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Testimonials to The Abbey

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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

The most intricate wedding that I have ever had the pleasure to attend took place in Balboa Park, the perfect canvas for such a beautiful event to occur. From the beginning of our set up, The Abbey team put their sweat and hearts into making James and Mary’s dream wedding come to life on their special day of Saturday, August 28th, 2010.

This wedding unfolded when the guests first walked through a set of tall iron gates into their own private party. The Jameson’s fantasies came to life with florals provided by Caring Florists and lounge furniture. Guests were entertained from beginning to end at this wedding. Hors d’oeuvres were passed through the cocktail area while guests watched family members dance to their carefully choreographed ensembles. Bars were available in multiple locations as well as a bronze espresso bar from Euro Bar. While martinis were shaken and lattes were poured the bridal party was anxiously awaiting their formal introduction to kick of the celebration.

As family and friends walked to dinner through the masterpiece created by our Abbey Team,  their eyes could not stop wandering as they took it all in. The decor was off the top. The auditorium was dressed from head to toe, and everywhere in between. The walls were draped in a white fabric so that blue and green spotlights could create a tranquil atmosphere. Tables in every size; square, round, and booth style, were set in particular patterns to create the perfect Fung Shui and mixed fabrics, textures, floral, candles, and candy apples. Chaffers were steaming as The Abbey Chefs lowered each component onto the stations. One by one tables were excused to make their way to the feast. Most guests couldn’t help but have a sample of everything. While the adults were making their way back to their tables their children were already full-bellied and content at a specially created table where they could entertain each other for a stress-free night. Lollipops and candy from the Bride and Groom provided the perfect energy supplement for them to hop out on the dance floor and perform their dance to hot new remixes for the crowd. With satisfied appetites, great company, and amazing surroundings this would be a hard night to not enjoy!

If you would like The Abbey Catering to organize you a breathtaking event at the San Diego Museum of Art, our advisers would love to hear from you!

No Comments | Tags: abbey, balboa, cuisine, San Diego Museum of Art, tablescape, wedding

Another venue that we hold in very high regard is the beautiful Ocean View Villas in Point Loma. This was where our sea inspired ceremony and reception took place on Saturday, August 28th. The bride and groom rented out the entire villa with views overlooking sunset cliffs and their own luxurious beach. The beautiful flowers with vibrant colors were designed by ArtQuest . DJ Randy kept the dance floor full and the guests were surely entertained by being able to make their own requests all night long! As a part of the Abbey package we also provided beautiful Aqua Dupioni and Champagne crush linens that drew everyone’s attention to the alluring tables. Throughout the entire evening the very trendy Euro-coffee bar was available, serving Cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, hot chocolate, or anything else that the guests’ hearts could desire. The sea inspired cake that was decorated with seashells, corals, and Orchids was designed by Flour Power. Tareq Zaatari, the videographer made sure to capture all of the wonderful moments and included special comments and messages from all of the 120 guests. The photography done by Narrative Images will be sure to provide everlasting memories for many years to come of this astonishing seaside wedding.

To find out more about how the Abbey can organise the perfect wedding for you at Ocean View Villas, contact one of our advisers here.

No Comments | Tags: abbey, Ocean View Villas, tablescape, vendors, wedding

The wedding day of this special couple was located at the bay front Coronado Community Center. There were 200 privileged guests which attended this marvelous event. Outside, on a luscious green lawn the couple said “I do” while a harpist was gently plucking peaceful tunes. The color scheme of this wedding was chocolate brown and purple, with the two colors creating an impeccable harmony inside the reception hall. The center pieces for the tables had branches of a Manzanita, with dangling  chains of crystal beads, some of which had candles that created a delicate ambiance which the guests enjoyed along with their entrées. White orchids added to the center pieces elegance and sense of bliss.
The main courses were presented as four separate gourmet stations scattered throughout the reception room to maintain a good flow of service and efficiency for the guests. A “Glamorous Slider Bar” was the first station and served up some scrumptious all Angus beef sliders supplied with a surplus of condiments. Another station had authentic Mexican cuisine including flat ironed “Carne Asada”, “Pollo Asada”, a papaya salad medley with organic greens, slivered almonds, Cotija cheese and topped with a citrus honey vinaigrette. To accommodate any desire and taste, an Oriental station was also presented with appetizing Buckwheat Soba noodles with a garlic soy sauce and pan roasted button mushrooms and Thai peppers all served in Chinese “To-Go” boxes. Last  but in no way least… the Mashed Potato Martini Bar.  Glass Martini glasses filled with garlic mashed potatoes hung from our unique Signature Abbey Martini Tree and  was a phenomenal success.
The clients left the reception with all of their expectations exceeded and created memories they will carry with them forever.  For more information about The Abbey create a spectacular event for you or to get details about the Nautilus Room at Coronado Community Center, click on over to our site here.

No Comments | Tags: abbey, catering, community center, coronado, San Diego, tablescape, venue, wedding

Every event, be it a wedding,  party or fund raiser, wants to be able to leave a lasting impression on it’s guests.  This can be achieved in a variety of unique ways.  One such way is by including the one of a kind,  Abbey Signature Martini Tree.  Holding  99  martini glasses, filled with any kind of beverage, appetizer, or floral piece,  this event enhancer is sure to be talked about.  We were able to utilize this item in a very attractive, eye-catching way at the recent 2010 Art Alive: Culture and Cocktails event. Our Abbey Team, was able to make the tree stand out with many different flowers that tied into the theme of  the evening.  To say that the tree was a conversation piece would be an understatement.   One event goer was heard saying,  “That would be great for our outdoor family reunion”.   Aside from the beauty of this amazing piece, it is extremely versatile as well.  Being able to access it from almost any direction, keeps the flow of guests is smooth and effortless.  I think that this is a feature that would enhance any party and will continue to expand as we utilize it more and more.   If you too would like to have this at your next event, please let us provide you with thoughts, ideas and ways to utilize this incredible event feature.  Just get in touch with us here.

Photo by Di-Lanatta’s Photography

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

A beautiful day in La Jolla set the tone for one very special couple Kathy &  Bob.  The table settings were immaculate and the cake was a work of art.  Appetizers flowed from the kitchen as guests  mingled in the courtyard awaiting the arrival of our Bride and Groom.  Bob was dashing in his tuxedo and Kathy was a vision of perfection. The music kicked up and dinner service started. Our chefs knocked another one out of the park with a spectacular presentation at the buffet. Our team came together to wow and amaze yet again.   Best wishes Bob and Kathy on a life filled with love and happiness.  To find out more about the La Jolla Woman’s Club Venue or any other San Diego site, start you journey here.

Robert B.

No Comments | Tags: la jolla, tablescape