Peak Events

Arizona Destination Weddings

2011-11-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking about an Arizona Destination Wedding? How important is Photography?

When choosing to have a Northern Arizona Wedding, brides usually factor in the incredible scenery as a back drop for photography. Let’s face it, between a Grand Canyon Wedding, Flagstaff, or Sedona Wedding; there are some award winning scenic locations. How could anyone mess up a picture with those beautiful mountains or red rocks as a setting? It does happen.

However, we have yet to see it happen, with the top notch photographers we work with as Arizona Wedding Consultants shooting Flagstaff or Sedona Weddings. What is the trick? It is nice to capture the Sedona Red Rocks in a photo but let’s not forget to feature the bride. A skilled and experienced photographer specializes in just that. They are experienced in shooting the outdoors while still capturing the individual moments and people.

They are used to working with the Northern Arizona elements and lighting while still getting the best angles and capturing the perfect moments. All of this while making you look great. The type of professional cameras and equipment they use are capable of capturing perfect shots that a common camera just cannot do.

Still thinking about having Uncle Bob with his digital camera take that winning shot of the back of your head leaning over to fix your shoe?

You are probably thinking about the cost. While photography cost can be 10% (or more) of your total budget, you need to look at your priorities. How important is it to have incredible pictures of your most important day ever? Remember, you will hold on to these special pictures your entire life.

Photo by Wedding Guest

Photo by Melissa Dunstan Photography

There is a range of prices and services offered when choosing a photographer for a Northern Arizona Wedding. Peak Events specializes in helping you find the perfect photographer as well as other vendors in your price range. It is our pleasure to guide you through this process in planning these details. We love what we do and look forward to working with you to help plan your Arizona Destination Wedding.

Voted Best in Flagstaff two years in a row, Peak Events specializes in Arizona Event and Wedding Planning.

Sally

Northern Arizona Wedding, July 2011

2011-11-09T13:38:00.001-07:00

Imagine getting married at a one hundred year old trading post. That’s what Jessica and Gerald did on July 23rd along with 100 of their friends and family members. The sky was a vibrant blue and formed a perfect backdrop for the red sandstone buildings and pathway. The garden flowers were in bloom and the wedding was picturesque as the music began and the couple pledged their love to one another. The applause that ensued after the wedding kiss, promised to send the couple off into their future with love and support from all those present.

Weddings in Northern Arizona are special and there are so many unique places to have a wedding. I am often asked where we do the most weddings and my answer is always the same – anywhere outside. Brides and Grooms are drawn to the historical uniqueness of a trading post and the spectacular beauty of the Grand Canyon. They come to Flagstaff for the forest surroundings, something most people don’t realize exists in Arizona, and they come for the over 288 days of sunshine. Northern Arizona is the perfect place for a destination wedding; your picks for locations are as varied as it comes. Trading Posts, the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, San Francisco Peaks, Sedona and of course Flagstaff offers everything a bride and groom could want.

Jessica and Gerald wanted a location that reflected their love of Arizona and their connection to history. Jessica chose brown and sage green as her colors and her bridesmaids were beautiful as they walked down the aisle dressed in brown dresses with sage sashes and then she reversed the colors for her Maid of Honor. At the reception, she threw in the color pink to add to the fun summer playfulness of the wedding.

Our July 23rd wedding was a wonderful reminder of all the great places in Northern Arizona that I’ve passed by a million times and all it takes is one stop to take the time and witness the abundance of beauty and grandeur.

Debbi

Vendors

Venue & Reception: Cameron Trading Post and Tuba City High School

Event Planner: Peak Events

Floral: Flagstaff Floral

Catering: Main Street Catering

Cake Designer: Family Friend

Entertainment: Family Friend

Photography: SJA Studios

Winter White Weddings

2011-10-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

Any brides out there that love Flagstaff and have thought about having a winter wedding in Northern Arizona but still have doubts and questions?

Don’t rule out a Northern Arizona Wedding in the winter. Imagine photos with the snow Cap Mountains as a back drop or even a snow covered ground with the mountains behind to set the scene for your beautiful special day!

We can help you plan a simple affordable and even last minute wedding for the 2011-2012 winter seasons. You can have a Grand Canyon or Flagstaff Wedding for a fraction of the cost when choosing a date that is not during high season. Don’t forget a Sedona Destination Wedding this winter. The weather is perfect and mild during the winter months

At Peak Events we are here as your Northern Arizona Wedding Consultants to connect you with the vendors offering amazing deals for winter weddings. There are some beautiful ceremony and reception sites lodge or formal style that would love to host you this season for your special day.

Whether you live in Northern Arizona or just love it as a location for a destination wedding, contact us today to discuss some of the options available. There are some beautiful places to choose from. You can keep it small and quaint with a small guest list or have a large celebration.

Voted Best in Flagstaff the last two years in a row, Peak Events specializes in working with each individual to create your best day ever!

Photos provided by Cameron Kelly Studios

Flagstaff Oktoberfest

2011-10-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

“Oktoberfest war ein Hit!”

In case you don’t speak or read German… the title means Oktoberfest was a hit! I really hope that you all got to experience such a fun day, but in case you didn’t here is what you have to look forward to…
Last year was my first experience with Flagstaff Oktoberfest and I was stationed at the Volunteer Check-in. I think sitting on the sidelines like that really benefited me for running in this year because then I was able to take in all the areas of the event and see, from an attendee’s perspective, what worked and what didn’t.

