Featured Event: Room Forty Planner Tasting

Last year we had the pleasure of working with Steve Fortunato of Room Forty on a wedding at Vibiana for clients Tracy and Kramer.  Throughout the process I loved working with Steve and co. and was moved by his passion.  Steve impressed me with his ability to produce something new that I had not seen before and it motivated me to want to share him with others.  I decided to produce an intimate, well it started off as intimate, tasting for him with a collection of some of LA's best wedding and event planner's, along with a handful of our industry's top bloggers and PR friends.  

Collaboration is so important on an event such as this as I was designing and producing an event for my own.  Such a task, but I felt so confident bringing in a few of my favorite vendors to do it with me.  I often refer to my wedding and event vendors for specific events as my dream team. When I'm blessed with the privilege to assist a client with hand picking the very best fit for their event it's always such an honor and truly special.  When it's my event and I get to hand select vendor's who I believe would work well together it's equally special and always so fun!  This event was such a labor of love and I cannot begin to express how much I appreciate our team and of course Room Forty for inspiring this design!  

Here are a few of my most favorite photos from this event as captured by the ever so stylish Ryan Garvin of Ryan Garvin Photography.   

Loving the entire stationary suite created by the uber talented Jen of Prim and Pixie.  Her designs are incredible, she's so modern, elegant yet always playful and I'm so grateful for her creativity and artistic ability. 

It's no secret that Vibiana is one of my all time favorite locations ever, not only was it my own wedding location but it also is the venue to a handful of weddings we do each year which really make it feel like home.  For this particular design it was really important to me to infuse the glamour and elegance of Vibiana with the rustic yet modern vibe of Room Forty.  I did this so much through our rentals which were provided by Maureen Harkness of Classic Party Rentals.  Maureen helped me incorporate all of the wood I desired which included this amazing Wood Back Chameleon Chair.  Maureen further told me at the luncheon this chair was actually the original Chameleon Chair which then made me love it even more, I started calling them "vintage chameleon"...     

Shawna Yamamoto Event Design handled all of the florals and then some for this event, including our awesome escort card display and parting gifts.  We always collaborate so well together, it's like a napoleon effect, once we start we just keep adding layer after layer of sheer beauty.  This event shows that effortlessly, from the herbs to section the tables to the mirrors to let people know where to be seated, I just loved every last detail.  Especially the plant with love parting gifts in the burlap pouch at each setting.  I'm so thrilled with how she took the Room Forty brand and translated this to our table incorporating real artichokes, herbs and even kale. 

All of our lovely linens and placemats were handmade by Designer Specialty Linens.  Dahlia is not only one of the sweetest most endearing people ever, she does amazing designs.  She created something extra special for this tasting, a new line your about to see more of, hint hint... These custom place mats were definitely a labor of love as each stitch was done by hand!  Aren't they amazing!

The table was one long 42-foot span but as planners we all know we needed a bit more direction as to who would sit where or it would be frenzy trying to figure it out.  So we came up with naming each section an herb or ingredient that was featured with in the menu.  I really loved this because as you see above, part of their take home was the fresh herbs to plant.  Plus of course the table smelled incredible even before the food starting coming out too.    

Room Forty really went above and beyond with the menu, even the cocktails were thought about!  It was great to see all of our guests reactions.  Cell phones were snapping course after course!

I love their style of service too, the wood planks are my favorite but this soup dish below was served like this and then at each setting the broth was poured fresh... So neat!

Another favorite detail of the day was the parting package we sent guests away with as they departed.  In case hours upon hours of a 9-course meal weren't enough, we spoiled them with a make-your-own salad kit, recipe cards, a thank you note made by Jen for them to use as they wish and a neat little package that included all of the event collaborator's details...

There were a handful of blogs that have been so kind to write stellar posts about this event and I'm so grateful for their support.  

    

Check out this lovely post by Summer of Grey Likes Weddings

Also, head over to The Bridal Bar Blog for more awesome love from Harmony Walton

Lastly, thank you to Rhonda and Melissa for their fantastic post on the Rayce Marketing Blog

Be sure to check out Room Forty's website and learn more about their incredible culinary magic and the amazing wine dinner's that they host.

Thank you to all of our amazing event collaborators, I appreciate each and every one of you in making this event truly special not only for the guests but also for Room Forty.

AV: OCAVS
Catering: Room Forty  
Entertainment: Espi Music
Event Design and Planning: Sterling Engagements
Floral Design and Decor: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design
Invitations/Event Stationary: Prim & Pixie
Linens and Custom Placemats: Designer Specialty Linens
Photographer: Ryan Garvin Photography
Rentals : Classic Party Rentals- El Segundo
Valet: Beverly Hills Best Valet
Venue: Vibiana