Ahhh, summer time, where the sun is shining, and the BBQs are rolling... On today's blog post, I'm going to be sharing my top 5 favorite summer events to host, as well as some of my favorite trends within the technology, and decoration world as well! 

In the comments, I'd love to know if I mentioned one of your favorite type of event, or trend! Hope you enjoy!
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1. A Summer BBQ!
I know this is a given, because who wouldn't want to host one of these? But there's a way of putting on a BBQ that so many do not know how to do! Did you remember ice? How about the sticks for the Kabobs? There are a lot of details that go into planning a BBQ, and we believe that the trend of having an I-pad list will help you! Take out your I-Pad or cellphone, and go into the notes, or reminder section. Write down each recipe you're planning on re-creating, along with decorations that you'll need, drinks, and more. This is a great way to remember everything that you need, while saving paper and time.

2. Hosting a Summer Bash In a Non-Traditional Way
What I mean by this, is hosting your next summer bash in a barn, or what about a warehouse? Using these spaces may even save you money in the long run, and trust me, this is a trendy thing to do! Also, if you do have your summer bash in an interesting location, throwing in some really unique party favors is exciting.

3. Bring In The Dancers!
If you have the budget to do so, there are so many ways of bringing entertainment into your summer party! From acrobatic performers, to belly dancers, your guests will be sure to enjoy themselves! This is probably one of our favorite trends, because even though dancing isn't something I do on a regular basis, I still like to boogy down occasionally!

4. Bold Colors.
I love hosting a good summer dinner party. With the windows open, and lemonade brewing! One of my tricks into making it feel more like summer, rather than a stuffy dinner party, is to add some color. Whether that is in the napkin, or a little party favor. This will add some excitement to not only the table itself, but your guests will smile and enjoy themselves a lot more with some color! 2018 was the year of color, but I believe 2019 is the year is BRIGHT colors such as neons!

5. Food Trends
We get it, at a BBQ there's hot dogs, hamburgers, and chips, right? Wrong! There can be so many other types of foods available for your guests! Get creative with your desserts. Make kabobs rather than hot dogs. Spice up your hamburger meat's marinade... do something to have people say "WOW!" Trust me, it'll make people want to talk about the next party you'll be hosting!

As an event planner, it's fun to be able to create parties like these for not only my friends and family, but also for people throughout the community who need a little bit of help! Finding the time to do this can seem impossible, but with NSE's help, anything is possible.

NSE - Ashley Smith 

For my daughter's 5th birthday, we had a spa day at Bliss Nail Salon, and it was magical! From the custom cookies, to the gorgeous cake, our vendors really pulled this girly spa day off! Having an in-house party planner is always an amazing blessing. 

Have a theme in mind for your child's next birthday party? Let the experts help execute your vision, and take the hassle off of your hands! Stay tuned for our future events, such as a 30th birthday party, which will be executed with our full service team, and if you look back a few posts, you can see we threw an awesome Irish themed birthday party for 200 people! We can make your dream become a reality.

Enjoy some photos we took at my little one's 5th birthday party below.
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Venue: Bliss Spa
Cookies: Brown Box Bakeshop
Cake: Blush Bake House
Invitations: Etsy
Florals: Trader Joes
Cake Party Decor: Target.com

On today's blog post we are going to be talking about all things corporate planning, and why it is so important to outsource outside of your company when wanting to plan a big bash for your amazing employees! 

Before North State Events came along, I was the designated person to handle and coordinate several large events throughout my career at Chipotle, several restaurant grand openings, the Academy Of Country Music Awards, (four times), and the San Francisco Outside Lands Music Festival! That being said, this was my role. Several companies do not have a specific person to coordinate events, especially if this event only happens once a year.

Outsourcing to an event company like mine, offers opportunities for your employees to one, enjoy themselves and not have to worry about logistics, and two, since they are not worried about logistics regarding your holiday party, or big office party, more work will be accomplished in the office!

I am a strong believer in leaving the big events to the experts! So definitely give us a call, as we are ready to take on any event you have in mind.

The types of corporate events we plan include:

• Award ceremonies
• Banquets
• Company picnics
• Fundraisers
• Holiday parties
• Product launches
• Alumni Events

This summer, we have the opportunity to coordinate Lulus.com big summer bash that has 750 guests, and to say we are excited is definitely an understatement. Cheers to outsourcing and making YOUR jobs easier!

NSE 

If you haven't heard, I'm expecting baby number three at the end of April! To say that the third time is a bit easier, is such a true statement! To picture us being a family of five is so exciting, and another addition is so much fun. The girls are constantly asking about my belly! Side note, we're actually waiting to be surprised with the sex of our bundle of joy. We thought keeping a bit of the surprise factor would change it up a bit. 

