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Brandon and Bobbie tied the knot this past Friday in the main courtyard of the Darlington House in La Jolla. A perfectly sweet ceremony overseen by their officiant, Glen, moved smoothly with great harmony. Cocktail hour found our couple standing with close friends and family for all of the important shots, captured by our own Julie Buchta Davis. The cake was a masterpiece, designed by Brandon and Bobbie and created by their family at Flourpower. Dinner gave way to toasting which brought us to some very special dances. The music chosen by our couple was ideal to sing along to and all guests were encouraged to do so. It was a night filled with laughter and love, and all were grateful to be a part of it. A toast to Brandon and Bobbie , I hope to see you again soon!

Contact our advisers here to find out more about the Darlington House, or inquire about any of The Abbey’s preferred venues.

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Rob –thanks for all your help – you were 100% on top of things and virtually EVERYONE said they had a great time. Everything looked classy, efficient, tasty (food and dessert was great) and the staff was very friendly — you, and Robert held true to your promise that it’ll be a night to remember.

Maggie and I had only one desire and that was for all in attendance to have a great time, bond, re-connect, establish new friendships, and for one night, forget about life’s uncertainties, disappointments and stress – from the feedback we received, I think you were highly responsible for accomplishing all of that!

Kevin W.

To find out more information about having your special day prepared by the professionals at The Abbey Catering & Event Design….contact us here.

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I would like to sincerely thank everyone who was a part of this day. Our entire team really came together once again and made The Abbey shine! Photographer Deborah Shields, DJ Mike Thomas, Tareq Zataari, Babycakes, Event Party Rentals, Caprice Strings, CEO Luxury Limo and many others inspired our lovely couple and made this day whimsical, full of surprises and unforgettable for many of our guests.

Spanish-inspired Darlington House in sunny La Jolla was the destination for this out-of-the-ordinary wedding. About 50 guests witnessed Erika & Nigel’s exchange of vows and saying “I do”. After the ceremony in which there was not a single dry eye, the night of miraculous moments started. The backdrop for our digital camera docking station provided by the client, along with funny and charming props, was a hit and left no one unentertained. Love birds as salt and pepper shakers, cake topper, candy bar décor and more were a lovely touch, and gave event playful feel of enchantment, love and unity. For the reception our bride decided to get a beautifully decorated tent in the rose garden. String lights, candles, ivory satin linens for the guest tables and unique rosette ivory linens for the sweetheart table and cake and white Hydrangea flowers in elegant silver urns all  gave the whole event a feeling of class, purity and cleanness. May the love and life of this couple be joyful, divine and full of adventures. Happy Honeymooning!

Contact our advisers here to find out more about using the beautiful location of the Darlington House or any of our preferred vendors for your big day.

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Just when I think that I have seen the coolest wedding ever, Bride Ericka shows up and tops it off. With a Bride and a Maid of Honor who have both been in the Wedding and Event planning industry, this wedding had no choice but to be amazing!

When I showed up at the Darlington House, I was stunned. For the first time, I saw a beautiful, white canvas, that was perfectly crafted and designed to cover the main brick patio. Every corner and curve was taken into account when this tent was created. It fit like a glove in its location. The open sky was dazzling enough in the gardens of the Darlington house, but this tent was astounding. Inside, small white lights were suspended from one side to the other emphasizing one of the main focal points of the wedding reception.

This was one of those weddings that I just couldn’t stop taking pictures of.  It was wrapped around the idea of “Eat, Drink And Be Married ” and of course, love birds. All of the guest tables were covered with an ivory linen, but it was the decor on the tables and around the venue that spoke to me. Individual boxed table favors, vintage silver urns with bouquets of white hydrangeas, brown, tuxedo satin folded napkins cradling specialized menus, white dove salt and pepper shakers,  a fun photobooth for guests to enjoy and a candy bar with vases of all different configurations all brought together pieces of the puzzle.

The wedding, reception, and venue were impressive, and the food was matched the standard. A variety of hors d’oeurves were free-flowing through the cocktail garden. While guests were sipping on cold refreshments, their hunger was also being quieted with Chicken Satay and New England Bay Crab Cakes.  Guests were soon allowed to take a seat and let our team do the work. The Abbey’s signature salad was placed and our servers brought around ice water and wine. A dual entrée was also customized by the Bride and Groom. Bold, concentrated flavors were brought through with Tri Trip Black Angus beef and fresh, wild, Salmon. All mouths were watering as we served our guests their flavorful, nutritious meal.

