Prior to the show, guests were able to explore the venue and enjoy a bevy of dishes and beverages, including citrus and herb-marinated chicken skewers over a bed of butter and bay leaf basmati rice, with our signature salad of mixed greens with caramelized walnuts, dried cranberries, feta cheese and our homemade raspberry vinaigrette. To add to the occasion, we displayed our martini appetizer tree and floating buffet, which gave guests ideas for upcoming parties and receptions of their own!

The guests could not stop talking about the food, and one guest asked me if we sold our homemade raspberry vinaigrette in stores! What a compliment! It was a fun time had by all and we look forward to many more events at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. We also greatly appreciate our partnership with them and are honored to be of their preferred caterers.

For the last several years, the Abbey has partnered with the San Diego Museum of Art for their Flowers After Hours portion of Art Alive. Each year, artists from around the community converge to create artistic expressions through floral masterpiece. This year was no exception and certainly pushed things to the next level starting with the centerpiece Tree in the main rotunda resplendent with light emitting diodes dancing through the flowers. Upwards of 650 guests roamed the museum sampling food and beverages while soaking in the brilliance of our local artists. What a joy it was to join our good friends Sarah , Samantha, and their entire team  from San Diego Museum of Art. Thank you for the opportunity to represent and thank you to all of the artists and Vendors who donated their artwork and time.

Check out http://youtu.be/qtmbsAQCINs for an awesome short video!

Grease was the word as the movie “Grease” was played throughout the night to really put everyone in the mood.  It was a great way for people to take a break from the sock hop and enjoy the movie projected on the wall like you were at the drive-in.  Guys with their greased back hair and white shirt with rolled up sleeves and the ladies with cat eyed rimmed glasses and pony tails were dancing to the dj rockin’ tunes and to a live performer (dance, instructor/singer) who looked like a cross between Marilyn Monroe and Sandy from Grease.  What an amazing voice she had and she was very beautiful as well.

Betsy Adams and her co-workers were in the Christmas spirit as “Danny and Sandy” got down to yester years’ past tunes and had a wonderful feast of food and spirits.  Appetizers that were tray passed included: coconut shrimp, meatball skewers, and Margherita pizza. On top of that, they enjoyed dining on 4 different stations of food.  There was a Sliders Bar & Gourmet Mac-n-cheese station with all the fixings. Let’s also not forget the “shaken, not stirred” Salad Bar.  For dessert, this event through its guests back to a vintage era of non computers and innocent fun by having The Floats Bar, complete with different sodas, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup.

Happy Holidays to Team Ascent from everyone at The Abbey.  Thank you to taking us back to an era of fun and laughter and transforming The Abbey to a 50’s dinner, drive-in movie theme.

Discuss with us what fresh trend you could start.  

Joy and I wanted to plan a wedding where 150 guests would feel like they were of royalty, but yet comfortable and at home. So listening to the bride’s ideas and with the collaboration of my ideas, we were able to have a posh reception in the main ballroom of the beautiful Cuvier Club under the strings of lights that hanged from above bringing a feel of an old world Italian setting a fresco. The mix of 16 tables of decadent linens; alternating colors and flower; different textiles and stationary’s; accents of lights and candle light; brought excitement to the dinner party. Every table became a part of the celebration. After working so many wedding, I am able to offer many ideas and styles to bring any wedding to the next level and make it always unique for each bride.

The food…amazing of course! Instead of as sit down dinner, we planned to have the guests be a part of the experience and we created 4 stations of presented meals. The court was able to choose the personalization of a the Abbey Salad, the char grilled chicken station with gorgonzola cream sauce and seasoned grilled vegetables, or the slow cooked braised short ribs with garlic cream cheese mashed potatoes. The fourth station was created for the vegetarians where they had portabella mushroom ravioli. However, I made the fourth station extra special for the newlyweds special guests of the royal court, the ring bearers and the flower girls. We created this station for the kids to be part of the wedding too. . The fourth station was created for the vegetarians where they had portabella mushroom ravioli. However, I made the fourth station extra special for the newlyweds special guests of the royal court, the ring bearers and the flower girls. We created this station for the kids to be part of the wedding too. You could see that they were excited to be part of the experience. As having the chosen to have an all inclusive wedding package, the beautiful couple chooses to have a Euro coffee bar that offered unique lattes and cappuccino’s as one of their options. It set a tone of refinement and it complimented the extensive dessert bar which had cupcakes, cookies, candies, and more. The foods of the night were fir for a king and queen.

