Outdoor Weddings

Outdoor weddings can be truly wonderful. 

There is something quite romantic and special about seeing a blue sky full of stars as you dine and dance the night away. You will need to be more flexible when you plan an outdoor wedding as opposed to a ballroom event. Below are a few tips to keep in mind when planning outdoor weddings and celebrations. 

   
 If at all possible, plan your outdoor wedding during a warmer month that has very little rain. In some areas this may not be possible. Regardless of which month or which part of the country your wedding will take place in, make sure there is a back-up plan in case of inclement weather such as a comporable indoor space or a retractable ceiling. Mention to guests on a website or an insert in your invitation that your celebration will be outdoors. Guests will really appreciate the heads up. Make sure to have plenty of heaters on hand as evenings can become chilly. The traditional heaters throw off more heat than the newer glass models. It is also nice to offer women Pashminas or have a collection of throws available. Remember to have a heater by Valet so that guests waiting for their cars or Uber stay warm. 

Tabletop 

We like to schedule a sample tabletop meeting prior to our client's weddings and events. At this meeting we make decisions on what their tables are going to look like. We bring in pretty options for linen, chairs, chargers, glassware, candles and of course flowers for this meeting. We like to hold the meeting at the florists so that any changes in flowers can be made on site. The meetings are fun and productive and we love seeing our client's faces when they see their potential table for the first time. At a recent tabletop meeting for a bride who is getting married this summer "Jackson" the resident puppy at Hidden Garden chose his favorite chair. This chair may need to change its name to The Jackson Chair... 

Party Hors d'Oeuvres 

We Love good food and so do your guests. Taste is the most important element. What you serve at your wedding or event should be fresh and in season. Bonus points if it's also pretty but taste should be number one. Make sure Hors d'Oeuvres are bite sized and easy to eat. It's fun to offer an eclectic selection but also make sure there are items that your guests can easily recognize. Offer gluten free and vegetarian options. variety is the spice of life - serve an assortment of hot and cold appetizers but concentrate on heartier fare in the chillier months and lighter items during summer. We like tray passing most items but stations can be fun too. Guests love fun serving vessels, just make sure there are servers ready to pick them up after the food is eaten. It is important that your servers know all of the ingredients in the items they are serving. 

Gorgeous Cupcakes 

                                  Love these sugar flowers. 
                  Dazzled Cupcakes does incredible work with sugar.
                                   Aren't these amazing!
     Dazzled Cupcakes has been called the Vera Wang of Cupcakes. 

Destination Weddings

DESTINATION WEDDINGs

At Pryor Events we adore planning Destination Weddings  Finding a unique location where you and your guests can celebrate your wedding and relax together can make this once in a lifetime occasion even more memorable.

Many of our clients prefer remote tropical resorts where relaxation is a must. Other couples prefer destinations where guests have more activities to choose from both before and after the main event. The location you choose should be very personal.  It may be a family summer retreat that holds special memories, the hotel where you and your fiancée first vacationed or an exotic destination you have always had your heart set on visiting.

Whether you are planning a destination wedding in Hawaii, Mexico, Italy, the Caribbean, Cape Cod, or even California – your planner’s thoroughness, experience, research skills and resources are critical to anticipate and address any issue that might come up.

A few tips from Julie Pryor:

• Your wedding should be memorable for the right reasons – weddings scheduled during the local hurricane or rainy season trend well on Social Media, but are not favorites with couples or guests.
• Make sure there are direct and reasonably priced flights from where most of your guests live.  If guests need to take three flights and two boats to reach your favorite location, you may want to consider alternatives.
• Offer hotel options at different price points if the location you choose is pricey.
• If you prefer an outdoor celebration plan for all eventualities.  Access to a backup indoor location can relieve much anxiety.
• Make sure the guests you care about most are able to travel before you set your date.
• Consider taking care of costs for immediate family and special guests.
• Hire a wedding planner who has experience in destination wedding planning.
• Anticipate unwelcome surprises such as flight delays and unpredictable weather – particularly in foreign countries.
• Research the time it takes to ship items to your location and plan accordingly.
• Carefully consider local legal requirements of marriage well in advance.  Schedule a visit prior to your wedding for tastings and to meet with other local vendors. Many clients book our favorite Los Angeles vendors, but we often refer great local talent, especially when it comes to music and flowers.
• Once you find your dream location make sure to visit with your wedding coordinator.
• Remember that remote locations and many foreign countries can be less predictable than what you may be used to.  Be flexible.
• Above all, have fun and enjoy.  Your guests will follow your lead.

