A 60th Anniversary Corporate Celebration

We could not be more excited to work with repeat clients to help them celebrate their special occasion! When The Towbes Group, an award-winning real estate development and construction company, asked us to help them with their 60th year in business, Felici Events 'hit the bricks' to plan an 'architectural' themed "Roast of Michael Towbes", the guest of honor and founder of The Towbes Group Inc. (TGI).  

We designed the invitation for the affair to personify the company's real estate development of Santa Barbara and beyond, which included a rooftop image of the American Riviera along with the company's blue, red and gold 60th logo atop clean print and easy to read fonts.

The 180 person event was held at the ballroom of Fess Parker Resort and Spa, an often used venue location for Chamber events, and the company's own yearly winter party. Felici Events'  transformed the ballroom into a modern space. 

For dinner and the roast portion of the evening, the screen projected the same rooftop image used for the invitation, creating a sensation that one was suspended in air overlooking the beautiful Santa Barbara Red Rooftops. Dining elements included white glass top rectangular tables showcasing blueprints, paired with gold infinity chairs. The table top centerpieces, a combination of blue hydrangeas and red roses housed in gold painted logo Tonka trucks and constructions hats, were a huge hit with guests, and represented the colors of the company's 60th Anniversary logo.

The gold rented bars also demonstrated the history and accomplishments of TGI, showcasing a map of projects the company has developed. It was important for Felici Events to create some visual interest around the vast ballroom, so we looked to create some interesting lighting and visual elements.  SPARK Creative Events strategically placed interesting wall pattern projectionsto enhance the goldish-taupe ballroom walls. A 20' LED screen created a WOW factor showing drone footage of TGI's projects and developments during cocktail hour.  The stage housed sleek and clean white leather chairs and .

Guests were treated with personalized M & M's Mr. Towbes favorite treat, and finally wowed with a delicious serving of fresh lemon sorbet adorned with a delicious The Towbes Group logo home-made cookie by Lele Patisserie. What a sweet ending to a lovely and memorable evening for this Santa Barbara based company.

Event Planner: Felici Events | Venue: Fess Parker A Doubletree by Hilton Resort | Photography: Kelsey Crews Photo | Lighting + Audio: SPARK | Rentals: Blueprint Studios |  Floral: Louloudi Boutique Floral |  Plant Rental: Rainforest Plant Co. | Music: The Idiomatiques | Cookies: Lele Patisserie | Photo Op: Santa Barbara Selfies

#PistolsAndLace a Roaring 20's Party for Event Pros

In January Felici Events had the opportunity to showcase their talents to fellow event professionals by chairing TSE Connects in Long Beach.  TSE, or The Special Event is a yearly conference held in alternate coasts of the country, and this particular evening kicks off the week of the conference and event professionals from around the world get to see each other, reconnect and network.  Our flapper theme came easy with The Federal Bar as the location.  The speak-easy layout and decor of the venue lends itself to a sign of the times, about a century ago.

To enhance the evening of the space, Zohe Felici of Felici Events created experiences that would take guests back to the Roaring 20's an era of celebration and liberation.

Starting the party before guests enter is a high priority for Felici Events, therefore the celebration started on Pine Street, were Lucid Life Entertainment stationed a flapper in a champagne glass greeting attendees and attracting by-passers to show that The Party of the Year is Here! Town and Country Event Rentals provided the lighting to ensure the space had soft lighting.

Once inside, live entertainment for the evening on the main stage and included Lady Leah & The Dukes of Swing provided by The Replicas Music, who performed sensational tunes of the festive swing era -- as well as swingin' familiar re-stylized tunes of today's modern genres. Between sets, DASH Entertainment had DJ Nahchey dropping electro-swing sets with live sax. There were also themed props photo booth shenanigans by The Cheeky Booth. 

The talented Lou Serrano, a Roaming Magician set things on fire, hid wedding rings and created unbelievable illusions that amazed, entertained, and delighted  guests. A Snake Charmer also roamed around the festivities for photo ops and tantalizing experiences of guests. In the speak easy lounge, guests enjoyed DJ tunes by DJ Oliver, of Dash Entertainment.

Because it would be a tight space for the 300+ guests expected, Felici Events looked to the Champagne Creative Group who revealed their innovative rolling food carts with flappers to pass food around all night.  That's right, no need to get up, food will come to you, in class!!

The Federal Bar provided a full bar to guests, and Felici Events created fun signature drinks: The Hot Hooch and The Harlem Sunset.  Roaming Cigarette Girls handed out bags of gifts and themed 1920 candies including Charleston Chews, Squirrel Nut Zippers and Mary Janes.