As the music level began to increase and conversation started up, our team was busy harmonizing the party. Our goal is always to make sure that our clients enjoy every moment of their special day, along with all of their guests,  and thats exactly what this wedding did. It gave eye candy to each person who walked through the room, reigned their bellies, and kept their faces beaming with the happiness and love that this day created. Best wishes to the happy couple!

Contact our advisers here to find out more about hosting your wedding at the spectacular venue of the Darlington House.

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Enter the Darlington House, La Jolla, for a one-of-a-kind wedding with a custom design. From the flower arrangements to the apples in the water glasses, this wedding was truly unique and beautiful. The Fall color scheme of the floral arrangements, and the fruit with guest’s table numbers on them, gave an individual feel to the wedding and provided this San Diego location with colors not often seen. The hints of orange, red, and brown in every aspect of the decor gave the wedding an authentic and warming Autumn feel without the gloomy Fall weather!

 

The Abbey Team, helped to give this wedding many of its unique touches, including a custom wedding cake designed on-site to correspond with the whole theme. Where else would you get this passion for creation, other than The Abbey?  There were many small details of this reception that added to the overwhelmingly warm feel; the flowers in the fountain, the candles surrounding the venue, the colors of the tables, the floral designs, the mood and lighting… even the guests contributed. DJ Randy and The Abbey staff helped to rock this wedding out, and we provided the newlyweds and all their guests with the service we are known for… the best.

 

If you are interested in seeing how The Abbey can help you create something unforgettable at the Darlington House, La Jolla, contact us here!

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It was an intimate evening at the Darlington House in La Jolla, as the guests arrived for the ceremony in the courtyard above the fountain, to witness the wedding of Jillian and Kyle. The short but sweet service was amazing and led guests to the reception, and The Abbey Catering’s handcrafted appetizers.

 

The fresh hummus assortment seemed to be a favorite, with an array of cilantro and lime, sweet curry with cranberry, roasted garlic and sun-dried tomato hummus on top of a fresh piece of pita flat bread. The beef and vegetable skewers were delicious, made with blackened Angus Beef in a sweet sesame sauce with lightly grilled bell peppers and onions. Another famous favorite of The Abbey is the light flaky pastry-covered filet mignon with a dab of horseradish aioli, known as our filet Wellingtons. The next best thing from a trip to the east coast this time of year is The Abbey’s New England clue crab cakes, with spices and a topping of Lobster aioli sauce, a delight on the plates of the lucky guests.

 

All of this delicious food was accompanied by a open bar with a professional bartender for cocktail hour, to refresh and revive the guests in preparation for a celebration. Most have enjoyed the fresh appetizers that we serve but nothing tastes more crisp than The Abbey Salad, made with fresh mixed greens and dressed to perfection. If the tasty salad and appetizer weren’t enough, The Abbey served up a dual entrée, prepared to give a variation of chef Jeff’s skills on the grill. Tender slivers of grilled Angus were accompanied by Truffle and Rosemary Mashed Potatoes, with a creamy thick beef gravy drizzled over the top. Alongside that came the Salmon en Croute, a delicious piece of fresh Salmon with spinach and garlic, wrapped in a piece of delicate crust.

 

With bellies full of fine cuisine, guests hit the dance floor and made their moves back to the bar for the next portion of the evening – eye watering speeches, funny stories and then at last the CAKE!  The ‘new cake’ is the cupcake, and after the cute couple sliced theirs, they shared the halves with a lil’ frosting fight to start off their marriage. After much dancing and enjoyment on the dance floor, many of the guests returned to their seats, exhausted and happy.

 

The whole reception design was styled by the Abbey to make sure it was intimate and personal, customized to the bride’s personal liking and made specifically for our satisfied clients. Our fabulous crew was lead by Rob Battoe, and me, Warren Carlyle. Event Design was all done by our Abbey Team, who can make all your dreams come true. Big thanks to all of The Abbey team involved in this fantastic day, and congratulations to Jillian and Kyle Donovan from all of us at The Abbey Catering and Event Design.

 

Contact our advisers here to find out more about holding your catered event at the Darlington House.

Photos courtesy of Deb Shields Photography

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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.

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Although known as the ”day of rest”,  this was certainly not the case for Amanda & Jeb. Sunday was filled with excitement, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime for these newlyweds. The Darlington House of La Jolla was overwhelmed with loving family and dear friends, all gathered to witness the start of this special couple’s journey.

