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Testimonials to The Abbey

Nestled in the heart of Bankers Hill in San Diego, rests a hidden jem, the Britt Scripps Inn-Before you confirm this exquisite Venue, please consider….

1. I love your Venue but how do I determine if it will accommodate my guest count?

-The Britt Scripps Inn can comfortably accommodate 100 guests seated and 120 for a cocktail standing reception in their side garden.

2. What ammenities are offered with your Venue?

-At the Britt Scripps Inn, exceeding your expectations is our mission-all-day venue rentals come complimentery of 9 rooms for your guests who would like to stay the night. This also includes a complimentery breakfast for those attendees including our world famous home made scones.

3. What if I’m looking to hold just me ceremony or perhaps a lunch and don’t require use of your rooms?

-For a discounted rate, the Britt Scripps Inn offers a two hour ceremony-only or lunch between the hours of 12-4pm.

4. Are you pet-friendly?

-Yes we are! At the Britt Scripps Inn we welcome our four legged friends to participate in ceremonies and receptions. We ask guests to tend their needs and regrettably we don’t allow overnightt stays for our littlest family members.

5. What do you offer regarding parking for my guests?

-For any of your guests that will be staying the evening, we offer adequate parking spaces . Aside from that there is ample street parking and garages that offer all-day parking within a few blocks.

6. What if my guests want to stay the night before or after?

-They simply need to contact the concierge to book the room or you can certainly book it on their behalf. Another consideration is that you may want to extend the Venue Rental so that your guests are guaranteed the opportunity to enjoy the grounds and maybe even plan a night before coacktail reception or a day after brunch.

7. Do you have any Packages?

-Yes, the Britt Scripps Inn offers Catering Packages as well as All-Inclusive Wedding Packages that can handle every aspect of your day. From your flowers to cake, dj, videography, limo service, and coordination. We can also handle all of your rental needs.

8. The Britt Scripps Inn is over 100 years old, does it have handicap access?

-Yes, of course. The ceremony and reception site both are on level ground. Should any guest require the need to enter the house, there is an elevator located on the front of the property that opens onto the main patio.

9. Will my guests have access to the house during my reception?

-Yes but this does need to be contained to mainly your overnight guests and those who require the restrooms. We certainly encourage your guests to come in and view the beautiful salon and dining room however these rooms only accommodate up to 25 guests at a time so the mass of your event will take place outside.

10. It’s San Diego, but, what if it rains?

-It’s always important to consider the possibility and be prepared with a contingency plan. For smaller events less then 25 some consideration may be offered. For larger events, tents are certainly available for rental that will completely cover your reception.

 

 

 

This venue is perfect for the perfect party of just the right size but not too big now, click ahead and tell us how your intimate but not too intimate party is laid out in your mind…

No Comments | Tags: Britt Scripps, cuisine, event design, reception, venue

La Jolla Cove Suites host “Romance By The Sea”, a Premiere Wedding Presentation, located on its rooftop with a beautiful 180 degree panoramic view of La Jolla Cove.  Here many of San Diego’s top vendors will be to showcase their potential.  For those of you visiting find yourselves at 1155 Coast Blvd La Jolla CA 92037.

The Abbey Catering will also be chauffeuring guests from the parking structure to La Jolla Cove Suites in San Diego’s longest limo… just one of the fourteen options in our custom All-Inclusive Wedding Package.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreaming of a Romance by the Sea? Then click ahead and follow those dreams, see what possibilities are instore for you….

No Comments | Tags: abbey, All-Inclusive Wedding Package, design, event design, San Diego, vendors

A birthday is always a wonderful reason to celebrate. Family and friends joined us on this special occasion for Mr. Drew’s… 40’th birthday. This celebration took place in a stylish and beautiful private residence in Mission Hills with a stunning view.

