October 27, 2011
I’m always a bit concerned that no one will attend when we are travelling to the outskirts of the city for our monthly meeting. I needn’t have worried. The Raven at Verrado is a great venue and I was thrilled that not only the west valley members came out, but we had several people that travelled from Mesa, Gilbert and points beyond! Extra thanks go to Thee Wedding Warehouse not only for the brilliant Autumn centerpieces but for the extra promotion of the event.
The first DJ job I did in when I moved to Arizona just over 5 years ago was with Ann Mattis at another venue and it’s always great to see her when I work at Raven now. Sub-Zero took care of some ice cream for us, Chris Smith from A2Z photobooths was showing off his new high-tech, touch screen booth that night, Premier Events took care of the linens for us, Cyndi Hardy entered the hall of fame photographing her 5th WEN meeting, and I, Curtis, was at the piano that night- my voice was kinda raspy from having sung a week before in exeptionally dry air. I set up an extra mic so that if anyone was feeling the spirit of the music, they could come up and sing along (and I could save my throat). It turned into a love fest before the night was over. We must have had 10 people up there gathered around that mic, shaking tamborines, gourd shakers and well… shakin’ thier money-makers! Photos are listed under “photos and video” and you can see it on our Facebook page too. Thanks everybody!
Sept 22, 2011
It was still a bit warm for an autumn evening but that was easily offset by the cool hospitality of Jessica and Tom and co at the historic Rosson House Museum in down town Phoenix. Thanks to all of the vendors that particpated. Friend and and long time member of WEN, Kristina Celik of Arizona Weddings Magazine said it was the best food we’ve ever had! A-list Catering and Atlasta Catering put out quite a spread- mashed pototo marinis, coconut shrimp, beef wellington sandwiches. Deeee-LISH! Brian Tieman of My Goodness Cakes provided dessert, Inter-Mezzo Strings on music duty, Harley Bonham behind the camera, Wild Bunch Flowers provided centerpieces. As always a HUGE thank you to Classic Party Rentals and Pourmasters… our meetings just would not happen without your contribution. Thank you.
August 25, 2011- The White Hot Event
Much love and thanks to Christine, Linda, Kurt and the rest of the staff at A to Z Rentals in Gilbert. They really made us feel welcome. The showroom was a perfect place for our get together. Sue Carlisle from Straight to the Plate catering brought my favorite meatballs as a personal favor- thanks Sue. She also served up some Cognac Chicken which was fabulous. Pourmasters took care of the drinks as usual. Shay and Ren were our bartenders and we couldnt’a have asked for anybody nicer. Debashri from Keepsake Blossoms took care of the decor. The beautiful Ms Sherry Finzer brought the live music and it was crazy-awesome. A big thank you to Bonnie from Inspired Occasions for the cupcakes and cookies in white. Mike from Desert Trends Photography was behind the camera and links to his work can be found under ‘photos and video’ on this site. Themers took care of some white draping to top it off just right.
July 28, 2011
Great meeting at The Waterfront in Tempe! Lisa Cyr and staff made us right at home. Thanks to Applause Productions for sending guitarist/singer “Scott” to create just the right atmosphere. Patricia Eastwood from Wild Child Floral decorated the room with some summer flowers- she also provided flowers two months ago and I forgot to thank her that night so she gets a double thank you now. She does consistenly great work. We had lots of fun with the photobooth from Brett and Sandy of Fable Photo and Video. Angela Simpson from Angelina Rose Photography captured the event in photos. Honeymoon Sweets had us swimming in delicious chocolate rum balls and other tasty desserts. The Piece de Resistance was from Tony and Frank and staff from Creations in Cuisine. Wow- the French feta cheese cucumber salad was incredible!
It was great to see some new faces joining our industry and bringing some new expertise. It was also great so see some people like Ray Grace- Ray the DJ and Ginia Lucas from Yknot Party rentals that form the backbone of our industry attending with us that night.
June 23, 2011
I often comment on “best of” elements for our various meetings. The Aremenian Cultural Center of Scottsdale (ACC Banquet Hall) caused me to come up with a new category- most gracious host. The ladies auxilary from the adjacent church put out the most generous spread of food I’ve ever seen. We can’t thank you enough for how nice that was.
