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As we all know flowers add so much beauty to the wedding and brings a great statement to the overall look of your celebration. Look at that amazing floral arch Prince Harry and Meghan had at their wedding, a vision that will stay forever in our minds and so when determining your vision it is important to find the right creative floral designer for your needs.



1. When researching to find what floral designer is the right choice for you it would be advantageous to get referrals from your planner together with the creative team you have put together including your venue as they will all have wonderful recommendations.

2. Questions to ask your floral designer would be to ask how long he has been in business. How much experience have they had working on weddings? Ask to look at their portfolios and no doubt they can give you client referrals.

3. Your floral designer will take the time to get to know your tastes and will discuss how they will make your wedding design special from the moment your guests arrive.

4. It is important to establish a budget parameter based on your floral vision.


Photography: Jana Williams | Florals: Butterfly Floral

5. When selecting your florist, ask if he will be on site with the installation or who will some one else be representing the company for installation. Also ask how the breakdown of all the floral elements will be handled.

6. You can find your design inspiration from magazines, botanical gardens, interior design magazines, art work and of course your own inspiration. Gather all this when meeting your floral designer so he can begin to build your “own” design.

7. Make sure when choosing your guest table floral it is not too tall so guests cannot see people across the table. Make sure guest table floral are the right size for the table.

8. Think about your color palette and the general style you like rather than obsessing over a certain flower. Flowers are very seasonal so think about which will work best for the season.

9. Ask for a sample centerpiece for guest tables so if any changes need to be made they can be done at this time. Hence NO surprises on the day.

10. Make sure your florist visits your venue or at least has worked the location before he gives you the proposal so that all costs can be accounted for and that there are no restriction when installing and they are aware of breakdown policies of the venue.


Photography: Jana Williams | Florals: Mark's Garden

To see more of our work, head to our website! 

First Photo: Venue: Four Seasons Westlake | Planning + Design: Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events | Photography: Callaway Gable Photography | Florals: Nancy Kaye of Mark’s Garden | Lighting: Images by Lighting | Tabletop Rentals: Casa de Perrin | Linens: La Tavola Linen, Resource One | Cake: The Butterend Cakery | Invitations + Signage: Lehr and Black | Dresser: Maradee | Rentals: Town and Country | Decor: Angela Murelli of Revelry Event Design | Music: West Coast Music | DJ: Big Syphe

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Let's dive right in to the next recipe from Food, Fun & Love: Gazpacho!

Gazpacho
Image: The Blonde Bird

Ingredients:
1 pound yellow tomatoes, chopped
2 pounds yellow tomatoes for juicing
4 ounces English cucumber, chopped
2 ounces yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 ounce red onions, peeled and chopped
1 ounce celery, trimmed and chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2tablespoons red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup butter garlic olive oil mixture
3 slices of white bread
1 bunch cilantro

Directions
To make the tomato juice, juice two pounds of yellow tomatoes.

Mix the chopped tomatoes, tomato juice, vegetables and garlic ina food processor and puree until smooth. You can do this in batches and mix in a bowl or container. This can be a little chunky if you like. Season with the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Soup is best when prepared one day in advance and placed in the refrigerator to allow flavors to develop. Prior to serving, taste the soup and adjust the olive oil and vinegar if needed.

To prepare the croutons, cut the bread into spoon shapes with a cookie cutter. Meanwhile warm a half cup of the butter garlic olive oil mixture in a sauté pan. Dip one side of the bread shapes in the mixture to coat well and place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in a 300 degrees oven for 10–15minutes until golden brown.

To serve, pour soup into a glass or bowl (we used a tall shot glass) and garnish with the toasted bread spoon and fresh cilantro and serve.





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We are so happy this Paddington Bear baby shower is now featured on The Celebration Society! Read below for all of the dainty details.  

