Featured Events: Herbalife's Green and White Gala PART 3 - The Incredible Menu!

As you've seen over the past couple days this event was quite the production with each and every detail. Not one was overlooked, everything had to be perfect.

One extremely important aspect was the food and beverage portion. Our absolutely amazing caterer was Joe Melillo, Executive Chef and owner, of Epicurean Events. Joe was a rockstar from start to finish with this event and it was such a pleasure to work with him.

Together, Joe and I worked vigorously to create something innovative, delicious and unique. I really wanted every aspect of this event to be memorable and give guests an experience where they left wanting more. In addition, branding for a corporate event, especially an anniversary gala was crucial. Joe executed my vision beyond words and guests loved the culinary experience he provided for them.

The style of service we designed for this large of a crowd included both heavy hor d'oeuvres, stations and a bite-size dessert buffet which I'll break down more later in this post. Our hor d'oeuvres all had a gorgeous presentation and a little american flare. As guests entered they were greeted with Honeydew and Ginger Pear juice shooters with a Cardamom Cream to compliment our Green and White concept. Tray passed items included:

Grilled Herbed BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with Corn Relish and Fresh Cilantro
Cool Mississippi Shrimp Cocktail with a Red Pepper Chutney
Deep Fried White Truffle Cheddar Mac & Cheese Bites
Tender Braised Brisket Sandwich on a Salted Pretzel Roll
Mango Crab Salad in Philo Cups
Petit Grilled Vegetable & Pepper Jack Napoleons with Roasted Yellow Pepper Couli
Batter Dipped Sweet Potato Fries with Curried Maytag Blue Dip
Poached Tarragon Chicken on Mini Corn Cakes

Here you can see the Cool Mississippi Shrimp Cocktail and the Poached Tarragon Chicken on Mini Corn Cakes.


There were a total of 5 buffet stations throughout the event. Each one was duplicated 4 times to give us a total of 20 stations. All the buffets featured 4-6 tasty items with unique flavor combination's.

My personal favorites were the Imported Quarto Formaggio and Spinach Lasagna Roulades, Napoleon's Seafood Ceviche in Mini Martini Glasses, the Mini Beef Barbacoa Tostada Salads, the entire Gourmet Carving Station "Hollywood Style" and of course the Create-a-Crepe Station. Everything really was incredible and it was so great to watch as each of the guest's wondered from station to station experiencing the assortment of cuisines. Check out this amazing display!

Guests had so much fun at the carving stations, building their own beef and turkey gourmet sandwiches.

In addition to the fabulously catered menu, we also worked with Leslie Maynor of Fantasy Frostings, the best cake and dessert buffet designer around, to come up with a stunning green and white themed bite-size dessert buffet. Leslie went above and beyond testing various flavor combination's for weeks to come up with this top-tier menu. Guests were able to feast off of the following...

Red velvet, Chocolate and Vanilla Mini Cupcakes
Cream Puffs with Green & White Chocolate Drizzle
Kiwi Tarts
Mini Key Lime Pies
Lime Meringue Kisses
Green Tea Citrus and Vanilla Crème Shooters
Chocolate Cake Pops with Mint Chocolate Coating
White Almond Cake Pops with White Coating
Green Apple Spice Cake Pops with Green Apple Coating
Coconut macaroons
Sugar Cookies with Green Sugar
Vanilla Sweetie Pies with Honeydew Buttercream and Vanilla Buttercream
French Macaroons with Madagascar Vanilla and Pistachio







With every great menu and delightful dessert a refreshing cocktail or coffee beverage is more than necessary. Thanks to Aaron Knapp of Bar One Beverage Catering and his 30 bartenders our bars were flowing all night long.



In addition we had Ken and Julie of the ever so wonderful Cappuccino Connection brewing hot gourmet coffee drinks as well.


All in all the food and beverage for Herbalife's Green and White Gala was impeccable in every way it could be and so much more. We hope you enjoyed learning about the amazing menus and also hope we didn't make you too hungry.

All photography documented by the amazing Brian and Allie Callaway of Callaway Gable Photography.

Check back tomorrow when we highlight the decor for this gala affair.

Featured Events: Herbalife's Green and White Gala PART 2 - The Concept

Most events of this caliber could take over a year to produce to perfection. Somehow we managed to pull it off in under four months and it all began with a concept.

