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This wedding was hot off the press!  Cecilia and Scott Kopchinsky led the pack as the hottest of 2012 as they reinvented the fan bouquet.  The fan bouquet was the wedding craze of the Victorian Era. Only the wedding queens of 2012 could revive a two century old style.

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.

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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

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

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’.

 

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You know, with most of your time spent planning your perfect day, we know it can be quite hectic.  Though using your favored resources i.e… help from family, friends, and the team here at The Abbey, can help make all the difference.  We would like to recommend a little checklist to make things go easier, because little things matter and the details are in the details.  How about this:

• The perfect venue – check
• #1 caterer in San Diego – check
• Wedding vendors & coordinator – to fill in all those minor details – check
• Ceremony and reception preparation – check

Now if anything, I know you’d want your guest to be impressed by the setting and ambiance of a love filled day labored with comfort and anticipation. So, that brings us to the last check on your list above, and I would have to say one of the quickest ways to dress your ceremony and reception is your chair selection. Chairs can bring elegance, clarity, and comfort to both the feel of the space and to guests, of who are made to feel a little like royalty.

A little detail goes a long way, especially with the old style classical feel of chiavari chairs if that is your vision. It’s important to source the right chair for your day and the team can help you. Depending on the decor that you have set your heart upon, there are many options in the way of chairs to help you. The same chair can be used at both ceremony and reception, but if you are having a beach ceremony I think you would probably emphasize your floral decor, the arch and the surroundings to bring out a romantic oceanic feel as the waves crash upon the shore blessing your union, I recommend a simple white wooden folding chair. They’re padded for your guests comfort and can be attained for about $2.50 each. Next, do you transfer those chairs to your reception or go another route. What does your venue say to you? Is it a hall, garden, historic building, or more contemporary? Fort the three former, I like to see a chiavari chair. You can select from a variety of colors for your chair & pad. Prices vary pending your color and availability but expect to spend approximately 4 times the standard wooden chair. There are also clear lucite chairs to dress your day should you be in a more contemporary venue or museum. There are a variety of styles to suit your every need. Contact your event consultant today to discuss the right direction for your day.

If you would love to have the use of our trade secret resources contact us for your next event…

 

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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…

 

 

No Comments | Tags: abbey, All-Inclusive Wedding Package, art, Corporate Events, event, event design, la jolla, party, photographer, reception, San Diego, venue

A theme is all it takes to turn your party from average to adventurous and fun. The Weiner family wanted to take their daughter’s bat mitsvah one step further than just a party. “Which house would you choose Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Slytherin?”  The fun movie theme of Harry Potter was perfect for this kind of celebration.  The main dining area was set up similiar to the Hogwarts School dining area with the house name banners and then a side dining area with tables labeled for places within the movie like the Whomping Willow and King’s Cross Station.  You could almost feel the magic.  Hiring the Abbey Catering and Event Design Co along with their event coordinator made this party flow with ease.  From set up to clean up, everything was taken care of –  from keeping the guests appetites fulfilled to being kept busy with a photo shoot where you could dress up as your favorite character from the movie.  Normal parties are things of the past, now themed parties have become more popular and the thing to do.From birthday parties to even weddings it is no longer just a party but an event the host family wants their guests to remember.  Celebrating in style now means having fun while you do it. So…..

 

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

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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.

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

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Of course you know the bride to be is pampered and prepped to look her best on one of the most memorable days of her life when she is wedded to the man of her dreams….but, what about the guys?
Often there’s only the bachelor party then the wedding and Bam!…the honeymoon. But now the Abbey is proud to the let the men know that we have something special in store for you too! It’s called Project M, and it’s a featured project for men, to groom you to your finest. Featuring everything from hair-cuts, photo preparation and blemish cover up; which is so subtle that even you will not be able to tell the difference. You will look your best for your pics, and get pampered….GQ style. Their motto is “Let us Man-You-Up for your special events!

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.

14 Comments | Tags: abbey, All-Inclusive Wedding Package, bride, event, photographer, San Diego, vendors, venue

Would you enjoy riding around on your wedding day in luxury? The Abbey Catering offers the largest privately owned limousine in California. Having The Abbey Catering’s Escalade at your wedding means one less worry and one more perfect touch.

The interior of the limo is impressive, with clean and contemporary lighting designs surrounding the curved and comfortable seating arrangement are 4 bars with fully customizable drinks. Our limo has 8 large flat-screen TVs and plush leather seating for up to 10 people. The Abbey’s stretch Escalade is 40 feet long full of entertainment and great for relaxation, perfect for settling the nerves of any bride-to-be and a great opportunity for a little fun before or after the ceremony. You can trust that your car will turn up on time every time and if you choose to use the limo before and after your wedding, The Abbey Catering will charge no extra for the time in between. This massive Escalade is a great bonus when you choose from the Abbey’s all-inclusive packages.

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