reception Archives - Page 4 of 4

Sustainable Event Furniture from Girari

June 29, 2013 Leave a Comment

Summer is definitely here, as it is a HOT one today! I am staying in my office today where it is nice and cool. You probably know by now that I love searching for wedding details that are really unique and amazing. So you can imagine the excitement when I received something pretty spectacular in my inbox today. I am talking earth friendly, comfortable and stylish furniture. Yes, all those details represent Girari, a rental furniture company that specializes in durable and gorgeous tables and chairs. What so is so amazing about Girari is that all you need for your wedding day are their fabulous tables which require no linens. Yes, I said no linens. They have glass tables which add sophistication and class to your wedding decor, and can really “wow” your guests. Perfect for the modern bride who wants a unique, modern look with a touch of elegance. I can go on and on about this fabulous rental company, however I really want to bring your attention to their one of a kind table for ten. Yes, I said ten. If you do not believe me, then have seat, grab a nice cold lemonade and take a look.

Girari’s signature glass table is the Penta. There is no other table in the event industry like the Penta. What is so amazing is that this table seats ten, and has a “table within a table”. The seating is designed so couples can sit together, with table legs spaced for comfort.

The Alta banquet chair is the most comfortable chair in the event industry as it has a build in lumbar support, and changeable seat cushions.

About Girari…

Girari Sustainable Event Rentals provides tables, chairs and stools to the wedding industry. A 15 year old company, Girari’s rental furniture is designed and manufactured in Los Angeles of a majority recycled content.

Girari’s Award Winning designs have been featured in events from Vancouver, Canada at the recent Winter Olympics to Pebble Beach in CA, to all the museums in L.A.County.

Girari rents “to the trade” (wedding, event and meeting planners).

We offer a unique, edgy and elegant line of glass topped tables and acrylic chairs and stools for wedding banquets and hospitality functions. We are the “linenless” option when a bride wishes to host a sustainable event.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bride, chairs, elegant, event, furniture, Girari, glass table, groom, modern, news, reception, recycle, rentals, sustainable, table, unique, wedding

Weddings at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

June 25, 2013 Leave a Comment

Today we decided to slip off mainland USA and travel to the quintessential destination wedding location our side of the Pacific: the Hawaiian Islands. A true tropical paradise, Hawaii is a tantalizing place to say, “I do.” Situated amongst the beautiful beaches and celestial waters of Maui, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua provides the perfect romantic setting for your dream destination wedding. The resort offers five truly breathtaking ceremony venues plus three additional reception venues. There really is something for every couple at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.

Just one of the many perks of having your wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is the existence of a Wedding Concierge specifically designed to make your special day memorable and as stress-free as possible. The wedding concierge is available for every event of your wedding to take care of the details you may not have the time or ability to see to yourself. “Many of our brides tell us that they are more relaxed than they expected with the wedding concierge doing all of the rushing around for them.” said Mark A. Malone, CMM, CMP, Director of Meetings and Special Events. Any special requests or additions you’d like to make to your special day, the wedding concierge is there by your side. The hotel also offers an array of wedding packages suitable for all types of ceremonies. More information on specific wedding packages can be found on the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua website.

The ceremony venues at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua are all truly spectacular. With one indoor and four outdoor locations, there is something to satisfy every bride. If you desire an indoor ceremony, the Ritz offers the Honolua Chapel. Once the local church for the community, this plantation style church is perfect for a small ceremony of up to 60 people. Moving to the outdoor venues, The Gazebo is a sweet, romantic option where the bride, groom and up to 100 guests can celebrate surrounded by palm trees swaying in the gentle island breeze.

Slightly larger parties might consider the Napili Lawn where your guests, up to 200, can enjoy views of the cliffs while you can exchange your vows against the Honolua Bay backdrop.

If you imagine a large, fantastic wedding with up to 500 guests, the Beach house Lawn is ideal for you with its scenic ocean views great for hosting a traditional Hawaiian Luau.

The final venue, Lava Point is perfect for the most intimate of couples. Situated on a cliff top overlooking the crashing waves on the rocks below, Lava Point is designed for intimate and romantic ceremonies of 2 to 4 people. Say “I do” as the sun is setting over the ocean and share the most intimate of moments with the one you love.

A once in a lifetime celebration on an island paradise is what couples can expect at the Ritz Kapalua. Embrace the warm Hawaiian culture and add the flare of the island your wedding. No matter the venue you chose, your wedding will be an event to remember at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.

About the Ritz Carlton Kapalua….