This year was whole different ballgame. I was off the sidelines and on the field! I really got a taste of what it is to put on citywide event in Flagstaff. Just as any event does, you have to start with the cold-calls and sponsors. I have done this in Scottsdale before and well, lets just say that Flagstaff people are a lot “friendlier” when it comes to asking for sponsors and donations! It was nice to get to talk with community businesses and promote Oktoberfest along the way. It was also really fun doing the city walk and getting to figure out which ways we could save money and planning the layout, and flow, of the event.

Some plenty of phone calls and emails later came the day of the event. All of our planning and strategizing was ready to be put into action! Since I couldn’t sleep (literally felt like Christmas morning) I arrived at the event site at 7am. From there it was set up, directing vendors in, keeping people out and overall making sure things were running smoothly. Jen, Debbi and I all sort of have a way of keeping each other on some sane-normal level. (Something that is very important with your event staff team!) The whole event was a blast, from set up to take down. It was great seeing so any of my NAU peers there and having a blast with their beer games! I hope that next year there are even more NAU students there and an even bigger attendance!
There were vendors, awesome food (that kept you craving all day even if you were full), delicious beer (so I heard), great music to bop to and a lot of fun games, prizes and people watching! If you like a lot of fun on a beautiful Saturday then this is the event to clear your calendar for! Hope to see you next year at Oktoberfest!
Belle

Brides on a Budget

2011-10-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

Are you one of those brides that wants a special wedding but are feeling financially challenged? Luckily, you are not the only one. It is possible for you to celebrate your special day without having to make your own dress and have the reception at your Grandma’s home.

The good news is that weddings have changed over the years. The current trend is creating a wedding that is perfect for you. This means one that fits YOUR budget.

The average budget for a bride in America is around 25,000. That sounds like a lot. You can do it for a lot less. There are 15 basic categories to think about when planning a wedding.

When determining your budget, don’t forget to add enough to include tax and tips.

Take a look at these categories and start thinking about your priorities:

1. Ceremony

2. Reception

3. Photography

4. Videography

5. Stationary

6. Wedding Attire

7. Music

8. Bakery

9. Flowers

10. Decorations

11. Transportation

12. Rental Items

13. Gifts

14. Parties

15. Miscellaneous ( Marriage license, Gown preservation, Wedding Consulting)

Peak Events is working hard to get you the best prices on vendors and offering you creative solutions for cutting costs. This month we are focusing on the first two categories that are crucial in planning your perfect Wedding day. Let’s face it, the actual site where you get married is up there on the list for important features when setting the stage for that perfect day.

Typically, a large part of your budget will go to the reception site and food. This can be close to 40% of the Wedding cost compared to the ceremony which should be around 5%.

Do you want an outdoor wedding? Why not choose a location where you can have your ceremony and reception at the same place? This will save money, time and energy. The best part is your out of town guests do not have to drive across the city. Worried about inclement weather? Choose a location that offers a back up indoor or covered spot for your piece of mind. There are several places in and around Flagstaff that offer affordable sites for $1500 or less. This does not include food. You can decorate yourself and even bring your own caterer. Don’t be scared away by a location that has simple décor. There are affordable tricks for dressing up a place. Do your guests really care about the granite princess sculpture in the front of some lobby you are paying a premium for? The point is that the day and location should reflect who YOU are. Peak Events will continue to cover and work with local vendors offering the best deals. Feel free to contact us to learn more.

Sally

Introducing our new Wedding Planner…

2011-10-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome Everyone! I am thrilled to be part of the Peak Events team here in Northern Arizona. I love living and working here. My journey as an event planner began in 1978 when I coordinated ski vacations for teenagers. My intention at the time was purely selfish. I thought my family was the only one in my town that did not know how to ski. If I coordinated and planned the trips for 25 people or more, I would ski and vacation for free. The most important thing for me was that I learned how to ski.

I loved the planning and organizing aspect of the trips. I loved making the flyers, securing the dates, travel, meals, accommodations and ski packages. It never crossed my mind I would be doing this for a living 30 years later.

I went on to college to study Psychology and Early Childhood Education. I still continued working events through graduate school. I worked for three different caterers and especially gravitated towards the tailored events and private parties. I was a DJ for many parties. I organized and led freshman and transfer orientation for the first week of school 3 years in a row. We organized events for up to 1000 students.

After I landed my first teaching job in New York I still continued working events on the weekends through the 1980s. I always loved it. I just never considered doing it full time.

After years of living in New York and Boston, I moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1998, I took my first job as a Wedding Coordinator. I was also working as a Youth Education Director during the week since most weddings were on the weekends. After 6 years and 250 weddings later, I moved to Tucson, Arizona when my husband took a new job teaching Business at the University of Arizona.

I worked for the Tucson Botanical Garden coordinating Weddings and other events until we moved to Sedona with my three children in 2009. I continued doing social work mostly on the reservations until recently.

I have finally come to accept the importance of doing what you love. I am dedicating myself full time to planning events and weddings because it is so fun and it is what I love to do. I am also trained to assist in childbirth and hospice. Although I really hope those skills don’t come in handy at my events.

When I am not working, I am spending time with my family, gardening, traveling, dancing, or hiking some of Northern Arizona’s incredible trails.

I look forward to working with you and learning more about your special day and how we can make that a reality. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Sally
sally@peakeventsaz.com

Throwing a Dinner Party

2011-08-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

Oh my! Where or where did my summer go? Well…….. there were the weddings, the events, the dinners, the fundraisers oh and ……. It’s AUGUST???? Not only is it August, but it’s halfway through August! I saw a client yesterday who reminded me I needed to block off her birthday in April. Is time really flying THAT fast?? Just to be sure – I blocked off her birthday and she’s on the books. What I’ve discovered is that some things in life are just true. 1. If you want a clean house – throw a party, 2. If you want time to stand still take a spinning class and 3. If you want to be a guest at your own party – hire Peak Events!

