Venue repetition has become a common trend for particular events: corporate functions in stuffy conference rooms; baby showers in cramped living rooms; birthday parties at local restaurants. While there is nothing wrong with repetition, it is important to stay creative when selecting the spaces to hold events. Sometimes the cost of the venue may be higher, but the end result will be less costly and the experience invaluable. This is not the time to jump on the bandwagon—it’s time to think outside of the box. Be creative! Every space has the potential to host unique events, so don’t settle on what’s been done before. Take your event to the next level by holding it at an unique, fun, inspiring venue.

Starting May 20th, Amazáe Special Events is launching a two-week blog series that highlights various venues and how to capitalize on their event potential. Follow this series for ideas about how to enhance your next event!

By Rev. Katherine Revoir

I’ve been officiating weddings for years, and I’ve noticed that more and more couples want their ceremony to be as important and meaningful as the rest of their big day.

Choosing an officiant can be an uncomplicated decision if you have your radar set to one channel: resonance. What does your intuition tell you when having an initial phone conversation with this officiant? Does he or she really care about what you want and how you want people to feel at the ceremony? Do you resonate with his or her spiritual philosophy? How will this person make your guests welcome, and if you want, to be invited to participate in the ceremony?

Here are a few guidelines:

• You will get what you pay for in an officiant. If you’re using a friend or relative who is not experienced, it may be wonderful or you may have some surprises. If you choose an inexpensive officiant, you may be getting a generalized ceremony that is not written to your spiritual preferences. It takes a lot of time to meet with a couple, craft a personalized ceremony that has your needs as a priority, to manage a rehearsal, take charge of and perform the ceremony, and answer questions and concerns along the way.

• Check out a prospective officiant’s Yelp reviews and ask for references.

• Get clear information about how much time he or she will spend on the preparation of your ceremony.

• Notice how flexible he or she is about making changes.

A strong resonance helps you to entrust this person with a very tender and sacred task. When you are comfortable with your officiant, you are free to relax and enjoy this most sacred experience.

Below is a pdf file from my website with some good questions to ask when interviewing an officiant:

http://richerliving.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Questions-Answers.pdf

This fall season should be filled with beautiful combinations of deep and delicate colors. Rich browns and rustic emeralds will pop when paired with muted purples and flirty mints, and subtle gold accents will offer a classic flare to tie the colors together. The hard and soft contrast creates a warm dynamic that is not only chic but also perfect for the cooler fall days. Forget switching out a whole new wardrobe for this fall. This palette allows fashionistas to utilize both ends of your closet.

Patterns are instrumental when it comes to design, and fall patterns can easily be translated to the color palette. Floral is no longer restricted to springtime festivities. Pairing the richer colors with traditional floral accents will enhance the design’s warmth and match the changing season. Share with us what you are doing this fall for your wardrobe, event or in-house design (info@amazae.com). We will share some of these great submissions first day of fall.

We were not only impressed by their linens, their space is beautifully designed and elegantly presented. Paired with their linens were some other great vendors: food, drink, desserts, florals, stationery etc.

That very same night Hartmann Studios had their annual client appreciation event at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. As anticipated it was chalked full of fantastic and inspirational decor.  Hartmann Studios is an event rental company that covers the basics to the extreme custom designs, being a great partner to fit your exact event needs.

Featuring some of their great new products mixed in with their “norm”, Hartmann did what they do best- gave a party full of quality pieces with wonderful execution. The space was cleverly designed leaving little to no evidence of the warehouse feel that the Fort Mason building typically has. Every section had a distinct genre and was divided into nooks of themes relating to pop culture.

Throughout the space we were wined and dined by vendors, some familiar faces and some new, who offered us creative and clever food and drink.

 It was a fantastic time, seeing some great friends a long the way.  We cannot wait to see what Hartmann Studios throws at us in 2014!

Last month, the 2013 Event Solutions Idea Factory concluded its whirlwind week at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.  Planned quite well it coincided with WPPI, one of the biggest photo and video convention, and Catersource, it seemed to bring in thousands of industry professionals all across the nation.  We were excited to say that ASE was in attendance and soaking in invaluable design inspirations and making connections with fabulous people.  It was our first year there, and Crystal would like to thank Michelle from MB for being her tour guide.

