Friday, December 24, 2010

SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM PARADISE DELIGHT


Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas season and a prosperous new year!

Friday, November 26, 2010

$4 MILLION MOCA GALA BREAKS FUNDRAISING RECORDS

The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles celebrated its 30th anniversary with a gala on November 14—and the benefit broke fund-raising records for the museum: The event for 1,000 guests—including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Jeff Koons—took in $4 million.

Following a performance piece starring Lady Gaga and dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet, the museum auctioned a Steinway & Sons piano customized in pink with blue butterfly motifs by Damien Hirst—and it alone fetched $450,000.

“Never before have so many people come from around the world to support an L.A. arts institution,” said MOCA founding chairman Eli Broad, who also served as gala co-chair, in a statement announcing the event's final tally.

The event at MOCA Grand Avenue began with cocktails and a private preview of the exhibition, followed by "The Happening." It took place inside of a 24-foot-long tent topped by a dramatic art installation in the ceiling: a sculpture made from 2,400 running feet of running white PVC pipe interspersed with 191 pieces of Versatube, originally conceived by L.A. architect Barbara Bestor and designed and executed by Bounce. Tent walls were a black-and-white-striped pattern inspired by a type of camouflage used in World War I known as "razzle dazzle." And on them were artworks in poster form from 18 different local artists, from Ed Ruscha to Catherine Opie. 

The night included musical performances by Devendra Banhart, Beck, and Caetano Veloso. Dinner included organic foods gathered from local community gardens by chef Joanna Moore, owner of Venice-based restaurant Axe; the meal was executed by Along Came Mary. Chanel Fine Jewelry served as sponsor.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

NINE HONORED FOR GREATEST GIFT TO OTHERS

With the exception of the Girl Scouts color guard, Megan Mahdi of Laguna Niguel was easily the youngest person in the room at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon honoring Orange County's top philanthropists.

But Megan, 15 years old, held her own before an audience of about 900 guests to salute honorees that included such megawatt beacons of local charity. The distinguised awards included:
  • Donald Bren, the chairman of the Irvine Company, has given more than $1.3 billion focused in the areas of education, conservation and research.  Univeristy fo California in Irvine has received over $60 million from Bren.
  • Marion Knott has donated to Orange County arts, science and healthcare organizations, including $8 million to Chapman University.
  • Phil and Mary Lyons have given financial support and many volunteer hours to Orange County arts programs, including the Pacific Symphony.
  • Jerri Rosen founded Working Wardrobes, a nonprofit that helps unemployed women with professional "wardrobing" and career development services.
Paradise Delight, Orange County's leading floral and special events designer, was honored to be part of the design for the celebration.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

ST. REGIS WEDDING CELEBRATION OF DAISY AND JOHN











Daisy and John tied the knot at the beautiful St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach. The amazing wedding planner Maria Lindsay orchestrated the celebration.

The couple selected the colors of  ivory, creme and white to permeated the event. Touches of plum and fuchsia were incorporated into the ceremony.

Orange County Wedding Florist, Paradise Delight, created a monochromatic look. For all the guest centerpieces, clusters of six tiered arrangements created a harmonious unit.  It was embellished by sand dupionie table linens.

Check out amazing images taken by Justin Lin.  Click here for the slide show from Lin and Jirsa photography!

Monday, November 1, 2010

PARIS + SPAIN + PENTHOUSE IN SANTA MONICA = AMAZING CELEBRATION!












The couple met in Paris.  Their first  date in Los Angeles and lived in Spain.  They tied the knot at The Penthouse above the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica. 

The couple has selected a chic seaside flair of teal, sand and ivory.  Check out these amazing photos by Marianne Lozano.  The amazing Jeannie Ward of the Wedding Jeannie orchestrated the celebration.  Paradise Delight created a contemporary style for their wedding.

Friday, October 29, 2010

CHANGE THE WORLD WITH A GIVING HEART!


Orange County's top philanthropists will be honored at the 25th Anniversary National Philanthropy Day (NPD) Orange County luncheon celebration for outstanding philanthropy in the community. Paradise Delight, Orange County’s leading floral and event stylist has been selected to design the celebration.
 
NPD Orange County has become the most prominent philanthropic recognition event in Orange County, with more than a thousand individuals, businesses and support organizations honored since its inception in 1986.

A few of our outstanding honorees includes Mr. Donald Bren, Ms. Marion Knott,  and Phil & Mary Lyons of Newport Beach.