I held a dinner party for a friend of mine last week and was once again surprised by everyone’s response – WHERE DO YOU FIND THE TIME? Now in all honesty, finding time to throw a dinner party is something that everyone can do. It’s all in the planning. I start each year with an idea of the parties I plan to throw and then try to come up with “themes” for them all. After all, what fun is party if you’ve gone to the same one year after year? Themes may come across as intimidating, but it can be as simple as a decorating theme or a food theme. Once you have an idea of how you want things to look or taste – the rest just falls into place. For instance – this last party was a garden birthday party. I looked at my linens (I’m always on the lookout for good linens), and then went on the softer side - pinks, blues, floral. Once I had the linens dialed in, I started to think about what foods would compliment a “garden” feel and there it was staring me right in the face with my vegetable garden. I planned a very easy bar with white and red wine, and a few beers to satisfy the non wine drinkers iced down in a metal tub and the within an hour, I had the backyard set up, draped with linens and everything ready for people to enjoy.

Parties are what we do. We can do a small simple backyard soirée, or a large family reunion and through it all we can make sure you’re not stressed and enjoying your own party. I realize that summer is just about over and with that the outside parties I LOVE, but very soon the holidays will be arriving and if you have always wanted to host the perfect party, but feel as though you might not have the time – call Peak Events. We’ll make your holidays worth celebrating.

Blessings!

Debbi

Themed Events

2011-07-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

Themed events can be so much fun, I feel like the hardest part is choosing a theme! The possibilities are endless. So once you’ve decided on a theme or if you can’t seem to pick just one, go online for ideas, then it’s time to start planning your party! This might sound redundant but once you’ve picked your theme, you’ll need to incorporate this theme throughout your event. Invitations, decorations, food, drinks and event costumes if you choose to have your guests dress up. You want your guests to be wowed by your theme from the moment they open their invitation. We recently threw a baby shower, we had the invitations hand made to look like little pink onesies and then we incorporated the baby’s bedding into the design of the invitation as well. The next step is to wow your guests when they walk through the doors of your event venue. I saw event venue because it could be anywhere! While your guests received your invitation weeks ago, they need to be reminded and wowed the moment they walk in the door. But don’t stop there, make this them flow through the entire event. The decorations and the table setting. If you’re having a formal dinner then do a great centerpiece, linens and place holders. If it’s more casual just skip the large centerpiece and place cards. Just because you’re not sitting down for dinner doesn’t mean you should skimp on your table decorations. The music should also be carried out in your theme. Will you be having games or contest? Just remember to keep them in your party theme!

There is so much more we could go into but why when you can call the Peak Events Team?

Give us a call today for your free consultation today! 928-606-7600

Grand Openings

2011-06-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

Grand openings are a great way to people excited about your business. Whether your business is old or new, a grand opening or a grand re-opening is a great way to spread the word about your business while also showing your potential new customers that you care.

We have helped with the opening of Flagstaff Ranch over the Fourth of July 2001. We had a BBQ picnic which included live music, hay rides, free food and drinks. Everything was decorated in Red and Blue with lots of stars and stripes. It was a very fun day and we knew our clients enjoyed it as well. Flagstaff Ranch not only wanted to welcome Flagstaff to its newest private club and golf club but to show that they cared about the community.

We also helped First State Bank with a grand opening. This event was a Hawaiian themed event. Again we had live music, great decorations, free food and drinks. It was a great turn out and again the client was very happy.

When Findlay Volkswagen came to Flagstaff, they knew they wanted to have a Grand Opening party. Over 200 people attended and enjoyed a local polka band, free food and drinks. At one point the VW staff jumped in and did the chicken dance. While Grand Openings are fun parties it’s also a great way to showcase you business.

During the Flagstaff Ranch Grand Opening, staff members were giving tours and showing properties for sale. At the First State Bank Grand Opening, their staff was busy inside signing up new customers. At the Volkswagen opening employees were busing showing all the new VW models and scheduling test drives.

Still not convinced a Grand Opening is for you? Call Peak Events to schedule your free consultation today!

Jennifer

Event Marketing

2011-06-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

Event Marketing is always changing, and not all event marketing is for every event. Before you being any event marketing campaign you need to know your audience and the best ways to reach them. Not only is event marketing constantly changing but there are so many ways to market an event.

You’ve got print which could mean newspapers, magazines, flyers, banners or posters. I’ve even seen car magnets advertising events. TV commercials, TV interviews, giveaways on TV. Radio Commercials, radio interviews, radio giveaways. Street teams can be very helpful when promoting events. Then you have social media and online marketing. Website banner ads, online social calendars and that’s just the beginning. I’m sure you know that social media is growing every day. What you might not know is that Facebook advertising can be very targeted, even down to what interests someone has. Not only can you set up a Facebook page, but you can have an event page and ads. You can utilize twitter the day of you r event and create a new hashtag so it’s easier for people to follow you. Then you can send out specials, deals or giveaways for the event as well.

Always being engaged with your audience before and during your event is key!

If you would like to sit down and discuss any of these event marketing tools, please feel free to call Jennifer @ 928-606-7600

Birthdays

2011-06-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Birthdays are a celebration of your life, and they should be celebrated!

