GLEE STAR RAISED $866,000. FOR OCHAS GALA

Matthew Morrison entertained a sold out ballroom Saturday night at Orange County High School of the Arts black-tie fundraiser gala, singing "It Had to be You" with the ukulele that he played when he auditioned for the role of Will Schuester on the hit TV show "Glee."

"A Swingin' Singin' Salute to the Stars of the USO" was the theme of this year's gala. More than 700 Orange County arts patrons paid $350 a ticket, packing the Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine. They drank champagne and dined on Steak Diane at candlelit tables.



Students at OCHSA had to audition to perform in the three-act show (about 100 got the honor), which opened with a toe-tapping medley of World War II tunes such as "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" by the school's Montage Orchestra. The boys danced and sang in sailor suits and tap shoes, the girls wore polka dot dresses and red gloves.


After Rodriguez and alum Chad Doreck, who has worked off-Broadway and on TV, performed the Bette Midler number "Stuff Like That There," to close out Act II, Morrison came back onstage with Ralph Opacic, the founder of OCHSA.


Opacic was Morrison's mentor back when the "Glee" star attended OCHSA, graduating in '97. He told the audience that they had sold more than 1,100 $10 raffle tickets for a chance to spend time with Morrison on the set of "Glee." Purchases came from 62 cities in five countries, including Italy and Germany. After a drum roll, Morrison picked a ticket with the name of OCHSA senior Collin Sanderson, who happened to be in the crowd.


Morrison kicked off Act III wearing a black fedora to sing the sexy, jazzy Michael Bublé number "Sway." Senior Megan Cutler was a dancer in the show. "We have to act like it's not a big deal but inside we're like, 'Oh my God!'" she said before the show.


To warm the audience up when it came time to raise money, the auctioneer asked for bids on a glass of tap water he had in his hand. Sold! For $500. A Disneyland package, including a stay in the suite where Walt himself used to sleep, went for $11,000. And a behind-the-scenes Broadway extravaganza package went for $30,000.


When it was time to auction off a chance to meet Morrison on the set of "Glee" and have lunch with him, the Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor came back onstage. Bidding quickly shot to $14,000, at which point Morrison sweetened the deal, shouting out: "Now ladies, I will show you my trailer."


When bidding seemed to stall at $22,000, the auctioneer asked Morrison to mention the trailer again.


"I, I, I will rub your shoulders in my trailer!" he blurted out.


Someone raised their paddle for $23,000. The bidding ended with Stephen and Cindy Fry Russ and Kathy Van Cleve raising paddles to pay $25,000 each for the backstage pass.


All told, the night raised more than $866,000 for the school.  Paradise Delight Floral & Event Styling was honored to be the event designer.


"This place really gave me the opportunity to dream big," Morrison told the audience before the finale. "I am you. I was you. And anything's possible. I wouldn't have been where I am today without it."



Contact the writer: 714-932-1705 or lbasheda@ocregister.com

HONEYSUCKLE - THE COLOR FOR 2011

Last year's Pantone color of the year was turquoise because of its calming effect (much-needed after a tumultuous 2009). This year, they're forecasting a way more vibrant color: Honeysuckle!

According to Pantone Color Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman, “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues."

It's already been on the red carpet, as you'll see below, and it's showing up in various of shades of cute items right now!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Wishing you a happy heart today and always!  Happy Valentines!

The Paradise Delight Floral & Event Design Team

A SWINGIN' SINGIN' SALUTE TO THE STARS OF THE USO GALA

On March 19, 2011 the Orange County High School of the Arts Foundation Board of Directors and Gala Chair Matthew Morrison, Music & Theatre alum Class of 1997 and Tony and Emmy award-nominated star of the hit TV show GLEE, will present what has become the premier event of the social season, Gala 2011 “A Swingin’ Singin’ Salute to the Stars of the USO!” at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.

The annual black-tie Gala is the Foundation’s largest fundraising event of the year and provides essential support toward the $5 million needed annually to continue providing our tuition-free, donation-dependent arts conservatory programs. Come join us for one of the most entertaining and unforgettable evenings you’ll ever experience!

At Gala 2011, A Swingin’ Singin’ Salute to the Stars of the USO! guests will experience a lively musical tribute to the overseas camp shows and the stateside stage door canteens of the United Service Organizations. For decades, famous Hollywood celebrities have traveled all over the world, in times of war and peace, to entertain our men and women in uniform and boost morale. These star-studded entertainers have included the likes of Bob Hope, Ann Miller, Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, Judy Garland, Bette Midler, and many more.

This spectacular evening of entertainment will have guests swinging and singing to the sounds of memorable classics performed by our very own Montage Big Band Orchestra along with our fabulous singers and dancers. The Gala will also feature an elegant dinner and an incredible, one-of-a-kind silent and live auction. With the generosity of our dedicated parents and the community-at-large, we expect to raise an estimated $800,000 in support of our aspiring student artists.

Thank you in advance for your commitment to Gala 2011 and I hope you will join us on this inspiring journey as we celebrate some of the most talented young entertainers of this generation!

As always, Paradise Delight is proud to collaborate the event decor and designs for the gala!

SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM PARADISE DELIGHT

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

$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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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)

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!

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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