As the night came to an end, Joy and Noah, family and friends, experienced a warm and breathe taking conclusion of sparklers to conclude the fairy tale wedding. The young couple departed to start their new life together.

Congratulations Joy and Noah Silva!

To get five more reasons contact one of our consultants today.

The North Pole of San Diego’s historic Balboa Park is a place for history and memory.  And as we all know, San Diego lacks the traditional feeling of a wintery Christmas in a perfect climate.  So San Diego gets into a Holiday spirit by kicking off the season in Balboa Park.  Where they are having a grand celebration in San Diego, a two night extravaganza – where close to 300,000 people come to Balboa Park for the December Nights to celebrate with food, music, and numerous events the park offers.  The season continues throughout the month with Balboa Park hosting numerous holiday parties and events.

The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA), founded in 1983, possesses an international reputation of excellence through its presentation of high quality exhibitions, lectures, publications and films.  A museum without walls since 1972, MOPA became what it is today when the City of San Diego donated a 7,000-square-foot, custom-designed space in the Casa de Balboa Building in Balboa Park.

MOPA has one of the largest photography publication collections in the country

and is a one-of-a-kind destination for scholars, researchers and professional photographers. Having a Christmas party at MOPA is a great way to make memories and using San Diego’s finest A-List Catering Company, The Abbey Catering Company to create the layout is the way to go.  We offer nothing but impeccable service, a cheerful attitude, and first class service that will make any holiday party a hit. Happy Holidays to Kristina and T.Y. Lin International Group! Being the Senior Event Captain and being the perfectionist that I am, you will always have a perfect celebration for any occasion.  All the details and objectives that Kristina wanted for her company were met and then exceeded.  I was able to give her ideas and suggestions for their night to be both a happy and delicious one.  The food, appetizers, and 3 course meal were sumptuous and 5 stars.  The elaborate display of desserts and coffee were stunning and exuded a feeling of celebration.  All of this happened in the main lobby of MOPA and the guests were able to wander through the museum and have a memorable night.

Yelpers enjoyed a plethora of delights and activities throughout the evening, including a hosted bar and delectable appetizers provided by The Abbey Catering. With a signature vodka cocktail in hand, guests were able to sample and raved about such treats as juicy chicken satay skewers with a Thai peanut sauce, thick and meaty beef sliders, crispy coconut-crusted golden shrimp with a sweet Thai aioli, and vegetable fritters with a roasted garlic horseradish cream sauce.

Since it was a Christmas party with a sinful twist, Yelpers came dressed (or undressed) in all sorts of costumes, as anything from naughty Santa girls to Christmas-inspired flashers. To capture the imaginative costumes, The Abbey Catering’s state-of-the-art photobooth was on hand all night, so guests had a photo keepsake of the evening and were even able to post their shenanigans on Facebook from the photobooth. In true Yelp fashion, those who “checked in” to the party received a free Yelp watch and Yelp koozies (one of my favorite items).

With a little liquid courage, Yelpers got the place all steamed up (literally), by shaking their groove thing in the main banquet hall while DJ Connor rocked the beats. Before the end of the evening, several lucky Yelpers won some amazing raffle prizes donated by The Cuvier Club and The Abbey Catering. Some guests with the best costumes won an intimate dinner for two provided by The Abbey Catering. Others won weekend getaways for a Las Vegas strip penthouse, with the grand prize being a one week’s stay in a beautiful Puerto Vallarta villa.

All in all, The Cuvier Club and The Abbey Catering had an amazing time with Yelp San Diego and the party proved boys and girls on the “Naughty” list have way more fun!