When guests ended their travels from Del Mar to La Jolla, their night was sure to be original. Upon entrance, well polished Abbey staff offered guests their choice of wine or Champagne. The Champagne glasses were delicately pulled from a specially crafted bronze metal tree that towered high atop a green silk table. Guest were encouraged to taste a variety of hors d’oeuvres as they mingled throughout the historic courtyards.

A tablescape was created to show thanks and recognition. Individual Chinese to-go boxes were filled with homemade, powder sugar-coated cookies to give the company a little sweetness to start their night off right. A sign in book meant that every party could write their own, distinct message to the bride and groom.  Old fashioned, lemon Pellegrino glass bottles were alphabetically set with personal tags hanging from each neck. Neatly, each persons name and table number was signed in calligraphy to guide them to their seats for dinner.

A cool, coastal breeze set the evening for Jeb and Amanda’s wedding celebration.  With temperatures averaging in the sixties, heaters were a must for this evening reception.  In the midst of the Darlington House gardens rested several elegant table settings. The pale linens and gold spindled chairs created the perfect contrast, balancing the greenery and late blossoms of nature. Simple, yet tasteful centerpieces were created by our preferred florist, Arturo, of Artquest Flowers. Candles were lit on every table to bring a romantic ambiance, along with the moon shining brightly high above.

As the Newlyweds and the rest of their ensemble snuggled into their chairs, a fresh, hot meal was being assembled by the Abbey staff. One by one as the plates were set down, a steaming dual entrée awaited their approval. Citrus marinated chicken breast and Chianti braised Black Angus beef, each of which was accompanied by a homemade sauce, was sure to hit many soft spots during the dinner hour. Delicious truffled mashed potatoes and fresh grilled vegetables topped off their bellies and had them leaning back in their seats with contentment.

As Amanda and Jeb began to cut their cake, the Abbey staff snuck into the Darlington House kitchen and pulled out tubs of homemade gelato from the freezer. A variety of flavors were chosen to pair with the already pleasing dessert. The cake, three tiers high, was precisely cut and and placed onto dessert plates, and each slice was lucky enough to have a cold dish of yummy gelato at its side. How better to end a night than with an irresistible dessert and a hot cup of Joe!

The Darlington House has ageless charm and the most spectacular grounds, making it one of the Abbey’s preferred venues. Talk to us here!

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Last Saturday I had the pleasure of witnessing two very remarkable people share a  sweet and sentimental exchange. As their guests looked on, Jillian and Kyle stood before the fountain of The Darlington House and professed their love for all to see. Perfectly orchestrated by Officiant Lois Baldi, the ceremony touched the hearts of all in attendance and also left them smiling. A choice to add a 38 year old flower-boy was certainly an element that helped to create the perfect balance between the emotions. Fortunately, Abbey preferred photographer, Deb Shields, was there to capture every unforgettable image for the family to cherish forever.

From there, Abbey Event Captain Warren took main stage delighting guests to a bevy of The Abbey’s finest appetizers. Dinner service gave way to dancing as our couple, who could not have been sweeter, celebrated an evening filled with love. Jillian and Kyle, it was a true pleasure to be a part of your day. Thank you from the entire Abbey Team.

To find out more about the fabulous Darlington House in La Jolla….contact a Event Consultant here.

Photos courtesy of  Deb Shields Photography

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The Abbey provided another hand picked fresh selection of our famous appetizers, the amazing New England Blue crab cakes with lobster Aioli that had been crisped to perfection and served over fresh picked greens. A favorite of fresh fish from the sea on top of crunchy piece of cucumber are dices of Ahi tuna poke with sesame oil that really refreshes your pallet. The variety of taste in one bite is the outstanding tri-colored brochette on a toasted sliver of baguette. The main course started with our famous Abbey house salad topped with crumbled feta and chopped walnuts with dried cranberries topped off with tangy raspberry vinaigrette. The main course was prepared to perfection, the Chianti braised Angus beef with a creamy beef gravy over it served with fresh grilled assorted vegetables with a side our delicious truffle and rosemary mashed potatoes. It was a taste to remember on another beautiful day in La Jolla day, stop by to schedule your tasting that will change your mind, and please your taste buds.

The La Jolla Cove Suites has great value, top notch accommodations and world class views. To speak to one of our event specialists about touring the rooftop venue or how The Abbey All Inclusive Package can fit your needs, contact us here.

Photos courtesy of Julie Buchta Davis Photography

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