The 25th Annual NPD Awards Luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m.to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel located at 700 West Convention Way in Anaheim. For more information, visit www.npdoc.org

Monday, October 11, 2010

1,000 LIMES + 400 LEMONS + 200 TANGERINES = COPACABANA GALA FOR MEMORIAL CARE



The Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center Foundation hosted its eighth annual fall gala, A Night at the Copacabana at the Balboa Bay Club on October 9th.

Proceeds from the black tie event will benefit the hospital’s MemorialCare Cancer Institute and MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute as well as its mission to become a Nursing Magnet Designation, the highest national recognition for excellence in nursing services and high quality clinical outcomes for patients.

Paradise Delight, Orange County's leading floral and philanthropy event designer, was blessed to have design the celebration.  Over 1,000 limes, 400 lemons and 200 tangerines were the foundation of creating an Copacabana.  Hues of citrus - greens, yellows and burned orange fused the room.

To find out more on Paradise Delight's services, please contact us (949) 851-4739.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

STUDENTS GET $1,000,000. BOOST FROM UCI MEDALS AWARDS


Orange County's leading floral and event designer, Paradise Delight, collaborated with leading event professionals to orchestrate UCI Medal Award on Saturday, October 2, 2010.

More than 600 guests attended the UCI Medal Awards and pledged $1.265 million to the university.  Proceeds of $1 million to directly support students.

The awards gala recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the university’s mission, spirit and vision, and it serves as the school’s primary fundraising event. Proceeds directly fund scholarships, fellowships and other student-oriented programs at the campus.

This year’s recipients are Susan Bryant, UC Irvine’s former vice chancellor for research; Salma and Hazem Chehabi, for their philanthropic contributions; David Pyott, chairman of the board and CEO of Allergan Inc.; and Scott Samuelsen, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at UC Irvine’s Henry Samueli School of Engineering.

UC Irvine Chancellor Michael Drake said the honors were well-deserved.  "I am indebted to our generous friends and community partners for supporting our students and for joining me in honoring those who have given so much of their time, talent and support to the university," he said. "Our 2010 Medal recipients personify the campus's mission and values, and I am grateful for their desire to help us improve lives on local, national and global levels."

This year’s honorees were fêted at the Bren Events Center on Friday. The event was co-chaired by First Foundation Advisors Rick Keller and his wife, Anne, and included a formal reception and dinner, tributes to medal recipients and entertainment by the Claire Trevor School of the Arts.

Monday, September 13, 2010

COME CELEBRATE WITH THE STARS AT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE




Orange County's premier floral and event stylist, Paradise Delight, is excited to be part of the design team of University of California Irvine Medals Gala Award "Celebrate With The Stars"

This year's Medalists join a select group that comprises forward-thinking community leaders, innovative faculty and stellar alumni who have made a profound difference for UC Irvine's future.

The Medal is the highest honor the university bestows, and with each presentation it has taken on the prestige of those who receive it. Former medalists include Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, authors, inventors, captains of industry, scientists and pioneers in virtually every field of endeavor. They have challenged our intellects, elevated our spirits and opened doors for UC Irvine that have led the campus into the distinguished ranks of America's top-tier public research universities.

Hosted by the University of California, Irvine Foundation, "A Celebration of Stars - the Medal Awards," is the campus's largest fundraiser. Proceeds support key programs such as Regents' Scholarships and graduate fellowships, which are given to students who exhibit academic merit and outstanding promise.

Chaired by Rick Keller, CEO of First Foundation Advisors, and his wife, Anne, this year's celebration will be held Saturday, October 2nd at the Bren Events Center.

The event will offer moving tributes to Medal recipients, a wonderful dinner with colleagues and friends, and memorable entertainment. This is a celebration not to be missed, and those who joined us help UC Irvine advance its exceptional programs and expand educational opportunities for its best and brightest students.

For advance reservations or more information on The Medal, call 866-YOU-4UCI (866-968-4824)

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

PARADISE DELIGHT SHOWCASE LATEST WEDDING TRENDS AT THE NEWLY RENOVATED ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

Orange County Wedding Florist and Special Events Designer, Paradise Delight, were asked to create the latest trends for the newly renovated Anaheim Hilton Hotel and Convention Center.  

Thank you to the talented Sam Lim Photography and designer linens from Glow Concepts for their collaboration!  Check it out!














Friday, July 2, 2010

LINEN TRENDS: COLORS, TEXTURES ... SO MANY CHOICES!

