The Little Barrel - unique wine products

Are you having your wedding in wine country? Are you passionate about wine?

Taylor and Andrew celebrated their special weekend in Santa Ynez July last year.  We all had a lot of fun planning their wedding at Foley Winery. Their passion for wine drove them (literally) to drinking, or at least promoting the nectar of the Gods. They have unfolded and recently launched a unique and absolutely smart (just like them) concept and company.  

Check out their story. Another example of "Happily Ever After" 

Congratulations you guys!  You are so AWESOME!!!!

Infusion of Cultures

As the wedding season slows down for some of us, photographers are busy bees. They are still working hard; editing and getting clients, families and vendors wedding albums and photos of their memorable day.

I revel in this time of year. I enjoy seeing our efforts in fruition thru pictures. It allows me to reminisce about the clients, the planning and the wedding itself. Images capture details that I may have filed elsewhere in my brain during orchestration. To me it’s like putting on a winter coat for the first time in the season and finding a fun surprise in your pocket from the last time you wore it months ago – a lottery or movie ticket, wrapper from a certain gum, lip gloss etc.

Here is one wedding from last summer at The Santa Barbara Club. What a great venue that is! Nestled within a historic building downtown Santa Barbara, this venue is a local hidden treasure....
Having traveled the world growing up, one of my favourite types of weddings is when there is an infusion of cultures. Can you guess what the two cultures are by looking at this slide show?





Did you guess correctly?
Beach and Asian

The bride was raised in Rhode Island, and the groom grew up in California - ending up at UCSB for college.

The happy couple moved to Tokyo after falling in love, and have been living there for a couple of years. It was important to them that they share with their guests and family some of their 'asian favorites'.

The personalization began at the ceremony - not only with the wedding umbrellas as altars and personal items lining the aisle (Thank you Nico Designs for such a creative eye, dedication and gorgeous job. You created just what the client had imagined).

During the ceremony, performed by the ever so eloquent Rich Tobin, the bride and groom participated in a sand ceremony of East Coast (Providence) and West Coast (Santa Barbara) sand as a gesture of the blending of the two families.

The dinner and dancing areas at the Club were transformed and more feminine thru the use of soft lighting and draping from Bella Vista Design.

Guest favors were Asian plates, chopsticks and candy placed at each place setting mimicking the feng shui touches carried out throughout the evening.

The food at the Club was delicious - a four course dinner prepared by the gourmet-talented Chef Norbert. Alejandra and the Santa Barbara Club team executed flawless service.

The couple wanted soft music for ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner, performed by the talented Aurora Ensemble. Upon the completion of dinner everyone was ready to dance, and dance they did, with help from Michael and his band Area 51.

It was indeed a magical evening. Everything the bride, groom, family and guests had hoped for. A big thank you also to Michael and Anna Costa who once again did an above board job encapsulating this happy occasion which brought everyone – friends, family and vendors alike - together in the first place.

Mille Grazie to all involved on this wonderful event. What a great team!

Ruth's Chris Reception

Last night I was graciously invited to Ruth's Chris Steak House - at the La Cumbre Mall - in Santa Barbara to see their event space.  Although I became carnivore a few years ago, I admit I had yet to step foot in those doors,.  I was excited to experience something new.

Here is my event venue review:

Food - EXCELLENT!  What did you expect?  Crunchy Bruschetta, Fresh Crab Cakes, Mouth Melting Lamb Chops and a perfectly cook sliced filet were all butler passed.  Dessert, the banana tart and cheesecake tart..TO DIE FOR!!

Staff - nice, knowledgeable about food, the venue etc. Maya, the sales manager is accommodating and fantastic!

Venue - it's beautiful... looks rich with the dark browns and reds.  

They are not open for lunch, so they do rent it out for private events and have a couple event spaces for a rehearsal dinner, bachelor party, baby shower or even a dinner meeting.

Holiday Planning 2008

Holiday Planning is upon us...Events of Santa Barbara Inc. is currently working on bookings for Holiday 2008! We offer a variety of planning options to make your Holidays Stress Free! Events of Santa Barbara Inc. can coordinate any Holiday Event for a private party or a business. Call soon to reserve your date!

