Maria and Jesse 11-21-15

Banquet room set-up at Chaffey College Chino Community Center in Chino, CA.

This past Saturday, we had the honor of catering the wedding of Maria "Vivi" and Jesse at the Chaffey College Chino Community Center, a venue where we are one of the preferred vendors! We love catering weddings here, and have been doing so since 2013. One of the great things about catering events here is working with Rita Elias, the Event Coordinator at the Community Center. Before we get into the details of the delicious food for the wedding prepared by our Executive Chef, we wanted to introduce you to Rita and to the Chaffey College Chino Community Center, so you can learn some more about this wonderful venue and the amazing Rita!

Photo courtesy of Chaffey College Chino Community Center.

We interviewed Rita to learn all the details about the center, herself, the process a catering company must go through to become a preferred vendor here, and what she likes most about working with us at Lasting Memories Events and Catering!

1. Describe the Chaffey College Chino Community Center and the benefits of having an event at this location.

The Chaffey College Chino Community Center is a beautiful, contemporary event location in Chino, California. The benefits of having an event here are many! This event location allows outside catering, there are no minimums, the location is private, and it has free parking. Also, the space accommodates small and large parties, with various packages available. Clean-up is included in all packages, and events are able to be scheduled until 12:00AM.

2. How long have you been working here and what is your favorite part about your job?

I've been working here for three and a half years. I enjoy working with clients, and helping them create and then execute their special occasions.

3. How many events a year does the Chaffey College Chino Community Center hold?

We hold approximately 50 to 60 events per year.

4. Can you briefly describe the process a catering company must go through to become an approved caterer for the center?

First, we see the caterer in action and call their references. Second, paperwork is completed. Third, we collect the caterer's Certificate of Insurance. Finally, a contract is signed.

5. Do you have any words of advice for clients looking for a venue for their event?

Our venue can accommodate different types of events and we can customize packages to the client's preferences.

6. What is your favorite thing about working with our company, Lasting Memories Events & Catering?

Lasting Memories Events is wonderful! They are very professional, punctual, and the food is delicious. The staff is also very well trained and very knowledgeable.

Table set-up by Lasting Memories Events and Catering.

Now that you are more familiar with this venue and Rita, let's dive right into the delicious eats for the evening! Maria and Jesse had approximately 140 guests at their wedding, and they wanted to make sure everyone was treated to delicious food. Upon our arrival, Lasting Memories Events and Catering staff placed all chargers, napkins, silverware, water goblets, and champagne flutes at each table with care, making sure everything looked absolutely beautiful for Maria and Jesse!

Fig & Caramelized Onion Flatbread Pizza.

During cocktail hour, three appetizers were served by our staff. These appetizers included our famous BBQ Beef Meatballs, Meat Lovers Flatbread Pizza, and Fig & Caramelized Onion Flatbread Pizza. So yummy! Before the main course, the guests were served a fresh Caesar Salad. Then for dinner, the children in attendance were presented with a plate of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, french fries, and fresh fruit. As for the adult guests, they were treated to a main course of Chicken Chardonnay, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Vegetables tossed in a Pine Nut Pesto, and a soft dinner roll. Everything was very fresh and tasty!

Photo courtesy of Chaffey College Chino Community Center.

We had a great time serving Maria, Jesse, and all of the guests. We love being able to provide scrumptious food to our clients on their big day, helping to make delicious memories for them that will last a lifetime! Thank you Maria and Jesse for allowing us to be a part of your special day, and thank you to all the vendors, and the Chaffey College Chino Community Center staff. It was great working with you all.

Congratulations Maria and Jesse, and many blessings!

Maria and Jesse's ceremony space at Chaffey College Chino Community Center.

