties, weddings, and anniversaries are our specialty. Contact us to find out more about the type of event we can

for your next get together.

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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.

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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.

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During the recent 11th Annual Promise Ball-Come Together for the Cure held on May 22nd at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, The Abbey Catering & Event Design was thrilled to be able to donate a 3 day, 2 night stay at our luxury condo in Las Vegas for their auction.  The function that evening was able to raise some $745,000 for research.  Despite all the wonderful contributions provided by the lovely people of San Diego, the foundation can still use more assistance in their fight.The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation(JDRF) has been making great strides in the San Diego area in the fight against Diabetes.  The JDRF  has built a nationwide network of Advocates who are dedicated to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.  We are all working together to advance the search for a cure faster and more effectively.

Some  Facts About Diabetes

Affects Children and Adults
Type 1 diabetes usually strikes children, adolescents, and young adults, but it can be diagnosed in adults as well. It comes on suddenly, causes dependence on injected or pumped insulin for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications.

Needs Constant Attention
To stay alive, people with type 1 diabetes must take multiple insulin injections daily or continually infuse insulin through a pump. They must also test their blood sugar by pricking their fingers for blood six or more times a day. While trying to balance insulin doses with their food intake and daily activities, people with this form of diabetes still must always be prepared for serious hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemic (high blood sugar) reactions, both of which can be life-limiting and life threatening.

Not Cured By Insulin
While insulin injections or infusions allow a person with type 1 to stay alive, they do not cure diabetes, nor do they necessarily prevent the possibility of the disease’s devastating effects, which may include: kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, amputations, heart attack, stroke, and pregnancy complications.

Statistics

• As many as three million Americans may have type 1 diabetes.
• Each year, more than 15,000 children – 40 per day – are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the U.S.

Please follow the link here, to find out more about how you too can have a part in this incredible work being done right here in San Diego. Thank you in advance for your tremendous support.

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As many as 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease.  Alzheimer’s destroys brain cells, causing memory loss  and problems with thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and it is fatal. Today it is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.  The Abbey Catering & Event Design are more than proud to be helping in an upcoming  event being held at the Japanese Friendship Garden on June 9th to thank all the volunteers at the  San Diego Alzheimer’s Association.  We believe strongly in giving back to the community and the valued older members of our society.  For more information on this dreaded disease and how each and everyone of can help in the fight, click here to see some newly published facts and figures.

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May 22nd was a day to remember for one newly wed couple! The Abbey Catering & Event Design helped make this a special day at the Darlington House in beautiful La Jolla. Decorated with yellow, white, and blue, 143 guests joined the two hearts that became one on this beautiful day. After a lovely ceremony, guests mingled during cocktail hour and continued the festivities with tray passed hors d’oeuvres. Friends and family began their dining experience to choreographed service with a choice of chicken Cordon Bleu filled with provolone cheese, smoked bacon, and topped with a sweet gorgonzola sauce, or a perfectly seared filet mignon. As they danced the night away, and played musical money for the centerpieces, the magical day lead to a fairytale evening and a wonderful new beginning. For more info about the Abbey Preferred Venue, Darlington House, contact us here.

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Every event, be it a wedding,  party or fund raiser, wants to be able to leave a lasting impression on it’s guests.  This can be achieved in a variety of unique ways.  One such way is by including the one of a kind,  Abbey Signature Martini Tree.  Holding  99  martini glasses, filled with any kind of beverage, appetizer, or floral piece,  this event enhancer is sure to be talked about.  We were able to utilize this item in a very attractive, eye-catching way at the recent 2010 Art Alive: Culture and Cocktails event. Our Executive Director,  Jesika Leszewski-Grove, was able to make the tree stand out with many different flowers that tied into the theme of  the evening.  To say that the tree was a conversation piece would be an understatement.   One event goer was heard saying,  “That would be great for our outdoor family reunion”.   Aside from the beauty of this amazing piece, it is extremely versatile as well.  Being able to access it from almost any direction, keeps the flow of guests is smooth and effortless.  I think that this is a feature that would enhance any party and will continue to expand as we utilize it more and more.   If you too would like to have this at your next event, please let us provide you with thoughts, ideas and ways to utilize this incredible event feature.  Just get in touch with us here.