Ever since my Bacara Days a few years back have I wanted to get involved with 4 PM Events.  It's a pretty high end wedding showcase that has in the past taken place in New York.  Vendors such as Tiffany's, Sylvia Weinstock, Lancome, Maybeline, Colin Cowie and even Starwood Hotels have all participated.  Unfortunately budget did not allow for us to make our way to the Big Apple to experience the hottest trends and learn from the best of the best.

Well, now 4PM Events is putting on an event close to home in LA!  Yeehaww!  

Monday, September 22nd  you can find some of the best resources for your wedding at The Wedding Salon.  This grade A event is produced by two very reputable vendors - Inside Weddings -  Inside Weddings and Town and Country Weddings.  Reputable vendors such as Edgar Zamora - owner - Revelry Event Design, WedNet, www.mywedding.com, Your Wedding Day Magazine and loads more will be highlighted.  Even Mindy Weiss, Celebrity Planner Extrordinare will be giving a book signing.

If you are interested in this spectacular opportunity, look at the following website:
The Wedding Salon.

ISES

ISES is the acronym for International Special Events Society. This organization’s was founded in 1987 to foster enlightened performance through education while promoting ethical conduct.

I have joined the committee for ISES' 8th annual fundraiser on July 16th 2008 at the Park Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. BEVERLY HILLS EVENT LOCATIONS Park Plaza Events The property is absolutely stunning and remeniscent of the 1930's Hollywood.


The proceeds benefit two amazing causes:

Life Through Art Life Through Art Foundation. This organization is committed to funding educational opportunities for young students pursuing various forms of education in the arts including but not limited to Theatre, Visual Arts, Dance, Music, Creative Writing, Film Studies and Culinary Arts.

SEARCH Foundation Search Foundation ISES (International Special Event Society)
Since 1997, SEARCH has had one single minded purpose, to find a way to help special event industry members who are confronted with catastrophic circumstances.

We are working hard to ensure that as event professionals we have a quality product and event put together for supporters and attendees of all three associations. The players I have met so far who have united to recreate the Glamour of Old Hollywood are incredible to work with. I am very excited to be on board with this great opportunity. If you are interested in either attending the event, or donating your services, please email me at zohe@eventsofsantabarbara.com or view Invitation

Elvis Has Entered The Blog!

I always enjoy it when clients "mix it up" a bit and have fun with their event. These photos were taken by Michael and Anna Costa at a wedding at the DoubleTree. The Groom really had a passion for Elvis...so the Bride surprised him during the reception by bringing in an Elvis impersonator. This guy was hilarious...but he took himself seriously! (Down to the vodka drinks and sweaty forehead!) I would recommend this guy in a heart-beat! He was so entertaining and the guests loved it. The most important thing in planning an event is to really personalize it. Put your stamp on it and make it memorable.

The Historic Biltmore Hotel...

These are some photos from a wedding we did at the wonderful Four Seasons Resort in Santa Barbara, also known as the Biltmore Hotel. It is such a lovely place for a wedding or event. It can be as grand or as intimate as you desire.

This particular wedding was during the winter season...which made it all the more cozy, romantic and sweet. Having a wedding during the off peak season can really save you some money on vendors, and will allow you to have more selection and availability options.

There is beauty in Santa Barbara even on a rainy day--it's gorgeous!

Awesome Idea...

Ok. Here is another cool idea for all of you creative Brides and Grooms. There is a place called "The Wedding Ring Workshop". You can make and design each other's rings. Pretty cool concept. They make the rings in plantinum and gold. Prices aren't posted because the precious metals market is so volitile right now, and the prices are changing daily. After your rings are done, their master jewelers can mount any stones you want on your ring. Check out their site at www.weddingringworkshop.com.

For the Men...

In my never ending quest for new ideas...I have stumbled on a really cool new site just for the guy who is getting married. What a great concept! The site is called www.themanregistry.com . Its a site full of ideas, checklists, and resources. The special guy in your life can even register for his own "must-have" gifts. The web-site was started by 3 brothers, who noticed when all of their friends were getting married...the registry choices often centered around the girls. So, they created this site to give the guys some options too! Check it out! Let us know what you think of it!