Paradise Delight, Orange County's Wedding Florist and Special Events Designer, shares the latest trends in specialty linens. 
  • Inspired by couture bridal gowns expect to see more elements of ruffles and bustles. For example, table caps wrap rows of spectacular ruffles around the edges of your tables, turn chairs into belles of the ball, and unique three dimensional placemats nestle place settings in airy, light-reflecting, curls of fabric.
  • Not just for royalty, the regal treatment of hand-beaded overlays could add the flair to your event. Elaborate scalloped edges finish these extraordinary linens with a kiss of luxury and romance.
  • Texture, texture and more texture! For example, for a garden fantasy, floral appliqués, stems and ornamental stitching delight in your choice of monochromatic or contrasting color.
  • Jewels, jewels and more jewels! Tones of plums, teal, vibrant yellow, platinum and pewter are back in fashion.
For more information on how we can create a WOW event with the latest specialty linens, contact Paradise Delight at (949) 851-4739

 

 
 
 
 

Sunday, June 13, 2010

WITH BIG EVENTS, IT’S THE SMALLEST OF DETAILS THAT CAN MATTER THE MOST IN 2010

No matter how big your event, it’s the tiniest of details that can make all the difference. And while those “little” details can seem trivial in terms of cost or effort, they can make or break the attendee experience. So dig into what matters most – the clients’ motivation – designing an event and a layout that serves them, convey their message and address the details that are meaningful to their attendees.

They may be easily overlooked, but here are five event elements that event producers ignore as their peril.

CONVERSATION STYLE  Savvy event designers will plan room setup based on event objectives. For example, if you’re holding a networking event, your designer should incorporate small, intimate lounges that foster one-on-one conversation. If it’s important to bring big group of people together – say, after a company merger – large seating areas work best.

ARTFULLY MANAGE ALL TOUCHING POINTS  Good designers are continually looking for how to support the story of theme in a way that touches all of the senses. Scent or room temperature can evoke certain feelings and emotions. People will always remember that unexpected little detail that caused them to stop for a moment and think. Tactile elements that physically touch the guest as well as a large bold statement of color and texture work well to keep the audience focused and engaged.

LOSE THE LINES  Everyone knows that long lines can destroy the event experience. But they’re still among the most common attendee complaints. Think through the event layout – especially for registration and food service – and create a flow that minimizes killer queues.

ALL HANDS ON DECK  Theme events can drive home a brand statement, but themed elements might fail flat unless all event staff knows how to deliver them. If valets or registration personnel are the first staffers interacting with guests, make sure they know key messaging. If food and beverage are tied to your theme, be certain that wait staff and bartenders are properly trained so they can help tell your story.

ROAD TEST YOUR EVENT FLOW  Delivering the best possible guests experience means that the event is a win for your attendees, too. Guests have a role – they are participants in the success of the event. If they need to register for activities, do they know how, where and when? Do they stand in line for food or are trays coming to them? Communication should be clear, concise and clever so they know how to navigate the event – where to go and when.

To find out more on how to maximize your client’s experience, Orange County’s leading weddings flowers and special events at (949) 851-4739 or send email to Events@ParadiseDelight.com


Wednesday, June 9, 2010

INDIAN INSPIRED WEDDING AT THE ST. REGIS FEATURED AT LOS ANGELES STYLE UNVEILED

Paradise Delight is recongized as Orange County's leading wedding florist.  One of our recent Indian inspired wedding at the St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach is featured at Los Angeles Style Unveiled. 

For more information on how we can customize your celebration, call (949) 851-4739

Sunday, June 6, 2010

BIG LOOKS WITH LITTLE BUDGET!

Orange County's leading special event florist have been sharing tips and techniques on how to maximize the looks while minimizing the cost for special events.  Here are just a few tips to help with your decor budget.

It’s easy to dream up great décor when there’s plenty of money. However, when the budget is bare, here’s how to get bargain beauty.

BE SMART WITH YOUR SPACE

Choose an event space that is attractive on its own, and then create the right flow – that’s the key to getting plenty of “wow” without plenty of money.

Also, place your money where guests spend most of their time. For example, during cocktails, guest needs a good bar and an attractive space. If you put heaps of flowers there or fewer, no one will remember.

Need more suggestions?
  • Mix tables of varying shapes, then put linens on some of the table and leave others bare except for candles.
  • Create drama in the room by placing thee or four huge vases filled with flowers.
  • Use monochromatic masses of inexpensive blooms.
  • Never skimp on quality. Don’t compromise on the quality of products even if there are fewer flowers. You will never skimp on the “wow” factor when a guest enters the event, if it sets the mood and the tone of the event.
USE WHAT’S THERE

Most hotels and venues have at least one color in-house. If you build off of that, instead of trying to completely transform a room, you can really stretch your dollar.

For example, in a recent event, the design team used the hotel’s dark black tables, black and white linens and black drape as the base. Then added pops of vibrant yellow via lemons and big, fluffy Fuji moms.

