At Good Gracious! we find we're very culturaly diverse when it comes to the events and weddings we produce from one day to the next. The vast religious and cultrual traditions, are what make each wedding we do so unique! We LOVE sharing and growing into new experiences, and so in 2012 we've joined forces with Theresa Cole-Hubbs, owner of Electric Karma out of Houston, TX who specializes in Indian Weddings to plan for some of the West Coast bride and grooms.
With our saris in tow, we headed to one of my favorite San Francisco spots. The Palace Hotel, historically one of the most luxrious hotels ever built in the 1800's, and host to the beginning journey of marriage for Neeru & Jason! They are a lovely couple that welcomed us into their traditions and wonderful family!
One of the most tasking jobs for Neeru and her sister was to fly to India in the search of the traditional bride and grooms clothing, the Saree and Sherwani . They spared no expense , the creamy silks and brocades were stunning, with an exotic style of elegance that even an American groom could get excited about!
In Indian communities, a Baraat it is customary way for the groom to travel to the wedding venue. This is often on a mare or elephant, accompanied by his family members and invited guests on the grooms side. Though I'm not sure the San Francisco Police Dept. would have appreciated the elephant, we took to the streets of San Francisco with a less invasive wild animal approach, to include a large procession, with its own band, dohl drum, and dancers. As the groom is carried and usually covered in finery, the dancing and singing is left to the "baraatis" or people accompanying the procession.
The ceremony was beautiful and filled the air with flower petals showering them with love and welcoming the bride from the parents home into now the grooms home.
The Sangeet began, the reception which precedes the wedding and dinner was served. Of course being caterers we had to try a nibble of the cake made by Pastry Chef of the Palace Hotel, must say one of the best cakes I've EVER had!
English Beat, a famous 80's band capped off the evening keeping the guests dancing till the end!
Abhinandan!~ Congrats!
By Aaron Kaniecki, Associate Event Producer
It has nearly been two years since I started at Good Gracious! Events, and in that short space of time I have had the fortune of working some majestic events, meet some amazing people, and worked with the best in the business.
If it wasn’t for Good Gracious! President Pauline Parry, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today.
Pauline saw something in me that was worth going through the highs and lows of immigration to bring me onto the GG! team. If it wasn’t for her I would not be in the industry I love. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t of met my wife to be Brianne, and if it wasn’t for her taking me under her wing, I wouldn’t be nominated for the Event Solutions Spotlight Award for Rising Star Male.
I owe so much to such an amazing mentor, who has single handedly changed the direction of my life.
Needless to say my industry progression wouldn’t be to the standard it is now without the support of the fantastic Good Gracious! Events team. Every person has had a part to play in my progression and I deeply thank every one of them.
Not forgetting the International Caterers Association, without the Regional Education Days, Catersource, Webinars & CaterArts, I would not have the cutting edge knowledge of current trends and styles.
I would also like to thank all the vendors and clients I have worked with, because without them none of the events or opportunities I have experienced would of existed.
The name of the game is voting folks, the person with the most votes is deemed the winner!
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Happy New Year to everyone, I hope you all enjoyed 2011. I appreciate all your votes in advance!
To celebrate, here are some of my key learning points of the past year….
- Driving from Los Angeles to Phoenix is a bloody long way…. Especially in a cube truck. (for The Special Event 2011)
- Being dressed by four women IS as good as it sounds… (Brown Hott Polo Classic event 2011)
- Michelle learned that there is a BIG difference between a Cambro and a Colander
- Not every intimidating exotic stripper named beverage comes out with fireworks, sparklers and Bruce Lee twirling it to the sound of its own anthem. (the difference between LA and UK beverages)
- Patrick Sullivan is a jack of many trades, one of which is ironing…. You can cut vegetables on those creases!
- It is Kobe beef not Colby...
