Courtesy of The U. S. Grant

I had the great fortune of planning a holiday party held last week at The U. S. Grant Hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp District!  It was a fantastic evening and the staff of the U. S. Grant made it even better.

During the planning process the Catering Manager, Rita Moore, was so delightful and helpful.  We explained what our theme was and how we wanted a menu that tied to our theme.  After discussing things with the chef, Rita came back with some fantastic ideas!  And the tasting delivered on how delicious the dishes sounded!

The U. S. Grant Lobby

We ultimately decided on a Pumpkin Ravioli with Spinach paired with a lovely sauce.  And this was just the appetizer!  The main course was a Short Rib and Sea Bass combination with purple Peruvian Potatoes and market fresh veggies.  The combination was perfect!  The entire dinner was a definite people pleaser!

The night of the event, the entire staff was on point!  They delivered on customer service and they were always there for us.  From the valets who helped us unload our vehicles to the wait staff who were on top of the service, it was a treat to experience the professionalism everyone had.

One of the awesome perks about the U. S. Grant are the Event Planner Suites!  They are an additional charge, but it was worth it to have a “go to” room for storing the favors and centerpieces until we were ready for them.  And also, it was awesome having a room to get ready in which was just across the hall from the ballroom.  It was also a secure place that only a couple of people had access to, so we could leave valuables there and not worry about them!

If you are looking for exceptional customer service, professionalism, an elegant venue and great food then you must consider The U. S. Grant!

A final glimpse at more of my favorite photos!

Photography by David Crane Photography

All the best to the bride and groom and their lovely new family!

The Vendors

Venue: Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa - Debra Ayala
Photography: David Crane Photography - David Crane
Florist: Flowers Forever - Paula
Cake: Heide Rogers
Guitarist: Classical Guitar featuring Miles Monyier
DJ: Smith Sounds - Jeremy Smith
Favors: The Cookie Chew - Liz Chou
Coordinator: Bellini Events - Alicia Garcia

Time for the party! Mike and Roxanne’s friends and family really knew how to have a good time!  Here are some glimpses of the decor elements of the reception.  For their table assignments, they used album covers instead of table numbers!

Photography by David Crane Photography

Weddings are a celebration and these folks celebrated like champs!  I love the photo of Mike and Roxanne dancing (her feet are off the ground)…SO cute!  And I especially love the photo of the little girl standing at the doorway…. unbelievably adorable and a great shot by David Crane Photography.

Photography by David Crane Photography

Tomorrow I will post a collection of other fave photos from the wedding!

The Vendors

Venue: Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa - Debra Ayala
Photography: David Crane Photography - David Crane
Florist: Flowers Forever - Paula
Cake: Heide Rogers
Guitarist: Classical Guitar featuring Miles Monyier
DJ: Smith Sounds - Jeremy Smith
Favors: The Cookie Chew - Liz Chou
Coordinator: Bellini Events - Alicia Garcia

Mike and Roxanne had a very lovely story.  They were great friends throughout high school, but afterwards they had gone their separate ways.  Then one day, they managed to find their way back to each other (thanks to the power of the internet).  To hear Mike talk about Roxanne and their kids is something special.

Photography by David Crane Photography

Not only did Mike have his vows for his lovely bride, but he also prepared “vows” for the two kids. This had to have been one of the most touching moments I’ve ever seen. I don’t think there was a dry eye to be found.

Photography by David Crane Photography

More to come tomorrow!

The Vendors

Venue: Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa - Debra Ayala
Photography: David Crane Photography - David Crane
Florist: Flowers Forever - Paula
Cake: Heide Rogers
Guitarist: Classical Guitar featuring Miles Monyier
DJ: Smith Sounds - Jeremy Smith
Favors: The Cookie Chew - Liz Chou
Coordinator: Bellini Events - Alicia Garcia

I had the joy of helping Mike and Roxanne realize their wedding dreams at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort back in May of this year.  This was a really special wedding for me because I work with Mike on a regular basis for my corporate events.  So being able to help him and his lovely bride was truly an honor.  And after hearing all the great stories about him and Roxanne (and the way he sweetly talks about her) I couldn’t wait for the big day!

After going through all the wonderful photos from David Crane Photography, I had too many that I loved!  So there will be multiple posts of this wedding!

Today, we start with details prior to the ceremony!

His

Mike and Roxanne’s son is perhaps the cutest Best Man I have ever seen!  And had it not been for the lovely bride, we would have stolen the show!

Photography by David Crane Photography

Hers

Seeing a bride on her wedding day as excited as Roxanne was, is always refreshing!  She was exuberant, happy and such a joy to work with!

Photography by David Crane Photography

The Vendors

Venue: Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa - Debra Ayala
Photography: David Crane Photography - David Crane
Florist: Flowers Forever - Paula
Cake:  Heide Rogers
Guitarist:  Classical Guitar featuring Miles Monyier
DJ:  Smith Sounds - Jeremy Smith
Favors: The Cookie Chew - Liz Chou
Coordinator: Bellini Events - Alicia Garcia