The Abbey catering served the most amazing & signature hor dourves, on silver platters. Just to name few, Ahi’ Poke’ served on cucumber rounds, Beef Sliders, miniature Beef Wellington Bites and more were a hit that won’t be forgotten for a long time, all 75 guests raved about the food and service. Spectacular drinks mixed by Best Beverage Company kept the party going and champagne pouring. Even on a rainy day, The Abbey was able to put together a spectacular event that pleased all!   We wish Drew many happy years and celebrations to come and we are grateful for making us a part of day, it was nothing short of perfection.

 

Click here to find out more about how The Abbey can help make your birthday wishes come true by giving you a perfect event in which you and your friends will be raving about…

No Comments | Tags: abbey, catering, cuisine, event, event design, fine dining, party, photographer, San Diego

Brides & Grooms recently engaged…the planning has begun. What is the first thing you do?  The dress, venue, catering?   No, the first order of business is to come up a realistic budget. I often tell my brides that this is a project in itself and certainly, a learning experience. With a show of hands, how many have planned a wedding before?  Ummm….i see!  Well, standards in the industry are constantly changing so what is the best method of determining an accurate budget? First things first, what is the number one most important thing to you that you will not waiver on? Answer that and then make a list of all of the elements to your design and vendors you want to see present i.e. florist, cake, photography, catering. Research that list and come up with 3 options per and then investigate their products. I say 3 because any more will overwhelm. For the photography, for example , we will need to get an estimate on everything you want from engagement photos to extra per hour charges from each candidate. Use the internet to read their reviews. Everybody has happy client testimonials but don’t neglect Yelp.  Be confident when asking for the bottom line and estimated additional costs. I offer my clients the opportunity to review their other proposals, and often they are not itemized and spelled out fully when they are reviewing them.  Find someone with a passion for what they do. Is that a personal plug?  Yes! I have references and I’m not afraid to use them . I’m of the Miracle On 34TH Street mind-set and if the Abbey’s not the best choice, I will tell you and offer you suggestions on what might be the best fit for your aesthetic or budget. This is an important day to you, and to me. Let’s make it the best it can be!

The Abbey would love to help you have the perfect picnic wedding, if you need help or tips and preparing your budget, our Team is more than happy to help you.

No Comments | Tags: abbey, All-Inclusive Wedding Package, bride, catering, ceremony, chef, cuisine, event, event design, floral, San Diego, tablescape, vendors, venue, wedding

You are an elegant and sophisticated couple but you have a mind for something new and exciting for your day. Something personal that speaks to” who you are” but offers you a day that can get your guests to relax and completely enjoy themselves. A Picnic Wedding may be the best direction. An alternative to the traditional or flow reception, the Picnic Wedding offers you an option that can truly make your day, a very memorable one.

 

 

Picture it, a grassy field, a setting anyone could enjoy that brings you back to the good old days. Custom blankets in your bridesmaids colors lay out before you adorned by Floral Displays on small custom tables at every site. Servers tending to you as though it were a formal sit-down dinner, but the kids can come, run around , and so can the adults. Seated on your blanket, you will enjoy the luxury of the Seated Dinner Service, but have the laid back mentality of your childhood. Set up a lemonade bar to complete the vision, offer seating for Mom & Dad, Grandparents too but the mass of your guests will be completely emerged in a throw-back that will excite and delight children of all ages.

 

 

 

 

Every Guest satiated, we move to the big dance. Stand and walk to a clearing set with the dance floor and resplendent with twinkling lights that dress the day like fireflies. You wanted something completely unique, you wanted something to allow all of your guests to let their hair down but still enjoy the finer things. Do yourself a favor and paint this picture for your day- you will not be disappointed!

 

 

 

The Abbey would love to help you have the perfect picnic wedding, bringing you back to a memorable time when things were simple and carefree but with a classically luxurious feel.

