How To Choose Your Fantasy Wedding Cake

 

Wedding Cake Fantasy is a wedding cake studio based in Orange County. We specialize in custom wedding cakes that taste just as good as they look. Not only do we offer wedding cakes but also cupcake towers, dessert setups and also favors for any special event.

Our executive pastry chef Brent has always had a niche for weddings. Working with great flavors as well as great chefs, Brent has the perfect design hand that will tie a bride to her wedding through her desserts/cake. Brent takes the time to understand the bride and grooms personality and style and wants to create the best wedding cake/dessert for their special day.

Design Your Wedding Cake

There are so many things to decide what you want to serve as a dessert on your wedding day, most brides stick to their traditional wedding cake. Depending on the amount of guest or the wow factor of your cake, it’ll all determine the amount of tiers you want for your cake. A simple 2 – 3 tier is your norm for a small intimate wedding – with your close friends and family; a 4 -5 tiered wedding cake is more for the larger reception weddings. Anything bigger than 6 tiers for your wedding cake – you’re going for the wow factor.

Deciding on the flavors of your cake is always a challenge. Most brides see the wedding as “all about them” so they pick the flavors they like and want; then you have the other brides who want to please everyone and choose flavors they think everyone will like, which can stress a bride out at times. A good thing about most bakeries is they allow for each tier of the cake to be multiple flavors that way it gives the bride and her guest flavor options. Flavor combinations are always a pastry chef favorite thing to do, so don’t hesitate to ask your cake designer what the most popular flavors are – they have a better idea on the favorites. My suggestion to all bride and grooms is to pick flavors they both like – the wedding is showcased about the two of you. I always recommend a bride and groom to alternate their favorite flavors throughout their wedding cake. The guests will still have their flavor options they could enjoy, but the wedding isn’t about making the guest happy. Compromise on your flavors and build your wedding cake together.

Most brides already have their cake design in mind since they were children. Not knowing how much time and detail a designer has to put into the cake can vary the cost of the cake and steer the bride away from her dream wedding cake. I always suggest 2 – 3 different designs that a bride could possibly want for her cake. That way we have different design options to work with. Another thing I strongly want for the bride is to personalize her cake. any ideas and designs she has for her cake, I always like to combine different décor for the cake just to be different or really capture the bride and groom and tie in their wedding décor and theme to the cake. Sometimes it’s good to see different options for wedding cakes, not all cakes are meant to look the same, so piecing it and creating your own allows the bride to be a cake designer to add her personal touches to her desserts.

Wedding Cake Fantasy • 17290 Newhope St. # A. Fountain Valley, CA 92708 • 714.434-8001 • brent@artoftheparty.com

Long Beach Petroleum Club

Long Beach Petroleum Club – Ballroom

Long Beach Petroleum Club was founded in 1953 as the premier Social Club in Long Beach, Long Beach Petroleum Club has its’ origins in the oil industry. The Grand Ballroom is perfect for any large social or corporate event. LBPC has three grandiose crystal chandlers and can seat 300 guests, it also features a permanent 25’ by 40’ dance floor. This Ballroom was where Etta James performed regularly on the stage during the 50’s and 60’s .

Long Beach Petroleum Club – Red Room

The Red Room is a cozy and formal environment that can seat up to 60 guests. I loved the feel of the Red Room it had leopard carpet and large red leather spacious booths for fine dining,  something you don’t see much of any more.  This venue, located in the Bixby Knolls area of Long Beach has plenty of complimentary parking.

If you’re looking for a venue that has a personal and elegant feel whether it is an Anniversary, Birthday, Corporate Event, Fundraiser, Quinceañera or Wedding. Long Beach Petroleum will provide you with a memorable experience.

3636 Linden Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90807 • 562.427.7966 • www.lbpetroleumclub.com

 

All About You Events Promo Video

The True Value of Wedding Photography

Hi everyone,
I wanted to start off by saying it is an honor to be on this blog, thank you all for taking time out of your busy days to read this. I hope I will be able to help you understand why wedding photography is so valuable.

I know a lot of couples that are in sticker shock when it comes to wedding photography. A lot of couples ask why is it so expensive for pictures?!
Well, if you understand the true value of wedding photography, you will understand why.  
1. Wedding Photography has back end value. You won’t understand how valuable it is until you enjoy it when the product is done. 
2. What would you do if you lose all your images? A professional photographer invests a lot of money and time into data storage. I personally have four storage locations for every single wedding. 
3. How long will you be able to enjoy your images? Forever! 
4. When you pass away the value increases. 
When your great-great grand children have your wedding album. The value of your wedding photos will be priceless.
5. Style. The style of wedding photography is an extension of who you are.
6. Your wedding is only one day, but your images are one of the only items that will last forever.
Just remember most people will spend $18,000-$35,000 on a new car, which will last them 10 years. After the 10 years, this car will be worth way less. A wedding photographer will cost around $3500, but the value will increase in time. 

Make a good investment! Do not regret who you hired. 

