mark padgett event design

Style Me Pretty!

2011-12-23T09:43:00.000-08:00

Check out this fun wedding we designed for an awesome couple picked up by SMP!

Wedding Wire Review

2011-12-21T11:58:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

Check out my store-front on Wedding Wire

http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/mark-padgett-event-design-san-luis-obispo/e8ce68317266f48e.html

Fruitful Love

2011-12-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

The Farmer's Daughter gets married at Holland Ranch
Photographs by Colleen Rosenthal

2011-11-09T13:02:00.002-08:00

Check out Mark Padgett Event Design Reviews on WeddingChannel.com

View My Profile on WeddingChannel.com Central California and Coast Wedding Planners Page

Bohemian Love

2011-08-17T12:42:00.001-07:00

Sneak Peek: 08.06.12 Sarah and Deron shot by Cameron Ingalls. The setting for this wedding truly captured their relationship as a couple. Sweet, natural and oh-so-romantic; The Casitas of Arroyo Grande proved be an excellent venue to host a "bohemian rhapsody" themed wedding. Check back for more pictures and editorial!

Spanish Themed Birthday Celebration

2011-06-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

It is so refreshing to design a birthday celebration for a longtime client. We couldn't have asked for better weather on this special day; 70 degrees with a soft breeze and dappled sunlight on the deck. After guests arrived, delectable tapas were served by the talented, Two Cooks Catering. Champagne cocktails and Sangria were also offered. The menu was inspired by classic Spanish tapas, guests were able to enjoy five different tapas starting with a Spinach and Arugula Salad, fresh from Farmer's Market. Next course were Catalonian Cabbage Rolls, followed by Spring Lamb Paella then Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, Fierce Potatoes, and Galician Scallops. For all you dessert lovers out there, a choice of layered carrot cake was served in the host's honor and rich a chocolate chiffon cake was served in honor of the birthday girl. Guests were able to enjoy the celebration on beautiful natural wood tables from Got You Covered, adorned runners from famed linen source; La Tavola. The centerpieces were designed by me and reminded me of Spanish Flamenco skirts. The scenery was breath-taking, located at the top of San Luis Obispo Country Club with the coastline in the distance. Guests were treated to the gifted James Edwards and his guitar. Classical Spanish, Flamenco and Jazz underscored the entire afternoon. I really enjoyed this event, it was something different for me to design during a wedding season and it's always nice to design a celebration for a cherished client.

Fruitful Love

2011-05-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peak at one of my recent weddings that I did at the lovely Holland Ranch of San Luis Obispo, California. I had such a great time designing this wedding, there were many elements that were completely out of the box; making this wedding truly one of a kind! Thanks to photographer Colleen Rosenthal and assistant hired photographer, Allyson Magda for these wonderful shots. This is only a taste of what I have for now, stay tuned for more fabulous photos!

Site Feature

2011-05-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to say that Mark Padgett Event Design is now a member of Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book. This is such an honor and an amazing resource for the savvy bride and for vendors alike. You can find my listing at http://www.stylemepretty.com/little-black-book/

Sweet Inspiration

2011-05-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Every Easter I purchase organic eggs from my neighborhood co-op just down the street - The varied natural colors are amazing. I simply boil them and once cold, rub just the tiniest bit of olive oil on them for luster. Done!

This year I was inspired to design a wedding palette around their hues and love it.

Happy Spring-almost-Summer to you!

Mark Padgett Event Design

A Dazzling 7 years: The joy and challenge of transformation.

2011-03-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share some designs from an annual corporate event that I have had the pleasure of producing for one of the best causes in town: The Dazzling Diamond Ball to benefit Hospice Partners of the Central Coast.

Hospice Partners have been assisting people and their families through the most difficult transition we all have to make; the transition from flesh to spirit. The staff and volunteers of Hospice Partners provide a calm, compassionate and profound service to these individuals, their loved ones and the community.

For more information on this inspiring organization click on the Hospice link above.

You can’t have a Dazzling Diamond Ball without a Dazzling Diamond and Steven DeLuque and Jeff Mackeegan of Marshalls Jewelers, has provided a stunning piece of jewelry every year. The one of a kind piece reflected the theme perfectly: Pearls for Japan, and a sapphire pendant for Treasure Island.

Every year we took the Embassy Suites Ballroom and transformed it into another place. Guests didn’t know what the theme was until they arrived. It built excitement and raised the expectation. It also gave us more time to perfect it!