Photo by Di-Lanatta’s Photography

1 Comment | Tags: abbey, event design, floral, jesika, San Diego, tablescape, wedding

What a treat is was to be a part of Kathryn

& Ryan’s day. It was truly sweet

perfection. The sun broke just in time to

shine down on our lovely couple. Guests

enjoyed the Abbey’s finest appetizers

before being ushered in to the Nautilus

Room at Coronado Community Center.

A grand entrance and first dance were

delightfully framed by a view of the

city’s skyline and harbor. Dinner service,

executed to perfection by Chef Matt,

ensured a happy crowd. It was a great

time, good friends and family honoring

a  sweet couple . Kathryn & Ryan–best

wishes on a long life filled with love.

To receive more information about this

Abbey Preferred Venue or any other

Venue, please get in touch with us here.

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We were invited to participate in the Arts Alive event at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park again- which was such a pleasure for us! As soon as you entered the front doors- there were extravagant floral displays everywhere you looked. For our food station, we wanted to feature a light menu that was also entertaining….so we did our fabulous Shaken…not Stirred Salad Station. Guests were presented with our Abbey signature chopped salad with feta, organic greens, candied walnuts shaken in a large martini shaker with our Raspberry Vinaigrette by none other than our owner, Chef Zapher- who loved a chance to interact with all 600 attendees. We topped the spring salad with marinated, char-grilled natural chicken breast and herb crostini- which was a perfect compliment! For the decor, I wanted a bright, spring look – so I choose Fushia and eggplant taffeta linens from Elegant Events. On our wrought-iron martini tree, I intertwined asparagus fern and added hot pick Gerbera heads into water filled martini glasses. The whole Abbey team was there to help, including Event Sales Specialist Rob and Event Captain Linda Senescall. It was an amazing night- Sarah and the museum staff are ALWAYS a pleasure to work with! The Abbey loves SDMOA!

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Grossmont-Mt Helix Improvement Association (GMIA), one of the

oldest and largest associations of its type in San Diego, entrusted

the Abbey Catering with their 2010 annual dinner for the fifth year

in a row.  This not for profit organization hosted it’s party for

nearly 100 people in The La Mesa Community Center. We are so

ecstatic to be part of this “green wise” group that was formed in

1938 and stands proud of its long history of environmental

securities of land use and conservation. Working closely every

step of the way we catered this event very meticulously, and

our vision began with the center pieces for the table. Made from

recyclable items these beautiful and unique arrangements were

made thoughtfully with everything from detergent bottles, food

cans, plastic cups, to boxes and paper.

The guests enjoyed the flow of six various food stations

to choose from including a coffee and dessert station.

GMIA guests were delighted with our wonderful staff service and professionalism, and the Abbey was overjoyed to have taken

part in their festivities and we lookforward to working with them in the future.

To find out more about how we can make your next event spectacular, click here.

No Comments | Tags: abbey, catering, event, go green, non-profit

It is unfortunate, in our modern age, women and children in our society may need assistance in dealing with homelessness, violent living situations and extreme economic hardships. The La Jolla Woman’s Club has been lending a helping hand to over 50 different women and childrens charities in the Greater San Diego area for decades and is continuing that tradition this month as well. On the 22nd of May, the La Jolla Woman’s Club will be hosting a rummage sale with all proceeds going towards one of the many woman’s charities they are affiliated with.
So if you have some items that are just sitting the closet, bring them by. We continually here in the media about simplifying our lives, and current events have taught us to be more helpful to those in need and this is a fantastic way to accomplish both. If you have any questions as to what would be good to bring, directions on how to get to the La Jolla Woman’s Club or a list of the charities benefiting from your generosity…contact the La Jolla Woman’s Club here.

For Drop Off information, contact Gayle at 858 752 1077 or Jesika at 619 218 7962.

The smallest kind act can make changes in the most profound way.

Please join The Abbey Catering & Event Design and help make a difference.

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