Let's Eat

                                                 Let's Eat

Fantastic Food is imperative for a successful wedding or party. 

Wonderful food starts with fresh, high quality in-season ingredients.

    Make sure tray passed food can be easily eaten.  
    Have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.  

    Let your coordinator know if you are aware of any food 
    allergies.  

  

     It’s fun to serve comfort food with a new twist ~

    Twice Baked Purple Potatoes, Fried Chicken Bites with Mashed  Potatoes and Stuffing on a Stick, Lobster Corn Dogs, Butternut Squash  Souffle, Individual Mushroom Lasagna, Burrata and Tomato on Spoons  Drizzled with EVOO, Piping Hot Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Wedges,

      

     Guests love stations.  

     A few of our favorites ~

    ~ Pot Pie Station

    ~ Meatball Station
    ~ Flatbread Station
    ~ Ravioli Station
    ~ New England Clam Bake

    ~ Paella with a chef adding ingredients on request.

  Dream up an interesting specialty cocktail using seasonal fruit. 
  At Pryor Events we like to bring in mixologists who create    delicious, gorgeous concoctions using fresh fruits and vegetables.

                        

      Everyone loves something sweet at the end of a meal.
   Have fun with dessert and make sure to include a few of your childhood    favorites. Here are a few of our favorites:

~Ice Cream Sandwiches made to order 
~ Petite Fresh Fruit Pies ~
~ Freshly Baked Cookies on Shot Glasses of Cold Milk 
~ Piping Hot Mini Cinnamon and Sugar Donuts
~ Mini Waffles on a Stick Dipped in Hot Maple Syrup
~ One Bite Ice Cream Sundaes 
~ Just Picked Fruit with Dipping Sauces 
~  Mini Cones of Gelato and Ice Cream

   

    Have fun with choosing your menu, make sure to try everything in advance and don't forget to eat on your big day. Bon Appetit! 

TENT Your Event

Whether you choose a tent for protection from rain and cold or you simply love the look - a tent can add a gorgeous element to your celebration. Remember that draping, lighting and flooring will dramatically change the look of your tent. There are many options in assorted colors, shapes and sizes. Just because your tent is covered, do not overlook cooling and heating. If your party or wedding is going to be held in a pretty location, consider a clear tent.  We recommend setting up your tent a day or two before your party. At Pryor Events we love planning weddings and events in tents!

 We planned a recent Wedding Celebration in this 

gorgeous white tent on the beach in Santa Monica. 

              We designed this tent at a private home in Beverly Hills   for a long time client's Birthday. Such a fun party to produce                    

We created this clear tent on the fields of Ojai Valley Inn for  

a lovely Wedding. 

Fleurish

Fleurish Brentwood - where You Fleurish

Have you ever wished you could create a gorgeous, professional looking floral arrangement? 
Now you can! Fleurish is opening on San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood this weekend
We love the new concept of Fleurish created by super talented Amy Marella of Hidden Garden.
You simply choose one of the nine kits and then the fun begins.

This is an example of one of the nine arrangements you will be able to create. You are given lovely fresh seasonal flowers, a great vessel, special tools, a step by step guide and  a custom box to transport your creation in.

Here is another beauty that you can actually put together yourself.
If you prefer to buy a pre-made arrangement you may do that as well. Fleurish will also be available for private parties and they will have floral designing classes.
Welcome to the neighborhood Fleurish. Pryor Events are big fans already.