A huge thank you to the event committee members Heather Walters, The Art of Parties and Helsey Lubiano of CHHC Events, to help make this event a huge success! Also to the team at Rayce PR who promoted and PR'd the event as well as covered the details of it.

Enjoy the photos of the evening captured by Paul Ruhmor, of The Good Photographer.

Asian Themed Fundraiser at Casa de la Guerra

Felici Events Presents: Good Fortune Fundraiser

Happy Chinese New Year!! As we enter the year of the rooster,  we are reminded of one of our favorite fundraising events we have produced. Since we specialize in ethic-centric event production, Felici Events loves bringing culture and traditions into the event design as well as the guest experience.  Naturally, when the  Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation' hired us to plan their Good Fortune Fundraiser, we were ecstatic to take on the challenge of planning and transforming the location to create a FeliciFied event.

The purpose of the evening was to honor the rich Asian American heritage (infusion of all the cultures living convivially) of Santa Barbara, as well as recognize the iconic Asakura hotel (which is now occupied by The Pickle Room and Three Pickles).

The ethnic event took place at the historical Casa de La Guerra, which embodies an open and private courtyard in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara.  Felici Events transformed the Spanish style location into a variety of Asian adventures for guests to sample throughout the evening.  This non-profit fundraiser infused a variety of Asian cultures and traditions by using logistics, entertainment, food, beverage, lighting and decor. 

As guests entered the "Good Fortune" fundraiser, they were greeted by an installation of Japanese silver cranes hung above the entry corridor. Once in the plaza, an Asian font inspired sign provided guests the opportunity to quickly scan what the night offered, and in which direction each narrative is located. 

Inside the plaza, the celebration was a night filled with exciting entertainment including the ever impressive Japanese Taiko drums, spectacular Asian dance performances, an authentic Chinese calligraphy station, an origami making station and the highly successful silent and live auction furnishing authentic Asian art and a myriad of gorgeous themed jewelry. A fan-inspired program provided guests with their numbers for auction and paddle raises, as well as informed them of the different items for auction, food and beverage stations and activities available.

The appetizing adventure embodied a variety of Asian posts including made to order sushi, Chinese noodle to go boxes, custom-made rice stir fry and a Vietnamese vegetarian station. Refreshments included a Sake Tasting station, Asian beer, a full bar and a private specialty hot tea tasting for 10 guests every 1/2 hour. 

Lastly, Felici Events even created two of our favorite culinary-decor focal experiences:

1. A candy station filled with assorted authentic Asian sweets and snacks for guests to enjoy.
2. A "Jimmy’s Lounge" sign inspired by the iconic "Jimmy's Oriental Gardens" sat above a specialty drink bar serving two signature drinks: a Thai Chili Spicy Lychee Martini and an Asian Pear Mojito.

The unique element to this event is that it was a flow, without formal seating.  Stations, tasting activities and entertainment available throughout the night were a huge hit, and a #FeliciFied component of "bringing the group together" for the fundraising and announcement aspect of the program.

The Good Fortune fundraiser would not have been possible without all the amazing event professionals and the continuous support of the community. 

Gong Xi Fa Cai! (May you have a prosperous New Year!)

Grazie Mille to the Felici-fied team that made the Asian Celebration a huge success:

Planner and Designer: Felici Events | Catering - Pan Asian Cuisine Lorraine Lim Catering |  Florist: Juniper Floral Designs | Lighting Bellavista Designs | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Greenery Village Gardner | Beer (donated): Asahi Beer | Calligraphy | Artist Yin Ping Zheng | Sushi and Sake: Studio Nihon | Taiko Drummers: Oxnard Buddhist Temple Taiko Group | Dancers Sino West Photographer: Clint Weisman Studio

New Year's Eve El Encanto Blue and Gold Wedding

Kayla and Robert were such a lovely couple to work with!  When they called me practically a year in advance to be their wedding planner, the couple had a vision of what they were looking for and the style of venue they wanted. 

We immediately booked El Encanto, a perfect enchanted wedding ceremony location on the pond lawn.  Kayla knew that she wanted to walk on a bridge to Robert during the ceremony, and Robert's order or importance was lighting.  It is so nice to have a client who appreciates the importance of lighting, and how it can truly transform any space. 

We finalized to have the ceremony start at 5 p.m. right when it got dusk, so that when the gorgeous bride walked down the aisle, the lighting and candles in the arbor columns were flickering in full effect, creating a romantic and sparkly ceremony reflecting in each other's eyes as they said their vows.  This theme carried on into the dark blue and gold invitations.