Although juggling mom life and running a business can be a lot, I know our growing team here at NSE will take care of you and your needs throughout planning your next event! Check out "The Team" on our navigation to meet our planners! Thank you to the beautiful Emily Hajec with Little Wishes Photography for capturing these photos!

Like I always say... Keep these things to the professionals! Throughout my entire event planning and wedding planning career, I have always been very passionate about my couples and clients hiring professional photographers. Sure, the new Iphone may take amazing photos, but what about the editing? What about creating a gorgeous portrait with a lens that barely has to be edited? 

My passion comes from knowing and working with photographers around California who are so in love with "getting the shot" or just in love with the entire idea behind photography. Those are the photographers that need to be booked. The ones that, one, know what they're talking about, and two, that are passionate about capturing moments that will be with you until the end of time. 

I know a few wedding planning friends who have witnessed a good friend of the bride and groom, shooting their wedding, but also drinking while doing so... Can you blame the guy?! He's a good friend... why wouldn't he pick up a glass of wine or a pint of beer? That being said, is he really in the right place to capture the moments you've written down on your shot list? The last thing we want, as wedding planners, is for you to go through your photos 2 months later, and not be happy. These do last a lifetime you know! 

Professional wedding photographers, and professional photographers, in general, have an eye for detail, and they have the best intentions. The phrase "you get what you pay for" is SO true! I always suggest meeting with your photographer to ensure that you two connect in more ways than just photos. Your photographer will be with you from the moment you are getting hair and makeup done, to the moment you leave the venue! Having someone you connect with taking photos will not only make you feel more comfortable, but it will also call for incredible images that you'll love. 

So if you're in the market for an amazing wedding photographer, let me know! I'd love to send a few names over.

Until Next Time,
NSE - North State Events

In honor of Saint Patrick's Day yesterday, I had to share a birthday party we put together last week for 225 fabulous guests! It was a blast, and really made us appreciate the culture even more.

We named the party, "Cannons-Pub", named after the birthday boy's last name! From Irish dancing to amazing Irish music played by Michael's band Pub Scouts (They play every Friday evening at Duffy's!) ; It was truly amazing and a very special birthday!

Later in the evening, guests even roasted Michael, which was too funny! He enjoyed it a lot, you could tell. 

We had some pretty talented vendors at this birthday bash, and like always, we couldn't have put on this fabulous party without them!

Food: Bacio 
Cake: Uppercrust
Venue: Eagles Hall
Photography: Trevor Claverie, World Love Film + Photo
Audio/visual: North State AV
Decor: Etsy 
Floral: North Bloom
Rentals: Eagles Hall & We Do Designs 
Coordination & Planning: North State Events 

I may seem biased, as I am a wedding planner myself, but before I even took the plunge to begin my career, I knew how important it was to have a planner. On today's blog post I am going to give you 5 reasons why hiring a wedding planner is so crucial for your day to run smoothly, and stress free!

1. Communication With Vendors.
Even if you don't end up hiring a planner to plan your wedding from beginning to end, as your day of coordinator, we will be sure to communicate with your vendors at least 1 month in advance! This way, you can leave all of the small details to us. Doesn't that sound amazing?!
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2. Timelines & Day Of Help
Having a timeline done for you is crucial in making sure that the day runs smoothly. Without one, how will your coordinator know when to do what, at what time? If you don't have a coordinator, are you going to have your mom, or aunt run the day? Wouldn't you want them to be a part of it? So having day of help along with a timeline is absolutely necessary in my mind (again not trying to be biased...) 

3. Setup & Clean up
Although most coordinators charge a bit extra for set up and breakdown, it's worth it at the end of the night when you are exhausted! Trust me, your family doesn't want to clean! On the other hand, if you have a large family, willing to help your coordinator, we may not even charge extra! So either way, having a good coordinator will end up making your lives, and your family's lives easier too. 

4. From Beginning To End
As wedding planners, we also love starting a wedding from scratch! From the vendor meetings to the tastings, we don't mind these appointments one bit! I always recommend a full service planner when a bride is overwhelmed with work, or even family. Your wedding day is supposed to be the best day of your life! Not the most stressful. 

5. Friendship 
This may sound corny, but I truly love the friendships and relationships I make with my couples! Spending all of this time chatting, going to appointments, and being a part of such a magical day, ultimately ends up in a beautiful friendship that lasts a lifetime, and I couldn't imagine a better career! My goal as a wedding planner is to not only be your coordinator, confidant, or professional go-to person, it's also to make sure you're enjoying the process every step of the way. As a friend, and as your planner! You can lean on me when things get stressful, and you can know that I will be here even when you're married! 

As always, it's a pleasure to share my experiences with you all, and I truly hope you take this as a kick in the booty to hire the perfect wedding planner for your special day!

