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A thankful client left us a very nice voicemail the other day. We are so honored to have taken part in their special day.

Transcript:

This is Alicia and I’m sitting here with my husband and we just wanted to call and say thank you again so much for your amazing job that you did at our weddding it was so awesome and it was just an amazing day for both of us and our whole family couldnt stop talking about how awesome the wedding was. I know that is in huge part to you and we just wanted to say thank you so much! So that’s from both of us, and we just wanted to pass that on. Hopefully you are recovering from the long weekend, we know you worked hard and we just wanted to say thank you!

Photos courtesy of Julie Buchta-Davis Photography.  http://www.jbuchtadavis.com/

• The most popular venues get booked about a year or more in advance of your ideal wedding date, so start your search early so you have your pick of the best places.
• Check out venues of all types, even if you don’t think it fits into your style or vision. You might be pleasantly surprised with the options, or you will have more confidence in your final selection knowing you did your homework.
• Create a binder or spreadsheet of info so you don’t get confused between venues. And don’t forget to bring a camera to take photographs, because after visiting many venues, it may be difficult to remember the subtle differences without some visual reminders.
• Ask about what’s included in the venue fee, setup and event times, parking, extra fees, preferred lists, alcohol regulations, etc.
• See what flexibility each venue has with the flow of its events. For example, if the venue has an outdoor ceremony or reception space, what is the option in case of inclement weather?
• Many venues don’t place holds on their date, so once you find the perfect place, don’t hesitate to put down a deposit and secure your date. I have literally seen couples swoop in and reserve a date at a venue right after another couple wanted more time to think about their choice.

To begin your venue search, call one of The Abbey Catering’s event consultants at (888) 238-0949 for a consultation and setup a venue tour today!

Imagine yourself in a dream….you are on an island nestled away in a lagoon tucked in beautiful lush marshes that meanders out to the ocean.  Breath taking views scents of the glistening ocean, and the sounds of seagulls above whisk you away to Nantucket while you are in beautiful Southern California, Carlsbad.  This estate’s venue of Contemporary Modern meets the romantic getaway is the perfect location to have a beautiful and elegant wedding.

Chris and Sara are such a beautiful couple in mind and spirit that being such an important part of their wedding made it so much more than work, but as if I was part of the experience.  Every once in a while, you come across, such a joyful couple, that have such wonderful friends and family that once the wedding is over it feels like you were there during the whole journey.

From the minute I met the lovely couple I was brought in with open arms and was welcomed into their world of a new partnership.  Sara came in with a vision and a dream and I and my team from The Abbey were able to make her fairytale come true under the twinkling lights in the patio nestled among the trees.  We created such an intimate setting lit by candle votives, beautiful flowers, and sumptuous food that no one could resist or forget.  We set off the evening by having beautiful red cabbage bowls as our vessel for our most delicious Abbey salad.  This beautiful presentation was pre-set on the tables that all you saw were splashes of reds, greens, and purples.  These artful presentations were in place of party favors.  Dressing up the table with nature’s vibrant colors against the beautiful centerpieces gave the table such vibrancy of color and allure, and not to mention great taste.

The food, need I mention, was so delicious.  The presented buffet boasted such a beautiful romantic scene that came right of a romance novel.  The candles, gems, and silver adorned branches, glistening colors of purples, reds, and blues from the flowers from the arch from the ceremony, was presented on the buffet station where our chefs served the guests.  They were presented with a duo of succulent slow braised short ribs and a beautiful Jidori chicken drizzled with an herb white wine sauce.  Accompanying this outstanding entrée were delicious sides of our famous truffle cream cheese mashed potatoes and ever so fresh blanched broccoli from our local farmer’s.

The second half of the evening, where the party let loose and everyone talked about the young couple after watching their amazing slideshow out under the twinkling trees is how the rest of the evening took place.  The main room was light by beautiful lights, candles everywhere, and the Dj pumping out their favorite tunes.  It felt liked you were plucked out of the Limelight in New York where it was one of the premier night clubs of NY’s past.  Everyone participated in the union of 2 loving people.  Smiles filled the room, conversations of memories of the couple, and traditions of the couple’s ancestry were shared amongst each other.  Congratulations Sara and Chris from The Abbey staff and me.

For those of you that didn’t notice, we’ve been hacked. Our blog, Facebook, and Twitter feeds have been advertising throughout the night, doing their best to sell you all hair extensions, wigs, and a variety of other useless stuff.

We’re sorry about that.

We’ve cleaned up the mess, and have stopped it from happening again. Thanks for excusing us and being patient while we handled the problem.

Thanks.

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.

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…

Abbey one, Outage zero!