Corinne Smith, the Bloom Diva and owner of Panacea Event Floral Design was by my side for all seven years providing inspiration, brilliant centerpieces and accent flowers that always brought life and distinction to the theme. Thank you my dear friend!

Bill Gaines Audio provided lighting for years 1 through 6 and Kramer Entertainment provided lighting the last year, a favorite theme: Pirate’s Cove on Treasure Island.

Photos are provided by Julie Wilson, Allyson Magda and Mike Larson Inc.

The photos are far too many to show here but I give you a sampling of a few favorite years. Each theme was flushed out completely. Working with the Chefs of the Embassy Suites to capture the essence of each theme with the cuisine and cocktails. The bar was a favorite spot to emphasize the chosen location: Shots of iced vodka when in Russia, sake when in Japan. The bartenders were truly sports and wore costumes I provided from Costume Capers.

Music is the underscoring to any great event and we always hired a fabulous band such as The Usonia Jazz Band, The Oasis Band and the San Luis Jazz Band. We also found amazing entertainment and had them playing in full swing when the ballroom's doors opened. Taiko Drummers in Japan and sword fighting Pirates on Treasure Island.

Starting with a blank slate….

Club Havana!

To Russia with Love

Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan

Dazzling Pirates!

Last year was unfortunately the very last Dazzling Diamond Ball. The economy has been tough on all non-profits. Please follow the link if you would like to donate, and thank you to all the volunteers, vendors for their contributions and hard work, and to the guests who have attended for the past 7 years. Your support has transformed lives.

Romance Takes Wing

2011-01-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

Norm and Kimberly
May 22, 2010
The Dana Powers House
Central Coast of California

All images courtesy of Rosenthal Photography.

I had to bring back a recent wedding where I fell in love. I love all my clients of course, but Norm and Kim found a soft spot in my heart. So kind and gracious and endearing!

This sweet couple were a complete joy to work with. Kim, the Executive Director for our local History Museum and Norm, an owner of Aeromech Engineering Inc., were a delight from the first meeting in my office to the gracious thank you after the wedding.

Kim’s love for and expertise with history and Norm’s passion for flight helped to set the theme for this one of a kind wedding. Kim wanted the look and feel to be bright & modern but with a slightly vintage feel, so instead of going “vintage” as is popular today we went “nostalgic”. Fun, bold and quirky!

They chose the charming and authentic Dana Powers House in Nipomo for the soiree and they were thrilled with everything there including the sweet, savvy and fun-working owner Judi Powers. I always say a wedding site is only as good as the owner or manager! Judi, her charming family and her historic home, gardens and barn were completely delightful.

The color palette was inspired by these adorable orange crate labels that had the bold but retro look Kim was looking for. They told me everything about the design she envisioned.

An assortment were also used to decorate boxes of “orange slice” sugar cookies made by her sister as one of the favors. The other favor was an old style balsa wood glider with “assembly required” and what guy doesn’t love that?

Seed packet labels found online and attached to brown sandwich paper bags filled with seeds then trimmed with orange thread, were used for the place cards and "planted" in grass-filled rustic boxes under a clothesline of favorite snaps of the bride and groom. I made table numbers out of over-sized clothespins and royalty free label art. My favorites were the “Flyer” number 9 and “Extra Choice” table One.

Denise Benda of Flowers by Denise did an amazing job with the ceremony and reception flowers using an eclectic assortment of vessels and bright blooms. Kimberly wanted something hanging from the tree limb over the ceremony grass and loves polka dots, so we made dots of petals down the aisle and Denise found these awesome over-sized lanterns and filled them with blooms. Galvanized cake stands served up the aisle bouquets.

During the cocktails period we offered two signature drinks one for him and one for her. Loved the name of Kim's!

I used a striped linen in "Timeless Ticking" for the cocktail rounds and appetizers were enjoyed by the guests with the sounds of Usonia Jazz Band, a delicious trio that specializes in hits from the 20s,30s and 40s, in the background. Kim and Norm's favorite apps were passed by the amazing Two Cooks Catering.

Mini mac and cheese, Sweet potato fries, Scallops, Sushi and Coconut Shrimp.

In the barn for the reception I used a simple raw linen in Wedgewood Blue from La Tavola Linens to ground the room and let the flowers pop. Accent napkins in Blue Ticking were used as a nod to the barn and finished the eclectic look. The centerpieces were a combination of several kinds of vases in different shapes: Milk glass, galvanized pots and vintage glass bottles. Each one that Denise created were delightful but together made a vibrant and lush statement.