Follow up to Rental Posting...

Just FYI- www.coastalescapes.com is offering a 25% discount on select rentals on select dates this summer. There are some great deals to be had out there.

To Rent or not to Rent---that is the question!

I am frequently asked various questions about home rentals in Santa Barbara:
1-Is it more economical than renting a hotel?
2-What are the best areas to rent?
3-Could I have a rehearsal dinner or brunch at the rental?
4-Is there a minimum of days/nights we must stay?

Great questions, many different answers depending on the location and the situation. I have listed some of the best sites to find rentals in our area. In addition to these some of the local realty companies also have rental divisions. Often times, it is easier to negotiate a rate and/or a reservation time with a rental home rather than a hotel. Do keep in mind, we have some of the most beautiful hotels in the area, but everyone has different needs; and for some the rental market is a much better fit. Do-write a list of pros and cons to renting a home versus staying at a hotel. Don't-wait too long...everything books up fast!

http://www.coastalescapes.com/ -Rental Homes
http://www.sbbeachrentals.com/ -Santa Barbara Beach House Rentals
http://www.hotspotsusa.com/ -Santa Barbara Hotel Accommodations Service
http://www.santabarbararealestatevoice.com/ -Local Real Estate Information
http://www.coastalhideaways.com/ -Great service for those looking to rent a coastal hideaway
http://www.sbluxuryrentals.com/ -Professionally managed luxury rental properties
http://www.vrbo.com/ -Vacation rentals by owner
santabarbara.craigslist.org -See link for vacation rentals

We can also recommend a few homes you may not find on these lists.

The Story of Stuff

I'm not exactly sure where I first saw this site...but it is awesome. Check out : www.thestoryofstuff.com . It is an amazing illustration on how we as consumers impact the world around us. It's not the political stuff we are force fed every day... its really as simple as a story. I would reccommend it if you have 5 min to spare!

Four Seasons Westlake

Wednesday I had the pleasure of meeting Kitty Silbereich - Catering Sales Manager Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village.

As a five year alumni of the Four Seasons Company I cannot help but show pride and be biased of my alma mater. The company’s philosophy of grace, service, exceptional quality experiences and dedication to both its guests and team is a quality that I carry alongside both my personal and professional attitude.

I welcomed the memories that accompanied the fragrant scents of fresh flowers and sparkle that embraced the air as I snooped around the stunning and elegant lobby of the Hotel, waiting for my appointment. Each employee greeted me by making eye contact and smiling as they passed by me.

This hidden gem, located conveniently off the 101 Freeway half way between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara is something to be relished. You truly fall into an island oasis of pampering, impeccable service, serenity and absolute tranquility.

This state of the art hotel started the California Health and Longevity Institute, and this is just one facet of the many surprises found at the property. The opportunities here are endless.

As Kitty took me thru the hotel to tour the three breathtaking outdoor locations, 40,000 square foot spa, insurmountable ballroom and state of the art business center; my planning-brain spun about 20 or so unique and do-able ideas.

· Great place for a bachelorette party pool-side or private cabanas and spa day afternoon tea on the weekends.
· Honeymoon.
· Corporate Events and Weddings accommodating up to 500 guests in the 11,000 square foot ballroom
· Cooking classes are offered thru the California Health and Longevity Institute, great for corporate retreats, team building or a date.
· Guest rooms are so reasonably priced under $300 for group blocks.
· Unique outdoor venues including a pagoda or stunning waterfall ensuring you are in an oasis.

· A tented pavilion provided from November thru March for the outdoor feel without Southern California Winter Chill.
· The finest of equipment, china, glass, silver, chairs etc.

This haven just 40 miles north of LAX is absolutely an experience you cannot miss.

Santa Barbara Baby Company & The Little Guest

Ok- So I know I talk a lot about my kids...but I am consumed by them! On that note, I want to tell all of you brides out there about a wonderful local company. Its called Santa Barbara Baby Company. I know, I know, how does this pertain to you? Well, let me tell you.