The AAA Five-Diamond Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua showcases a stunning, fully-renovated destination resort offering 463 guestrooms, including 107 residential suites, boasting warm-hued wood floors, rich travertine bathrooms, flat-screen LCD televisions and Hawaiian-inspired artwork. The Waihua Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua beckons with treatment rooms framed by private garden showers, volcanic stone grottos, steam, sauna and whirlpool therapies, outdoor couple’s hale (cabanas) and a fitness center and movement studio with spectacular ocean views. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program offers all interest levels an array of outdoor activities from land to sea, led by trained naturalists. The breathtaking island resort also features six dining experiences, enhanced indoor/outdoor meeting space, an inviting children’s pool and luxury cabanas. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is nestled on 54 acres and enveloped by the 23,000 acre Kapalua Resort, renowned for two championship golf courses, award-winning restaurants and an historic pineapple plantation.

The HAWAIIAN Way. The emotion that has become synonymous with the hawaiian islands is “aloha” or love…love for the land, love for family, and especially love for each other. It is in this spirit that we invite you to marry or renew your vows at one of our wedding locations on the beautiful grounds of The Ritz-carlton®, Kapalua.

Tony & Tina at The Ritz Carlton Kapalua

Tony & Tina Photography by Sasha Gulish

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bridal, bride, ceremony, destinationwedding, hawaii, hawaiian, honolua, island, news, reception, resort, Ritz-Carlton, tropical, venue, wedding, weddings

Stand-Out Receptions for Outstanding Couples

June 10, 2013 Leave a Comment

What are some adjectives that describe you and your future spouse? Spunky, funky, classic, quirky? If the wedding ceremony is possibly a reflection of you and your significant other’s religious or familiar traditions and backgrounds, then your reception should be a reflection of who you are as a couple! Keep in mind that many people who are attending your reception will only know one of you well, and might not know you and your future spouse as a couple. This is especially true for friends and family who live out of state. Remember, this is a celebration of the two of you as a couple! Here are a few ways to make your reception as unique as the love the two of you share.

1. Setting the Scene
The overall décor of the reception lends a unique vibe that is a reflection of you two as a couple, as a unit. And keep in mind, that unique decorations do not have to mean expensive decorations; in fact, handcrafting your own décor can be inexpensive, and it gives a personal touch to the evening. Instead of having elaborate and expensive flower arrangements on each table, opt for a few classically placed buds, surrounded by antique jewelry, handkerchiefs, and beautifully framed family photos from past weddings. Having centerpieces that are composed of family mementos give the guests a peek into your background, and will honor the family members present at the reception. Plus, who doesn’t love to see vintage wedding photographs?
Involve your guests by having bowls, pieces of colored paper, and a few pens sporadically placed around the venue; print out instructions that ask them to write down their favorite date ideas, or any advice they might have for you and your spouse as you begin this new and exciting chapter. Later on, you can always add a page of “love advice” to your guest book, adding another special memento for you and your spouse.
On the gift table, make a table runner that doubles as a timeline of your relationship. When did the two of you meet? First date? First time meeting the parents? Have photographs of you as a couple accompany the timeline, allowing guests to read and see your unique love story. Have a video of your engagement? Videos of the engagement, birthday and holiday parties of you as a couple, and even childhood videos, act as an entertaining and tender buffer while the guests wait for your arrival. You could even videotape your family and friends telling funny, romantic, or touching stories about the two of you as a couple—as long as they’re reception appropriate, wink.

2. Make An Entrance
This is your grand entrance as a married couple! How you make this entrance can say a lot about who you are as a duo. If you want something classy and subdued, have your guests clink their glasses or give a toast in your honor, or if you’re religious, have a family member lead everyone in a prayer. Want something fun and spunky? Choreograph a dance! You can have it be a surprise dance that is just between you and your spouse, or a funky flash mob with your wedding party. Another option is posting a few simple moves on a private YouTube channel that you can then share with your family and friends, so they can decide if they want to join in on the groovy moves. The architecture of the venue is also important; look for staircases, balconies, and back entrances that can help make your entrance dramatic and noteworthy!

3. Make An Exit (Sort of)
I have been to several weddings where the reception went so long that by the time the grand exit came around only a handful of people were present to send off the bride and groom. A fake exit—leaving the reception after a decent amount of mingling and dancing, only to return back to the party after circling the blocks a few times—is a clever and accommodating fix to this dilemma, as it gives the older guests the chance to send you off and still get home at a reasonable hour, while allowing the two of you to party the night away with the guests that choose to stay later. But just because you have a fake exit doesn’t mean that you can’t go out in style! Get creative with how you are sent-off as a newly married couple. Did you meet in college? Maybe there is a college chant that everyone can participate in before you leave. Sparklers add a magical touch, as do flower petals. Have guests write words of positivity and love on pieces of paper that they can then toss to you and your loved one. Choosing how you exit can also be a fun and creative process. A white horse-drawn carriage is romantic, or maybe a motorcycle or a vintage pickup truck is more your style. I went to a reception where the bride and groom rode off in a vintage fire-truck, ringing the bell the whole way out. It was adorable and feisty, just like the couple.