On to the Coronado Community Center, at reception time it was lights out for millions in San Diego and Coronado Island was not exempt. Fortunately, the Community Center & Abbey Team worked in concert with one another to ensure back-up generators powered the Reception.

Abbey Two, Outage Nothing.

When a situation seems beyond all our control it could have easily been a time when people stood by and just accepted the state of affairs. Brides & Grooms may have been understanding but when you secure the best, expectations must be exceeded.

Congratulations to our Happy Couples & Go Team!

A thank you from the Rob Benzon Foundation to the Abbey

July 25, 2011

The Abbey Catering & Event Design Company

On behalf of all of us on the Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for your continued — and very generous — support of the Rob Benzon Foundation.  When we came together over twelve years ago in an effort to make a positive impact out of the tragedy of Rob’s passing, we had no idea how his loving and giving spirit would engage our community as it has,  Your contribution serves to remind us that the spirit of caring and giving is well alive in our community.

We are blessed and grateful to have underwriters such as The Abbey Catering and Event Design Company supporting our efforts.  Your generosity at this summer’s Launch Party will allow us to continue our mission of helping worthy organizations in our community, as well as making much-needed grants to individuals with urgent needs.  Over the past six month, we have provided grants totaling almost $14,000.  The proceeds of this summer’s fundraiser, will allow us to continue to sustain these grant levels for the coming year.

Thank you so much for making the 2011 Launch Party such a huge success!  It was my pleasure to have had the opportunity to work with you on this event and look forward to working again with you in the future.

Very Truly Yours

The Board of Directors of the Rob Benzon Foundation.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, is there a community organization that you are involved in?

Cheer dances in the body language of all those around - the setting sun slowly filling the night and hearts of the people.

The postcard experience of Ocean View Villas was the perfect setting for this lazy, hazy, fun-filled wedding. With the dramatic views atop the sunset cliffs, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the excited couple said “I do” among overjoyed family and friends.

The couple envisioned an all-white classic wedding with a few flattering quirks. The tablescapes were mesmerizing, gowned in crisp white linens, dazzling with crystal stemware, adorned with simple white wooden folding chairs, and united by an original floral centerpiece designed by our friends at Artquest flowers.

Once the ceremony was over guests were welcomed into the cocktail area, where servers weaved in and out with mouth watering treats – specific morsels of the bride and groom – while playful family and friends shared laughter over the snapshots at the photo booth and the bartenders kept the drinks flowing.

The couple opted for a traditional seated dinner, a fine dining experience complimented by the Abbey’s signature salad and a dual entree finale; so each guest had the chance to try both awe-inspiring main course.

As the sun set, the warm glow of evening turned to the cool dark of night and guests danced with the stars – infused by the hip beats of DJ Randy – who mixed in the prime requests while reading the crowd with a psychic pertinence, persuading the crowd to move in tune to the ever evolving mood.

It was a true pleasure for us to experience this special day. Lydia and Qihai chose one of the Abbey’s spectacular wedding packages – which including all the rest – beheld the Maui Penthouse! Their union was feverishly fantastic and begot an event that will not be forgot.

Days to nights like these are common with the Abbey Catering – providing fresh ideas and prime locales, we build great moments from the ground up. Feel free to find out how your visionary day-dreams of a bold gathering – wedding day wonder or anything else under the sun can become a simple matter of experience – both ours’ and yours’.

A private mini orchestra plays for the guests at this event.

Picking out your wedding dress was the first thing you did and now you’re in the middle of planning your ceremony, but don’t forget about your cocktail hour which comes before your reception.  You will need music of course, because a cocktail hour with music is like a birthday cake without birthday candles.

There are so many options available from which you can choose, to make life a little less confusing I will give you a short list of traditional and contemporary selections:

• Traditional – have your reception DJ to bring in some ambient mellow background melodies.
• Modern – use a jazz trio or quartet to spice up the evening, a local singer/songwriter to regale your guests with some masterful guitar pieces.
• Trendy – have a solo cellist or harpist charm your guests and keep family and friends moving smoothly to their silky beat
• Themed – hire a tin drummer bringing sounds that emanate the oceanic beach themes.

The main key to make your event and your music selection uniquely yours during your cocktail hour is to add your own personal touch, be creative, create your own vision.

 
If you would like to have some help we have plenty of great ideas of our own, just ask one of our specialists….
 

The Abbey Catering Photo Booth for fun, personal videos and pictures.

If you are anything like the team at the Abbey, we know you like to have fun, either acting goofy with your friends and family or making lasting memories in which you can look back on and laugh about later.  So, guess what?  We decided to get a fully functional, state of the art photo booth, with  video capture and access to upload your photos to facebook almost instantly!