SPOTLIGHT THE STUNNER
When a supermodel walks into the room, no one notices her friends. Keep this in mind with your décor and you can create drama without dollars.
Take the “centerpiece” concept and apply to the room. Instead of using dramatic centerpieces for all the guest tables, sink majority of the money into several dramatic floral arrangements as focal points. Instead, they will comment to all their friends how magnificent the floral display was in the center.
Need more suggestions?
  • Add a custom steel gobo to create a unique brand that makes the event special and valuable.
  • If you can afford to wash all the walls in one color, then throw the color into one element in the center of the room.
To find out more on how we can trim your event decor budget, please contact Orange County's Leading Floral Designer at (949) 851-4739

Monday, May 24, 2010

HANDCRAFTED HAWAIIAN LEIS AVAILABLE IN ORANGE COUNTY!

Just in time for graduation, Paradise Delight Florist offers our high-end handcrafted leis just in time for graduation in the Orange County. Here is just a few of our collections.

THE LUXE COLLECTION
Masterfully sewn with over 150 blooms of orchids, the Luxe lei is known for its longevity, beauty and exotic flair. Perfect for your special guest of honor.  Available in apple green, purple and white.

THE LILY COLLECTION

Exquisite and vivid, the lily lei is saved for the crème de la crème. Created with over 250 blooms, it is a very full, sturdy and eye-catching creation.
THE FANCY COLLECTION
The fancy lei is meticulously sewn with over 350 dendrobium blooms. The lei is three-faced with flowers layered on all sides. This jaw-dropping beauty will last up to eight days with proper care.

THE BUTTERFLY COLLECTION
The butterfly lei is unique and sophisticated! We painstakingly deconstruct 150 orchids and carefully fold, layer, and sew each orchid part to create a stunning masterpiece and lays flat upon the shoulders.
THE CHRISTINA COLLECTION
The exquisite Christina lei is made with nearly 600 dendrobium orchid petals precisely layered back- and-forth upon each other to create a “feathered” look. The Christina is tightly and meticulously woven to create a hardy lei which last up to eight days.

Each of the leis are approximatley 40" to 42" long if it is not connected.  For more information, please call Paradise Delight Florist at (949) 851-4739 or flowers@paradisedelight.com


Thursday, May 20, 2010

THE STORY BEHIND GENTLEMANLY ACTION

At Paradise Delight Florist, the wedding season has arrived!  There are tons of wedding blogs that address inspiration, fashion and decor.  However, very little behind gentlemanly actions.  So here is a post dedicated to the gentleman. So ladies, please share with your significant others.

Do you ever wonder why we gentleman do the things we do? At Forgetful Gentleman, we’ve always been fascinated by the origins of the gentlemanly actions we conduct every day. In some cases, understanding where our cultural norms come from can give us a renewed appreciation for them. In other cases, it just makes for fun trivia. Either way, we hope you’ll find these historical tidbits as interesting as we do. At the very least they make for great cocktail conversation fodder!

WHY DO WE ESCORT WOMEN ON OUR LEFT ARM?

When a man escorts his partner, tradition has it that he offers his left arm. This tradition originates from medieval times when men escorted women around town and through the fields. Should a threat arise or the women’s honor require defending, the man’s sword hand (his right hand) would be free, giving him quick and easy access to his sword, worn on his left side.

To this day, the left arm rule still applies while indoors. However, with the rise of wheeled vehicles and non-pedestrian streets, the proper escorting etiquette evolved over the years for outdoor environments. Today, when escorting a women outdoors, you should position yourself on the outside (closest to the street) to protect her from traffic, mud splashing, etc.

WHY ARE THE BOTTOM BUTTONS OF OUR SUIT JACKETS AND BLAZERS NEVER TO BE FASTENED?

This fashion guideline is typically attributed to King Edward VII, the British monarch from 1901 until his death in 1910. Quite the gourmand, King Edward loved his food so much that the royal tailors often had trouble keeping up with his ballooning figure. One day, seeking reprieve from the confining constriction of his waistcoat, King Edward casually unbuttoned the bottom button. At that time, the King set the fashion trends and when members of his court saw his new look, they quickly emulated it. The fad spread like wildfire and within weeks unbuttoned bottom buttons were found everywhere.

We continue to honor the memory of Edward the Wide to this day. Modern suit jackets and blazers are actually designed to cutaway at the hips with the bottom button left undone. Buttoning it results in unsightly pulling and bunching of fabric at the waist and disapproving looks from your fellow gentlemen.

WHY DO WE GIVE TOASTS?