Although with a lot of creativity and love the wedding took place at the beautiful and historic Thursday Club in Point Loma. Built in 1928, The Thursday Club is known for being one of San Diego’s beautiful and historical landmarks. This charming old Mission style house is located on the California coast with a panoramic ocean view. The grounds include an elegant garden path, which adds to the ambiance of any event.  It is here that Cecilia, in a sophisticated and stunning laced wedding gown, seemed to step out from the latest pages of Brides Magazine, accompanied by her ever so handsome husband, Scott.  With the help of her bride’s maids, her wedding coordinator Sharon Cole, and Event Planner Jaime Soto Jr. They were able to bring to life a modern vision rooted in an era of eloquence and chivalry and still bringing a fresh and modern twist to it. Originally from the Victorian Era, the fan bouquet became popular in the 1980’s.  This type of bridal bouquet is traditionally made with fancy lace and a bouquet of flowers, covering the fan and conforming to the arc.   The Kopchinsky’s avoided the drudges of an old-fashioned wedding by using thick paper to create fans adorned with more ornate papers.  They also had handmade coasters with origami flowers of different colors.  Birch wood branches to hold the dangling fans aloft throughout the room bringing sensitivity and ease.  It made one of those secretly prized and understated statements. More and more brides now a day are giving up traditional wedding planning and opting for a green wedding. Green weddings utilize all the perfections of modern day recycling. Some common options often chosen are the recycling invitations, letters, wood and papers – giving purpose to old items turning them into beautiful favors, table number plaques, and other décor.  Their use of vintage paper at their eco friendly wedding gave that extra sense of style.  And now this vintage theme seems to be taking over as 2012 comes around! Their entire theme was completed by the standing stained glass windows that surrounded the main ballroom and the vintage light fixtures, wall sconces, and ornate crown molding.  The guests were captivated in every sensory aspect from the feel of the décor to the taste of the food.  They chose a pre-set salad made of rustic tomato with cucumber, feta, olives and pickled red onions topped with chive oil and balsamic dressing.  The main entrée was served from a presented buffet.  Two items were served: the choice of succulent slow braised short ribs in a demi –glaze with gremalata or a fresh grilled Citrus Mahi Mahi with sides of sautéed mushrooms and Orzo salad with cherry tomatoes in vinaigrette.  Dessert was a decadent fresh strawberry Bavarian cake with white chocolate shavings and a 3 layer red velvet cake that was to die for!  It was nothing short of a night to be remembered. The evening came to an end and Cecilia and Scott rejoiced and reflected on the day and thanked the me and the Abbey for making their dream comes true.  I am so happy again to be part of another beautiful and perfect wedding and to be blessed to make two new friends.

Interested in learning another secret from our bag of tricks? Our event planners might just let one slip at a consultation. Call us free of charge.

For the ultimate beachfront wedding, look no further than The Powerhouse Community Center on Coast Boulevard in Del Mar.  This venue can host a wedding or event of up to 120 seated guests, with Del Mar Beach as your backdrop and an indoor reception to keep the party strong.

You could begin your wedding or event with a ceremony and cocktail reception to follow on the West Patio with picturesque Del Mar Beach as the scenic panoramic backdrop.  After you and your guests have taken in what nature has to offer, move into the main and upstairs floor space of The Powerhouse for a seated dinner of up to 120 guests.  Guests can also be seated in the covered patio, weather permitting.  After dinner, stay inside to dance to the music played by a DJ or small band while enjoying the company of your guests.

After a bit of entertainment, escape to the upstairs deck for some fresh ocean air and look upon the shoreline through one of the venue’s coin-operated telescopes or step off the property and onto the sand for a leisurely nighttime stroll.

Parking can be a bit tough in this area, since the venue is on the beach and nestled between Seagrove Park and fine dining restaurants.  However street parking and private parking lots are available.  This much sought-after venue books out well in advance, with events beginning as early as noon and ending no later than 10pm.

Rental fees are done by the hour or purchased as an all-day event and vary depending on the day of the week and month, but a 3 hour minimum is required to secure your date.  The venue includes the complimentary use of 60” round guest tables, 120 white padded folding chairs, as well as some additional banquet tables, which is a great bonus and savings.  For availability and more information call us at ( 888) 238-0949 at extension 2.