Linens and centerpices were provided by Tylers Custom Designs, James from Pourmasters kept us hydrated and lubricated. New friend of the Wedding and Event Network, Aurora from Lovely Little Cake Shop provided Guinness cupcakes and Champagne cupcakes. Roxie’s Designs had several fantastic dresses on display in the entry.
Angela Hetherington from Images by Angela took the photographs and Aaron Hudson from Rainstorm video got some great testimonials and other footage from the event. You can see thier work on the Photos and Videos page here.
May 19, 2011
Venue at the Grove approached me about hosting the meeting many moons ago and wanted to wait until spring when the grounds were in blossom. It couldn’t have been a better night for that and the weather was perfect! Thanks to Edward and Abigail Olaya for being such gracious hosts. Annie from Shake It Up bar service provided drinks. DJ One played the music. It’s always a good night when Mike Fazzio and company from Snapbooth Entertainment are on hand. The photobooth was a blast. Brilliant Makeup artist Tara from Arbonne did make up trials for interested parties- we were chatting and exchanging notes, we discovered that we are neighbors, we live one block apart. Patricia from Wild Child Floral knocked it out of the park with the centerpieces. Classic Party Rentals always has our backs with our tables, chairs and linens needs. The Piece de Resistance was Arizona Inspirations Catering that had the coolest ever custom make it to your order pasta bar. You guys ROCK!
April 28, 2011
I love the hotels and the golf clubs that are the backbone of the event industry and I double love them for hosting our WEN meetings but it sure is nice to go to venues that are such an unexpected treat. Thanks to Affairs by Doco for hosting our meeting. It’s a charming venue that had indoor and outdoor space and about the coolest decor ever. Our meetings probably wouldn’t happen with out Dave Forman and Pourmasters. It’s not just providing the drinks, but it’s always a professional and personable bartender and we can’t thank you guys enough. Skye Restaurant and Catering provided deserts. Harley Bonham was behind the camera. Ocotillo Music provided just the right atmosphere with the music- you can never go wrong with a Beatles song or two performed on Cello and Mandolin… Robert and Cindy, you guys ROCK! Anthony Sobrino of My Wedding Masterpiece had a most excellent display of his charcoal drawing of wedding portraits.
March 24, 2011
It’s great to see that even in a tough economy, that there are some successes out there. Matt Wheeler and Co from Still Life Studios have been at it for some time around the valley but just set up shop in a nice new studio in downtown Mesa. Thanks so much for hosting our group and we wish you success in your endeavors in your new location. Jennifer Starr of Stylized Events pulled it all together for us from suggesting the location nearly a year a go to arranging the participating vendors.
the Bar Guys helped us wash down the food and the delicious deserts from Piece of Cake with some cold drinks.
Feb 24, 2011
It was an absolute pleasure to have our meeting at Thee Wedding Warehouse in Goodyear. They have been long time supporters and friends of the Wedding and Event Network and this is actually their second time on hosting duty. Thanks to owners Kathy and Jacque for making us welcome at the anti-Valentines party.
The food by Chef Julia Aldana of All About Catering was brilliant as always. Harley Bonham was behind the camera and he brought his guitar for a couple of sad broken love songs for the occasion. Lanette Romero- the Cake Contessa provided desserts. It’s a Celebration came through with the tables and linens we needed to make it nice. I Love Toffee is a new chocolatier/candy maker from out on the west side and provided some samples of her toffee- she doesn’t have a website yet so you NEED to get out to Thee Wedding Warehouse and buy a box of that from the front counter!
We never pay anybody for providing goods and services to our meetings. I don’t have much to offer in return but my genuine gratitude and the appreciation of those who attend each time and partake of your hospitality. I always hope there is a bit of a marketing boost for your efforts.
Jan 27, 2011
Happy New Year everybody! It was a great kick off to another year of creative and artistic endeavors in the wedding and event industry. There was a major trade show in town this week and I was concerned that we may not have any attendees at our meeting but I needn’t have been worried. Everybody showed up with business cards in hand and a smile on their face. If we moved the WEN meeting for every open house, seminar, trade show etc in this city, we’d never have a meeting. Thanks for participating in our group. We hope it’s a valuable element of your overall marketing efforts.