Along with Dina Manzo and Colin Cowie as the featured speakers, Crystal had the opportunity to learn from some key notable industry professionals such as Stacie Francombe, David Merrell, Sean Low, John Daly and our very own Sharon Dexmier from Napa Valley Linens.  Crystal even got to meet Preston Bailey again…what an unplanned treat.  The conference creates the chance for these professionals to share their knowledge of and expertise in the events industry, providing priceless insight for other industry pioneers to share with our clients.

The conference addressed the importance of design elements while also noting the ways to understand the industry as a business. Events and design are constantly changing, so it is important to stay ahead of the competition with new ideas and creative approaches.  ASE is always seeking to produce innovative designs for our clients. Although hosted in Vegas, it’s safe to say that the fantastic knowledge and ideas gained from the 2013 Idea Factory will certainly not stay in Vegas.

For those thinking of going, definitely a must.  Plan it out now…Events Solution 2014!  For additional highlights from this year’s events, check out: 2013 Recap

Last week AT&T Park, Classic Party Rentals, and Got Light hosted a Spectacular Showcase at Pier 48 in San Francisco. With over 120,000 spare feet of event space with outstanding views of the bay, Classic and Got Light took advantage of the enormous space with the help of vendors (ASE included) in showcasing a multitude of possibilities for decking out the historic pier, while sharing their new pieces and designs.

Staying connected and informed in the event industry’s new products and services is very important. Attending industry events such as the Spectacular Showcase broadens our knowledge in fantastic ways, while at the same time allows us to enjoy an evening of fabulous atmosphere, food, drinks, and company.

The Spectacular Showcase could not have come at a better time to welcome two new team members, Deborah, our new office manager, and our wonderful intern, Stephanie, who joined us in January.

The pier was separated into several main sections. Areas featuring different styles of lounge furniture, lighting, food, and beverages. A long gallery of numerous themed tablescapes spanning from French-vintage to children’s whimsical tea party allowed us to see new products and ideas The back section of the pier was a club atmosphere with DJ, dance floor, bars, dramatic lighting, draping, and lounges.

Being constantly inspired is key to working in the events industry, and we at ASE would like to give a huge and warm thanks to AT&T Park, Classic Party Rentals, and Got Light for putting on a wonderful event that entertained all of our senses and assisted in revving us up for our phenomenal line-up of 2013 events!

At Amazáe Special Events, we value passion, hard work, and morals of being a respectable small business owner. Buddy of Carlo’s Bakery is one of the most respected family-owned businesses in America. Buddy constantly preaches the values of good work ethics, morals, respect, and dignity in the work place. So how did this unfair elimination happen on his own show?

Read the following letter Crystal has sent to Buddy to find out how ASE is putting Buddy to the test!

What are your thoughts? We have great respect for Buddy and his family’s business. Stay tuned for updates on Buddy’s challenge!

Owning Your Designer Title Workshop is dedicated to a behind the scenes look at how to build a successful design company.

• how to define you and your business
• what adding design services to your business model means
• how to find color, theme, design board inspirations and
  how to use it
• break down of a design from initial concept to completion
• how to plan for photoshoots, submitting them and your
  weddings for publication
• opportunity for all questions to be answered
• and more

As a partner with the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants, it is sure to be a education, inspiriting and needed workshop for new to experienced planning professionals transitioning or trying to make their design end of the business as successful as possible.  Crystal Lequang of Amazáe Special Events will give an unveiled view of what it takes and means to be a designer, review candid business model tips, explore must trade secrets, provide resources and more.

Food and drink, Tour will be provided by Hotel Valencia.

Only 20 spaces available.  Sign up NOW for your spot in the class.

Register and Purchase Tickets Here!

Marking the beginning of 2013, Vera Wang opened their flagship store in the very heart of San Francisco. In their 4^th floor, Union Square location, clients will have a one-of-a-kind wedding gown shopping experience overlooking a spectacular view of the city.

Vera Wang is a bridal couture company that first began in New York City in 1990. Over the past thirteen years the brand has become globally known and revered as the leader of high-end bridal couture “known for sophisticated drama, feminine detailing and a modern approach to bridal design”.  -www.verawang.com

Weddings are about priorities. We realize not every bride, whether budget is a factor or not, is initially comfortable with splurging on a gown they will only wear once. However, the experience of trying on a Vera Wang gown is unsurpassed. We experienced this first-hand walking through the gorgeous showroom with store manager, Katie, as she showed us the different gowns differentiated by style, shape, and fabric. Picking a gown that will look flattering is always number one. The consultants ensure you are looking and feeling your very best from the moment you try on a floor sample to the day you walk down the aisle in the gown of your dreams.