Crostini - Barefoot Contessa

Simple and Delicious

 

Here at Pryor Events exceptional food is very important. Therefore we leave the cooking to the finest caterers and chefs around the country. Ina Garten aka The Barefoot Contessa certainly falls into that category. Below is a simple recipe from Ina that is as delicious as it looks. Enjoy!

Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

Ingredients
6 ounces good feta, crumbled
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
2/3 cup good olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons minced shallots (2 shallots)
2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
2 tablespoons good red wine vinegar
2 pounds ripe heirloom or cherry tomatoes, 1/2-inch-diced
3 tablespoons julienned fresh basil leaves, plus extra for serving
20 to 25 (1/2-inch-thick) diagonal baguette slices, toasted
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
Directions
For the whipped feta, place the feta and cream cheese in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Pulse until the cheeses are mixed. Add 1/3 cup of the olive oil, the lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and process until smooth.

For the tomatoes, up to an hour before you're serving, combine the shallots, garlic, and vinegar in a medium bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes. Whisk in the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the tomatoes, stir gently, and set aside for 10 minutes. Stir in the basil and taste for seasonings.

To assemble the crostini, spread each slice of bread with a generous amount of whipped feta. With a slotted spoon, place the tomatoes on top. Put the crostini on plates and scatter with the pine nuts. Sprinkle with extra basil and serve. Pryor Events are big fans of The Barefoot Contessa!

The Beach

The Beach

I hope you have wonderful memories of summers spent doing what you love most. I cannot imagine summer without the beach.

My best memories are of long summer days spent going in and out of the ocean. The biggest decision I had to make was which flavor popsicle to choose from the ice cream man who sold them from a big white box on his back.When I was young days involved building drippy sand castles in the  wet sand close to the water - years later I was building them with my daughter who also adored the beach. 
I will always feel just a little happier by the beach - whether it is close to home in Santa Monica, by the Atlantic Ocean on the East Coast or while on vacation on Kauai or another seaside location. Each beach has its own flavor and I have never met one I didn't like.We love summer at Pryor Events.

Flower Arranging

Flower Arranging 101

There are no rules when it comes to choosing flowers. Mix different  textures and combine the colors you love.

It can be visually appealing to mix vessels in different shapes and sizes.  Think outside the box - re-purpose vintage perfume bottles, antique urns and modern cut glass carafes. Make sure to cut the stems before placing your flowers in your chosen container.

We worked with Hidden Garden to create these vibrant centerpieces that mixed low and tall flowers. 
Pryor Events  loves flowers.

Spring Flowers

So pretty and bright for Spring. In the office of Vienna photographer Peaches and Mint. 

We love color at Pryor Events. Remember, white is a color also.

#springflowers #peachesandmint 

Farmers Market Food Tour

We recently spent a delightful afternoon on a delicious and informative tour of the Original Farmers Market.

Melting Pot Food Tours offers several tours around 

Los Angeles. Learning while sampling small tastes of food was as fun as it sounds. The tour began with a bit of interesting history on the Gilmore family -  the founders of the market. The market began in 1934. It originally included a trout fishing pond and a drive in theater. The original family still owns the farmers market and they are involved with the operations.

The Farmers Market in another era

                   Ice cream - made the old fashioned way

                                                Mini tacos from Loteria Grill- muy delicious

We sampled Brazilian meat, homemade ice cream, old fashioned donuts, delectable toffee, artisan cheese, authentic tacos and peanut butter that was so fresh it was still warm from the grinder.
Our tour guide Renee was wonderful - knowledgeable and professional yet still very warm and friendly.
We learned that 23 cultures are represented at the farmers market.
It is such a popular meeting and dining location in L A that spaces rarely become available and there is no waiting list. Often vendors in the market hear about vacancies first so a few vendors operate several locations within the market.
Pryor Events are fans of Melting Pot Food Tours. 
We are looking forward to going on another tour soon. They  also offer tours in East L. A. and Old Town Pasadena as well as private tours.