When planning a birthday party, you should keep the person whom your celebrating in mind. Would they want a large celebration or an intimate one? Should you look for a band or DJ? Will there be a fun theme? When and where will the party be? You should keep in mind your guest list, can the venue accommodate all the people? Will you need to rent tables and chairs? How will you inform your guests of the party? Invitations, Evite, word of mouth? Who will provide the food and drinks? You’ve also got to consider linens, centerpieces, etc. Will you have a cake?

Birthday parties can be so much fun, but if you’d like some help planning or executing your next birthday bash, please call Peak Events. We have experience with kids birthday parties, milestone birthday parties and everything in between. We can help with every aspect of your party so you can enjoy it along with your guests.

Jennifer

Peakcocks and Bling!

2011-06-14T13:46:00.001-07:00

On March 12, 2011, Talani Wilson became Mrs. Maurice Rowe at Flagstaff Ranch. I had so much fun on this wedding and it turned out to be absolutely beautiful. I first met Talani and her mother Diana on October 2nd. We met quickly before Flagstaff Oktoberfest and they decided to hire us on the spot. I was excited about this wedding because I’d never done a peacock wedding and it was a challenge to find that line between too much and not enough. Anyone who’s been to one of my weddings knows I try to design from less is more. So, how did we make this wedding so beautiful while honoring the Peacock theme and having a bride who loves bling?

We started with the room design. Flagstaff Ranch has a beautiful set up for weddings, a perfect area for a buffet, a great area for cocktail hour and a great dance floor. The décor at Flagstaff Ranch can be a bit heavy with wooden tables, chairs and trim – we decided to put all those tables and chairs outside on the covered patio and bring in the event chairs that we could cover. Talani’s colors were peacock of course, but we narrowed in on a beautiful blue. We covered the tables and chairs with black lamour and then brightened it up with blue chair ties and napkins.

Our next design element consisted of flowers. In case you’re not aware – there aren’t many blue flowers. The blue delphinium is basically it, unless you’re willing to spray paint your flowers, which – may look really cool in the magazine, but in person, they look exactly as you’d expect, spray painted – plus, it dries them out something fierce and who needs more drying in Flagstaff? Talani loves Calla Lilies, which was beautiful to work into a design. White calla lilies with crystals, green and blue accent flowers, and the peacock eye feathers against the black tablecloth popped and allowed the Peacock to be a beautiful accent instead of an overpowering presence. Also on the tables, we placed origami peacock paper candy boxes engraved from lmk-gifts.com. Again, bringing in the peacock without the wedding going to the birds!

Talani and Maurice decided to go with cupcakes, with a cake on top for the cutting ceremony. Flagstaff Ranch staff delivered plated cupcakes to the guests and everyone was treated to the delicious creations of Beautiful Leaf Bakery. For a cake topper, the couple decided to go with a peacock also from lmk-gifts.com that sat atop the cake, allowing for the feathers to drape down the tower of cupcakes.

Chef Doug from Flagstaff Ranch, did a fantastic job on the food, delicious as always and the wait and bar staff are some of the best in town.

Having friends who are DJs is helpful when you’re planning a wedding – Kip and Bill did a great job of making sure the event flowed flawlessly, and provided great music at the ceremony and the reception.

It was a great time and at the end of the evening, when Talani and Maurice got into their limo to leave, both were smiling and ready to start their married life together.

Debbi

Vendors

Venue & Reception: Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club

Event Planner: Peak Events

Floral: Sutcliffe Floral

Cake Designer: Beautiful Leaf Bakery

Entertainment: Family Friend

Photography: Kristen Lynn Photography

Kristen Daulton Photography

2011-06-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

Interview with Kristen Daulton from Kristin Daulton Photography.

How long have you been a photographer?

I started photographing in 2001, so 10 years.

How did you get started in Photography?

My Dad gave me his Pentax 35mm for a photography class I wanted to take my 1st yearr in college. Hooked every since.

What is your favorite wedding or event you photographed?

I love all of the events I photograph, but I think my favorite was last April in Spokane WA because I got to travel & see so many different locations.

What is your favorite Northern Arizona location to use as a background?

Anything with the San Fransisco Peaks...they are breath taking!

What is one tip you can give brides?

Relax and have fun....let everyone else worry for you for the day.

You can reach Kristen at kristendaulton@yahoo.com

Phoenix Blues Society

2011-06-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Interview with Kyle from the Phoenix Blues Society

How long have you been involved with the Phoenix Blues Society?
Nine Years.
What is your most memorable show?
Probably the 2008 Blues Blast with Walter Trout, Deanna Bogart, Harper, Eden Brent, Delta Highway, Big Daddy D & the Dynamites and Soulcatcher.

What is the most challenging thing about promoting blues?
Attracting a younger audience to the Blues. A number of the elder statesman of the Blues are passing away and while new stars are coming along to take their place, we still need to attract a new, younger audience.

Who is the new and upcoming star?
The band Trampled Under Foot and Joanne Shaw Taylor are two that come to mind.
What is your dream lineup?
The 2011 Blues Blast was pretty close with the Tommy Castro Band, Deanna Bogart and Trampled Under Foot. I'd throw Eden Brent into the mix and Bettye Lavette. That would work.

Kyle has been President of the Phoenix Blues Society now for 6 years and has been involved with the Blues Foundation for 9 years. He is part of the writing team for BluesBytes that won a Keeping the Blues Alive Award from the Blues Foundation for Internet content and volunteers extensively at the national level for the past 7 years.

Plus Event Services

2011-05-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Interview with Bob Lopez who is with Plus Event Services.