How often do you get the ocean as your backdrop?  This is your chance and we can reserve a date with you…

At the Cuvier Club, over 150 guests brought their dancing shoes and swing danced to their hearts content to lively swing music as well as sets by an amazing Zydeco band. Guests were also tantalized with refreshments provided by The Abbey Catering, and servers were dressed as WWII military personnel with trays filled with juicy chicken satay skewers and a sweet Thai chile sauce, roasted garlic hummus and pita, tangy ceviche on cucumber slices, and mini pulled beef on crostinis.

It was such an amazing afternoon filled with fun, neighbors, and new friends!

Are you a sports enthusiast? Do you appreciate San Diego’s rich sports history? Are you searching for the perfect venue to host your next corporate event? Then look no further than the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum in the beautiful Balboa Park. Boasting over 68,000 square feet of banquet, reception and meeting space, the Hall of Champions is perfect for your next event destination.

The Hall of Champions has three levels, each befitting for events of different sizes and directions. The lower level has a theater complete with audio and visual capabilities, as well as a gallery for a seated reception of up to 350 guests. The main level, with 30’ ceilings, two large video screens and a decorative sail, can accommodate 400 guests for a seated reception or 500 guests for theater-style seating. If your event or meeting is smaller in scale an ideal space can be the San Diego Sports Commission Boardroom or the Walter Zable Banquet Room & Terrace in the upper level of the museum. The Boardroom has a U-shaped table for 40 guests, as well as a drop down video screen, dry erase board, and attached catering preparation area. The adjacent Walter Zable Banquet Room & Terrace has room for a seated reception of 120 guests and the outside terrace has a capacity of 60 guests.

All venue rentals include tables and chairs, a PA system, house lighting, as well as a free two hour setup and one hour tear down. Parking is abundant in Balboa Park and there are three adjacent lots next to the museum.
For more information and to schedule a visit, you can make an appointment by contacting their Events Department at (619) 699-2309.

If you enjoy what this amazing venue has to offer give us a call and we can give you even further details or share information about similar venues available that can meet your needs…

At your next event, why not sip on a specialty cocktail while admiring an exhibition of rare and precious gems?  Or enjoy a bevy of gourmet hors d’oeuvres next to a giant megalodon shark that hales from the San Diego region?  You can experience this and all the natural history our region of Southern California has to offer at the majestic San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.

The Sefton Grand Atrium in the museum is a sharp and modern space with a four-story translucent ceiling perfect for a wedding of 275 guests for a seated dinner, or a corporate cocktail reception of 500.  Curious guests can explore the numerous exhibitions and galleries, including the museum’s permanent Fossil Mysteries wing.  Here you can examine fossils found by the Museum’s paleontologists and discover what plants and animals looked like from 75 million to 10,000 years ago in the Southern California and Baja California region.

For those looking to move their party outdoors, take advantage of San Diego’s year-round beautiful weather on the El Mirador Rooftop Terrace, the only one of its kind in Balboa Park.  It has superb views of Balboa Park, downtown, and the San Diego Bay.  The space can accommodate 100 for a seated dinner, up to 200 guests for a reception, or 190 for a ceremony.

Rental fees are charged by the hour and vary depending on areas of the museum you would like to reserve, but a 4 hour minimum is required to secure your date.  The venue does not include any rentals, but The Abbey Catering can take care of those needs for you.  For more information and to schedule a venue visit, please contact our specialist at (888) 238-0949 ext. #2.

How many venues have you visited that you like?  Join us on a venue visit and get a personal walk through with someone that knows…

The main banquet room of The Mission Beach Woman’s Club is perfect for anything from casual to formal affairs, perfect for up to 110 seated guests or for a standing reception, 150 guests.  The adjacent stage has a built-in projector screen for those that may wish to use the venue for a business meeting. This can also be the perfect place for a DJ or live band to perform on your wedding day.  Wedding ceremonies can be conducted on the bayside patio or for a small fee, paid to Mission Bay Park, performed on the sand and in front of the bay.

The bayside patio can also seat an additional 24 guests. There are eight dedicated parking spots in front of the venue, also free parking lots and street parking all around. Since the venue is located among a residential neighborhood, all events must end by 10 pm; but there’s still enough time to enjoy yourselves.