The most memorable and enjoyable receptions are the ones that really reflect the personality of the couple. It is, after all, a celebration of your union and the unique love you share. Filling the reception with memories, jokes, stories, and photographs will give the guests a peak into who are you are a duo, and will enhance your evening with your spouse—dancing the night away in a celebration that is a visual representation of your love.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bride, couples, exit, grand entrance, groom, outstanding ideas for reception, reception, unique ideas, wedding, wedding day

Weddings at the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

February 19, 2013 Leave a Comment

We are always trying to find the most amazing and perfect venues, and when we come across a venue which is new, we can not resist. Nestled in the heart of Pasadena, California, you will find a historical landmark which has now been restored into an extraordinary private venue. Talk about something old, and something new. It features two acres of Japanese gardens with serene and peaceful surroundings and sounds. The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden offers grand open spaces and a lovely tea house, which can all be used for whatever your heart desires.

You can have your ceremony immersed in the beautiful gardens featuring lush trees, flowers, waterfalls, and ponds, or on the hill overlooking the stunning views of the garden. You can have your reception at any of these locations as well. Imagine after a lovely ceremony on top of the hill, your guests can then walk down to the garden, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings the garden offers. Then you and your guests can enjoy cocktail hour at the tea house, and a lovely dinner under the stars. Whatever location you choose, it will be nothing short of exceptional.

This venue is intimate and private, allowing you and your guests to enjoy your special day with no interruptions. How wonderful is that!

If you want a unforgettable wedding for you and your guests, then you should consider the Storrier Stearns Japanese Gardens for your wedding event!

For more information on weddings at the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden, visit their official website.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bride, ceremony, groom, japanese garden, reception, venue, wedding

Top 5 First Dance Songs at a Wedding

January 21, 2013 Leave a Comment

Picking the song to be played at the first dance at your wedding is a tough decision, because this will be the song that couples will forever remember as the one they first danced to as husband and wife. We wanted to find out what the top five “First Dance” songs are in terms of popularity, so we asked Robert Arthur, President of Invisible Touch Events. If you are not familiar with this company, they offer DJ, lighting and photo booths at weddings in Southern California.

According to Invisible Touch Events, these are the top five First Dance songs played at weddings. Let’s review the list in no particular order and dive into the song and what makes it so popular.

“I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz

This song comes from Mraz’s fourth album, “Love is a Four Letter Word” that came out a little over a year ago back in 2012. The acoustic love ballad has its roots stemmed in Mraz’s activist outings and the lyrics clearly point to the value of never giving up, especially on someone you love deeply. The song goes further to explain that one shouldn’t give up on loving themselves either, nor abandoning your dreams. It’s a very straightforward, catchy song that runs for about four minutes in length, the perfect amount of time for a first dance song.

“At Last” by Etta James

This song might be the single most popular first dance song and remains a classic, dating back all the way to when it was covered by James in 1960. This soul-filled blues song has been used in weddings, television shows, movies, home videos and dozens of other mediums thanks to a slow, almost hypnotic vocal triumph given by the immortal James. If you want to go with a safe classic, “At Last” is pure gold and will remain the standard by which most other first dance songs are judged by.

“Then” by Brad Paisley

Paisley wrote and recorded “Then” which is one of the top country songs over the last five years. This mild-tempo love ballad features a string section and piano, atypical to most of Paisley’s songs which are renown for his impressive guitar play. The song focuses on a male’s perspective, who is deeply in love for his female lover. During the song he retells significant and sentimental moments of their relationship. The chorus echos their love and says how much stronger his love is for her since the first time they met. This is a great song for country music lovers to choose for their first dance.

“God Gave me You” by Black Shelton

The song was originally written by contemporary Christian music singer Dave Barnes and covered by country music star Blake Shelton in 2011. The original artist has said on record that many fans who understand the song’s meaning say the song has helped them get through rocky times in their relationship. The song made #1 on the US Country Songs Billboard in 2011 and has quickly become a song that Christian newlyweds who enjoy country music choose for their first dance.

“Marry Me” by Train

Released in 2010, “Marry Me” was written by Pat Monahan of the band Train, who stated in several interviews that the song was supposed to be a short one, but was convinced to elongate and evolve the song based on the sweet, simple melody heard at the beginning. Popular in Adult Contemporary circles, the song is sweet, simple and perfect for a first dance, especially if the new wedded couple wants it on the short side, with the song length at just 3 minutes and 25 seconds.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: first dance, reception, wedding

Toasting Tips for the Best Man

December 16, 2012 Leave a Comment

Perhaps the biggest duty of the Best Man during the reception is giving the all important toast to the new wedded couple. For some, this is the single biggest point of fear in taking on the job because it calls for the Best Man to come up with a great speech and give it in front of a large audience. As the old adage goes, people tend to fear public speaking as much as death, making this task daunting to say the least. However, here are a few great tips for making the toast memorable and successful.

