Once again the Houston Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) pulled off another amazing event. This was the chapter's fourth annual production to highlight current trends in the wedding industry was held at the Hyatt Regency downtown. Summer Hutchison, with Summer For Your Memories stays on point with what is hot in the industry and continues to bring an amazing team together to produce the event and educate event professionals. What once started as an idea for a monthly chapter educational program has developed into the chapter’s largest event and fundraiser. The team of event professionals brought together to execute this event is extraordinary, and I am proud to stand and work beside them year after year. They are all amazing people!
This year’s theme was Weddings Transformed, and it was a veritable who’s who of Houston’s best decorators, lighting designers, entertainers, caterers, and event professionals. Pair all of that with Steve Kimble, “America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru,” as the keynote speaker and be prepared to be impressed. The industry has recently seen a big push for “DIY” items and the desire to make the event more personal. These pieces aren’t necessarily driven by budget concerns (although it never hurts!) but as a way of adding elements that make the event more about who and what the client represents. Bright colors such as turquoise, tomato red, and coral lead the way and a “less is more” attitude showcased some great ideas for the budget conscience mind. Who knew that a center piece of baby's breath could be so dramatic!
Enjoy Events involvement started with a simple phone call one afternoon from Summer asking if I would chair the fashion show. The natural answer was yes! This was quickly followed by me pondering...What? NACE has never done a fashion show? For that matter, I have never produced a fashion show. Add to that the fact that we are producing a show for the finest event professionals that Houston has to offer, the thousands of pictures that will be taken, the video that will be produced, and everyone writes a blog. Fortunately, I love a challenge and don't get scared easily. After a brief logistical conversation, I was off and planning. I am pretty sure that Summer and the team didn't know exactly what I was up to, but we all have great respect and trust in each other's abilities.
As I was researching models and sourcing vendors to bring the fashion show together, I found my number one resource, Taylor Lanning. Taylor is a model who has produced and choreographed several fashion shows, but little did I know that I would soon be working with Miss Houston (crowned this past Saturday) and her sister Miss Texas. The show was flawless! Bringing together a ten minute fashion show and a mock processional was indeed a blast! How could it not be? When you have beautiful models from Premiere Promotion, Priscilla of Boston gowns and Al's Formalwear paired with Stella & Dot jewelry, Dream Bouquet flowers and Paul Mitchell School for hair and makeup, the stage is set for success. Speaking of the stage, Darryl & Co showcased an amazing backdrop, Bright Star Productions produced the lighting design and Howl at the Moon provided live music. None of it could be reflected upon without the talent of David Jones of DJones Photography and Krista Kaulfus of K4 Photography capturing every moment and every detail. Mitch Daniels with MDI Video took hours of video footage and we all anxiously await the edited presentation.
Every single element was embracing. Every single dish was delightful.
Every moment left you transformed.
The highlight of the show (and there were many) was my little princess Madison. As a mother I am beyond proud. Yes, she was adorable, cute and a spitting imagine of me, but I am more proud of the courage. She walked down a daunting stage in front of 300 people and she did it with style and grace. There are not many that can say "I have indeed danced with Steve Kimble."
The entire event team spent many hundreds of hours collaborating. You may get tired and your feet may hurt, but never would you think it wasn't worth it. When you produce something so magical and it is captured, the sense of accomplishment is beyond what any words can describe. Enjoy Events did not have its hand in the event design, but I tip my hat to all of those that did. It was an honor to be a part of this event.
Enjoy Events spent the evening with Anne & Ron as they celebrated their matrimony with their close friends and family. The garden themed event held at the River Oaks Garden Club Forum was delicately decorated and embraced with the essence of nature. The cocktail hour was held in the water garden while the little ones had their own dedicated staff, clown, and face painter to keep them occupied in the sculpture garden. Everyone stayed a little cooler with the handmade hand fans. Any Occasions Party Rental provided the tables, chairs, and beautiful linens to accompany the fabulous bird cage centerpieces provided by Anne which allowed for Plants n Petals to have fun with the floral arrangements. Demeris Catering tempted the guests with organic ripe tomatoes and traditional chicken florentine dishes while Susie's Cakes masterpiece was the showcase of the room. Back Beat Entertainment provided non stop entertainment while Fred Keinz captured the enjoyable memories.