Extra special thanks to Jo Ann Grant of Apropos Creations on event planning duty for this meeting. The more I interact with her, but more impressed I am. She’s a great asset to our industry and a pleasure to work with. Thanks to Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort for hosting our meeting this week. The food and drink was delicious and refreshing. Andrea is new to her position there as banquet manager and was a brilliant host! Infinity Entertainment provided a sound system and music. Forever Frame had a great display of a shadow box frames to preserve a sand ceremony along with a photo of the bride and groom. Very nice. Let Them Eat Cake provided a tray of cupcake desserts. On the Go Studio provided some sample place cards and menu cards for the decorated tables. Classic Party Rentals is a long time friend and supporter of WEN and took care of our linens. Fabulous Floral Design made some fresh flower centerpieces and topped of the room nicely. And as if all that wasn’t enough, Angela Simpson of Angelina Rose Photography was behind the camera and photographic proof of all of the good things I just said will linked shortly under “photos and video” on this website.
The Recharge event at Noah’s in Chandler on Jan 12th was a great success. WEN participates in an inter-industry alliance with other networking groups and professional associations within the wedding/event/tourism/hospitality industry and we had what will be the 1st annual all-city mixer this month. It was hugely attended and loads of fun.
Dec 30, 2010
That was a most excellent WEN meeting. It wasn’t too crowded so it WAS possible to get around the room and talk to everybody. It was a good mixed and balanced group of people too. Each seemed to need what the other offered. I always talk about the million-dollar hand shake- I often hear about them after the fact- I actually witnessed a couple of them this time. We had a host venue fall through at the last minute and Lori Apt from Arizona Family Florist actually delayed a personal vacation to accomodate us and I couldn’t be more gratified. Owners, Brad and Cheryl, pushed the design tables out of our way and invited us into the new 13,000 sq/ft showroom in Phoenix. (from a DJ standpoint, it was strangely a great room acoustically…) Lux Floral is their new wedding division. Don’t think that 1-800 flowers is just an internet outlet. They are locally, family owned and can design something as small as a single bouquet up to the largest of social or corporate events.
We couldn’t have done it without Pourmasters and Classic Party Rentals. Sue Carlisle from Straight to the Plate catering provided some delicious food. I’m not a meatballs man but I invited Sue specifically for the meatballs and they were deeeeee-LISH! Ellie Schirra photographed the event and her work can be seen under “Photos and Video” on this site. Amy and co. from Flipbook Memories brought the fun.
Nov 19, 2010
We gathered at Raven Golf at South Mountain in their new event pavillion for this meeting. It was great to see everybody. Thanks to Laura Hahne and staff for hosting.
Oct 28, 2010
Joy Rosek actually wanted to host a WEN meeting about a year ago but had a large convention come in to the Renaissanceand they needed every bit of space. I’d hate for someone to commit to a WEN meeting when they have an oppportunity for a paying event. She was nice enough to reschedule and our members are grateful. What a night huh?
Thanks to Mozart Makes a House Call for the music of the night. You guys ROCK!
Sept 23, 2010
Thanks to Iris D Bridal for hosting our meeting. It’s a charming little bridal shop in Tempe run by a husband and wife team, Iris and Ben, and we wish them success.
Music was provided by long-time members and friends of WEN, Sherry Finzer and Veeronna Ragone with thier band Dulce Vas. Ms V was sporting a new electric harp that you strap on like you would an electric guitar and it was crazy-awesome! They have a new CD coming out this month and we got an advance preview. They are covering Katy Perry’s “California Girls” on the CD.
Kim’s Just Desserts provided some cake and refreshments along with Pourmastersserving the drinks. Tri-Rentals, which just changed thier name to Classic Party Rentals, took care of some tables and chairs for us. Anita Rosenboom from Special Events Linens was great as usual with some crisp and clean and colorful linens right where we needed them. Laura Segall Photography was behind the camera that night and you can see her work under “photos and video” here on this site.
The piece de resistance of the evening was provided by Siiri Cole and Enchanted Carriage Service who provided a fantastic bridal carriage drawn by a beautiful white horse. Attendees took a lap around the grounds in the carriage.