Cote in Brentwood

COTE

Guess where this is. A sun-room at a Malibu beach house or a den at a home on the Cape? 

How about a brand new fantastic nail salon in Brentwood!

The interior of the lovely flagship Cote in Brentwood

Cote offers a fun new approach to keeping your nails and toes looking great for summer. The wonderful bright and airy environment feels more like a beach cottage than a nail salon. All of the 109 shades of nail polish at Cote are completely natural. The polish is never tested on animals and is free of the toxins in most brands. That rare combination of  gorgeous and good for you. 
The colors are rich and unique.  Their polish goes on with a shine and lasts longer than most other brands on the market. Even the bottles are unique - made from Italian glass.  Cote offers manicures and pedicures and irresistible hot stone foot massages. They offer petit services for those with smaller hands and feet - children under twelve. 
Cote also sells wonderful products such as candles, scrubs, lotion and tote bags. Great gifts to stock up on or keep for yourself. Welcome to the neighborhood Cote! 
Pryor Events are definitely fans of Cote. 

Spring is here & all of us at Pryor Events are delighted.

We love these Junebug images. Colorful and fun...

Benefits of Cucumbers

Cucumbers

Originally found in India, Cucumbers are now grown all around the world. We cannot guarantee this is all true but we certainly hope so as Cucumbers are delicious.

#benefitsofcucumbers 

Award Winning Flowers

These crisp white flowers which Sherene of Wisteria Lane designed for Ellen's dressing room at The Academy Awards are perfect. Pryor Events are big fans of the work Sherene does.

We hope Ellen was lucky enough to take these home.
#Academyawardsflowers #springflowers 

Crossroads West Hollywood

I often hear people rave about restaurants only to try them and walk away disappointed with the food. Last night I had dinner at Crossroads Kitchen in West Hollywood. This wonderful restaurant did not disappoint. Chefs Tal Ronnen and Scot Jones are brilliant. 
I was impressed with the food which was seasonal and fresh and quite tasty. Each dish was appetizing and satisfying.

Crossroads specializes in Mediterranean small plates. They do wonders with vegetables. We began our meal with a velvety cauliflower bisque that was amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed the Mediterranean Vegetable pot pie which 
consisted of winter root vegetables and  porcini mushrooms topped with a delicious crust. Romanesco on a bed of sweet potatoes and black garlic pesto was loaded with flavor. The garlic had the perfect amount of spice. The artichoke puree with crispy oyster mushrooms, yellow tomato bearnaise and kelp caviar was quite tasty as well. Banana bread pudding was the perfect dessert to finish this most delicious meal. 

The drinks at Crossroads are colorful, varied and eclectic.
I am almost reluctant to mention that the entire menu is vegan as you could easily eat an entire meal here without realizing this.
Pryor Events are fans of Crossroads Kitchen.

Third and Fairfax

The original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax is one of those places you can visit often and always find something new.
It is comprised of dozens of individual stalls selling original, mouth watering delicacies from around the world. 

The Farmers Market opened in 1934 and is a historic landmark.
The same family has owned the land since 1861 and they continue to operate The Farmers Market. 

Short Cake is one of our favorites. All of their baked goods are fantastic. Their opened faced "toasts" filled with farm fresh ingredients are perfect for any meal. The cheese fondue at Monsieur Marcel is wonderful on a chilly evening. Corned beef at Magees is a must. Magees has been at the market since the very beginning. The shrimp Po'boy and the seafood gumbo at The Gumbo Pot are worth the drive. If you like Mediterranean food then you will want to try Moishes. 

This is a photo of The Farmers Market from many years ago. With the exception of the clothes, this shot could have been taken today. There is something refreshing about a place that has kept its original charm all of these years - especially in a city like L A where so many things come and go. 
Pryor Events are big fans of The original Farmers Market. 

A Good Start