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VENDOR INFORMATION

1. Venue: Chaffey College Chino Community Center
1. Address: 5890 College Park Avenue Chino, CA 91710
2. Phone Number: (909) 652-8200 
3. Email: Rita Elias, rita.elias@chaffey.edu
2. Catering: Lasting Memories Event Planning and Catering
1. Phone Number: (951) 205-4346
2. Email: info@by-lmevents.com
3. Bar Service: Sunseri's Bar & Beverage
1. Phone Number: (800) 635-9732
2. Email: mike@sunseris.com
4. Linens: Raquel's Specialty Linens
1. Phone Number: (909) 422-0581
2. Email: raquelslinens98@yahoo.com
5. Chiavari Chair Rentals: OC Events
1. Phone Number: (714) 351-2812
6. Clean-Up/Wait Staff: A-Team Party Services
1. Phone Number: (909) 628-2877
7. DJ, Lighting, & Draping: Ultimate Music Entertainment Co. 
1. Phone Number: (800) 831-5766
2. Email: info@ultimatemusicdj.com

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Have an event or wedding coming up, and need catering, floral design, coordination, etc.? Look no further than Lasting Memories Events and Catering! Our six years of experience will help make your event a lasting memory. Our family just became yours! Email us at info@by-lmevents.com or call Adrienne at (951) 205-4346 for more information.

Visit our website at: www.eventsby-lastingmemories.com

Meet our Executive Chef!

Photo courtesy of Milisa Smith of LOVE with FLARE Photography.

Phillip Bardos is the Executive Chef of Lasting Memories Events and Catering. In this post, we are going to introduce you to Phil, and our new meal prep program, Fresh and Fit.

We interviewed Phil to learn more about him.

1. When did you first show an interest in cooking?
When I was younger, my mom was always in the kitchen. She always made dinner and we never went out to eat. I remember one night, it was make your own pizza night, and it was a lot of fun! Also, I remember watching “Great Chefs of the West” on television one night. Seeing the chefs with their tall hats and fancy words about foods I never know about, sparked an interest. I wanted to try new foods and learn about what they were talking about.

2. How long have you been cooking for, both personally and professionally?
Personally, for over 30 years. Professionally, about 6 ½ years.

3. What is your absolute favorite thing to cook?
I would have to say flat-bread pizzas because it's fun to mess around with different ingredients, especially with items you wouldn’t think of putting on a pizza normally, like stone fruit and exotic cheeses, or arugula and pomegranate seeds. Your imagination is your only limitation. Plus it tastes good, so there is that!

4. Do you have a career highlight?
We catered a wedding in Phoenix, Arizona and we had three different food stations. I literally took everything but the kitchen sink with us, and it was a decent size wedding with a fairly complicated menu. We pulled it off with just myself, my father-in-law, and an 18-year old sous chef. I learned that I can cook anything, anywhere, as long as I plan ahead.

5. What would you say is your signature style?
I like to take common food and recipes, and spice it up a bit. By “spice it up a bit”, I mean make it fancy! Presentation is key. People eat with their eyes first, and then their taste-buds.

6. What are your goals as a chef?
I would like to refine my skills. I would like to go back to school, and refine those basic skills, such as making mother sauces, working on my knife skills, etc. But ultimately, I would like to build a legacy for my children and my family through the business.

7. What is one thing you would want a client to know before picking a chef/and or food for their event?
It's important for clients to have a chef that is willing to accommodate their tastes, and can change the menu to meet their expectations. We can all stick to menus, but in the end, it's cool to sit down, talk with the chef, and discuss what your favorite food items are at restaurants you typically go to or what you eat at home, and then have the chef create a menu to your tastes. It's your day, so you need to be happy.

Fresh & Fit Meal Prep by Lasting Memories Events & Catering.

Now that you are more familiar with Phil, we will share with you a glimpse into one of his days preparing food for Fresh and Fit. When we interviewed Phil earlier, he stated that his inspiration behind the program came from the gym he attends. He stated:

"I go into the gym and see people work out for hours, only to reach plateaus in their fitness goals. It all comes down to the diet you keep when you leave. My love for cooking, along with a healthy approach to food, led to the decision to start the program. Most of the meal prep you see now is bland and lacks creativity. It’s so easy to take a normally unhealthy option, and make it healthier, while tasting so much better at the same time."

Clockwise from top left: Steak Salad, Thai Turkey Burger, and Roasted Lemon Sage Chicken Breast. 

The meal prep process begins when Phil goes to the local stores and sees what items are fresh, local, and currently in season. He never buys anything frozen, processed, or boxed, so what you are getting is wholesome, fresh foods. Phil stated that is why they deliver a few times a week, because he wants to make sure you are getting the absolute best and fresh flavors! After shopping, Phil creates a weekly menu based on the fresh items purchased and gets working.

Look at those knife skills!

Once in the kitchen, Phil starts cleaning and prepping all the food. Each item is handled with care and is meticulously prepped to Phil's high standards. Once everything is ready, Phil begins cooking, filling the kitchen with wonderful aromas that make your mouth salivate.