Santa Barbara Baby Company provides rentals of a huge variety of baby equipment and supplies. Anything from a crib, to a high-chair, or a stroller--they have it. And they will deliver to your hotel room or rental house. So, if you have family or friends that you know will be travelling with little ones, make sure you pass on this site. You can even include their site and information on your save the date cards if you plan to include hotel and rental car information. They also have helpful information and tips for those traveling to Santa Barbara with small children. I just flew with my baby to Northern California...and luckily I had most of what I needed at my destination. Less stuff to haul around makes for happier travels! You can check them out for yourself at the link below.

http://www.santabarbarababycompany.com/

So...when they get here (that is the kiddos) now what? Do we have them at the wedding or do we say "no children". Those can be tough decisions to make...and even tougher to explain or enforce. There is an alternative in Santa Barbara-- and that is The Little Guest. This company has been around for a long time and has a stellar reputation. They basically provide care, comfort and entertainment for children. They can do this on site at your location...or at another predetermined locale. The prices are reasonable especially if it means your best friend can come knowing that she has one less thing to worry about on your special day.

You can check out their site at http://www.thelittleguest.com/

Santa Barbara Favors...

I have gotten some inquiries about great local favors since my post yesterday...so here are some names of local companies:

*Santa Barbara Biscotti
*Santa Barbara Olive Company (they do oils, olives, and other specialty foods)
*Santa Barbara Roasting Company
*Santa Barbara Pistachio Company
*Santa Barbara Lavender Farm
*Santa Barbara Salsa (not currently made in SB anymore)
*Lane Farms Foods (they sell an entire line of nuts, preserves and other goodies)
*Shaloob Jerky (a wonderful long standing meat market in town)
*Jessica Foster Truffles (the best of the best--truly amazing!)
*Jaqua Spa and Beauty Products (locally developed and created by 2 beautiful SB Natives--yummy stuff)
*Santa Barbara Calendars
*Santa Barbara Magazine Subscriptions
*San Marcos Farms Honey
*Avia Salon and Spa Products (a wonderful local spa with their own lovely line of products)
*Solvang Pie Company (has to be my favorite pie in the whole world)
*Sunstone Merlot (they have others too--just my fav)
*Firestone Beer
*There are so many wonderful varieties of wines to choose from...its hard to list them all! Visit the Santa Barbara Vintners Website for more information on local wines and wineries.

I hope this helps all of you out there! -Melissa Lee

The 3 Rules of Favors...

Ok...We're officially in full blown wedding season. Many of you out there are stressing about Favors...should I--shouldn't I? And the biggest Favor question of all...What should I? I tell my clients to follow the 3 C's of Favors:

1-Consumable- Give a favor that is consumable. Examples of this are specialty foods or beverages from the region you are getting married or Seeds or other plants that are native to your region, or bath or toiletry items native to your region. In Santa Barbara I like to suggest Santa Barbara Olive Oil, Santa Ynez wines...many wonderful varieties to choose from, Personalized and individually wrapped cookies, Lavender and lavender products from Santa Ynez or the Ojai Valley, Avocados or citrus from many wonderful orchards in this area, or Coffee Items from the Santa Barbara Roasting Company. Many of these items can be personalized with your names, photos, and or colors from your wedding.

2-Combustible- Give a favor that is something that will Burn! Candles, sparklers, and incense make wonderful favors. You can combine your favorite scents together, or use scents that mimic flowers from your centerpieces. You can even have a match book customized with your monogram, date of your wedding or a small photo.

3- Charitable- Give a favor that donates to your favorite cause. Sometimes charities will give you something in exchange for your donation; a nice note to put at each place setting or even a pin or some other token that advertises their cause. Their are several sites that you can visit to find out more information...Here is one example: http://www.idofoundation.org/welcome/favors/

The bottom line is that guests, especially those traveling from out of town would love to enjoy something that will remind them of your wedding day. While a framed photo of you is very nice...chances are(if if makes it into the suitcase) it will be given away the next time they make a "Goodwill" or Thrift Store drop off. Be smart about your budget. For more tips or advice you can contact us anytime!