No Comments | Tags: All-Inclusive Wedding Package, Botanical Gardens, ceremony, event, event design, floral, linens, Picnic Wedding, reception, San Diego, venue, wedding

The Abbey Catering is running a promotional special at La Jolla’s newest Venue… Cuvier Club.  If you select The Abbey Catering as your caterer or event design company, The Abbey Catering will include up to 150 mahogany chiavari chairs with white cushions complimentary for your reception.

Please feel free to contact Rob Leszewski directly at (619)204-1192 or rob@theabbeycatering.com to take advantage of this wonderful special or for any more information.  We’ve got plenty more to offer and please feel free to mention this blog posting for an extra discount on your custom proposal as well.

We’re always running specials and discounts to better accommodate, and currently we’re also offering them for preferred venues.  Just give me a call or email and I’ll be sure to do my best.  Thanks in advance!!!

 

The Abbey would love to help you add more elegance to your already beautiful day with our signature Chiavari chairs, ask the team for details.
 

No Comments | Tags: abbey, All-Inclusive Wedding Package, Botanical Gardens, bride, ceremony, cuisine, event, event design, fine dining, la jolla, party, reception, San Diego, tablescape, vendors, venue, wedding

Sometimes couples want a different type of wedding.  A little change from the norm.  Most weddings have structured tables and chairs, seating for all guests, and the usual.  Not to say that’s a bad thing… that’s how my wedding was for over 300 guests.  But now “flow reception’s” are becoming much more popular.  There are no rules really, just whatever you want and envisioned for your reception.

Typically, we’ll arrange for seating for approximately 25-50% of your guest count.  I can arrange for assorted sized tables from 48″ cocktail tables to seat 4-6, 60″ dining tables to sit 8-10, and Belly Bars to accommodate the rest of your guests standing comfortably with drinks and food.  We can also arrange lounge furniture which is a HUGE hit at these type of events.

For the food, we try to go with the same theme.  Tray-passed appetizers for the Cocktail Hour, Stations with a variety of options served in smaller portions so your guests can continue from one station to the next.  All in all everything’s ultimately up to you and we’re here to accommodate in any way.  It’s YOUR wedding after all.

The Abbey would love to help you plan your big day, and we work with many of the top venues in San Diego and other locations to make your wedding dreams come true.

No Comments | Tags: abbey, All-Inclusive Wedding Package, catering, ceremony, cuisine, event design, photographer, reception, San Diego, tablescape, venue, wedding

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With windows that look out onto glistening water and bobbing sailboats, the Marina Villiage on Mission Bay is perhaps the perfect place to say I’ll love you, forever.

The newly wedded couple and their joyous friends and family arrived from the quaint ceremony on the west-facing lawn to the Sunset Room at Marina Villiage in hopes of quenching their thirst and satisfying their belly-rumbling appetites.  They were greeted with a full bar and a bartender who could sling drinks with the best of them!  As guest mingled and milled, The Abbey’s polished servers weaved in and out with trays of mouthwatering appetizers, including coconut shrimp, among others.

When the time came for guests to be seated, long, flowing black curtains were ripped from the ceiling, dramatically revealing the breathtaking tablescapes, each accented by a robust centerpiece provided by Artquest Flowers that included roses, purple tulips, and surprisingly, fresh artichokes!!

Glasses clinked as eager friends and family toasted the new couple and busy servers and chefs prepared for the much anticipated dinner hour.  Senior executive coordinateor, Petr Trebin, gracefully dismissed each table and guests made their way to the chef presented buffet, where they were greeted by a mouth watering dual entree and smiling chefs.

The rest of the night unfolded seamlessly into the traditional garter and bouquet toss, cake cutting and a not-so-conventional dance off!  The beats of DJ Niko spurred vigourous competition as guests young, and young at heart showed off thier dancing skills.

As the final song was played, the new couple held each other close and thought excitedly of things to come.

For more information about having your wedding reception at the Marina Village Venue…contact one of our professional consultants here.