How long have you been in the special event industry?
I have been in the Special event industry for 25 years. I started as a set up and driver and also filled positions in the industry as a operations manager, tenting department manager, general manager and have worked in the sales department in both two of the largest special event companies in the valley. (Classic and Proem)

Why did you start Plus Event Services?
I was inspired by the book Rich Dad Poor Dad and was in search for a method to teach young people about special events and the value of hard work. One of my clients was hosting an event that needed after the event cleaning and I made the suggestion to hire some high school kids to do the clean up. He asked if I had any kids and I said sure and that is how we got started. We started Plus events as a high school project in 2005. Plus Event Services has since branched off as a full service Special Event company specializing in logistical planning, tents , tables, chairs, linens, and various special event equipment rentals.

What is your most memorable Event?
Over the last 25 years I have seen a lot, fiesta bowl, PIR, NFL Experience Super bowl(Glendale Arizona), Scottsdale Fashion week, Bike Week, Country Thunder, Russo Steel Auto Auction excetrera. But I would have to say the most memorable event was for The Make a wish foundation for a 15 year old girl who had leukemia. My role was to help transform a church gymnasium in to a ball room so she could have the experience of going to the prom. Plus donated our time labor and provided the equipment to make this wish come true. I always ask myself and others in the industry when do we have the opportunity to use our talents for the happiness of others. This is a very key component and is at the heart of Plus Event Services.

What is the most requested rental item?
As far as the most requested rental item I would have to say is the basics of the industry. Tables and chairs. With the economy being what it is it boils down to simple elegance and over the years this is what has worked best in any economy.

Why do you love being in the special event industry?
Why I love this industry? I don’t know. I think you have to be crazy to work in this industry but I think for me it is making the impossible possible in the eyes of every client. To provide possibilities and as many options to clients and to set the foundation and the stage for people to enjoy themselves is what makes me happy.

Bob Lopez
Event Rental Specialist
Plus Event Services
Tel:480-263-1115
e-mail: bob@plus-event-services.com
web: www.plus-event-services.com

Sutcliffe Floral

2011-05-17T13:45:00.001-07:00

Interview with Kelly Tulloss with Sutcliffe Floral

How long have you been in a Florist?
I have been a floral industry since 2005. That is when my husband and I bouqht Sutcliffe Floral from Dave and Sue Stilley. My previous career was a marketing manager for Verizon. I absolutely love the business and love working with people.

What is your favorite flower to use for wedding bouquets?
My favorite flower to work with for weddings is mokara orchids - LOVE them! I really love orchids of any kind, I think they are classy, long lasting and very beautiful.
What is one tip you can give brides?
I would recommend for brides to HAVE FUN in the planning of their wedding. To have an idea of the color or type of flowers they love is helpful. Having pictures of styles or designs that catch their eye would be helpful for us as florists to know what their vision is for that special day.

Thank you Kelly!

Sutcliffe Floral

(928) 774-0670

111 Beaver Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Simply Delicious of Flagstaff

2011-05-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

Interview with Janis Hunt, Simply Delicious
How long have you been in the Special Event Industry? I have been in this business since 1989, and have done hotel and restaurant catering services, restaurant management, hotel sales and marketing, conference center sales and am now partnering with Chef Nancy McCulla at Simply Delicious Catering & Cafe Daily Fare
How did you get started in the Industry? I started as a cocktail waitress and bartender when I was in college. I fell in love with the business, finished my BS and then got a job as a manager in a hotel restaurant. Experience and training in the field was far superior (and more lucritive) than changing majors!!

What is your most memorable event? A lovely wedding at L'Auberge de Sedona on the Creekside Lawn...beatiful flowers and fragrance filled the air, the bride and groom were meant for each other and were so easy to deal with, all the food was perfect, the weather was perfect, no bugs and no issues.....they don't happen like that too often.

What is the most requested food item? In Cafe Daily Fare, it's gotta be the Fish Tacos....like none you've ever tasted. As far as Simply Delicious, that's a tough one because every menu is so unique. Our Hors d'Oeuvre Platter consisting of Crackers, Baguettes, Grapes, Berries and a Duo of Tri-Color Pesto Pate and Marinated Goat Cheese with Grilled Balsamic Portabellos is pretty popular.....

What is one tip you can give brides? Relax...remember it's YOUR day and you need to let the little things go sometimes. We can't all have a Royal Wedding :)

Thank you Janis!!!

Simply Delicious
(928) 774-2855

408 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
info@simplydeliciousflagstaff.com

Red daisies and chocolate covered strawberries!

2011-05-02T11:53:00.001-07:00

Christina and Andrew are the shyest couple I have ever worked with! They were high school sweethearts and so in love! Their story and planning process was the most unusual I have ever had! Christina and Andrew came to us need help with planning a wedding a year away, but there was a catch… there were not going to tell their family until right before the wedding…. Not even that there was a wedding in the future! The only one who knew about the planning was their son (big secret to keep huh??) So whenever we met there was always the off chance we could run into their family!!!! So we always had a story… Just in case!

A traditional wedding for their families was a traditional Indian wedding, but they wanted to be different. The wedding location would be at Flagstaff Ranch and Christina would wear a modern wedding dress.

Four months into the planning Christina asked 3 of her friends to be bridesmaids, but they were sworn to secrecy! They went dress shopping and had a blast. Then it was time for a food tasting. Flag Ranch did a fabulous job with the tasting, it was a FULL meal! They served prime rib, chicken parmesan, salad, rolls, grilled veggies and chili powder hot chocolate truffles, to DIE FOR!!!! I still couldn’t believe they were still keeping this a secret. The next surprise was a tango. Christina and Andrew practiced every week! There was even and outfit change for the wedding!

