AFR and the WIPA Event at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach, CA

Written by: Tracey Kumer-Moore, JWIC
Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge
WIPA Education Director

Southern California WIPA members were treated to an appetizing evening of education and networking on Tuesday October 5th hosted by the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach, California. Chef Andrew Ryland Spurgin of Waters Catering in San Diego came to speak about “Serving up the WOW for Your Wedding Receptions” with progressive culinary service and food trends.

Attendees enjoyed club plate style lamb kabobs, antipasto skewers, and deviled eggs accompanied by the musical stylings of the Del Lago Trio in the West Coast Club Room. ONEHOPE Wine sponsored the butler passed wine service, bringing a touch of philanthropy to this event with their custom blended collection of wines that benefit worthy causes. From a California Merlot that benefits AIDS research to a California Zinfandel that goes to supporting our brave troops overseas, this company knows that giving back is good business—so “cheers” to them!

Chef Andrew delivered an insightful, engaging and inspiring presentation that highlighted many new culinary service trends that planners and caterers can offer brides and grooms looking for unique experiences to further “brand their own weddings."  From offering club plates to family style and stations to tasting bars, Chef Andrew covered it all and how best to implement these to make maximum impact for the event.

Some other notable quotes served up by the chef:

“Know thy client” and “it is our job as professionals to educate and guide our clients as to what is right for them and their event”.

“Planners and caterers should work TOGETHER to help each other do your jobs better for not only each other but the clients. For example, planners should know more about the back of the house and learn from caterers and chefs on timing.  Caterers and chefs can team with planners and other creative partners to create a thorough and customized planning experience from first meeting to the final event.”

“We need to expose our clients and their guests to something different at events that will inspire them and get them talking about the event. Whether it’s offering new foods, new wines, a new culinary service trend, or a new way to greet guests, make it memorable.”

“The best events have a layering of elements that marry the inspiration of many creative partners.”

The cloudy, windy day was no match for our WIPA meeting co-chairs and all the creative partner sponsors who moved swiftly and efficiently into plan b action and turned the lovely Cielo Mar Ballroom into a warm, inviting, and contemporary ambiance in pinks, purples, platinum, and white with the Del Lago Trio yet again providing another essential musical "layer" to the event.

BBJ Linens not only dressed the chairs for the speaker portion of the evening with ivory chair covers and “Beige Bengaline” ties, but also the communal “Kings Dining Tables” as well with elegant ivory accents with modern “Elliptical” overlay linens. Classic Party Rentals provided the always stylish, silver “Simply X” Chameleon Chairs with ivory cushions and decked out in their ivory “Chloe” dressing accented with crystal accented belts as well as a new look; “Silver Squiggle” chair backs accented with a crystal diamond “bracelet”. This was the perfect palette for the stunning table décor and floral design provided by Flower Fusion, who created elaborate crystal tree centerpieces overflowing with purple and fuchsia orchids, and added a beautiful glow throughout the room with glass, crystal, and orchid accented tea lights with a soft fuchsia tint. Every detail was in place, and each place setting was finished with a single fuchsia orchid bloom peeking out from elegantly folded napkins.

AFR Events not only added another illuminating layer to the event with their Acrylic LED Lighted Table collection providing the perfect purple glow to cocktail tables and food station, but also provided their incredible collections of lounge furniture in cool “Whisper White Madras” leather and new haute and hot” “Bella Aubergine” accented with fuchsia throw pillows.

Chef Andrew’s presentation with such interesting culinary presentation ideas and this fabulous décor certainly required an inventive menu. Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort delivered and “Served up the WOW” in taste and presentation detailed again with style and elegant food display menus by The Card Lady Karla Randolph

A “Grilling with the Chef” Action Station featured Prime Rib Eye steaks and Braised Ahi Tuna steaks complimented by Chef Littlefield’s Award-Winning made-to-order Crab Cakes. Organic Farm Lettuce Baskets with Assorted Grilled Vegetables and Herb Risotto with Parmesan Cheese nicely rounded out the menu.

ONE HOPE Wine once again was on hand, this time in person, to offer wine pairing with a cause, along with a delicious tasting and looking Sangria Station and Coffee Bar.

When it came to dessert, WIPA “all screamed for ice cream” as Boardwalk Bars opened their made-to-order Ice Cream Bar Cart featuring assorted toppings from chocolate sprinkles to nuts.  Not to be outdone were the stunning silver accented wedding cake and beautiful, delectable mini desserts by A Wish and a Wisk.

Thank you to Luminaire Images for capturing all the details and highlights of this meeting and sincere thanks to our meeting co-chairs Sarah Kern Possick of Events of Distinction and Michelle Nowak of Brilliant Studios LA for producing this outstanding event!

< Return to Category Home