Working with a talented event coordinator like Gina is like being with another member of our Personal Touch Dining family! We’ve always admired her positive attitude, impeccable organization skills, and professional commitment to excellence.
According to her website, and our personal experience, her event planning business is all about “executing flawless and unforgettable weddings here in Southern California and beyond.”
From intimate to opulent, in her hands, your event will be more than you could have ever imagined!
She is a highly experienced event coordinator, with over 300 successful weddings and events beneath her belt.
According to her website, she makes sure to provide “complete inclusivity of ethnic/interracial, LGBT, military, and destination weddings.”
As an event coordinator, Gina takes great pride in her impeccable attention to detail, her ability to understand her client’s needs, and her complete client devotion.
A Moving Style Reception (AKA a Progressive Reception or Cocktail Style Reception) utilizes the idea of a continuous cocktail hour with substantial food options on small plates.
It’s an extraordinary, efficient, and crowd-pleasing way to keep an open floor plan.
Belly-Bar tables are perfect for these short plate events since you don’t need as much table space to eat!
This laid-back yet elegant style of reception is perfect for couples looking to entertain their guests with something away from the traditional formal dining.
With multiple stations per event, each guest can have several plated meals in one sitting.
Seating: Before planning a cocktail reception, it is essential to consider your guest demographic. (Older guests generally need more accommodation, such as a full-sized dining table.)
After deciding to go with this kind of reception, we highly suggest informing guests in the invitation that the dinner will be cocktail style.
Some wedding professionals will argue that these progressive parties are most successful when a bride and groom provide stable seating for 50% of their guests with supplemental furniture. We say, reserve a few tables for those you know will need a seat, (lookin’ at you, Aunt Esther), and have the young folk perch on some vignette-style decor:
Smaller tables that place 4 or 6 encourage movement and keep large groups from posting up all night.
Soft lounge seating in small groupings throughout the space softens up the room’s look and lends to that cozy club vibe.
Ottomans are a brides’ best friend, and you can never have too many pillows or throw blankets!
Add in some scattered cocktail or belly-bar tables.
Be sure to place some lounges around the dance floor as well to bring guests into the party.
If you space these elements throughout the room, you’ll draw guests to the various areas.
This kind of reception means guests can choose their food, but unlike the buffet style, guests have their meals made for them.
They can bounce freely between multiple food stations, reducing wait times.
These receptions are all about endless food and station style service, and it’s all about presentation.
Foodservice is what ultimately sets a progressive reception apart from the traditional wedding. Nobody wants to attend a 5-hour cocktail party with minimal appetizers, so the function of the food is imperative.
Short Plates offer more food than a seated dinner!
Our events specifically offer at least three short plate stations off of our menus, essentially equating to three small seated dinners for your guests!
Start the evening with hors-d’oeuvres, moving to small action stations.
We’ve kept in mind to serve items that are easy to consume, limiting excess flatware for those smaller tables!
If they’re hungry, they will come to the food, so there’s no need to announce food service has begun. The guests will follow the lead of the bride and groom and the wedding party.
Be sure there is food available throughout the night!
Some of our most popular station combinations are: The Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese served with a Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque, The Braised Beef Short Ribs in a Demi-Glace with Goat Cheese Whipped Potatoes, and finally, our famous Mac n’ Cheese Bar that comes with a variety of toppings sure to please guests of all ages.
Not only will Short Plates keep your guests full, but the style will also help define the evening as you go and offer tasty surprises throughout the night!
A smooth transition from light to decadent, then sweet, is critical for a perfect night, but don’t forget the late-night snack! (Nobody thinks to provide sliders and fries or milk and cookies when the late-night munchies strike. You could be the first!)
Celebrating Chris and Brittany’s wedding on this sunny La Jolla day couldn’t have been more perfect.
Thanks to the excellent coordination from Stephanie at Events Inspired, and collaboration with the many other talented vendors, this was a flawless day in the ocean breeze!
The Darlington House is one of our favorite venues because of its unique architectural beauty!
The Egyptian Patio facing the Rose Garden gate is a perfect ceremony location.
We can’t get enough of this fresh “I Do” Glow!
Fun, mix-matched bridesmaids dresses are a must-have for a Boho-Chic motif!
Allowing your ladies to follow a color scheme for their dress choice enables each to feel beautiful and comfortable their way.
These adorable jean jackets are the perfect boho bridesmaid accessory!
A sharp suit in light gray adds just the right balance of chic for this bohemian motif.
Best way to class-up a lighthearted motif full of mismatched flare? Mix in a few handsome gents in their sleekest fashionable attire!
We love the breezy vibe of Chris and his groomsmen’s gray suits with the pink accent tie.
Dark wood farm tables and antiqued custom flatware create that romantic boho vibe for your dining tables.