Baked acorn squash, fresh out of the oven!

After everything has been cooked, he begins assembling each item into meal containers, making sure the presentation is just as wonderful as the taste. Once everything is assembled, your delicious food is delivered straight to your doorstep in a cooler bag for convenience.

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Phil and learning all about Fresh and Fit! Interested in ordering our Stuffed Acorn Squash, the Napoleon of Grilled Vegetables, or any of the other delicious meals seen in this blog? Check out Fresh and Fit Meal Prep on our website, and make sure you get your order in by this Friday through our Market Place! Remember, whether you are focused on clean eating or just have a desire to start eating healthier, our high protein, low carb meal preparation can help elevate your goals.

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Have an event or wedding coming up, and need catering, floral design, coordination, etc.? Look no further than Lasting Memories Events and Catering! Our six years of experience will help make your event a lasting memory. Our family just became yours! Email us at info@by-lmevents.com or call Adrienne at (951) 205-4346 for more information.

Visit our website at: www.eventsby-lastingmemories.com

Check out Fresh and Fit at: http://www.eventsby-lastingmemories.com/fresh-and-fit-meal-prep/

Surprise Birthday Party 11-14-15

Vivian's Fiesta-Themed Surprise Birthday Party Set-Up.

One thing we at Lasting Memories Events and Catering aim to due is make a personal connection with out clients. This focus on connecting beyond a professional level has lead us to repeat customers. Case in point, this past Saturday, November 14th, we had the honor of planning and catering Vivian's 60th surprise birthday party. A few years ago, we met her in-laws while planning and catering their wedding, and then this October, we catered her father-in-law's surprise party. Now it was Vivian's turn, and her husband Randy really wanted a special evening for his wife, so a fun, vibrant Fiesta Theme was picked. Vivian sure was surprised when she pulled up to the house and saw everyone waiting just for her!

Cocktail Table Set-Up.

Papel Picado.

Round Table Set-Up.

For decorations, we wanted to incorporate bright colors that would evoke that fiesta-feel. Serape table runners, Papel Picado banners, and Chayo's Flowers were purchased from Amols' Fiesta Party Supplies. Their wide selection of Mexican Party Supplies made choosing decorations so simple and we loved what we picked! We added some candles to the cocktail tables and potted succulents to the round tables, just for some more fiesta-themed fun. Lights were strung across the backyard as well to provide a more intimate atmosphere. A dance floor was even ordered from A&H Rents, Inc. and DJ Morgan from Local Boy DJ provided tunes for the evening. People were dancing well into the night!

Buffet Table Set-Up.

Now, no fiesta-themed party would be complete without some delicious food! An appetizers approach was picked for this event, and the wide-variety of options was a hit among the guests. Two buffets, along with two servers, were used to let the guests sample our food at their leisure.

Our famous BBQ Beef Meatballs.

The cold appetizers included:

• Chips with Red, Green, and Mango Salsas.
• Assorted Seasonal Fresh Fruits.
• Assorted Fresh Vegetables with a Ranch Dipping Sauce.
• Charcuterie Platter, with Assorted Meats, Cheeses, and Crackers.

As for the warm appetizers, these included:

• Mini Shrimp Taqutios with Mango Salsa.
• BBQ Beef Meatballs.
• Mini Pulled Pork Sliders, topped with Homemade Coleslaw and a Spicy Pickle.
• Coconut Shrimp with a Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce.

Everyone loved all the food, with the Coconut Shrimp and BBQ Beef Meatballs being a huge smash.

    

Mini Rice Puddings.

To end the night, an assortment of Hispanic inspired desserts were served, and again were served buffet style, so the guests could try as many as they liked!

The desserts included:

• Mini Rice Puddings.
• Assorted Mini Cheesecakes.
• Mini Flan.
• Mini Churros.
• Assorted Mexican Candies.
• Coffee and Mexican Hot Chocolate.

Again, the desserts were a success, with the Mini Flan and Mini Churros standing out as a crowd favorites.

Gold Candle, Colorful Mini Serapes, and Potted Succulent Table Decor.

This was a very fun event for us and we were so happy to be reunited with this wonderful family again to help make Vivian's day a special one. We can't wait for the next event we will celebrate with this amazing family! 