David Do

International WeddingPhotographer

www.DavidandTania.com

 

Christmas Party Ideas

Corporate Christmas Party Ideas

Christmas is approaching quickly and if you are looking for a company or a family gathering here are some ideas:

105th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Wednesday, December 18 and ending Sunday, December 22, 2013.  

You can watch and view the beautiful homes in the Newport  Harbor and view the Boat Parade on a yacht and bundle up and have some wine and dinner. The parade starts off Bay Island at 6:30 pm and finishes at the same site at approximately 9:00 pm each evening.

http://www.christmasboatparade.com

Roger’s Gardens

All Season Long

They decorate this nursery with beautiful and unique Christmas trees and you can walk through the nursery with your hot chocolate or hot  apple cider. The perfect family gathering location.

2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

(949) 640-5800

http://www.rogersgardens.com

Waterfront Dining in the Harbor

Have your company party at a waterfront restaurant in Newport Harbor or Dana Point Harbor is also very festive.

Dana Point Harbor

http://www.windandsearestaurants.com

http://www.chart-house.com

http://www.cannonsrestaurant.com

Newport Harbor

http://www.bluewatergrill.com

http://www.newport-landing.com

http://www.harborside-pavilion.com

Casino Theme Dinner Event

If you are looking for something different for your company doing a Casino Theme Party. Have your employees enjoy gambling for the evening and have raffle prizes for the giveaways instead of a traditional gift exchange. Serve a buffet or food stations so your guests can gamble and mingle with friends.

Angela’s Casino Entertainment

http://www.yourcasinoevent.com 

Rent a Duffy Electric Boat in Newport Harbor

Bring some wine and cheese and cruise the harbor and see the beautiful homes throughout the harbor decorated for the Holiday’s or let Woody’s Wharf Restaurant deliver takeout service directly to your boat.

Duffy of Newport Beach

http://www.duffyofnewportbeach.com

Woody’s Wharf Restaurant

(949) 675-0474

http://www.woodyswharf.com

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,
stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Information contained in this blog is provided by

http://www.duffyofnewportbeach.com

http://www.yourcasinoevent.com

http://www.rogersgardens.com

http://www.christmasboatparade.com

October Fun

Create a Halloween table with a centerpiece of glass candy jars filled with colorful candy corns and medium sized pumpkins along the border. Halloween cookies for each plate.

Here a are a few ideas for Halloween fun:

• Read your children Halloween bedtime stories
• Include your family pet in the fun with a cute costume
• Watch scary movies-Gremlins, Goosebumps
•  Organize friends, family and neighbors for a Halloween party. Have everyone dress up and play outdoor games
  

  Halloween Cookies

Tea Time

Having tea is a great idea for Bridal Shower’s, Baby Shower’s or Mother’s Day- Scones, finger sandwiches, afternoon tea, a good way to get together and have some fun.

Here are some of my favorite spots for High Tea. Enjoy!

The Queen Mary

1126 Queens Highway • Long Beach, CA 90802

http://www.queenmary.com

THE WINDSOR TEA EXPERIENCE

For a truly British tea experience, there’s nothing more authentic than our Windsor Tea Service. Starting with your own personal pot of gourmet loose leaf tea, the Windsor Tea includes a series of delightful tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones with locally sourced clotted cream and homemade jam, and concludes with a sweet array of petit fours. Deliciously prepared and uniquely displayed, the Windsor Tea offers guests a unique and leisurely dining experience that makes any day a special occasion.

Tea is served daily: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Reservations: 562.499.1682 or http://www.queenmary.com

The Grand Del Mar

5300 Grand Del Mar Court • San Diego, CA 92130

http://www.thegranddelmar.com

AFTERNOON TEA

The Grand Del Mar welcomes you for an elegant afternoon in the comfortable setting of this luxury San Diego resort’s Library. Enjoy beautiful music and a perfect pot of fine tea, or glass of wine, with pastries and tea sandwiches to complete this time-honored tradition.

Tea is served Friday – Sunday: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Reservations:  858.314.1988

Four Seasons Resort • The Biltmore Santa Barbara

1260 Channel Drive • Santa Barbara, CA 93108

http://www.fourseasons.com

AFTERNOON TEA AT BELLA VISTA

Bella Vista showcases organic, Italian-inspired California cuisine, courtesy of Executive Chef Alessandro Cartumini. The restaurant’s décor – with its fireplaces, hand-carved wine wall, rich mahogany and rare marble – adds to the ambience of the tranquil seaside setting that features expansive ocean views and a heated outdoor terrace.

Tea is served Friday and Saturday: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

24-hour advance reservation required: 805.565.8237

Hotel Bel Air

701 Stone Canyon Road • Los Angeles, CA 90077

http://www.hotelbelair.com

AFTERNOON TEA

For a more relaxed environment the beautiful terrace has the feel of a Spanish courtyard where guests can lounge in comfy booths, at the bar or in the ultra-private terrace alcoves overlooking Swan Lake. Each terrace alcove features curtains between them as well as an incredible seeded glass pendant light, a popular material used during the 1700s for lanterns and other types of glassware. Heated floors and a retractable screen covers the entire terrace for year round enjoyment.