The decor was minimalistic, yet created a whimsical atmosphere!
These beautifully detailed plates from Not My Dish Event Rentals accentuated the Boho feel of each place setting.
Our Taco Bar Buffet is always a crowd favorite!
You can’t go wrong with an authentic upscale Mexican buffet, but include a Spicy Margarita from our bar, and you’ll be the talk of the town!
We love having a S’mores Station for dessert at our weddings!
Custom vintage details add depth to a tablescape.
Make your guests think you scoured every antique shop in town for your carefully cultivated place settings!
We love all the custom details like these gold flatware and pink goblets from Adore Folklore Rentals!
We love this variety of vases that mix texture, color, and size.
For the right bohemian vibe, follow the same pattern with your choice of flowers too!
All these delicate florals were collected and assembled by the Bride!
What better seats for the Bride and Groom than elegant Peacock Chairs?
They are dignified, exotic, and sure to make you feel like wedding royalty!
We’re so happy to be a part of this amazing couple’s love story!
Huge thanks to Cait & Co Photo for the phenomenal pictures, Stephanie at Events Inspired, and the rest of the talented vendors who helped make this magical day a reality!
This Marquee Sign from SociaLights jazzed up the front of The Darlington House!
We loved our part in this stunning Scripps Seaside Forum wedding.
Working with Kevin and Whitney, through I Do…Weddings Event Coordination was such a dream. The ceremony area at Scripps Seaside Forum offers an elevated view of the soft waves and sprawling La Jolla Shores beach.
La Jolla Women’s Club is a beautiful wedding venue located in La Jolla. In fact, it is just one block from the ocean! Because of this, the club offers a beautiful setting. This includes private gardens, the historic Gill building and of course stunning ocean views.
Often, couples are looking for a romantic outdoor wedding at a beautiful, whimsical event space in San Diego. If this is appealing to you, the La Jolla Women’s Club may be the perfect event venue for you. Its romantic charm and history will wow your guests and bring your event to life.
Our team of San Diego wedding caterers often partners with venues like the La Jolla Women’s Club. This creates seamless events for couples and their guests. We plan out all aspects of the event with the venue and the chosen coordinator. This creates the perfect event for our clients. Or when placed fully in charge of the event, we will make sure the décor, food and drinks match your vision and ours. Leave it to us to work out the details and ensure your event is highly memorable and enjoyable for all.
Ceremony Gardens at the La Jolla Women’s Club
There are two gardens on the location for you to choose from for your ceremony. These are south ceremony garden and the front ceremony garden.
The south ceremony garden is a charming garden sprinkled with colorful paintings. In addition, there us an arch that can be decorated to reflect your personal style. The north ceremony garden is charming also. You can either face the European style fountain or old English Oak tree, which can be decorated with hanging lights and whimsical candles. You can also choose to have your ceremony face the front of the historic building. If you opt for this, your ceremony will take place in front of the famous arched doors.
So…you have lots of choices and options to make sure your day is one of a kind and truly reflects your personal style.
Cocktail Hour & Receptions at the La Jolla Women’s Club
One of the most interesting locations on the grounds is the North arbor-covered terrace. This spot makes for a stunning space to host cocktail hour. Guests can enjoy the natural surroundings while partaking in signature cocktails and appetizers prepared by our wedding caterers.
The main ballroom features hardwood floors for dancing. There is also a raised stage the entertainment. The day of the event, you will have run of the entire of venue. As such, your guests can roam the outdoor gardens and take in the stunning oceanfront views during the cocktail hour and reception. The grounds themselves are so inviting that minimal décor will go a long way. On the whole, your guests will feel wowed by the natural and historic beauty.
Wedding Catering at the La Jolla Women’s Club
For more information about La Jolla Women’s Club and to learn about all of your catering options, contact us today. We would be honored to talk about your wedding event and help you create a stunning event for your guests.
Have you been to a wedding or an event where you find yourself raving about the dessert weeks later? Of course no one goes to an event FOR the dessert specifically. However, as the final stage of the meal, it may be one aspect your guest remember most. If you want to leave an impression that will stay with them for a long time, dessert presents an opportunity to do just that. By putting thought into serving unique, fun, playful, whimsical and delicious desserts, your guests are sure to appreciate the results.
Every event is different – the style, the occasion, the feel. For any event type, there are fun ways to get creative and present your guests with a dessert that is aligned with your theme. The best case scenario is that your guests are wowed and have their sweet tooth fully satisfied 🙂
At Personal Touch Dining, we recognize the importance of dessert catering. As such, we will help you create a memorable dessert that your guests will pay attention to. Our talented dessert chefs can create understated one-bite desserts that will leave all your guests speechless. Or whimsically presented desserts that bring your theme to life. Or even the ever-popular dessert bar for a wide variety of tantalizing treats.