Happy birthday, Vivian, and many blessings!

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Have an event or wedding coming up, and need catering, floral design, coordination, etc.? Look no further than Lasting Memories Events and Catering! Our six years of experience will help make your event a lasting memory. Our family just became yours! Email us at info@by-lmevents.com or call Adrienne at (951) 205-4346 for more information.

Visit our website at: www.eventsby-lastingmemories.com

Kristen and Bruce 11-7-15

Picture courtesy of Wheeland Photography.

I just love my job! Each event we are a part of, I realize how blessed I truly am. About a week ago I had the opportunity to set up the flowers for one of our brides. Kristen and I met over a year ago when she wad the maid-of-honor in another wedding we handled, that of Natalie and Ronnie! Kristen was such a sweetheart and great maid-of-honor, taking such great care of Natalie.

Now it was her turn to have a day of celebration. Kristen and Bruce were married at Tivoli Too! This is a great location in Laguna Beach, just a few blocks from the beach and nestled against the hills.

The couple spent their morning getting ready at The Inn at Laguna Beach, right next to the water. This is also where they did a first look with their AMAZING photographer Janet Wheeland. Janet and I also worked together on Natalie and Ronnie's wedding. I just LOVE HER! She captured all of these great moments throughout the day and highlighted our florals just perfectly!

Picture courtesy of Wheeland Photography.

Picture courtesy of Wheeland Photography.

Picture courtesy of Wheeland Photography.

I think the most touching honor for the day for both myself and my mom Sandi, our Executive Florist, was this picture I received from Kristen the next day. She had taken her bouquet to visit her grandma at the cemetery. Recently, losing my own grandma last year, this really touched my heart because Kristen was able to share this beautiful day with her grandma.

Picture courtesy of Kristen Maahs-Kolberg.

Thank you to my grandma, who passed down the creative traits to my mother, and to my aunt, who truly inspires me with each event to create lasting memories for every client!

Congrats Kristen and Bruce and many blessings for years to come!

Picture courtesy of Wheeland Photography.

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Vendor Information

1. Wedding/Venue Coordinator: Ashley Monge & Dulce Flores from Tivoli Too!
• Phone Number: (949) 494-6044
• Email: weddings@tivoli-too.com
2. Bridal Attendant/Assistant: Windy TeVelde
• Phone Number: (909) 557-8049
• Email: windy.lamela@gmail.com
3. Florist: Sandi Hardman and Adrienne Bardos from Lasting Memories Events
• Phone Number: (951) 205-4346
• Email: info@by-lmevents.com
4. Band/DJ: Larry Wohram from Diamond DJ's Entertainment
• Phone Number: (949) 433-8709
• Email: larry@diamonddjsentertainment.com
5. Catering: Tivoli Too!
• Phone Number: (949) 494-6044
• Email: weddings@tivoli-too.com
6. Cake: Tivoli Too!
• Phone Number: (949) 494-6044
• Email: weddings@tivoli-too.com
7. Makeup: Tracy Chase from Tracy Chase Makeup
• Phone Number: (714) 931-7925
• Email: tracy@tracychasela.com
8. Hair: Tonya Wilmeth
• Phone Number: (714) 392-0655
• Email: tonya_wilmeth@sbsglobal.net
9. Photography: Janet Wheeland of Wheeland Photography
• Phone Number: (949) 798-9585
• Email: janet@wheelandphotography.com
10. Invitations: Janet Wheeland of Wheeland Photography
• Phone Number: (949) 798-9585
• Email: janet@wheelandphotography.com
11. Other Vendors: Mark Wilkins
• Email: montgomery.wilkins@gmail.com

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Have an event or wedding coming up, and need catering, floral design, coordination, etc.? Look no further than Lasting Memories Events and Catering! Our six years of experience will help make your event a lasting memory. Our family just became yours! Email us at info@by-lmevents.com or call Adrienne at (951) 205-4346 for more information.

Visit our website at: www.eventsby-lastingmemories.com

Meet Our Executive Florist!

Sandi Hardman of Lasting Memories Events and Catering

Sandi Hardman is the Executive Florist of Floral Memories, one of the many facets of our company, Lasting Memories Events and Catering. In this post, we would like to introduce you to Sandi and give you a glimpse into one of her days, so you can see how she makes her beautiful floral arrangements!