"The pristine white Deco Wilshire venue was the perfect space for this British-inspired brunch, as guests gathered around a glorious spread provided by Good Gracious Events. Mini Union Jack flags were strung overhead while friends and family sipped tea and nibbled on scones and marmalade goodies in true Paddington fashion. Gorgeous linens by BBJ Linen were draped over the long table, while elegant modern Rrivre Works furniture seated guests with comfort and class. The whole theme was tied together by Premiere Party Rentals tableware and adorable Paddington details. Larger-than-life blocks and bears decked in raincoats in each corner kept the classy brunch whimsical and fun, while the signature Paddington “P” kept the theme consistent throughout the party!" - Via Catch My Party

To see the full feature, click HERE. To learn more about Good Gracious! Events, click HERE.





















Planner + Design + Catering:  Good Gracious Events | Venue: Deco Wilshire | Rentals: Premiere Party Rents | Furniture: Rrivre Works | Linens: BBJ Linen | Photography: Sarkis Studio Photography  | Music: Del Lago Trio
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Congratulations Lauren Elizabeth on the launch of Feel by LE! We loved loved loved catering your launch party at the Lombardi House!


Led by Samantha of Details Details, she expertly designed the space for the perfect celebration! With Bloombox Designs beautiful florals, Revelry Event Design’s remarkable furniture and shot by John and Joseph, this party was set up for success!

Wanting to complement FEEL’s vibe, we created a fabulous menu with fresh, local ingredients, such as, our California Market Experience, which includes, fresh bread, local cheeses and meats, as well as vine ripe tomatoes and olives! Our Summer Salad wall made an appearance with salads that consisted of arugula, spinach, avocado, quinoa, onions and blueberries. Fresh and delicious! As everyone loves our crostini’s, we made sure to include a selection with toppings such as avocado, tomatoes, chicken and artichoke. Finally, we served an orecchiette spinach lentils box with orecchiette pasta, yellow lentils, baby spinach with tomatoes and basil served in to go box with fork served with organic chicken parmesan weaved on a wooden skewer.

We loved being part of the FEEL launch party! To learn more about FEEL, click here.










Venue: Lombardi House | Planning + Details: Details Samantha - About Details Details | Florals: Bloombox Designs | Rentals/Furniture: Revelry Event Design | Signage: Cordially Couture | Linens: La Tavola Linen | Photobooth: River and Bridge Booth | Crystal Reading: Style Rituals | Photography: John and Joseph Photography Socco Media
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  • FOOD is my passion. I have FUN with my team and my clients and I LOVE what I do! For me, it really is all about FOOD, FUN and LOVE!
  • Our Mission... To create Fabulous Events & Delicious food for an Exceptional Experience
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Pauline Parry

Founder Good Gracious! Events

About Pauline

Educated in the prestigious British hotel and restaurant management tradition, Pauline is the renowned and highly sought after founder and president of GOOD GRACIOUS! Events. Professional event planners, private clients, and corporations - both nationally and internationally - seek out her innovative expertise and imaginative concepts.


GOOD GRACIOUS! Events was established over three decades ago and is an award-winning full-service LIFESTYLE food and beverage company that has earned the trust of a diverse set of clients and has a reputation for being a trendsetter in producing unique, quality and fabulous presentations in all aspects of weddings and events.


Pauline has been inducted into the Catering industry Hall of Fame for Events and Weddings and has published a book called FOOD FUN LOVE Party Styles.


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Joanne Purnell

Joanne Purnell
Vice President

About Joanne

Joanne Purnell is a graduate of the California Culinary Institute and before joining GG! Events worked and traveled in England and Paris to gain working experience.


Joanne has been Chef de Cuisine for nearly 20 years at GG! Events and during this time she has won numerous awards including Chef of the Year. She has been published in magazines on various food topics including presentation, trends and all aspects of cooking and is a contributor for, “Inside the Recipe Box of Catering Chefs”


Joanne is an educator in the catering industry and is regarded as a leader. Today, Joanne is Vice President at Good Gracious! Events.


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