What to expect when shopping and purchasing from Vera Wang:
Expect the best customer service- every detail is their priority, you will always be heard.  Quality, quality, quality: nothing is comparable to the flawless quality of these gowns. An average cost for a Vera Wang gown can be $5,000, but don’t be intimidated- there are gowns below and above this price- and remember, you are certainly getting what you pay for. Always allow yourself time. Your gown must be ordered ahead of time and alterations can take 4 to 5 months. Alterations are done in-house and can be expedited if absolutely necessary.

If you are engaged and either living in or visiting Bay Area, make an appointment to Vera Wang to try on what may be “the” gown!

Vera Wang San Francisco  |  180 Geary St, 4th Fl, San Francisco, CA 94108  |  (415) 400-0370

Beau-Coup Presents: “Engagement Party Themes”

Every year between New Year and Mardi Gras, there is a party-less lull. We propose all newly-engaged couples use this time to throw an engagement party – it’s the perfect way to celebrate your love and introduce the two families! We’re sharing our favorite engagement party themes to help you get a jump start on your party planning.

Get sweet and sentimental with love quotes and poems
Sometimes simple and sweet is best. With a theme based on love notes, quotes, and poems, you’d be throwing an engagement party that celebrates love – both the love the two of you share and the universal love we all know. Show off your new monogram by incorporating it into the décor along with plenty of hearts and popular love quotes. These notes in a jar make a great centerpiece, complete with love quotes that guests can take home as a special memento. Also make sure to have a personalized signature frame set up with a photo of you and your sweetie so guests can leave their best advice and well wishes.

Take a little trip in your own back yard
Maybe you’ve got your heart set on a destination wedding with all the trimmings. However, many invited guests can’t afford to travel extensively. Our solution? Throw a travel-themed engagement party right where you live and work!  Try one of these three popular destination themes:

Paris, France – The capital of France is the ultimate place for romance, making it a fabulous engagement party theme. Incorporate the beauty of the City of Lights into your party by emulating a quaint Parisian café, complete with bistro tables and chairs. Get people into the spirit by having plenty of delicious French wines and cheeses available for sampling. And don’t forget the French baguettes and pastries! As the party ends, send guests home with a cute French themed card set so they can keep up with their chic French style.

Paris party picture: { image credits clockwise from top left : Beau-coup, Beau-coup, Beau-coup, blogger.com, channelnine.com }

Napa Valley, California – Napa Valley is a dream destination for foodies and wine connoisseurs. If you enjoy all the finer things in life, take your guests on a journey through wine country with this theme! Set up a buffet with plenty of foods for wine pairings – you can’t go wrong having a variety of fruits, cheeses, nuts, and chocolates. For an elegant ambiance, reuse old wine bottles topped with wine cork candles. As the wine flows, help guests keep track of their glasses with cute wine charms. Cheers!

Las Vegas, Nevada – Let the good times roll with a Vegas or casino-themed party! All bets are off when you entertain guests with popular card and casino games. Personalized poker chips and customized playing cards can double as favors your party guests can take home. For food, set up a Vegas-style buffet with plenty of gourmet finger foods and delicious bite-sized desserts.  It’s a great way to show people you’re ready to take a gamble on love!

Bling it out with a “He put a ring on it” theme
Now that you’re engaged, you have every reason to celebrate – he likes it, so he put a ring on it! In honor of your love (and your new rock!), share your joy with the world by hosting a super blinged-out engagement party. Call attention to all your glittery, shimmering touches by keeping décor clean and simple. Accent white linens and crystal place settings with elegant diamond ring napkin holders. Have sparkling drinks and fancy finger foods to serve at formal place settings. Make sure to encourage your guests to wear their shiniest finery. This party is the perfect place to wear those jewels reserved for special occasions!

Bling party picture: { image credits clockwise from top left : Beau-coup, weddingbee.com, chocolatebrides.com, Beau-coup }

Have you held a themed engagement party? Share your best ideas and experiences with us in the comments below!