With over 35 years of experience, Sandi became a floral designer right out of high school and began doing weddings around the same time. Her decision to become a floral designer was influenced by her mother, who always had a creative side and used flowers for any family gathering or special event she was hosting. Sandi and her husband, Rob Hardman, also always visit Botanical Gardens or places like Roger’s Garden in Corona Del Mar in their spare time. Her love of flowers made the decision of becoming a floral designer that much easier.

We interviewed Sandi further to learn a little bit more about her.

1. What is your favorite part of floral design?

My favorite part is having the ability to take a bride’s original idea, elaborate on it, and then watch their eyes light up when we deliver the flowers to them.

2. Do you have a favorite flower?

My favorite fragrance flower would be freesias. My favorite garden flower would be gardenias. Overall though, my most favorite flowers are alstroemerias.

3. Do you have a career highlight?

I love being able to use my talents to help my children and grandchildren with items like fundraisers. I also enjoying helping my family and friends with those moments in their lives where flowers brighten their day.

4. What is the most extravagant floral design piece you have ever created?

We did a large wedding at the San Diego Bayfront Hilton that required a lot of flowers. All the employees of the hotel shared that they had never seen anything like we did. It was really special.

5. What would you say is your signature style?

My signature style would be utilizing any budget and turning it into a dream come true. I can take a little bit of money and turn it into a lot!

6. What are your goals as a floral designer?

I would love to pass this onto the next generation and make Floral Memories a legacy. I want to share the passion of floral design with my grandchildren and have them carry on the business.

7. What is one thing you want an engaged couple to know before picking flowers and/or a florist?

It’s your one day to do something totally different, to be creative, and to incorporate family memories that will make your event special, so don’t hold back with your floral arrangements. Just like our tag line says, we want to help every client turn their dreams into lasting memories!

Now that you are more familiar with Sandi, we will share with you a little look into what goes into making one of her gorgeous centerpieces. The centerpiece below was for a wedding on Saturday, November 7th, at Tivoli Too! in Laguna Beach, CA. The bride’s theme was inspired by peacock feathers, so greens, teals, and purples were the colors.

Peacock Feather Inspired Lantern Centerpiece.

Sandi’s process begins with meeting with the bride and groom to learn what they are looking for. After adding in some of her own personal touches, Sandi creates a proposal for the couple and once approved, orders flowers from Mayesh.

Mayesh Wholesale Florist, Inc.

Our order!

When the flowers come in, she goes to Mayesh and reviews everything to make sure they meet her standards. Then, she takes a look at the other flowers for sale to make sure she gets only the best for her clients. Also, the flowers there are beautiful, so she likes to take some time to “stop and smell the roses” you could say.

Beautiful roses.

After getting the flowers home, Sandi collects all the materials she needs and views the floral inventory again to visualize which flowers will go best in each arrangement. She then begins to clean the flowers of any imperfections and gets them ready to be put in an arrangement. Sandi quick tip #1: warm, not cold or hot, water is best for keeping flowers alive!

Look at all those flowers!

Lanterns for the arrangements.

Oasis Flower Foam.

Once the flowers are groomed, (for these particular lantern arrangements) Sandi places wet Oasis Flower Foam in the bottom of the lanterns and then begins cutting flowers to fill up the space. She always takes her time on the first centerpiece she makes because she wants to see the best way the flowers will work together. Once the first centerpiece is complete, Sandi gets to work on creating all the other beautiful arrangements. Sandi quick tip #2: having each arrangement be slightly different is okay because it is visually very appealing and interesting!

Peacock Feather Inspired Lantern Centerpiece.

The floral arrangements are all delivered on the day of the wedding by our staff and then placed at the venue with care, helping to make the bride and groom’s special day that much better.

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Sandi and seeing the care she puts into each and every wedding she does. Remember, we at Lasting Memories Events want to help every client turn their dreams into lasting memories!

Square Peacock Feather Inspired Floral Arrangement.

Peacock Feather Inspired Lantern Floral Arrangement.

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Have an event or wedding coming up, and need catering, floral design, coordination, etc.? Look no further than Lasting Memories Events and Catering! Our six years of experience will help make your event a lasting memory. Our family just became yours! Email us at info@by-lmevents.com or call Adrienne at (951) 205-4346 for more information.

Visit our website at: www.eventsby-lastingmemories.com