Although prices are subject to change, Saturday rental rates at The Mission Beach Woman’s Club includes 6 hours of event time, setup time, and time to breakdown. The price for a full day rental from Sunday to Friday is constant its less often used and more often free, just be careful to book ahead if you’re looking for an available Saturday.

Since we are on the subject of price, we are pleased to announce, for a limited time only, to the next five clients, who view and comment on the Mission Beach Woman’s Club, and who purchase a seven-option, all-inclusive wedding package for 100 guests or more, a complimentary rental of the Mission Beach Woman’s Club from us at The Abbey Catering.

We should also let you know, the venue includes the use of twelve 60” round tables which allow all guests to converse with ease, seven 6’ banquet tables, 110 chairs and a smaller table perfect for couples. I have to say, all an amazing savings in rental costs!

For availability and more information call us at ( 888) 238-0949.  You can also visit their website, check out their Facebook page or simply look below for a plethora of event photos.

The Ceremony

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A ceremony held outdoors on the green grass with an ocean side backdrop. The couples are enveloped in the beautiful San Diego weather and enraptured in each-others' love.

Find out how you can receive this special giveaway, click here!…

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for your generous support of the Rob Benzon Foundation during the 2011 calendar year.  We are very grateful to be able to count on you as a member of our extended family.

Our records reflect that you donated goods and services between January 1 and December 31, 2011 in the amount of $8,448.80.

Our mission at the Rob Benzon Foundation is to grant funds to individuals with urgent needs in response to an unforeseen or catastrophic event and to established charitable organizations in our community.  The guiding concept of the Rob Benzon Foundation is that a substantial difference in the life of someone in need.  Thank you for being such an important part of that vision.

Once again, we thank you for your generosity and support of the Rob Benzon Foundation and hope you will consider us for future donations.  By pulling together, we continue to assist those most in need in our community.

Very truly yours,

John Cashman, Chief Financial Officer

Do you have a fundraiser or foundation celebration coming up in the future? We’ve seasoned professionals who can give you their great ideas for free.

Take a moment and picture this:  Exchanging vows with your loved one under a canopy of twinkling lights, being photographed at lush trails and ponds or in the streets of Spanish Colonial architecture then celebrating your union with family and friends among works from some of the greatest photographers in history.   Too good to be true?  This is what to expect and more, when you host your wedding at The Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park.

The Joan & Irwin Jacobs Theater inside the museum accommodates a range of events, from the typical film screenings to wedding ceremonies.  Entertain your guests with a home movie or personal slideshow on the large screen while they filter into the 226 person theater.  Once guests are seated under the soft glow of incandescent twinkle lights from the ceiling. The main stage can be the perfect setting for your wedding ceremony. After your ceremony, guests can take a short stroll across from the museum and enjoy the beauty of Balboa Park during the cocktail hour by the Reflection Pond.

Return to the museum and into The David C. Copley Atrium for your next stop during your wedding extravaganza,. The David C. Copley Atrium possesses a minimalist style, high ceilings, and white walls; a blank canvas for you to create the perfect backdrop to your blissful celebration.  The Atrium can comfortably seat 140 guests with a dance floor, and the option for 250 guests for a standing reception.  The Exhibition Galleries, open throughout your event, offers a rare chance for your guests to privately view the museum’s impressive works of art, including pieces from famous photographers like Ansel Adams, Dorthea Lange, and Edward Weston, with new exhibitions travelling through three times a year.

Although prices are subject to change, rental fees on a Saturday for the Theater, Atrium, and Galleries is $3350, and the costs are lower if you choose a different day of the week or forego the Theater as a part of your rental.  The fees also include the complimentary use of 60″ round guest tables and chairs as well as a 1-year membership for two to the museum, which is a great bonus and savings.  For more information and to schedule a visit, contact our specialist at (888) 238-0949 ext. 2 or visit their website.

Tell us your ideas, share with us and we will share even more ideas with you, the two of us will make a great team…..

The panoramic ocean view from their beautifully manicured garden is the perfect location for a ceremony and can hold 100 seated guests.  You can also host an outdoor reception here, and if you want to rent the garden space only, the rental fee is $500 for one hour.