No matter what style you are looking to create, we can make all your dessert catering dreams come true!
Types of Dessert Catering Ideas
Often, when people are planning weddings or other special events, they focus much of their attention on the food. And rightfully so, as the cuisine of the event is very important! They put a lot of consideration into the menu and the type of service (whether that means tray passed appetizers, sit down meal or attendee-served buffet stations). On some occasions, people consider the dessert as an afterthought, but it should be equally as important.
Traditional wedding cakes are still a staple of classic weddings. However, people have also been getting creative and offering personalized cakes, cookies and candy bars. Of course the specific dessert and presentation will depend on the type of wedding or event you are looking to cater, but here are some fun ideas we think you and your guests willl love:
Ice cream bar – Guests love this idea because it brings back fun childhood memories. You could even do a play off a root beer float and use a yummy stout beer instead of root beer.
Macarons – macarons are a crowd favorite for sophisticated receptions as they are elegant and delicious! You can serve them in individual packages at each table seat for a cute personal touch.
Donut bar – featuring all types of donuts as well as white and chocolate milk in small shooter cups with a cute striped straw. You can even spike the milk and serve a white Russian or another fun frothy cocktail. Another idea is to serve the donuts on an interactive wall.
S’mores bar – you can involve your guests by creating a fun s’mores bar. This involves guests roasting their own marshmallows tableside or outside on the firepit.
Cookie bar with all types of cookies and brown bags so your guests can take some home for a late night snack.
Summer inspired desserts featuring shaved ice and cotton candy for a fun magical effect your guests will love.
Planning Your San Diego Dessert Catering
If you’re planning a special event and would like to create the ultimate dessert experience for your guests, we are here to help. We will craft a unique concept and dessert menu based on your personal style and event that your guests will love. Contact us today to talk about the ultimate dessert catering experience!
Incredible sunsets, rolling waves, and cool ocean breezes.
Another gorgeous modern romantic beach-front wedding for the books!
Thanks to True Photography, we’re able to share these beautiful photos of Suzanne and Briley’s beach wedding.
We love the classic elegance of these wedding rings. It reflects the happy couple’s vintage style with a fun modern flare!
The First Look is always so exciting!
The giddy smile on Briley’s face is infectious, and the sunny San Diego weather couldn’t have been more perfect.
The view looking back at Scripps Seaside Forum is just as lovely as the one looking out to over the ocean.
We love working with this venue! The architecture is modern with a charming, artful beach interpretation. It’s perfect for the kind of couple looking to host a beach wedding with a formal flair.
Polished brass lanterns added to the romantic environment and lit the way down the aisle. These, paired with small bundles of silvery eucalyptus, allowed for the natural beauty of the location to shine through.
This glowing couple of newlyweds greets friends and family as they bask in the excitement of becoming husband and wife!
“The Glow” is already one of our favorite parts of a wedding ceremony, but it’s made extra special with this stunning backdrop.
The happy couple steals a quick break from formal pictures to enjoy their signature drinks.
These salty margaritas were the hit of the night! They paired well with our fresh appetizers, made on-site.
After our staff moved all the ceremony chairs into the dining room, the room twinkled in the candlelight. It looked like an elegantly romantic beach getaway, but indoors!
A significant piece of the table settings was the gorgeous blue water goblets.
These unique goblets helped pull the ocean theme inside, without any cliche sand or shells needed. Framed by tall glass candle vases, and soft blue thistles, silver mercury glass votives, the scene was simply exquisite.
The happy couple made sure to send everyone home with a fun wedding favor.
Each place setting had a vial of hot cocoa mix, including mini marshmallows, tucked into the pocket fold of the napkins.
After everyone was seated from cocktail hour, Suzanne and Briley made their Grand Entrance back into the party!
Taking all those sunset photos stirs up an appetite. Thankfully, we had a Mexican-themed menu ready for all of their guests!
There’s no better backdrop than this pink and purple sunset for the happy couple’s First Dance.
Guests got a first-row seat to one of San Diego’s famous breathtaking sunsets.
After dinner, the Bride and Groom had a surprise for everyone!
The love birds made sure to order a secret birthday cake for Briley’s brother’s 30th Birthday from Flour Power Cakery! The whole room sang and cheered when we blew out the candles, and we were quick to cut and distribute the sweet treat.
Speaking of sweet treats, to go with the cake, we also had two separate dessert displays!
At the first dessert bar, guests helped themselves to fresh-made churros dipped in caramel, chocolate syrup, or whipped cream. At the second, our staff helped everyone make custom ice cream sundaes!
Thanks to Briley and Suzanne for choosing us to help with your big day!
Huge thanks also to the fantastic team of vendors who worked with us to make this day so fun.