August 26, 2010- The White Hot Event
Please indulge me a moment to express my personal gratitude. I know it’s tough financial times out there and I’m really moved at the generosity of the members of our industry who opened their wallets anyway to donate to Arizona Helping Hands. WEN is matching all of those donations. Thank you all.
WEN wouldn’t happen without people donating goods and services to our meetings. It was a pleasure to meet at the new Noah’s in Chandler- we wish you success here in Arizona! Brian Chartrand provided the great music for the evening. I met him at a wedding last spring at which I was the DJ. He was hired to come in and do just the bride and groom first dance song- live- and he knocked it out of the park. Brad and staff at Special Moments Catering makes the best bananas foster in the history of the world. I was too busy talking to attendees and I never got to the rest of the food- other than popping a couple of cherry tomatoes in my mouth. I heard that the soup was fantastic.
AZ Wedding Decor did the great ceiling. A feature of Noah’s is that the ceiling lowers on cables for such decorations- no ladders or scaffolding required- cool huh? Dave Forman from Pourmastersprivided the bar service. Bartender “Shay” has been to a few WEN meetings and she’s charming and personable and professional- as are all of the bartenders from Pourmasters.
BBJ Linens whited out the room properly for the occasion with great linens as usual. Tri-Rentals provided the ultra-hip white hot lounge furniture to decorate the Groom’s lounge room where Mike and co from Snap Booth provided a crazy awesome photo booth. Casey Graham from I Do Photography was behind the camera that night. Her work and the photobooth photos are linked here under “photos and video”
Special thanks to Erika Vitaris and staff at White Hot Events for bringing it all together and giving it the electric flavor that it IS the annual White Hot Event.
July 22, 2010
We stepped outside of the box for our meeting location this month and into the air conditioned Biasch and Skinner flower wholesaler showroom. There couldn’t have been a more perfect place for the for time of year. The cool air was fine but the flowers made it seem even cooler. Thanks to Tri-Rentals for the tables, chairs and linens. Pourmasters is always quick to send a qualified bartender and serve up drinks. Ann from Strut Bridal had a couple of dresses on display. Stephanie Bond from J Bond Jewelry had a great display of custsom jewelry that doesn’t require an extra hand to put it on your wrist or neck- see the video from the event to see what I’m talking about. Noelle, head chef at Fresh From the Kitchen, took care of some fantastic bean salsa and some green chile pork with tortillas. David from Bamboo Bakery had about 20 flavors of wedding cake to sample that night. Count my vote for the banana-vanilla one and the red velvet. Mmmm, Mmmm, MMM! Angela Simpson from Angelina Rose Photography was behind the camera and her work that night can be found under “photos and video”. She’s been a WEN member for some time now and the more I get to know her, the more I like her. She’s as talented with her craft as she is beautiful and charming.
You’ll be impressed with the video from Yvonne and Aaron Hudson at Rainstorm Video. Aaron disappeared into the woodwork and captured lots of candid video along with some other footage that was a bit more posed. You can see it under “photos and video” here on wenaz.com. Well done!
June 24, 2010
The June WEN meeting was the grand opening of sorts for the new Regale! at DC Ranch. It’s a charming new venue operated by Tony Laub and his amenable staff. Harley Bonham was behind the camera that night. Couture Candy Company had a fantastic candy table for desert. Amy and staff from Flipbook Memories- well, it was too crazy awesome to explain here, pay a visit to thier website. Mark Sanchez, president of the American DJ Association and owner of PME DJ service took care of the music for us. Pourmasters served up the drinks. Tri-Rentals took care of tables and chairs and linens- we couldn’t do it without you guys. Put a Fork in it provided the food for the night so we didn’t whither away. It was Deee-LISH!
Special thanks to JoAnn Grant from Apropos Creations. I was terribly busy with DJ work in May and just couldn’t get out to Regale with JoAnn to start planning the event. She didn’t wait around until I was available, she just took care of the planning of the event. Thanks JoAnn. You ROCK!