You can imagine your surprise as your friends, family and guests take candid shots of which they can share on their facebook instantly or you can have as we conveniently store all the videos and photos onto a usb flash drive, while they get to have the proofs.  This is a great way to entertain everyone as you have some genuine fun making goofy faces, and recording special messages for a seasonal party, wedding, or corporate event, and it makes a great ice breaker as you share the photos you have taken over food, drinks, and a great all around time. You can even come in and check it out for yourself. Oh! And did i mention that the themes can be fully customized for any event, and its mobile, meaning it can be brought to any events catered by the Abbey…now how’s that sound for a little added fun?

The Abbey has plenty of ideas to help add more excitement to your event day and we value your thoughts on how we can make it better. Click here and share your ideas…

Who is your favorite Harry Potter character? Come make memories, we can help you host….

A sunset proposal to be remembered for a lifetime.

I received a call 3 weeks ago from an Abbey patron and was asked to create a perfect dinner for two. It was to be the dinner at which the question of questions was to be asked. I eagerly accepted, for that is the reason we live for – to help two individuals dreams come true. I worked with Lester to present the ideal menu to my Executive Chef Matt, who amped up our vision to a culinary masterpiece. When our guests arrived at their beach-side couture picnic, they were greeted by Matt himself who dazzled them with a seafood salad in vinaigrette and a table-side seared filet with grilled vegetables. As the sun set, Matt was blessed to witness the proposal and the resounding “Yes!” At the Abbey, we love what we do, and it was a true honor to be a part of this magical evening with two very special people. Your memorable moments are what makes all our hard work worth the effort.

Perfect setting to pop that "Will you marry me?" question.

What moment would you like to create for a special someone….

The seafood menu has many dishes and this is one catered item for any event.

Whoever would have thought that picking food for your event could ever be so much fun?  By scheduling a tasting with one of our event planners you have the opportunity to sample some of our chefs’ most delicious dishes and then share it with your friends and family when you have that dish catered at your event.  Our chefs cook every day working to master new recipes and create dishes they can call their very own.  Reading about food is making your mouth water isn’t it? That’s exactly what we want to happen.  When you walk into our kitchens your senses are teased with a variety of savory smells.  Some of our classics here include coconut crusted golden shrimp, the abbey signature salad with raspberry vinaigrette and even the lobster tail you see here.  Are we missing something?  Not a problem because we can work with you to create a menu of your choosing.  Hungry yet?  I’m off to the kitchen to try something new right now.

Are you a food lover? Scheduling a tasting with one of our planners is the first step to having a successful event….

One of our favorite wedding dish appetizers for your catered menu.

They don’t just groom you for weddings either….whether its a night on the town, or a photo shoot, they come to you in the privacy of your own home and they even do spray tanning, which drys instantly, doesn’t smell, changes the topical layer of your skin so you actually tan underneath…It goes on easy, sets in 15 minutes, and last 6-12 days. And it actually feels good during the process….what can you say to that guys? But don’t worry gents, they can also do woman too. Its 100% confidential, and in a totally comfortable atmosphere. And ladies if your reading this, now he has no reason to not look his best, as PROJECT – M grooms his physique and relaxes both mind and spirit making sure you both look your best for your pictures.
Last but not least, and this is the best part, you can get all your grooms and brides-maids done too!

Project M has different packages to cater to all your needs, and it’s part of The Abbey’s All Inclusive Package.

Contact us here to find out more about The Abbey’s All Inclusive Package options.

Dear Abbey,

Thank you so much for personally overseeing our wedding and helping us so much in ways we can’t thank you enough for!  You’ve been a great part in making my special day perfect.  Thank you so much, sincerely from the bottom of my heart. Please let me know if I can review the Abbey, anywhere.  Thanks so much again for everything.

Big Heart

Kiev

Saying thank you is one of the last steps in this process, take the first step and tell us what type of event you need assistance with….

TimeCode Media is one of The Abbey Catering’s preferred vendors due to their modern equipment, flawless production and timeless videos. With multiple members on their team, TimeCode Media has plenty of experience and flexibility to provide you with exactly what you’ve been looking for on your big day. The videographers are professional and understand the inner workings of the media business, meaning that you can expect a video of your wedding which will echo your memories with consistently brilliant results from the wedding video. Tareq and his team will discuss your requirements in depth with you before the big day to make sure you are all on the same level, and share the same vision of success.

The Abbey Catering knows weddings and can assure you that TimeCode Media videographers will give you full coverage of your perfect day, without interrupting those special moments. Their service stands for professionalism, beauty, accuracy and success; which guarantees your day will be just as precious every time you view your video. Choosing TimeCode Media ensures your memories can be treasured till death.