Private Estates - Hiring the Right Creative Partners Whom You Can Trust

Renting out mansions and estates gives me the advantage of seeing how different service professionals work from all aspects of the event business.

Since many of our clients are event producers and planners, more than often, I am on site as the location company.

I have a great of respect for caterers and how they can make an event successful.  I have seen the best and the worst.  Some caterers do great tastings for two or four people and then at the wedding or special event where there are 200 guests, the food is mediocre or served cold.

An experienced caterer understands how to manage their wait staff, so the event runs smoothly and guests are being served dinner at the same time.  When we are hired to produce an event, we work with the caterer and the clients on the timeline, so everyone is on the same page.

On more than a few occasions, the caterers have served vendor meals that did not look appetizing and no one wanted to eat the meal. I have a hard time understanding this way of doing business, since the service professionals usually have really long days (15 to 18 hours) and can't leave the estate to eat dinner.

I recommend reading reviews on Google, Yelp and other reputable internet sources, plus, asking friends and professionals whom you trust for their recommendations.

A personal thought about budgets -

Please don't spend what you don't have on your wedding and,
remember it is about the person you are marrying.  XO

Check out this wedding show - one of our favorites!

Favorite images from one of our estate weddings -

 Private beach is equipped with an outdoor shower. 

Groom and his friends hanging out on the estate's private beach. 

After a day of hanging with friends, the groom is ready for the ceremony. 

Our bride got ready at Shutters before arriving at the estate. 

The caterer placed truffle oil infused popcorn at the bars. 

 Whipped goat cheese (special recipe from the Chef) served with bruschetta. 

Shrimp corn dogs served with sweet chili dipping sauce. 

 Fish option for guests - salmon and garlic mashed potatoes. 

 Filet Mignon with lobster tail served with mashed potatoes topped with carrots and string beans, and mac and cheese on the side. 

We asked the musicians to play next to the dance floor for the first dance.  xo

The couple hired their favorite local band to perform. 

We turned the ceremony canopy into a lounge. 

Couple's getaway - white Rolls Royce. 

Estate Pick of the Week -

Estate 1368 in Malibu

Wishing everyone a fun St. Patrick's weekend!

XO, Gianna