I found second-hand lampshades in several different styles and had Zack with Kramer Entertainment and Lighting suspend them over each table. The effect was homey and sweet. Later on after Kim and Norm's first dance as man and wife we changed up the lighting to feel more like a club.

Dessert was sweet! Ice cream cakes, outrageously tasty French Macarons from Paulette plus I made up 'sweets for the sweet bags' of this truly amazing local Almond Brittle. They were inspired by old sweet-shop bags and the invitation designed by Jessica from Paper Sky.

The sweets for the sweet sentiment was heart felt. Just plain loved them!

Succulent love affair

2010-07-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

I'm talking about plants! OK, you saw how I used succulents in the blog "Phoenix Rising" and I promised a follow up on the little darlings. I currently can't get enough of them! They are in my yard, my decks, my home and my designs. First, lets talk about variety, ok, that will take too long, I don't think you could see all the varieties if one was brought to you every hour for six months. Just look at the colors, no these are not flowers but they have floral faces. Some look like roses, some mums, asters, orchids, I know crazy huh?

Now, what do I do with the sweet blooms that are not blooms? Everything! In bouquets, boutonnieres, accents for you guest book, escort card and cake tables, favors and use as greens in centerpieces or make THEM your centerpieces! Here's the really cool thing: After the wedding toss them in a container (be a little gentle, they do "bruise" a bit if you really throw them around)take them home and you can practically set them on the ground and they will grow! Talk about going "green". Use them for your next event, put in planters, window boxes, give them as gifts, thanks yous.

Nostalgic Romance Takes Wing.

2010-05-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

Just finished a beautiful wedding for a fun and loving couple and had to share the joy. The photos are from my camera and so are only a (sometimes blurry) glimpse of what’s to come from Colleen Rosenthal Photography.

Kimberly is the executive director for our local Historical Museum and Norm owns Aeromech Engineering Inc. A company that builds unmanned aerial systems.The sweet couple and I chose the Dana Powers House in Nipomo for their wedding celebration. Judi Powers has owned and operated this relentlessly charming home, gardens and barn as a special event site since 1972. I will go into detail about the history of this property in a future blog.There are many elements a wedding designer and coordinator is looking for when choosing a site to host a wedding. Of course it must be beautiful, it should be easy for guests to get to and you hope and pray it is user friendly. Let me tell you Judi, her husband Ed, her children and grandchildren have the fun-loving hard-working graciousness and winning attitude that brings sweet success to any celebration and makes my job not only easier but the overall experience truly a joy.

Again, I will go into detail about the overall design of this wedding including the fabulous team of vendors in a future blog but for now please enjoy these images of what became a celebration theme of “Nostalgic Romance”!

Phoenix Rising

2010-05-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

Love the History and Vintage look of your reception site but want to make it modern?

Transform it with the right design and the perfect team.

What a pleasure and honor to design a look for the beautiful and Historic Ballroom at the Paso Robles Inn in old town Paso Robles. The Inn has served visitors for more than a century. In 1940 a fire leveled the Hotel but left the majority of the grand dining room in tact. The Hotel was rebuilt the following year and then in 1999 the dining room was lovingly restored to its 1930’s grandeur and renamed the Grand Ballroom, complete with the high wood-beamed ceilings and the original hardwood floor.

The start of my design concept was the gorgeous wood that encircles the room and extends to the ceiling. The wood is very dark and the walls are white which can break up a space and make it seem smaller. I had Zack Hubbard and Ryan Reyes of Kramer Entertainment and Lighting accent and brighten the wood then deepen the hue of the walls and ceiling. This brought them closer together in tone and unified the Grand feel.

Then I worked from the ground up. How many ballrooms do you know of that are built completely of original hardwood? The gold tones of the floor inspired the “butter” linen on the guest tables. I knew that would bring the floor up into the overall design. Now I wanted to make it modern. Grey is a popular wedding color currently and I thought it really gave it a sophisticated urban feel and loved the combination of the warm tablecloth and cool “silver” napkin.

Corinne Smith of panacea event floral design wowed me with her brushed steel vases and “garden feel with contemporary elements” centerpieces! They truly brought the entire design to life. One of the saddest things I see in many weddings is that you have gorgeous centerpieces and linens but can’t see them due to poor lighting. Zack and Ryan used spotlights for each table and centered it on the centerpiece. This not only highlights the most important décor element at a reception it makes each table glow and provides soft ambient light for your guests.

