Venue Spotlight - Soka University

Finding the perfect venue can be difficult, especially once you get over 200 guests. However this weeks featured venue; Soka University is beautifully accommodating even the largest of events.

In addition to a breathtaking backdrop, Soka University boasts several different areas on property that accommodate receptions, meetings, and conferences with guest counts as intimate as 25 and as large as 2,300. The location will wow your guests with it's amazing grounds, outstanding architecture, and of course a water feature or two. We're not only swooning over Soka University as an amazing event venue, but were kind of upset our colleges weren't this pretty! And if there were ever a place to re-live our college days this would be it. Except a much more romantic European style collegiate lifestyle with Yates, espressos, and cable knit sweaters! But I digress. I'll settle for a gala or two here instead. 

Just take a gander at these photos and you'll understand...

2013 Wedding Trends No.7 -The Reception Lounge

No. 7 on our list of the top ten wedding trends for 2013 is.....

The Reception Lounge!

Okay so that probably wasn't much of a surprise since we said it in the title, but we can still get excited because this one's really fun!

photos courtesy of Weddings Illustrated, Colette's Events (2), the knot, Green Wedding Shoes, Art of Weddings, Ruffled (2)

   Reception Lounges are a great addition to your wedding or any event really. It's similar to lounge areas in nightclubs in style and atmosphere but without all of the sweaty 20 year old's!
 And just like with nightclubs, there's a variety of themes you can play with to enhance your lounge. From an all white super lounge to bohemian chic.
 When your indoors you can create an amazing atmosphere with lighting and create drama with pipe and drape. Outdoors your lounge can be just as fabulous with tenting structures and loads of candles! And there's tons of rental companies out there specializing in lounge furniture. FormDecor has loads of modern and mid-century furniture, while Found and Archive Vintage Rentals have amazing amounts of vintage and rustic pieces!
But by far the funnest (yes I know that's not a real word) part is taking your lounge beyond just seating. A lounge is a great way for guests to mingle with each other, or take a break from all of that dancing. So add a cigar bar or tastings of your grooms favorite brews. And signature digestif and dessert passed around the lounge area, would be absolutely delightful to all of your guests! And with only one wedding a lifetime everyone should be delighted.

Venue Spotlight - Crevier Classic Cars

Looking for a unique venue  for your event can be a challenge, but Crevier Classic Cars definitely caters to discriminating clients who are seeking more for their guests. This a venue we love working at, it's size makes for amazing receptions and fabulous parties, even with full casino set ups. Whether your looking for a innovative meeting space, or a wedding venue. Your guests will be mesmerized by a plethora of vintage and classic cars, as well as a few of the latest luxury sports cars. But this venue is much more then a garage, with fabulously high ceilings, and over sized vintage posters lining the walls; this venue comes with an atmosphere.

Imagine holding your corporate event at Crevier and impressing all of your clients and employees with luxury. And for the bride with a car obsessed groom, you just won best bride ever(at least to your groom and every guy he brags to)!

All images courtesy of Crevier Classic Cars.

A Picnic Basket

With warm weather in the air and long summer days lingering on, it's the perfect time of year for a picnic.  Picnics hold a nostalgic spot in everyone's hearts whether they've ever been on one or not. And a picnic theme is a great idea for your company's summer events, as well as a great idea for a relaxed wedding or any social gathering.

A great way to host a picnic is to incorporate classic elements but with an updated twist. Just because it's a picnic doesn't mean it has to be full of tupperware and ziploc bags. It can still be as carefully executed as a black tie affair. Having servers tray pass appetizers on wood slabs, and serving your beverages in mason jars(which could definitely be filled with our signature lavender lemonade and and a citrus vodka for a great summer treat!) are perfect nods to the classic picnic.

Summer Fun

We know, we know it's still technically spring and the year has been rushing by but we're always excited for the wedding and party season and June is just around the corner! Colette's is ready for your graduation celebrations, father's day BBQs, summer soirees and of course fabulous weddings. And in keeping with the festive mood of summer entertaining we're introducing some delicious menu items that are light and crisp for those hot summer parties.

Try our new crab and avocado salad atop a crisp watermelon medellion or chilled avocado soup shooters

Add a grilled peach and goat cheese salad with blackberries and lemon vinaigrette for a fresh taste for your menu

And fish tacos can be served up by our chefs as an entree or try them mini for a fun and unexpected appetizer that will wow your guests.

For dessert try our Cake Goddessess' newest creation; Avocado Panna cotta (clearly we've fallen head over heels with avocado)

We didn't forget about the drinks either, signature cocktails anyone?

We can't wait to serve Hibiscus Margaritas, and Apple Sage Coolers made from apple pie moonshine. yum!

Kayla's First Birthday!

A first birthday is a very important milestone for Korean families, thus they are celebrated with much pomp and circumstance. Kayla's birthday at the Meridian was no less extravagant!

Mom worked tirelessly to create such a special day for her baby, admitting she only got two hours of sleep the night before.

Samantha's Sweet 16!

Eggplant Overlays and Chair Sashes accented by manzanita tree centerpieces

Cake: Colette's Cake Goddess

Venue: Colette's at the Meridian Club

Overlays/Chair Covers: Santanas Party Rentals

Winter Formal at the Meridian Club!

Boys & Girls Clubs of La Habra - Auction 2009 - Under The Tuscan Sun

Linens: Santanas Party Rentals

Lighting: Steve Burdick Events

Venue: Colette's at the Meridian

Colette's Catering Extrodinaire - Grand Opening Party!

The Grand Opening of Colette’s Catering’s new design studio and catering kitchens welcomed friends and family to spend an evening with our staff to celebrate the growth and expansion of the company. Guided tours through the new space showcased the new bakery corner and cake design room, the gleaming kitchen prep areas, and impeccably organized storage rooms. Colette’s is proud to be supported by a great community and looks forward to provide catering and events needs for years to come!

Photography by Jaimee Hubert of Capturing Moments

Many thanks to those who supported us!
Urban Gardener / Tiffany Greenleaf
Jenny B Floral Design
Signature Party Rentals
Black Tie Entertainment / Rick Burgess
Capturing Moments / Jaimee Hubert
Miguel Pola Photographers / Miguel Pola
Nida’s Boutiq Invitations
Architect / Jeff Coffman
General Contractor / Gale Coffman
Blue Moon Limousines
Just Imagine Entertainment / Andy Nation
Create-A-Party
Southern Wine & Spirits

Golden 50th Birthday Bash

Celebrating her 50th Birthday in true Hollywood style, Marilou planned an outrageous Oscar themed party... complete with celebrity cardboard cutouts, ice martini luge, and custom made cake!

Cake by Colette's

Matini Luge by Carving Ice

Location at Colette's at the Meridian Club

Cake Tasting and Venue Tour at The Meridian

Custom uplighting in our Pavo/Draco Ballroom set the mood for a low-key and intimate group tasting and Meridian venue tour. Simple floral centerpieces decorated the tables as guests enjoyed their cakes.

Lighting provided by Steve Burdick Events