Two months before the wedding they decided to surprise their parents and tell them about the wedding! They were so surprised because the whole wedding was planned already! The day of the wedding everyone was relaxed and excited! Christina and Andrew were nervous and excited about their dance! The ceremony was held on the patio of the golf course, and the guests were thrilled. The reception was held in the dining hall. Christina and Andrew were so thrilled to be relaxed and their family was enjoying every minute!

Then it was time for Christina’s favorite part, The Cake! Designed by Caked, the cake was a white cake and had drizzled chocolate like a chocolate covered strawberry. The cake was decorated with Red daisies and chocolate covered strawberries, her favorite! Andrew had a favorite of the night too… it wasn’t the cake though; he was most excited about the prime rib!!

The time came for the dance! What a way to enter your own party! Christina was decked out in a short black tango dress, looking stunning; Andrew was handsome in his suit. They danced their tango perfectly and their guest stood to their feet in amazement!!

The night was smooth and family filled and Christina and Andrew were thrilled to be married! They had such a great time planning and enjoying their day! And we had a blast working with them and helping to keep their secret!

Christina

Vendors

Venue & Reception: Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club

Event Planner: Peak Events

Floral: Glamourous Occasions

Cake Designer: Caked

Entertainment: Downtown Browne Productions

Photography: Garrett Dauphers Photography

Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club Wedding

2011-04-27T11:30:00.002-07:00

Rain at an Outdoor Wedding? No Problem!!

Kendra and Mike are an outdoor loving, fun, spontaneous couple. They came to us in need of a day of wedding coordinator for their destination wedding at Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club. We met them a few months before their wedding and we fell in love with them right away!
The big day finally arrived and Kendra was stunning as she walked into the club house beaming! The guys were at the bar having a drink after enjoying a long hike and outrageously fun golf round! Victor Vonsparough spent the day doing a video documentary of the golf round and it looked so fun I wanted to go golfing!!

There were big dark clouds moving in and I was beginning to wonder if the rain gods would be “gracing” us with their presence…. Meanwhile we were hard at work putting together the amazing centerpieces Kendra and her mom had made. They were three sizes of glass vases and they had made beautiful paper wrappings with a silver strip down the front and each table had the name of a country that Kendra and Mike had been too! With votives and crystal on all the tables the glass oil lamps illuminated the room! With such a story behind each table setting, it was only fitting that the favors were little airplane luggage tags! The room was beautiful…but outside was still very dark.

All the chairs were set up for the ceremony and as soon as the last chair was set it started to pour!!! But not to worry, the wedding was still a few hours away. I spoke to both Mike and Kendra and neither one was even bothered by the rain (WHEW)!!

Kendra was dazzling in her dress, shining her ring with toothpaste….wait toothpaste??? Yes!! All you Brides out there toothpaste works wonders! It was still drizzling when we lined up the wedding party. And Kendra had a surprise! She was going to arrive in fabric covered golf cart, so that no one could see her until her dad “presented” her! The rain had stopped and all the guests found their seats and the programs were fans with games on the back, so creative! The wedding was beautiful, the vows were funny and romantic and as creative as the couple! As soon as the couple lined up to come inside, it began to rain, what timing!!

The gift table was adorned with pictures of Kendra and Mike throughout their travels. Each guest received an “itinerary” as they walked in (what a way to keep up with the theme)! Inside was the guest table name, and a little about it, and a drink ticket. Each boarding pass looked like a flight ticket and a travel itinerary, the guests were raving about them!

This group knew how to PARTY! They spent the whole night on the dance floor! We were serving cake on the dance floor because no one wanted to stop!!! Kendra and Mike not only were the sweetest couple but their family was amazing!! I will never forget this wedding! Kendra and Mike were so grateful and didn’t have to worry about a thing!!

Christina

Vendors

Venue & Reception: Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club

Event Planner: Peak Events

Floral: Sutcliffe Floral

Cake Designer: Caked

Entertainment: PLR Music

Photography: Sara Cruz-Mora

Videographer: Vongspoth Studios

Why Hire a Wedding Planner?

2011-04-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

Every wedding is unique and most brides know exactly how their day should look and feel. When a couple begins to think of their wedding day, they want it to be special, romantic and to reflect who they are. Many have ideas of what they want and don’t want, but discovering how much preparation is involved can be daunting. Where to start? How far in advance? How much to spend? Where to find the services you want in your price range? Planning a wedding can be stressful, and hiring a Wedding Planner will alleviate stress from the bride and groom at any stage of the planning process. The average wedding takes more than 250 hours just to plan! Most brides don’t have a lot of free time, regardless of how early they start planning their wedding. Instead of enjoying being engaged, brides will fill their nights agonizing over details, their lunch hours with phone calls and before long, the most wonderful time of their life has turned into a headache.

There is a myth that Wedding Planners are a luxury, only used by the wealthy and not affordable to the everyday bride. Weddings can be very expensive. You might think you are saving money by doing it all yourself and that hiring a Wedding Planner is an extra unnecessary expense. The truth is a bride and groom will save more money when working with a Wedding Planner because planners have the expertise to work within the couple's budget and are experienced in negotiating contracts with vendors and other suppliers, saving valuable time and money. The Wedding Planner has relationships with vendors and can find you the best deals in your price range, while taking advantage of discounts and avoiding costly mistakes.