Tip: Talk Briefly About the Past

The special part of a wedding stems from the fact that it is a singular point of origin in time that you and others will refer to for the rest of your lives. It’s the undeniable, most memorable start of a new era, perhaps with the only exception of when that couple becomes parents for the first time. Nevertheless, the wedding day is the start, not the end. There’s no need to expand on the past, or any trials and tribulations people have gone through to get to that point. The important emotion that everyone is feeling is the fact that they are at something singularly unique, something previous and something fleeting. Going back and talking about ex-girlfriends or ex-boyfriends is passe and frankly in bad taste.

Tip: Talk a Lot About the Future

While you don’t want to go on predicting a million kids or huge fame and fortune, the tone of the wedding is hope, love and togetherness. These three elements should be the basis for all the prognosticating you do during the speech for the happy couple’s future. Fill them with hope, fill them with love, fill them with the knowledge that they will not be along on their journey – that everyone on-hand will be there with them along the way. Talking about the future, as opposed to the past, lends the tone of the speech to a romanticism that many in the audience will latch onto and enjoy.

Tip: Don’t Wing It

There’s a common trick in show business that dupes the audience into thinking that an act was all made up on the spot and improvised when in fact it was a thoughtful and explicit attempt at interacting with the audience. The greatest showmen always make it look easy, as if they made it up on the spot. Those that know better understand that many hours of practice, thought and planning win the day. You must take this approach to your speech as “winging it” will simply not be good enough. You are the best man, not the best improvisational orator, so act accordingly and prepare. Practice your speech, think about the thoughts and emotions you want people to feel and don’t be afraid to get back some feedback from other groomsmen. Give the happy couple the respect of a thoughtful speech, not something you put together seconds before being handed the microphone.

Tip: Watch the Drinking

People say stupid things when they drink, a practically indisputable fact of science and life. The last thing a Best Man should have happen during his toast is to let something slip that nobody else should hear. Be it a curse word or some story a certain someone wanted dead and buried long ago there’s always something that could possibly slip. You’re supposed to be the guy looking out for the guy getting married so he doesn’t have to worry about anything else. Man up, be responsible and represent yourself like a true gentleman when giving the toast at the reception.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Best man, reception, tips, toast

Cutting the Wedding Cake

December 14, 2012 Leave a Comment

The wedding cake is the focal point of the reception space, so you really want to make sure it is placed where everyone can see it. However being careful it is not in the way of people walking or obstructing the view of you and your new husband at your table. The cake is itself a wedding decor which adds to the style and design of your wedding. It is something you want everyone to see! Eventually, the cake will need to be cut, but when?

Typically you want to cut the cake about an hour after dinner. If you prefer a different time, then just make sure that you let the staff know. The staff will need to know so they can be ready to cut the pieces for all the guests and have coffee or tea ready to serve, (if you are having a sit down dinner. For buffet type dinner receptions, there may be a coffee/tea station). You also want to capture the moment of cutting the cake, so make sure your photographer and videographer are aware of the time of cake cutting.

The cake is usually cut with a special cake knife which may have your names engraved, or decorated with ribbon or flowers. If not, the venue or caterer can provide one for you. The knife and the cake server can be placed on the cake table, with a small plate, napkin, and two forks. This can all be placed during the reception set up. Now it is time to cut the cake! Place your hand on the knife, and then your husband places his hand over yours. It is a wonderful moment when you cute the first slice together, and feed each other the slice of cake. This is the first of many sharing moments in your lives.

Enjoy this moment, and be careful of getting cake up your nose! It can happen!

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bride, cake, cutting cake, decor, reception, wedding, wedding cake

Reception Tables that Work

November 19, 2012 Leave a Comment

Round tables can be dull and boring. If the space is right, and the guest count is low, why not sit everyone at one long dinner table? Why not enjoy dinner with all your guests? Its like a dinner party! How fun is that? You can be seated in the middle with all your guests seated around you at the same table. It is a wonderful way to spend time with your guests. Each seating can have place cards with the names of your guests, so they can be properly seated where you like. That way you can ensure that your parents or bridal party can stay close by to you. Of course, this table look does not work at all venue spaces, and round tables may be the only option. However if you check out the venue space and see if there is room for a long table or possibly two long tables, then why not? It can be unique and beautiful creating a grand dinner table. This works perfectly for an intimate wedding!

Elegant and lovely table seating for your guests. How beautiful is this?

Filed Under: General Tagged With: brides, guests, reception, tables, weddings

Sustainable Event Furniture from Girari

Weddings at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

Stand-Out Receptions for Outstanding Couples

Weddings at the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Top Five Questions to Ask the Reception Venue