In ancient Greece, being poisoned was a real and constant fear. In order to allay this fear, at a party, the host would pour wine for his guests and then take the first drink and toast everyone to show that the wine was safe to drink. Incidentally, the term “toast” also comes from this tradition. Toasting is a reference to the toasted bread that ancient Greeks dipped into their wine to cut the acidity.

WHERE DID THE CUSTOM OF REMOVING OR TIPPING A HAT A SIGN OF RESPECT COME FROM?

In medieval times, knights often encountered each other in full armor making it difficult to distinguish friend from foe. As a sign of friendliness, knights would lift their helmet visors, showing their faces to one another. The custom of tipping ones hat to another, as a symbol of politeness, is a direct descendent of this medieval practice. Interesting note: the modern military salute shares the same origin.

WHY DO WE GIVE FLOEWRS TO COMMUNICATE OUR FEELINGS OF LOVE, FRIENDSHIP, GRIEF, SYMPATHY AND CONGRATULATIONS?
In the 1700’s, Charles II of Sweden returned from Persia, bringing with him the custom of “the language of flowers” to Europe. Different flowers communicated different sentiments or meanings to the point that entire conversations were carried out through the sending and receiving of flower bouquets. Today we usually communicate our intent overtly with an attached note or card but the custom of sending flowers endures.

Check out the source at http://www.forgetfulgentleman.com/

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

PARADISE DELIGHT FLORIST LAUNCHES RETAIL WEBSITE FOR SAME DAY FLOWER DELIVERY IN ORANGE COUNTY AIRPORT AREA

Paradise Delight Florist has been creating fresh, innovative and trend-setting floral artwork for discerning clients since 2001. Our designs have been exclusively for large scale celebrations ... until now.

Due to the great demand, The Orange County Florist.com was launched to serve same-day flower delivery in the Orange County Airport area. We proudly serve the cities of Irvine, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Huntington Beach, South Coast Metro, Costa Mesa, Anaheim and Orange. We also offer our handcrafted Hawaiian leis just in time for graduation.

For more information, call (949) 851-4739 or visit ParadiseDelight.com



Wednesday, April 28, 2010

FRESH HANDCRAFTED HAWAIIAN LEIS IN ORANGE COUNTY

In 2001, Paradise Delight Florist started their business with the focus on handcrafted Hawaiian leis and tropical creations. It is our attention to details that attracted many venues to our style.

Since then, Paradise Delight has blossomed into a thriving floral and event design studio that serves discerning clients for the special events industry.

Our style too has evolved too. We’re well verse in the styles of contemporary, modern, traditional. So back by popular demand, Paradise Delight Florist will be offering their fresh handcrafted Hawaiian leis just in time for the graduation season.

The Hawaiian lei collection will focus on the more detailed and intricate pattern. For example, the Christina Collection involves nearly 600 orchid petals precisely layered back-and-forth upon each other to create a “feathered” look.

One of our popular collections, The Fancy Orchid lei, in which it is crafted with over 1,000 petals sewn in a spiral, honey-comb fashion. It’s a sight to behold.

So stay tuned! Our leis are a work from the heart! Also, check in as we unveil our MAY SPECIAL – IT’S ALL ABOUT THE ORCHID!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

THE HUNTLEY HOTEL - THE HIDDEN TREASURE IN THE HEART OF SANTA MONICA

When the Wedding Jeannie talks, everyone listens! Jeannie Ward, The Wedding Jeannie, has guided our path to an amazing treasure in the heart of Santa Monica, The Huntley Hotel.

Over an amazing meal at The Penthouse, we brain stormed concepts for an urban chic wedding for a wedding couple from New York City. Subsequently, the couple loved our concept. Paradise Delight is honored to be part of the celebration, in conjunction with amazing photographer, Marianne Lozano.

At The Penthouse, LA dining and nightlife soars to breathtaking new heights. Venture into a Santa Monica restaurant and ultra lounge that pulses with excitement 18 stories above the California shore. Contemporary cuisine and creative cocktails blend with a surge of style and celebrity, sweeping through the intimate cabanas and fireside hangouts.

And while many will come to witness the scene, it's the stunning 360º views through a sweeping wall of windows that of¬fers this destination's greatest spectacle. From the Pacific Ocean to the Malibu beach and cliffs to the bright lights of Hollywood, you are truly above it all.

This is The Penthouse, a Huntley Hotel treasure that satisfies your taste for fine American dining while indulging your sense of adventure in an exhilarating ultra lounge atmosphere. Come rise into The Penthouse for a signature LA experience.

The Huntley Hotel is located at 1111 Second Street in Santa Monica.  For more information about hosting your event at The Huntley, contact Rodney Pruchel, Director of Catering at (310) 354-5454