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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…

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San Diego is known as America’s finest city and owes that nickname to the warm sun and the beautiful sandy beaches, the pleasing temperature and ocean cooled breezes.  So when planning your next event, you can combine all of the remarkable qualities of San Diego with the historical and quaint bayside venue, The Mission Beach Woman’s Club.

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.

 

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

 

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Dear Abbey,

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.

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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…..

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The Thursday Club is a boutique venue nestled among grand homes above Sunset Cliffs in picturesque Point Loma.  Once you lay your eyes on this gorgeous property you will want to host your next wedding or event here any day of the week.

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….

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The Soledad Club is a charming wedding venue located across from the famous Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park. The Soledad Club is able to seat up to 225 guests, comes with a complete stage, and holds breathtaking views of Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

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.

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

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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…..

No Comments | Tags: floral, fun, party, photographer, venue, wedding

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…

No Comments | Tags: photographer, San Diego Botanical Garden, wedding

Your venue is secured & your planning is well in hand. She wants a DJ & he wants a band.
Let’s talk pros & cons.

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…

No Comments | Tags: DJ, music, wedding band

 

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…

No Comments | Tags: All-Inclusive Wedding Package, coronado community center, san diego blackout, wedding