MAY 27, 2010
Ahhh… the prom. There were several other things to do on May 27th with graduations and the big Suns game but we had a great meeting and I think it will have to become an annual event- The WEN prom! I had a few members tell me (a bit emotionally) that they had missed thier high school prom for some reason and this night kinda put that behind them. That’s nice.
Damita Curry from Proms Made Simple suggested the idea nearly a year ago and she really deserves all the credit for such a great meeting. Living Energy provided the music and video projection. Encore! Creative was our host venue and Stephanie Lerner couldn’t have been more accomodating. Whatever we needed, she took care of it. As usual, Dave and staff from Pourmasterskept us liquified and served up the drinks. Chris and Tammie from Largo Photography got a “WEN Class of 2010″ photograph that will be posted here soon. We had lots of fun with the Self Portrat Station as well. The thing that was cool about that was that you get to hold a little remote control button to take your own picture when you are ready. Nice feature.
The best element of the night had to be the food from Mi Catering. Maria and her son Manuel may have provided the best food we have ever had at a WEN meeting. I commented about 8 months ago that another caterer had done it- (best food ever) I don’t know if time has passed and I’ve forgotten how good that really was or if THIS was the best. Hmmmm… I think THIS was the best food we’ve ever had! I overheard that there were 80 ingredients in one of the delectible dishes!
Thanks again to Leah Janes (Looking very ‘Audry Hepburn’ in her prom dress by the way…) from A Silver Lining, she provided a custom designed tiara for our Prom Queen!
MAY 6, 2010
It was a great night out on the west end of town. Our host, Molina Bridal has some new believers among the WEN membership. Heather and Sondra were so sweet to open the doors after hours for us right in the middle of prom season. VeeRonna Ragone and Sherry Finzer with their band, Dulce Vas provided the beautiful background music which even surpassed thier physical beauty if you could even imagine such a thing. Chef Julia Aldana from All About Catering provided some tasty treats. Lanette Romero, the Cake Contessa, had some chocolate covered strawberries and cupcakes and some other various and sundy pastries. Michelle and Lael from Planet Beach spa on McDowell provided a way cool $200 giveaway- a WEN newbie won the drawing on that. Tracy from Arizona Bartenders took care of drinks for us. Jacque Dearing and Kathy Bagget from Thee Wedding Warehouse, home of Endearing Floral Design provided candles and flowers and really knocked the decor out of the park. Steve Bader is a great addition to thier team out there. Kathy also took care of some behind-the-scenes promotional stuff for the meeting. It’s a Celebration party rentals is a new neighbor of Molina Bridal and they provided tables and chairs and linens.
A vendor of note on this meeting was Cyndi Hardy Photography. She stepped in late in the game and became the hall of fame record holder for most WEN meetings photographed. You must pay a visit to her website and consider her professional abilities when you are in need of a photographer for a wedding or other event. Thanks Cyndi! Her work from this meeting will be linked on this website under “photos and video”.
APR 22, 2010
Our host venue for this meeting, The Views at Superstition, has been a member of WEN for some time and wanted to host a meeting, but I resisted because Gold Canyon is rather distant from the city center and I was concerned that the value of hosting a meeting would be diminished because of lighter attendance. Tracy just asked me to come and have lunch and see the venue. I knew when I walked in the door that the WEN group needed to see that place. I even pushed the date off for several more months so that the sun would be setting on Superstition mountain as our members arrived. The venue is on a second floor with giant windows the just FRAME the mountain brilliantly. What a great venue!
Chef Brad, not to be confused with Sales Brad, from Special Moments Catering took care of the food for us that night- they are a real treasure to have as part of this industry. Leah Janes from A Silver Lining had some of her custom bridal veils on display AND the tiara for our WEN prom coming up. Debbie Sweet from ArtZengraving had a crazy awesome table of promotional and novelty custom engraved crystal and such. We couldn’t do it without Pourmasters keeping the thirst at bay. Amanda Stephan photographed the event and you can see some of the pictures on this website under photos and video. Long-time members Bobbe and Donnie Hayes from MediaCreated4U brought video cameras and will be editing a nice WEN video that I’ll get up here soon. I’m a DJ professionally and I’m going to say something very controversial… we may have had the perfect music at this event… Thanks to DJ Rob from Got You Covered DJ service, it couldn’t have been better.