APR Boutique Event Rentals is an innovative boutique-style rental company offering a fresh approach to event furnishings and décor. Since 2001, they have dedicated their San Diego event rental mastery to crafting unique experiences for each client. Similarly, as another local San Diego Event Vendor committed to our clients 100%, we appreciate their excellence in all that they do. Considering every detail, they strive to exceed expectations for life’s memorable moments.
Their extensive San Diego event rental collection includes the most exceptional seating, tables, linens, and accessories from Rustic Chic to Modern and Sophisticated. We are always amazed by the spectacular and unique arrangements APR Boutique Event Rentals creates! With their variety of options, they can accommodate any budget while maintaining the trendiest style. They can do any type of event, from weddings, corporate gatherings, or even small parties.
Over the years, their work has spoken for itself, and they have created a lasting impression on San Diego’s most beautiful event locations. Chic towering centerpieces, modern dazzling place settings, and magical venue transformations are their expertise! Their range of events covers corporate, non-profit, retail, and personal affairs. Above all, they are ever-grateful for clients who recognize their talents. For instance, the March of Dimes, the San Diego Opera, Neiman Marcus, and many other well-known hotels use them frequently.
This San Diego event rental company looks forward to the opportunity to work with you on your next event! Sharing such a passion for crafting one-of-a-kind events is a rare gem among the event industry. Allow them to take your occasion to the next level of high-end event service. Overall, we can’t wait until we get to work with APR Boutique Event Rentals again soon!
Please make an appointment to visit their showroom!
Amy Ulkutekin created, owns, and manages San Diego based event production/planning company Catalyst Creative and sister wedding planning company, First Comes Love Weddings and Events. With over a decade of event planning experience here in San Diego, with Amy, you know you’re in good hands!
Experts on a beach, in a ballroom, or overlooking a vineyard, First Comes Love Weddings and Events’ weddings reflect the individual personalities of each couple. Their coordinators make sure to work closely with their brides and grooms to create unforgettable moments.
According to their Wedding Wire, “Your wedding is the most important day of your life. You need someone to handle the details so that everything comes together seamlessly while you relax, enjoy, and celebrate your love. From making sure the favors and escort cards are set to helping you pick the perfect photographer, First Comes Love Weddings and Events will make sure your day is flawless.”
In an interview in 2018 on Narrative Images, Amy explained what her favorite part of her job was. “That no two weddings are the same. No matter how many times I’ve worked at a venue, each wedding is different because of the couples. We get to work with some really cool clients, and it’s an honor to bring their vision to life on one of the most important days of their lives.”
Happy past couples describe Amy as always “going above and beyond,” “fun,” and overall highly recommend her!
Check her out ASAP if you’re looking for the best experience while planning your future event!
Another year later, and True Photography is still one of our favorite event photographers!
Their work is so unique in its vibrancy and evident zeal for life.
We find they’re perfect for potential clients who want unusual angles, priceless candid shots, and unparalleled service.
As another hard-working vendor, ready to help others at events, they always take incredible pictures of our food and let our service shine!
Out of the hundreds of pictures they’ve shared with us, we couldn’t begin to choose our favorites.
We love recommending them to our clients because we know the client will be thrilled with the experience and the product every single time.
We hope that this process goes both ways and True Photography reached out to us with this statement from a client:
“My fiancé and I just booked our wedding at Mt. Woodson Castle in Ramona, CA. We fell in love with the venue thanks, in large part, to your photos that Mt. Woodson features on their website (we live in Washington DC and are unable to visit any venues in person).”
Mt. Woodson Castle, Ramona
They amaze us with their eye for detail and light-hearted imaginative feel to all their shots!
We can’t thank True Photography enough for all their hard work and constant reliability throughout our time working with each other.
Darlington House of La Jolla
Robert Paine Scripps Seaside Forum
Darlington House of La Jolla
Darlington House of La Jolla
Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad
Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad
Robert Paine Scripps Seaside Forum
Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad
Robert Paine Scripps Seaside Forum
Without our clients, locations, vendors, and even staff, the advertising attempts that we make would need to be expanded by hundreds–if not thousands–of dollars.
Even so, nothing beats word-of-mouth recommendations from an excellent, trusted source.
Robert Paine Scripps Seaside Forum
La Jolla Shores Beach, San Diego
Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad
The Ultimate Skybox, Diamond View Towers
Downtown San Diego
The Ultimate Sky Box, Diamond View Towers
Private Home
Downtown San Diego
Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown San Deigo
Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad
Mt. Woodson Castle, Ramona
Here’s to many more years of collaborative fun with True Photography!
La Jolla Women’s Club is a beautiful wedding venue located in La Jolla. In fact, it is just one block from the ocean! Because of this, the club offers a beautiful setting. This includes private gardens, the historic Gill building and of course stunning ocean views.