It was Herbalife's 30th Anniversary and there were events globally to celebrate such a big year. The perfect venue had to accommodate the event's size and be central to downtown Los Angeles, yet also provide a blank canvas for us to produce an event designed to impress.
 
After scouting for several months, the California Science Center was chosen to be the perfect backdrop for this black tie affair. The one-of-a-kind venue offered a dramatic setting filled with interesting exhibits, science & nature, plus a significant amount of open space to create. With multiple wings, a ballroom and several levels, we knew designing a variety of spaces would be crucial.


To find my inspiration for the concept, I found myself visiting the California Science Center multiple times and spending hours walking the space to brainstorm. After about a week, since time was extremely limited, I decided to emphasize the nature aspect of the center. There is a brand new wing called Ecosystems which focuses on various environments and there's also an entire outdoor area attached filled with greenery, which in the future will become an even greener forest for visitors. As I combed the exhibits and multiple spaces, the concept became clear. I would design the event to bring the outdoors in using trees and plants, letting the science aspect rely on the exhibits. Because this was an elegant gala, it was important to also bring the glamor and drama to the design.

This gala would be an enchanted forest with modern elements that brought in a degree of grandness and whimsical designs. It would be stunning with chandeliers, crystals, a massive amount of glass and at the same time, I would contrast it with trees, branches and moss.

I worked side by side with each of my decor vendors including Shawna Yamamoto on the floral design and installations, Rick Barton with regard to lighting, Dahlia Wexler on linens, Ruth Bubba on all stationary, Carol Saunders on signage and so many more. Even the ever so patient Bryan Phelps at Classic Party Rentals played a crucial role in assisting me with getting everything just right for our 48 pages of rentals.

Once the concept and design was developed, I assembled a packet which described each space down to the very last detail. These are always beyond helpful not only for my client but also our internal team and my vendors. I then brought in Kelli Manthei, my artist extraordinaire, to work with me in transforming my vision into an illustration I could provide my client with.
Here are the sketches we created to help paint the picture and transition us to the next stage. I always find renderings for events of this size and importance to be a necessity. Everyone knows I'm details obsessed and typically I do a very thorough job in describing everything and usually more, in my packets but visuals always do a little more than even my descriptive words can do.

Check out these amazing illustrations sketching out elements from each space for the this event...

The Grand Entrance

The Main Floor

The Loker Conference Room
 

The Latin Lounge

 
Check in tomorrow as we focus on the delicious food and beverage for this very special event. This will be one post you won't want to miss!

Featured Event: Herbalife Green and White Gala PART 1 - The Team

Back in October, we had the privilege of designing and producing an incredible anniversary gala to celebrate Herbalife's 30th Anniversary. The gala was hosted for over 3000 guests and was a huge success.

It was such an honor to be a part of such a special occasion for one of our favorite corporate clients. Many have asked me what goes in to producing an event of this caliber and I'm so excited to share it with you. Over the next week, you will get an inside look into this event and all of it's fabulous details.

To begin, the very first of many things I did was assemble my team. It took over 30 vendors to produce this event and each one was crucial to the event's success.

Today I'll be sharing with you our team of vendors and later this week you will be able to see the amazing photographs documenting the day. But first, I will be detailing the steps that lead up to the actual production.

Audio Visual: Creative Technology, Inc.
Bar Catering: Bar One Beverage Catering
Cappuccino Catering: The Cappuccino Connection
Catering: Epicurean Events
Chairs: Chameleon Chairs
Design, Production and Management: Sterling Engagements
DJ: DJ Senor Amor
Draping: Pipe Dreams Events
Floral Design and Decor: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design
Harpist: The Harp Diva
Jazz Band in the EcoSystems Wing: Rick Whitfield Entertainment
Latin Lounge Band: Salsa Caliente
Lighting Design and Power Distribution: Kinetic Lighting
Linens: Designer Specialty Linens
Live Streaming Event Videography: Manifest Videography
Lounge Furniture: Lounge Appeal
Main Stage Band: CTO Pacific Soul
Photography: Callaway Gable Photography
Plant and Tree Rental: Jackson Shrub
Red Carpet Photography: Red Carpet Photo Shoot and Robb Cohen Photography
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Staffing: Argyle Events, A Staff Inc. and Heidi's Helper
Signage: Grand Events
Stationary: Affectionate Digitals
Step and Repeats: StepRepeat.com
Sweets Buffet: Fantasy Frostings
Time Lapse Video: Dreamsequences
Venue: California Science Center

Stay tuned tomorrow when I describe how we developed our concept for the overall event and it's complex design.