The main banquet hall, equipped with a small stage, can accommodate an event for up to 175 seated guests and 300 standing.  When you want to take a break from all of the festivities, you can escape to a sitting room adjacent to the banquet hall, or one of several outdoor patios and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Since the venue is located among a residential neighborhood, all events must end by 9pm.  And although the venue supplies tables and chairs, it may be wise to rent larger 60” round tables in order to seat more guests comfortably. Parking is relegated to streets in the neighborhood, but space is aplenty.  Brides will be pleased to know a bridal suite with a small private patio is available.

Although fees are subject to change, rental rates for a Friday thru Sunday are $2500 and $1500 for a Monday thru Thursday.  This grants you 6 hours of rental time, which includes setup and breakdown.  If you want to secure the venue for more time, additional hours are only $100 each.  For more information, visit their website or call the Resident Managers at (619) 224-5264.  Office hours are Wednesday thru Sunday from 9am-5pm.

Take a venue tour today or visit on your own but remember help is always just a phone call away….

The large outdoor deck surrounding The Soledad Club is ideal for snapping perfect wedding photos the beautiful San Diego stationed as your back drop.  The lower-level property works great for large cocktail receptions and has a conformed arch that displays an effortless frame for ceremony space.  Fifty free private parking spots are available for use on site while extra street parking is found on Soledad Road.

Rental rates vary depending on time of year, but begin around $1895.00.  However, rates can be less if you decide to secure your wedding on a day other than Saturday.  The Soledad Club is located on 5050 Soledad Road.  For more information, visit their website or contact our Soledad Club expert at (888) 238 – 0949 ext. #2

The Soledad Club is a preferred venue at The Abbey Catering and we would love to have the opportunity to combine our best effort in conjunction with this beautiful venue to create an awe inspired experience at your next event.

Welcome to the Soledad Club

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Need more venue ideas?  We have many and if you need a caterer,  it would be our pleasure…..

1)      Plan some unexpected entertainment:  Guests are accustomed to seeing the usual things, like the money dance and other wedding favorites; but why not surprise your guests with unique entertainment?  One bride and groom wowed their guests with a fully choreographed tango dance, while another had a live band karaoke at their reception.  One unique option is renting The Abbey’s one of a kind photo booth, full with silly props it can be a big hit at your reception. It is always a great hit among guests and can really jazz up your party.

2)      Add a lounge to your reception:  Sometimes guests get restless sitting at the dining tables and don’t really feel the need to shake their booty, so why not create a nice lounge space for guests to escape to?  Renting a few couches or small pieces of furniture with some pillows in an area lit by candlelight really would add a level of class to your reception while maintaining a fun atmosphere.  The Abbey Catering can help, we have great lounge pieces for any occasion.

3)      Music, music, music:  Whether you hire a band or one of The Abbey’s preferred DJs for entertainment, make sure you see eye to eye on the type of music they play.  Songs like “The Macarena” and “The Chicken Dance” should really be outlawed.  And bands normally take a break or two during the reception, so make sure they have something to play as backup during those times.

4)      Kids are people too:  It’s inevitable that children will be attending the wedding, so have a game plan to keep them entertained while the adults can have some quality time together.  Hire a babysitter to watch over the kids while they enjoy a movie in a separate room or have other games and activities to keep them occupied.

5)      Keep the toasts to under 2 minutes each:  Simple and heartfelt toasts are the way to go and help maintain the flow of a good party.  Too many toasts and those that are awkward or long-winded from the cousin-you-never-talk-to can really dampen the mood.

6)      Have fun and fresh food:  The Abbey has amazing menus to appease any palate, so take advantage of what we have to offer and customize it by your tastes!  For a more casual style, order stations of Mexican tacos or a slider bar for guests to enjoy.  If a buffet-style or plated dinner isn’t your cup of tea; have heavy hors d’oeuvres or a simple yet elegant display.

7)      Hire a day-of wedding coordinator:  After all of the time and planning, nothing is worse than being stressed out on your wedding day.  So look into using one of The Abbey’s veteran day-of wedding coordinators to take care of all the little details and to ensure your day is as special and as worry-free as can be!