Wedding Planners do NOT make decisions for you; they assist you in making informed decisions. Wedding Planners advise couples on etiquette, budget, traditions and timelines, allowing the bride and groom time to enjoy being engaged. A Wedding Planner will help you focus on what needs to get done, and do all the research, so you can choose based on your budget and style. A Wedding Planner is a steadying and soothing support, who is removed from the emotions that can complicate decision making for your wedding and tell you honestly what does and doesn't work. By hiring a Wedding Planner, you’re hiring someone who has done this dozens of times; ensuring details won’t slip through the cracks.
If you feel having someone involved with the planning of the wedding isn’t necessary, consider hiring a Wedding Planner to coordinate your actual wedding day. Wedding Planners know how to troubleshoot with regards to the wedding day timeline. Through their years of experience, they know how much time things actually take and how much of a cushion to build into the timeline. A wedding day timeline is essential to creating an accurate schedule that flows well and is the mark of a well-coordinated wedding. It is impossible for any couple to really experience their wedding and coordinate the day as well.

On the big day, who wants to worry where the flowers need to be placed, if the DJ has enough power while you’re trying to get dressed? By hiring a Wedding Day Planner, you can hand over all the details, so you just have to show up, get dressed, get married and enjoy the day with family and friends!

Debbi

Best of Flagstaff

2011-04-20T15:09:00.001-07:00

Every year the Reader’s of the Arizona Daily Sun vote for who they consider to be the Best of Flagstaff. Categories range from Best Pizza, Best Advertising Agency, Best Bank, etc. The Readers of the Arizona Daily Sun have about 2 weeks to vote, which is all done online. And then the winners are announced in a special publication.

Peak Events has been honored to be voted Best Event Planner two years in a row. We have been delighted that Flagstaff has recognized that Peak Events plans more than just the annual Flagstaff Oktoberfest. We also help plan local Grand Openings, Golf Tournaments, Birthday Parties and more!

We are very happy to be among other great businesses in Flagstaff and thank the Reader’s of the Arizona Daily Sun for voting Peak Events, Best Event Planner two years in a row!!!

Tipping and weddings

2011-04-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

Tipping and weddings – I’ve been asked a few times now about whom should the bridal party tip and how much, so I did some research online and have come up with the following. I should say that I have gleaned this information from David Tutera and also Martha Stewart Weddings, so I’m thinking if Martha said it – its law, and if David is doing it – it’s got to be fabulous.

All tips should be in cash. If you’re tipping an employee of a company because they have gone above and beyond for you, their tip needs to be in a separate envelope. Also, no person should receive more than a $100 tip. Make sure you wait to tip your vendors until just before your vendor leaves so you can judge just how much to tip.

So, who should you tip and just how much:

Parking Attendants – this is something you need to arrange previous to the wedding. Guestimate how many cars will be arriving and plan on anywhere from $.50 - $1.00 per car. If you decide to take care of this – you should put a sign up for your guests letting them know you’ve taken care of the gratuity.

DJs – if you have one DJ – usually plan on $25 - $50, if you have 2 DJs (DJ and MC), giving each person in separate envelopes $50 should be sufficient.

Wait Staff – this one can be tricky. Usually it’s included in the contact, but if you have a wait staff or a member of the wait staff who just knocks your socks off with their service, figure 10 – 15% of the total catering bill.

Bartenders – If the venue has a tip jar out – don’t bother with tipping bartenders. I know of some venues that automatically put that out – even though they include gratuity with the bill. If your venue hasn’t included the gratuity and hasn’t set out a tip jar – then it’s usually 10% of the total bar bill.

Makeup artists or Hair Stylists – if you are paying for them to come to you, tips are not necessary. However, if you are going to the salon, you should tip them 15%. Remember, if they come to you – they make the money, if you go to the salon, the salon makes the money.

Now the following are optional. In other words – only tip if you feel they did an outstanding job.

Wedding Planner – If the planner owns the company it’s optional, but most wedding planners are tipped 10% of the contract.

Ceremony Musicians - $5 per hour, per person – give this to the musician in charge and remember – if they are at your rehearsal – you owe them for this also.

Banquet or Catering Manager – This is only given if they’ve thrown in extras or saved you a few hundred dollars on your bill – they usually get tipped between $25 - $50.

Photographers and Videographers - Again, this depends if they own the company. If so, then it’s optional. If they are employees then it’s 10-15% of the package price and it goes to the head photographer and they can distribute portions to any help they bring.

Officiate – Well, this one is a tricky one. I’ve heard that to tip them is an insult and considered bad etiquette. I’ve also heard to NOT tip is bad form – Martha seemed to believe that if you wish – you should make a contribution to the church and at a minimum should be $75. If you using a judge or someone who has no church affiliation, then a tip isn't necessary.

Florist – If you have a florist who isn’t charging you for set up and delivery, then an extra tip for that is acceptable. Usually $5 per delivery location is sufficient, although with gas prices exploding Martha may need to update that one.

Wedding Cake Baker – You usually don’t tip the baker, however, if like the florist they don’t charge a delivery and set up fee, then $10 is enough.

Remember, if you’re using a wedding planner, they should be the one responsible for delivering all the tips and payments due on your wedding day. If you’re not using a wedding planner, then your best man or the Father of the Bride will do – try not to have to take care of this yourself, this is your day – ENJOY IT! And if you don’t give tips, remember a thank you card is awesome to receive.

Debbi

Limo Drivers – 15% of the limo bill – hand this at the end of the service.Alter boys or girls - $5 or $10 each.

