WIPA 2014 Kick-Off at the Mandarin-Oriental, San Francisco

It doesn’t get much more elegant than that, you agree, right? The Mandarin-Oriental Hotel in San Francisco’s Financial District is truly the epitome of sleek East-meets-West sophistication… plus: it offers, hands down, the best view in all of the City!

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As the Events Chair Northern California for WIPA (Wedding Industry Professionals Association), I jumped of course at the opportunity to hold our first festive luncheon of the year at this prestigious venue. Together with my co-chair Melanie Leinweber and with Emily Cross,our gracious hostess at the Mandarin Oriental, I dove headfirst into planning – and finally  the Great Day arrived, and we found ourselves manning the registration desk!

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The festivities began with a Cocktail Hour up on the 40th floor Sky Deck with views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and with the Transamerica Pyramid seemingly at arm’s length.

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Contrary to all forecasts, the Sun came out, and guests thoroughly enjoyed the incredible setting, enhanced by delicious hors d’oeuvres (by the Mandarin-Oriental chef),

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a selection of top-notch wines (courtesy of Foley Family Winery)

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and wedding-themed music by the Espiritu Ensembles.

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Adding to the delightful experience was a jewelry show with stunning pieces by Gleim the Jeweler

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…  artfully modeled by the gorgeous Aryan Omar:

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Following Cocktail Hour, guests were treated to a welcome by new Board President Kevin Dennis…

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and an inspirational lecture by “radical educator” Cindy Novotny.

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Her theme was, “Building YOUR Brand –

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… more important than ever in the increasingly competitive landscape of the Wedding Industry.  How do I set MY business apart from the competition? “Treat all your clients as if they were the only ones, and give them your full attention;” “Follow up and recap immediately after a client contact;” “It only takes one client encounter with a thoughtless or inconsiderate associate of yours to ruin your reputation…” many valuable insights to take away! And her engaging and entertaining style earned Cindy an instant fan club..

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All of it was captured real-time by Thomas Hughes Films:

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… and by Indulge Wedding Photography (whose beautiful photos you are admiring right now!)

Then it was time for a formal luncheon in the Embassy ballroom:

wipa-5… set with elegant linens by Napa Valley Linens and dramatic floral arrangements by Mandy Scott Flowers:

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SONY DSCPlace settings were adorned with menu cards by Gwenn Connolly Designs (who also created the chic program books) and chocolate favors by ChocoVogue.

wipa-8And the food was simply stellar…

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Cindy, our speaker, was my “Lady Luck” at the biggest raffle in WIPA history…

wipa-82with prizes by Poppyhearts, Nikki Boyle Fitness, Mandy Scott Flowers, Sweet Lauren Cakes, and two hotel stays at the Claremont Resort in Berkeley and the Mandarin-Oriental, San Francisco. That made people smile!

We wrapped up the joyous occasion in the Library, outfitted with chic lounge furniture by Hartmann Studios

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… over coffee and delicious European mini pastries by Patisserie Gerhard Michler:

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It was a wonderful event, thanks to all our charming guests and generous sponsors, and that made the hostess very happy!

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