No Comments | Tags: abbey, catering, ceremony, event design, floral, reception, San Diego, tablescape, wedding

My Breath was taken away as I dazed out the windows of Marina Villages, Sunset Room.  It was a full, panoramic view of Sailboats and Yachts at one of San Diegos most desirable locations. The boats were lined up; single file, in the calm, sparkling blue waters of the Mission Bay Channel. As I stood, 12 feet or so above this incredible Marina, I instantly knew why Cara and Aaron had chosen this venue to create life-long memories. It was unique and highlighted the rare beauty of southern California.

Thanks to the lovely assistance of the bride and grooms aunts, set up was a breeze. Round tables were dressed flawlessly in white linens with a black and white damask overlay on top.  Each chair was covered with black and tied with a white satin bow. Voluminous, white roses and greenery embellished the tables. Glass and Silverware were preset, persuading the guest to sit and grab a bite to eat and drink.

Little by little the cool, air-conditioned room began to heat up as the one hundred and thirty seven guest began to arrive. The sun began to sink lower into the horizon giving the room a sun kissed glow. Guest maneuvered around this peerless venue absorbing each component. With a built in Dj booth and wrap around bar, a large load was lifted off our shoulders.

Horsdeourves were a HIT! Once the door swung open from the kitchen, guest were practically swarming our servers to get another bite. Ahi Poke eggrolls with sweet Wasabi and Ginger Soy drizzle were nothing shy of amazing. A unique combination of Goat cheese and Chorizo Quesadillas finished with fresh guacamole and homemade salsa had tongues tied, but in a good way. Another sweet success for our Abbey Chefs.

After cocktail hour we began to summon our buffet. When the chafer lids lifted a hot steam rose from each item. Fresh aromatics filled the air and had taste buds melting.  Tables were released accordingly preventing any traffic jams to occur. Single handedly each guest was served their dinner. A dual entree of Gogonzola Chicken and fresh wild Salmon was chosen to relish various palettes. After plates had been cleared the guests were ready to rock!

Dancing the night away was easy for these party goers. Dj Randy had at least eighty percent of the guest on their feet, moving to the music for the remainder of the night. The Bride and groom decided to carry on family tradition and do the “Wall Dance.” Each person from the event was asked to get up on their feet, move to the nearest wall, touch it with a body part, dance, and don’t stop until the song was over. What an easy request for this crowd. In fact, they continued to do the “Wall Dance” long after the song was over.  I couldn’t help but laugh and smile as I watched each guest enjoy themselves and finish out their night without a care in the world.

To a Beautiful Couple and Family, Cheers!

For more information about having your wedding reception at the Marina Village Venue…contact one of our professional consultants here.

No Comments | Tags: abbey, catering, event design, San Diego, tablescape, venue, wedding

What a wonderful way to start this young couple’s new life… The Abbey Catering & Event Design put together this marvelous event last Sunday. The ceremony took place at one of Southern California’s best coastal view points, Seagrove Park in Del Mar. The divine white huppah was set up on the grass with the amazing ocean view in the background. Gold Chiviari chairs lined the aisles and the white and green flowers with small green cabbage arrangements by Artquest Florist added an extra pristine feel to the ceremony. During the ceremony the acoustic guitar just added to this truly romantic day. The reception was held outdoors at the Spanish inspired Darlington House in magnificent La Jolla. Crisp White Orchids were part of the enchanting arrangements at every table for the sit down dinner for the 164 guests. Baby Cakes provided the delicious 3 tiered cake that had 3 unique flavors. The All Inclusive Abbey Package also included the limo, video, champagne tree, and specialty linens. The photography was done by Christopher Jae Photography. After the heavenly palatable sit down dinner the guests enjoyed mouthwatering flavors ice cream from Italina Ice Cream which included flavors such as Nuttela! This amazing day was yet another perfect example of why The Abbey Catering was voted #1 on the A List in San Diego!

For more information or to set up a tour of the Darlington House, please contact an Event Consultant here.

No Comments | Tags: abbey, catering, ceremony, event design, la jolla, reception, San Diego