Tea is served Friday and Saturday: 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Reservations: 310.909.1644

There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.  ~Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady

Information provided by www.hotelbelair.com, www.fourseasons.com, www.thegranddelmar.com and http://www.queenmary.com

Summer Spots For Some Outdoor Fun

Are you looking for unique camping spots in Orange County? Best spots for hiking, biking, or having a old fashioned camp fire, or summer grilling. Here are some ideas for you:

1. Casper’s Wilderness Park
ocparks.com/parks/ronald
San Juan Capistrano, CA
P. 949) 923-2210 General
P. 800) 444-7275 Camping

Caspers Wilderness Park is an 8,000 acre protected wilderness preserve nestled among the river terraces and sandstone canyons of the western coastal Santa Ana Mountains. The park’s many fertile valleys are overtly complemented by specimen groves of native Coastal Live Oak and magnificent stands of California Sycamore. These areas are further accentuated by seasonal wildflower displays and running streams. Wildlife is abundant and can be readily viewed from any of the parks numerous trails. Caspers Wilderness Park also offers a Ranger-guide walk at a scheduled time on Sundays.

2. O’Neil Park
ocparks.com/parks/oniel
Trabuco Canyon, CA
P. 949) 923-2260 General
P. 800) 444-7275 Camping

O’Neill Regional Park’s 4,000 acres are situated in beautiful Trabuco and Live Oak Canyons. The park is heavily wooded with coast live oak and sycamore trees. The hillsides surrounding the park are filled with cactus, wild buckwheat, sagebrush and chaparral of scrub oak, buckthorn and mountain mahogany. Trabuco and Hickey Creeks also meander through the park, flowing in winter and early spring, dry in summer and fall. O’Neil Park is great due to It’s affordability and that you can bring dogs.

3. Bolsa Chica State Beach
http://www.parks.ca.gov/
Huntington Beach, CA
P. 714) 846-3460 General
P. 800) 444-7275 Camping

Located in Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach is the perfect spot for biking, surfing, volleyball or wildlife watching. It is also a popular place for surf fishing for perch, corbina, croaker, cabezon and sand shark. Also popular is in the summer is bare-handed fishing for California grunion, a species that only spawns on sandy southern California beaches. The Park is located in Huntington Beach and extends three miles from Sunset Beach to Seapoint Avenue. A bike-way connects it with Huntington State Beach, seven miles south. Wildlife and bird watching are popular. Across the road from the beach is the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, operated by the California Department of Fish and Game.

4. South Carlsbad State Beach
http://www.parks.ca.gov/
South Carlsbad, CA
P. 760) 438-3143 General
P. 800) 444-7275 Camping

This San Diego beach features swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking. The large bluff-top campground is very popular, especially in summer. Stairs lead to the beach. South Carlsbad State Beach also offers year round camping. Reservations can be made at reserveamerica.com

5. Crystal Cove State Park
http://www.parks.ca.gov/
Laguna Beach, CA
P. 949) 494-3539 General
P. 800) 444-7275 Camping

Crystal Cove State Park’s rolling surf, wide sandy beaches, tidepools, gently sloping hills, and deeply wooded canyons and ridges provide a delightful contrast to its urban surroundings. Located off busy Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove is one of Orange County’s largest remaining examples of open space and natural seashore. The park’s Mediterranean climate is characterized by moist, foggy summer mornings, with the fog burning off by midmorning to bring warm, sunny days and cool evenings. Crystal Cove State Park has 3.2 miles of beach and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness, which is popular for outdoor enthusiasts. The offshore waters are designated as an underwater park. Crystal Cove is used by mountain bikers inland and scuba and skin divers underwater. The beach is popular with swimmers and surfers. Visitors can explore tidepools and sandy coves. Crystal Cove offers sand and surf, rocky reefs, ridges and canyons – plus recreational opportunities – that appeal to everybody. State Park staff and docents conduct interpretive programs year-round including guided hikes, tidepool walks, and geology talks.

The great expanse upland, north and east of the Pacific Coast Highway is enjoyed by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians who can follow hillside and canyon trails to primitive campsites that allow visitors to feel they are “away from it all,” despite being near one of the greatest population centers in the United States. Crystal Cove State Beach also offers Beach Cottage Rentals, reservations can be made at reserveamerica.com

6. Doheny State Beach
http://www.parks.ca.gov/
Dana Point, CA
P. 949) 496-6172 General
P. 800) 444-7275 Camping

Doheny State Beach is two parks in one – with camping in the southern area (with some campsites only steps away from the beach) and day use in the northern area, where there is a five-acre lawn with picnic facilities and volleyball courts. Surfing is popular, but is restricted to the north end of the beach. Surf fishing is also popular, along with biking, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Park and beach information courtesy of http://www.parks.ca.gov, http://www.ocparks.com and http://www.reserveamerica.com