Tell us your ideas, share with us and we will share even more ideas with you, the two of us will make a great team…..

The San Diego Botanical Garden located in Encinitas is a choice spot to have a wedding and with the perfect weather that frequents San Diego an outdoor reception is paradise waiting.  The Huyhn party chose this spot for its beauty and seclusion, they wished to have a nice intimate gathering of family to witness this special day for their exchanging of vows.  Surrounded by blossoming flowers, stunning clear blue skies overhead and exotic smells wafting throughout the gardens.

Fifty guests sat in the “Walled Garden” and watched while the officiant began the exchange of vows.  Gathered together under a wood grove of trees and green fern, shaded from the sun and birds flying all about, the ceremony commenced.

After the two “I do!”‘s, the guests move to the reception area. The Victorian Gazebo Lawn is a space where you can seat up to 250 people for dinner and dessert.  Their dinner was set using  buffet stations, a martini salad shaker station, a main entree station and the favorite, a doughnut station, where there was a selection of doughnut pastries and hot chocolate. The perfect invitation to treat one’s self to after dinner. The buffet station was perfect for this environment, guests could get up for second helpings if they wished and eat at their own pace.

The sun finally set and lamp lights began to come on.  The the gazebo where the cake was being set up lit up in brilliant blues to cast an enchanting hue over the guests as they finished dinner and prepared for the cutting of the cake.  The day was a total success and the guests and staff watched as the newly wed couple whisked away to begin their honeymoon.

We would like to thank our vendor-partner Julie Buchta Davis Photography & Associates for providing the amazing photographs that you see here.

Thinking of an outdoor wedding? Where have you considered or would you like us to assist in finding you an outdoor venue location…

Putting your signature on your day can be as simple as determining the direction of the music. When selecting a band you must be mindful of the level of professionalism they represent. Have they performed at a wedding site prior? What do their reviewers say? And once you find the band that performs the music you want to hear, do you want them at your wedding or would it better to save them for a later party? You may end up with a garage band that performs mainly for house parties and not elegant venues. Definitely look to bands that have wedding experience. Also, would you want them involved as an MC? If you do find the band for you, ensure that you have that additional someone that is willing to be involved in announcing events. Certainly hiring an independent MC is a great option, just be prepared.

The DJ is the most popular choice and can save money when opposed to hiring a band. A band can easily be more expensive than the venue and a DJ you can typically obtain for less than a band. The one major advantage of the DJ is that you’re pretty much guaranteed someone who can MC effectively. Check of course to see that they are comfortable doing so and verify how involved or removed they are willing to be.

Ultimately, these individuals become part of your day. Find the person or persons that have the product & the value you want. More importantly, make sure you and the artist have a personal connection where you can communicate, so that you may express your vision and ideas. You want people you can count on and people you’re comfortable managing.

Feel free to select from our many musical services through one of our all inclusive packages…

It was a beautiful day in Coronado, as Heather and Kurt arrived at The Coronado Community Center. The weather was perfect for the Twilight Ceremony on Coronado Beach.

As we were began setup, the power went out in the building. Power outages when the weather is warm is common. When we were told how large of an area was without power, we acted on the areas that we had control over. The remaining problems were met with creative solutions. One of which was the Center getting the generators. I was very impressed at how quickly The Coronado Community Center responded to this crisis. They were able to rent two portable generators from the City of Coronado and had them on-site within 45 minutes which allowed us to setup temporary lighting for both the banquet room and for the kitchen and have enough power for the DJ. Everything had been accomplished prior to the ceremony even ending. As the guests arrived for the reception, they entered an oasis of Music and Light while the rest of Southern California sat in darkness.
The reception area has beautiful views of Glorietta Bay and the San Diego Skyline.

As guests arrived, they were welcomed by the Abbey Staff passing trays of Ahi Poke served on a Wonton and Filet Wellington. The open bar, fresh fruit floral display and gourmet cheese and cracker display was also a popular area of the patio.

Uncontrollable obstacles happen all the time, its how you handle those obstacles that make all the difference, come see how we do it…