Weddings and Romance

2011-04-05T12:46:00.001-07:00

Weddings and Romance…….. they go hand in hand, throw in a Marine and the woman of his dreams waiting patiently for his return from Afghanistan and you get a wedding made for the movies.

Amber and Josh were married December 18th at Flagstaff Ranch while the snow was flying and the clouds hung low on the San Francisco Peaks. The fireplace was roaring inside, while Amber and Josh had a private moment before the wedding outside in the Pavilion. Everyone sighed as Amber went outside and her Marine slowly turned around taking in her grace and beauty. There wasn’t a dry eye among us as Josh quickly wiped his eyes and embraced her as she walked into his arms. After a few moments alone as well as the snow flying, they were ready to walk down the aisle and start their lives as husband and wife.

Amber and Josh were day of clients and with family coming from out of town, it was good that they hired us to take all the stress off the big day, so they could visit and enjoy their day. Amber, a student at Northern Arizona University and her mother, a Martha Stewart clone, had almost everything dialed in for the big day and needed Peak Events to run the event as well as decorate the space. We made sure the vendors all had timelines, the Club House was set up to mom’s design and helped everyone involved get set up and ready for big day. Because of all the out of town guests, we were happy to help our couple set up hotel rooms and events for all the visiting family and friends.

Congratulations Josh and Amber!

Debbi

Vendors

Venue & Reception: Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club

Event Planner: Peak Events

Floral: Family Family Friend

Cake Designer: Bashas

Entertainment: AZ DJ Express

Photography: Family Friend

Grand Canyon Destination Wedding

2011-03-23T19:35:00.001-07:00

June in Arizona is beautiful, but June at the Grand Canyon is stunning. Shoshone Point was the location of Chelsea and Brian’s wedding ceremony.

With views that overlook the canyon and plenty of space for guests, it really does make for a perfect Destination Wedding Location. Chelsea contacted Peak Events via email, since she was located on the east coast. Chelsea and I did all of our contact and conversations via email or phone calls. It wasn’t until the day of the wedding that I might our beautiful bride and groom.

Chelsea, her groom and family were all staying at the Grand Canyon in the various hotels. When I first met Chelsea she was in her room, getting her hair and makeup done by Patricia Vega. When I drove up from Flagstaff I met up with Showstoppers to pick up the flowers they had created. Now Chelsea’s mother mailed Showstoppers all the centerpiece holders, which were these amazing wooden pieces and showstoppers worked with us, and made the flowers sit exactly in each of them. The flowers really were stunning.

The guests were transported from their hotels to the reception site, about 10 minutes away. Once they arrived, the hotel had refreshments available. Soon Chelsea, her parents and Brian arrived. There ceremony took place overlooking the Grand Canyon, and was stunning! After the ceremony guests were asked to stay and enjoy a cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres.

Then the guests and bride and groom were transported to the Thunderbird Lodge for the reception.

As guests entered the reception room, they were greeted by their candy favors. Please remember that the bride and groom either brought everyone on the plane or had it shipped to the hotel before they arrived. And also shipped it all home after the wedding! So yes, it can be done.

The bride and I discussed linens and she decided to go with a butter cream tablecloth, napkins and chair cover. We had some ivory accents with the chair ties and table overlay. The room looked amazing.

The cake was provided by the hotel, with the flowers from showstoppers.

Guests enjoyed a fabulous dinner provided by the hotel, cocktails and dancing courtesy of Jam N Sounds.

The wonderful photographs were done by Sedona Bride.

As the night came to a close and guests were heading to their hotel rooms, they were lucky enough to see a few Elk eating the grass just outside the Reception hall; it is after all a wilderness area!

Thank you Chelsea and Brian for choosing Peak Events to be part of your special day.

Jen

Vendors

Venue & Reception: Shoshone Point and Thunderbird Lodge

Event Planner: Peak Events

Floral: Events by Showstoppers

Entertainment: Jam-N-Sounds - Andy

Photography: Sedona Bride

Fabulous Wedding Websites To Check Out

2011-03-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

For weeks my brother has been bothering me to check out http://www.stumbleupon.com/. I don’t know if any of you readers have ever visited the website but I decided to stumble upon wedding stuff… These are some awesome sites and things that I found:

Anthropologie is creating a bridal line!

That’s right—the store that we all love is launching a bridal line this spring! Anthro will be selling jewelry, dresses, and bridal inspired household items! Vintage wedding gowns will range in price from $750 to $5000. Not only are they launching a site but they will also be opening bridal stores in some cities.

Love & Lavender
This is a website created by two women that love everything about weddings! The site is a summary of inspirations, projects, and weddings that they wish to share with you! As I searched through this site I found a blog called “Ceremony Signs” and fell in love! Check out the link for some really awesome and creative photographs at different weddings!

TOMS Shoes are Walking Down the Aisle
We have all heard about TOMS shoes and their movement to provide outside countries with shoes. They have a great idea “one for one”, this means that for every pair of shoes sold TOMS will give away one pair of shoes to someone that needs it. Since the TOMS movement they have added wedges, apparel, botas, and now a wedding styles collection too!
You can buy men and women shoes for weddings. They are nicer styles, fabric, and come in different classy varieties. Sizes and styles are available for all roles in your wedding party whether it be bridesmaids, groomsman, the flower girl or the ring bearer. Now not only can you purchase the shoes to help the TOMS movement but you can also turn it into your wedding theme.

TOMS has created a “tool kit” to help you include TOMS in your wedding. On their website they provide you with ready-to-print place seating cards, table number cards, double sided post cards, and invitation inserts!
There are so many outside the box things that can turn your wedding experience into a one unlike any other!
Belle