Xo,
​NSE

Where do I even begin?! Other than the obvious... how beautiful did Brooke look and how handsome did Eric look?! I've known Brooke since I was her greek recruitment counselor in college about 14 years ago! I know, it's been that long! 
Over the years, because of the wedding industry, we'd run into each other! at bridal fairs, or wedding networking meetings. When I heard her and Eric were engaged, I was absolutely over the moon excited, AND honored when I was asked to be her planner! Obviously, our team said heck yes, and here we are, looking back on an incredible wedding day.
The wedding was a dream... from the guests having to ride the chairlift up the mountain for cocktail hour, to the exciting toasts and fun dances; the entire day was magical. 
Brooke said her favorite part of the entire day was the ceremony, because it showcased their love, and felt like it was just the two of them up there. "Our officiant was our best friend Kyle, and it was probably one of the best gifts we had received." - Brooke
I really love her advice to any future brides; be "glued" to each other the entire night, because it goes way too fast, and enjoying the moment together makes it last! 

Now, who wants to see some of my favorite highlights?! Check out the vendors listed below, and enjoy some gorgeous images.

​Vendors:
Photography: Jack Vu 
Venue/Catering: Sugar Bowl Resort
Coordination/Planning: Northstate Events
Rentals: WeDo Designs
Floral: Cambray Rose Florists
Hair: Angela Cattaneo/ Beyond the Ponytail
Make Up: Megan Mortenson
DJ: Ryan Manill
Dessert: Lovely Layers Cakery
Dress: Miosa Bride - Designer Lillian West
Jewelry: Chloe and Isabel by Brooke Smith
Wedding/ Engagement Rings: Heidi Gibson Designs

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On Feburary 2nd, we held the Children's Museum Gala at The Butte Creek Country Club, and to say it was a success, would be an understatement! 
This is the second year in a row that this gala has been sold out, and I am truly so honored that our team could be a part of this journey!

We honored the founder, Dana Leslie and welcomed the new Chico Children's Museum Director, Leslie Amani! The funds that were raised are being put directly back into the museum exhibits. 

The party really celebrated all of the hard work on this project over the past 4 years and was perfect timing to celebrate our grand opening that happened just a few weeks prior! When I say party.... I mean PARTY! (As you'll see below!) 

Thank you so much to all of our vendors, and to our volunteers who dedicated so much time into making this night perfect. 

Thank you:
Venue: Butte Creek Country Club
Photography: Little Wishes Photography by Emily Hajec 
Floral: M Creations 
Planning: North State Events & Sage Bowman, Nantucket Home
Food: Butte Creek Country Club
Design: Patricia Heath, The Design Renegade, Carson Pezzetti (North State Events), Heirloom Fox 
Rentals & Decor: We Do Designs & Little Red Hen
Entertainment: The Decades Band
Auctioneer: Kevin O'Callaghan
Desserts: Tin Roof Bakery, Cinful Desserts, Mim's Bakery, Krispy Kreme, Denine's Cupcakes, The Cookie Shoppe, Brown Box Bakeshop, Midnite Munchies 

"Hire a dj" "Hire a dj" "Hire a dj"!
I'm sure if we've been working together, you've heard me say that 1 million + times... but that's truly because a DJ can make or break the entire mood and vibe of your wedding day. 

​From the pre ceremony music, to the very last song, choose your DJ wisely, and take the time to go over the music you love, and also the music you really don't like!

Here are FOUR ways to know if you're hiring the right DJ:
(Other than the fact that it's not your uncle....)

1. How Long Has He Been Djing?
This is an important question, but not necessarily a make or break situation. If the DJ you're meeting with explains that he's only been doing it for 1 year or less, but has the confidence that he will make your beautiful day perfect, he may be the one! We've come across DJs that have been in the business so long, that they're not in touch with today's technology, which can hinder a lot of the planning moving forward. 

2. What Style Of Music Is This DJ Used To Playing?
I'm sure you don't want a club DJ playing at your conservative ranch wedding, or vise versa correct? Although DJs have access to a lot of music, they don't always necessarily have everything you're looking for. So when interviewing different DJs, be sure to ask those questions!

3. What Does Their Booth Look Like?
There have been a handful of times when I walk into the reception space, and see an outrageous set up created by the DJ. I get it, not all vendors have the decorative touch, but make sure they don't use a sparkly table cloth when you're going for a muted and neutral look... just may look a bit odd!

4. Do You See Eye To Eye?
Just like finding the right wedding planner, or the right photographer makes a difference in your experience, so does finding the right DJ. Personality is everything, especially if you're looking for them to MC. Do they have a personality you click with? Can they win your guests over while they're patiently waiting for dinner? All of these play a huge role in making the day memorable. 

I truly hope these tips will help you throughout your DJ hunt! Make sure to stay true to yourself, and stand up for what you want. Also, don't hire a family member or a good friend... let them enjoy the day!

Happy Planning!
North State Events