Another Milestone...

Zohe said it in the last post...well actually Ashton Kutcher did...When you get married, the work just begins! Especially if you have 4 boys like I do! (this is Melissa talking by the way) Anyway, my 4th son will turn 1 year tomorrow. Hard to believe a year has already gone by. He's a sweetie. And the only reason I am posting this on the ESB Blog is he is almost an employee...He coordinated his first wedding when he was only 2 weeks old! That's right! He was right by my side--and was a trooper! At 6 months old he directed his first gala with 400 people. (Although, he did fall asleep with the babysitter part way through it) Truly amazing...

Anyway, that brings me to my next point...I had 2 amazing local photographers take some shots of me while I was pregnant with #4. Madeline was so gracious to do this for me, as was Kacie Jean. (You can view their sites by just clicking on their names) Both are gifted photographers, and wonderful women to boot. It makes such a difference having someone who has a good spirit around you during momentous events...someone you can trust. Both these ladies fit the bill. So, since I have my figure back I thought I may as well post one of my favorite photos that Madeline took. ( I will post Kacie Jean's at a later time--I don't have them on this computer)

BEFORE

AFTER

ONE YEAR LATER...MANY MORE TO COME!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I called my parents this morning to wish them a happy anniversary. That’s longer than I’ve been alive; I think every year, imagine that? Seriously, they have been thru so much together. Forty years-- the red ruby anniversary.

My mom tells me about her travels across oceans to go meet my dad. He had gotten out to Brazil before my mom and she joined him a few months lady via boat. A young nineteen year old unleashed to see the world and the man who was going to for better or worse in 12 days.


I just read a quote from Ashton Kutcher astutely summarized “Once people get married they think the work is done, but you just got the job!” regarding the secret to staying happily married. My parents definitely have.I am so proud of them for working at it every day.

Here are a few pictures of their wedding. They look so young.


The story is that they got married via proxy when my dad had moved to Brazil and my mom was still back in Italy. The people in some of the pictures with them are friends, perhaps a relative of some sort. There was no big reception, party, or celebration afterwards. It was just the two of them, no close family or friends around and the rest of their lives together.


I thought it would be fantastic to celebrate the ‘Happily Ever After’ story Felici style. Congratulazioni!

Glory's Wedding Dance

I met Glory about a month ago in my creative nonfiction class. It was our first day of class and we took turns introducing ourselves and our profession/reason for being in the class. When it was Glory's turn, she stands up smiles from the heart and says, "My name is Glory, I am a dancer and dance stylist" she makes eye contact with me -- I had already introduced myself as a wedding planner to everyone -- gestures toward me, winks and says "we need to talk".

A few classes later she shared one of her pieces about the tango with the class. I felt as if I was right there dancing alongside her. Besides her talent as a writer and intelligence; she is charming, has an amazing attitude, and has seen so much in life. She is an award winning Ballroom Dance Competitor and Founding Director/Choreographer of Razzle Dazzle – The Silver Follies Dancers.

Couples who have taken dance lessons have not only looked forward to their first dance (it is motivating to see result from practicing), they have had a blast taking lessons. Some of them have even obtained injuries – stitches to be exact-- from laughing so hard.

In the craziness of wedding planning it’s natural to forget to ‘spend time together and be fully present with each other’. Make it a date night and just enjoy being in the moment. Dance your wedding stresses away. It’s less expensive than therapy!

Glory is running a special to have step by step instruction to your choice of music.
Free consultation
Four Lessons for $385—
Gloria Lamb
805-965-0706
danceingextra@gmail.com

Santa Barbara Wedding Guide - Planning resources for Santa Barbara Weddings

I wanted to share with you all the wonderful work of Michael and Anna Costa who submitted one of my favourite weddings onto the Santa Barbara Wedding Guide. Santa Barbara Wedding Guide - Planning resources for Santa Barbara Weddings

Catching up to the rest of the world!

Here is our first post!! We are trying to catch up to the rest of the world! Stay tuned to exciting news and precious photos and memories of the past season...and as always you can always find information and ways to connect at www.eventsofsantabarbara.com
-Melissa Lee