Hello Refined Tribe,
The energy is still buzzing from our recent Refined with Details workshop! If there’s one thing I love about this industry it’s that we support in numbers and empower one another’s growth. The power of collective change is real… and I can’t wait to see what the year will bring.
When I reconnected with Chelsea of Coast Catering, we knew that the universe had brought us back together to create something POWERFUL. MAGICAL. Something that would align our passions and purposes for the wedding industry. We both admittedly, meticulously love “attention to detail” and using creativity to design something beautiful yet intentional. This was the perfect opportunity for our brands to partner together and share what we do best. Chelsea also suggested the perfect venue, Pigment Event Space, that was equal parts refined and community-driven.
If you didn’t attend the workshop and are living under a rock, Pigment is this ultra-luxe retail store filled with the trendiest pastel and gold-plated knick-knacks--a true blogger’s paradise. I mean seriously, I’m ready to purchase the entire online store! Who doesn’t want one of those bamboo thrones?! Anyways, back to the vision. Chelsea and I took a tour of the space and I knew immediately that this was the setting for my next workshop. The space was minimal, yet totally malleable. An empty canvas waiting for its exquisite masterpiece.
The evening began with an open reception of networking, sipping on chilled wines and nibbling on bites of savory cheeses, delicate sliced meats, and gourmet preserves. I was pleased to see a mix of my dearest colleagues and newcomers catching up like old friends. The space we created breathed in a new vibration; inviting and full of endless possibilities.
We jumped right into the program with a brief introduction of myself and why I decided to launch Refined. Built on community and connection, the brand had evolved after years of working in the wedding industry and learning how to work with industry partners and to define my own style. It was important for me to share the lessons I learned and the long-term relationships I had built with my brides. For me, this life wasn’t just a chance encounter but something I had poured my heart into, wholeheartedly. Through my connections and determination, I had found my niche. I knew I could work for Francine Ribeau Events and team up with reputable partners like Coast Catering and Sage Justice Photography. The saw my vision and I trusted them to help me create the perfect dream weddings.
The program transformed into an interactive table scape workshop with the guidance of Chelsea and Barry of Coast Catering. We divided the group into two teams and they were tasked with identifying the table setting mistakes using their worksheets then instructed to fix them. Along the way, Chelsea and Barry provided tips on proper etiquette techniques. The group really took the challenge seriously and proved their skills! I was so impressed to see both experienced and younger planners working together in this team building exercise. Here’s a little snapshot of what the perfect setting, informal and formal, should look like. Feel free to download a copy and share it with your colleagues!
Sage Justice gave us his tips on getting the perfect detailed shot and working with a planner to not only get all the wedding glam but also photos to help market ourselves as business professionals. Both are mutually exclusive but equally important to the client and planner. There are times when we see a fork out of place or those pesky butter balls nestled in our beautiful floral arrangement shot. It’s important to spot those mistakes and help the photographer see your vision. But be mindful to respective their creative process. Again, it’s important to have commonalities, trust and communication with your partners. It’s a win-win for everyone!
When the final production unveiled itself, I was so happy I partnered with Coast Catering and Sage Justice Photography. Each sponsor brought new insight and expertise to the themes of:
Vendor and client relations
Personality
Cost
Style
Location
Commonalities
Creative direction
I wanted to extend my gratitude to Coast Catering, Sage Justice Photography, Botanica Muse, and Encore Entertainment. They helped bring my vision to life and shared their expertise to help create a truly meaningful night.
If you didn’t attend the workshop, don’t worry we have another one coming up for you in March! Stay tuned for details….
Xo,
Suher
”Really enjoyed learning about different parts of our industry. Always great to be a part of this group. Thank you Suher for bringing everyone together.”- Armando Cepeda, Executive Producer of Encore Event Entertainment.
“It was fabulous! Thanks for a great evening!”- Rebecca Graves, Senior Catering Sales Manager of The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, A Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa.