From there, I added gray and silver votives and my current favorite floral media: succulents! The flower-like heads of these incredibly versatile and eco-friendly plants added texture but kept it clean and fresh. Check back to this blog for a more of my love affair with succulents!

I found some cool yellow and grey note cards on sale and printed up a wedding menu and tucked it into a square pocket-fold in the napkin. Menus can be an affordable way to add fun and color to your table design and I think guests appreciate a peek of what’s to come.

Now, you can come up with a gorgeous design with all these elements but if its not captured by the right photographer it only becomes a dim memory. Jake Odening with Mike Larson Photography Inc. expressed the whole design in these images with a careful eye and awesome talent.

You don't always have to go big to freshen up a space. The Paso Robles Ballroom has a lovely front Parlor for your guests to gather for cocktails with a beautiful bar. I used a fun welcome sign and asked Corinne to add simple floral elements to the old room key and mail slots frame. I had Zack add two up lights to brighten the back wall then updated the bar with a modern piece of fabric. Add Corinne's fabulous flower features and you have a fun a fresh place for guests to get the party started!

Again, it was an honor to work with Jan Lynch and the staff at The Paso Robles Inn. The ballroom is a testament to craftsmanship and is truly a beautiful example of a Phoenix Rising.

Next time you are thinking of renting a facility that is authentic and has history but you are concerned it will come across as old fashioned, just find the right wedding team and you can have it all. Vintage-Modern is a spectacular combination!

the knot: best of!

2010-05-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

Tying the Knot? Get the best! I just received word from theknot.com that Mark Padgett Event Design was chosen as the best in weddings as voted by local brides. Yay! Love the Knot as a resource for my clients and myself and this is a sweet honor!

Indelible Love

2010-04-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

When this groom decided to pop the question he did it with a tat.
Inviting his girlfriend down to his favorite tattoo parlor to “pick out a new tat” this groom-to-be got down on one knee, pulled up his board shorts and asked Katie to be his wife. She replied by tattooing a red “check” in the yes box!
I couldn’t resist and had Jessica with Paper Sky, a fabulous local invitation store, replicate the tattoo for a very cool Save The Date and then as a surprise, I had my lighting Guru Zachary illuminate the dance floor with it as they stepped out for their first dance at the reception. Katy had tears of joy and the her new husband gave a great bear hug. I love making it personal!

Smooch,
Mark

Dazzling Pirates!

2010-03-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

For the last 8 years I have had the enormous honor (and undertaking) of transforming the Embassy Suites Hotel ballroom into another country or place for the Dazzling Diamond Ball to benefit Hospice Partners of the Central Coast. Every year it takes mountains of help. Corinne Smith of Panacea Event Floral Design has been with me for all 8 years and has thrilled Hospice and me with her beautiful floral work. This year the theme was Pirate's Cove at Treasure Island! What do you really need to pull off an epic theme like this? Pirates... lots of them. 21 awesome friends who share a pirate passion that is almost as strong as their passion for life, love and the pursuit of the perfect party, all traveled up from L. A. with a 30' moving truck full of set pieces, authentic furniture, set dressing, props and outrageous costumes. With their backbreaking work and talents and persistance we truly transformed the space into another place and time. Also this year I was fortunate to work with Zack Hubbard with Kramer Entertainment and Lighting who provided amazing lighting (the moon was borrowed from BGA) and Sophie Murdock with Mike Larson Photography documented the whole soiree with these fine photos. Guests were greeted at the door by pirates (well, pirates more harass than greet but all in fun) and offered shots of a rum punch made with dark rum, passion fruit, fresh lime and nutmeg syrup. They then made there way to the Drunken Parrot Tavern and the "stockroom" where live auction items were on display including Marshalls Jewelers dazzling diamond, the gorgeous "captain's passion". A stunning Sapphire and Diamond Pendant.

They then made their way to the booty room where ancient treasure chests spilled out the evening’s silent auction items of jewelry, art and fine wine. A ships bell gathered guests outside the ballroom. When the doors were opened they found a moonlit cove, hundreds of twinkling lanterns, 80 tropical palms donated by Diane Meade of West Covina Nursery, a 40 candle ship's-wheel chandelier, rich silk table linens, adorned with wrought iron candelabra centerpieces with black ostrich plumes and deep purple orchids, gold coins and a fully choreographed sword fight underway. When the fight was over the doors revealed an Egyptian goddess that belly danced with a lit candelabra on her head! All that before the salad was served.... A hearty embrace to all my mateys for making my vision come to life. A treasure ya are for sure!