Shoe Shot Sunday: Michelle + David

Since today marks the first Shoe Shot Sunday of 2011, we had to pick a pair that was worthy. For some time we've been admiring these gorgeous green gems and just couldn't find the designer. Well... we finally got lucky and after much research learned this dazzling pair come from designer Luichiny Shoes.

We just adore these and know you will too. Check them out on bride Michelle who rocked them at her Vibiana wedding shot by the fabulous Brian and Allie Callaway of Callaway Gable Photography!

This color green is so amazing as it just pops in the photo against a white dress as you can see and it's perfect if you want to add a little color to your wedding day ensemble.


We just love the bow on the back of them as well. They are just the perfect shoe. Fabulous for your wedding day and just as amazing to wear with a pair of jeans and a cute shirt or a party dress for your engagement party.



What we love most about this pair is that it comes in an array of colors. We were able to do a search for Luichiny shoes and found them sold on sites like Shoes.com, Endless and even Zappos.

Our favorite was the teal pair as you can use them as your something blue! Check them out on Shoes.com and get free shipping! Plus for a limited time add code 15OFF to receive an additional 15% off, now that's a 2011 steal!
Happy Feet!

Series Saturdays: Fashion Style for your Engagement Party Celebration PART 1

There are so many amazing events involved when planning your wedding. So exciting right??? The very first of these always fun celebrations is typically your engagement party.

If you are having an engagement party, all eyes, cameras and attention will be on your and your groom to be. Here is part one of some favorite engagement party styles that are too chic not to share and will definitely make you look good!

Check out this gorgeous Split Sleeved Sequined Dress by Aqua


Steal the spotlight with this dazzling boatneck silhouette from Bloomingdale's. I love the keyhole and button on the back too! This dress screams celebration and the lighter color gives you the pre-bridal glamor you deserve on such a special night! What's even more appealing is it's moderate $188 pricetag. Add a pair of heels, some earrings and you are ready to go!

This next sophisticated yet fun number also is available at Bloomie's and is by ABS!


The Strapless Flouncy Dress is a favorite because of it's elegant appearance yet the ruffles and side bow make it playful at the same time. It's regularly price at a higher $330 but is on sale right now for $231.

This flirty Rebecca Taylor Ruffle Silk Chiffon Dress is perfect for an outdoor or afternoon celebration.

Not only do I love green and chiffon, but I love me some ruffles! This dress is a bit pricier at $325, but it's pure silk, super feminine and has a stylish racerback with button closure on the backside.

This next BCBGMaxAzaria Short Strapless Silver Cotton Jacquard Dress is so modern and chic.


With a sweetheart neckline and pleaded skirt it has bridal style and is a party in one. Normall $198 it's on sale right now for $158.40 so hurry and get a great deal on a gorgeous dress.

Hope you enjoyed the first part of our engagement party dress series, check back next Saturday for part 2!

Festive Fridays: Kids So Cute They Could Steal The Show!

Today's post is so adorable, I just cannot wait to share it.... Kids! How can you resist these precious bridal party favorites?

These photos were so much fun to find, I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoyed finding them for you to view!

She's such a girly girl, I just love this one!

Photos Courtesy of Leo DJ Photography

He is a tough one...

Photo Courtesy of Clarence Harvey Photography

This is my favorite, I just adore her...

Photo Courtesy of Wedding & Travel Blog

This is a second favorite... they are so well dressed!

Photos Courtesy of Wildflowers Photos

This ring bearer has moves and he is not afraid to use them or work it!

Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth and Jane Photography

I love how everyone is just in their own world here and the kids are the only ones looking head on at the camera.

Photo Courtesy of Allegro Photography

She is so happy with her cake isn't she?

Photo Courtesy of Luster Studios

Can you imagine triplet ring bearers? They are so cute!

Photos Courtesy of Talley Images