MAR 25, 2010
It’s amazing that such a great and seemingly well-known venue as the Boojum Tree was still undiscovered by several shocked, stunned and otherwise amazed attendees! We can’t thank Tasha Miller and staff enough for hosting the meeting. Anita from Special Events Linens took care of the linens that complimented the tropical landscaping perfectly. Cherie from Set ‘em Up bartending service was most pleasant and helpful and kept the drinks flowing. Lois Koenig from Girls Luv Pearls donated a lovely necklace to be given away- she was overcome by the exhuberance of the evening and also donated a bracelet. Lauren and staff from Santa Barbara Catering were brilliant the food was incredibly tasty. A2Z Photobooths were showing off some new technology with one of thier photobooths. Chris and Jill Smith from A2Z are a long time members and friends of the Wedding and Event Network.
The piece de resistance was the brilliant work (as always) from Karin of God’s Garden Treasures. The floral centerpieces were perfect. Who knew thistles could be so stunning? Andy Delisle from Deloeil Photography took pictures of the event and you can see his work under “photos and video” I don’t know the Boojum Tree’s cat’s name but he seemed happy to have us around that night.
FEB 25, 2010
The members of WEN met at the exquisxitely beautiful Le Soiree Banquet Hall in Phoenix. Our host and venu owner, Deepika, did a loveley job turning a storefront into a Tuscan palace… a truly wonderful place to have a wedding or other event. We thank her for opening the doors and hosting the meeting.
Barb and Burton Shapiro of Greenscreen Entertainment brought their camera and a wardrobe of props to take funny pictures with exotic backgrounds. Several members had a really great time with the feather boas and funny hats but we won’t say who.
We also wish to thank Dana of Candy’s Apples who brough his delightful and delicious apples dipped in carmel, chocolate, nuts, marshmallows etc., etc., etc. Dana is welcome to be a featured vendor any time he wants. A special thank you to Denise Palma from Arizona Bartenders for providing drinks. Thanks Denise, we’re glad you’re a member of WEN. Angela Hetherington of ImagesbyAngela photographed the event and you can see a few pics on her blog- the link is on our site under “photos and video.” WEN owner Curtis Whipple brought a little bit of his DJ equipment to provide some nice background music.
JAN 28, 2010
Eighty laughing, enthusiastic members of WEN gathered for the first meeting of 2010 in the beautiful ballroom of Seville Golf and Country Club. Our host, Melissa Sprinkle did an admirable job of showing off her facility and making everyone welcome. The signature drink of the evening was great! Thank you Melissa.
We also thank, Still Life Studios for the photography- you made us all look beautiful/handsome and very intersting. Special thanks also goes to Laurie Southwick for the linens and Eric Burkhard of Be in Love Designs for the centerpieces. AZ Celebrity DJ took care of the music, the uplights and a fun photobooth.
DEC 29, 2009
Alas, poor 2009, we hardly knew ye! What a great way to end a year- with our WEN friends. We moved our meeting to the Tuesday between Christmas and New Years and could clearly feel a sigh of relief in the air. It was kindof a mid-season breather. MonOrchid was a great host venue- it’s just a crazy awesome space. Ever After Florals provided some ZEN garden greenery and floral arrangements- Jen, you ROCK! Ms. Noelle Salinas from Fresh from the Kitchen knocked it out of the park with the Asian menu. Tim and Shauna from Visionyard Studios photographed the event. Couldn’t do it without Pourmasters and Tri Rentals. Tyson Barry from Amphion Entertainment took care of our music that night. Here’s to a great 2010!
NOV 19, 2009
Well, that was pretty cool! What a great place to hold a WEN meeting. Thanks to Lilly Norman- the shop owner at Anastasia’s Bath Body Boudoir. Her husband took care of the event lighting and drapes. Alan Pongetti for the classical guitar music, Karen Wheeler of Cookie Couture Company for the deserts. Those high-heeled shoe cookies were strangely erotic.
Our meetings wouldn’t happen without Tri-rentals taking care of the tables and linens. Dave Foreman of Pourmasters always takes care of our drinks and sends a qualified and personable bar tender. Thank you.