After a warm and loving celebration of vows, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'ouvres under the alcove of the pond before heading down to the ballroom.  Lighting and music by DJ Gavin Roy welcomed guests for grand entrance followed by a dance set prior to sitting for a delicious three course dinner. 

Gold linens from Luxe Linens were a perfect match with custom round menus on gold chargers and the soft, fluffy and gorgeous white and blush colored floral centerpieces by Precious and Blooming.

Following dinner guests enjoyed a few hours of casino style entertainment, and turned up the beat with bongo drums playing alongside. DJ Gavin (the groom got to play a set too!).  At the count of midnight guests rang in the New Year and celebrated alongside the bride and groom with noisemakers, hats and lots and lots of love.

Wedding Planner: Felici Events  | Location: El Encanto | Photographer: Nate and Jenny Weddings | Floral Design: Precious And Blooming |  Rentals: Fusion Event Rentals | Lightning: Bella Vista Designs Inc. | Videographer: K Hodge Films LLC  | Hair and Makeup: Dreamcatcher Artistry | Casino Tables: Aces Hi Casion Nights Ventura Casino Party  | Music: Gavin Roy  | Transportation: EOS Transportation

Seafoam Blue Wedding at an Oceanside Private Estate

This oceanside beach themed wedding was a perfect location for the Southern California bride and groom.  The location, Santa Barbara Beach Club, is located on a cliff offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The outdoor area is a toes in the sand experience, where guests enjoyed both the ceremony and reception.  Flipflops were available as guests arrive for them to trade out for their shoes if they wished.

After the ceremony guests enjoyed a cocktail reception in the front yard. The catwalk deck is a perfect setting for the wedding ceremony which we then re-purposed to place the wedding cake under the altar canopy, and the deck became the dance floor for the wedding reception.

When planning the wedding we thoughtfully incorporate the seafoam blue colors into the crinkle linen, which reflected beautifully in the sunshine.  The bamboo folding chairs enhanced the beach vibe decor. We wanted to create some playfulness into the seafoam and white wedding, so the florals created by NLC Productions incorporated pops of color incorporating coral, yellow and orange flowers.

Guests enjoyed a delicious plated dinner by Catering Connection and a seafoam ombre wedding cake.  After dinner, guests danced the night away under string lights provided by Bellavista Designs, who also adhered fabric along the entry deck, to soften the design of the area.

Catering - Catering Connection

Coordinator - Felici Events

Flowers - NLC Productions

Hair/Make Up - Dreamcatcher Artisrty

Lighting - Bella Vista Designs

Music- Vox DJ's

Photo Booth - America's Party Company

Photography - Logan Cole Photography

Rentals - Town and Country Event Rentals

Shuttles - Pipeline Transportation

Venue Contact - Premier Rental Group

Felici Events Featured in CASA Magazine

Article from CASA Magazine

Felici Events Makes News for Planning Santa Barbara's Largest Philanthropic Event

Special thanks to CASA magazine for their article, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” published in August 2009. The article, written by Jacqueline Dyson, provides a detailed description of the event and includes information about Michael Towbes. This birthday celebration also served as a benefit for the Granada Restoration Capital Campaign and raised approximately $1.2M.

As the evening drew to a close, the party was just getting started! Dancing under the stars to Lois Mahalia & The Georgetown Band, exuberant guests rocked the house. Michael enjoyed dancing to his favorite song ‘YMCA’ with wife Anne, granddaughter Allison, and the family. Michael and Anne savored a special moment with the favorite, At Last, and shut is down with a rousing last dance Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough. When all was said and diner, the party’s theme summed it up well: “It’s a Wonderful Life!” – CASA Magazine

Casa Magazine celebrates life in Santa Barbara. This award-winning weekly magazine focuses on cultural institutions and non-profits that support basic human rights and stewardship of the earth. Jacqueline Dyson has written other articles on local fundraising events, including:

• La Fiesta del Museo
• A Night at the Opera Santa Barbara

Felici Events is a first-class event design and production company based in Santa Barbara, California that produces events like this 80th birthday celebration. Contact us if you are planning an upcoming birthday celebration and looking for a company that listens to and expertly translates its clients’ visions into reality.

#FeliciFied, Fantabulous, Bravo + YAY!

Today I am overwhelmed with absolute emotion!  I have been chosen by MY PEERS and received TWO awards from Borrowed and Blue's Best of B&B.  My heart is so full!! AWARD 1) Felici Events received the silver medal for Best Wedding Planner in Santa Barbara, alongside two amazing fellow planners. It is a true honor to be mentioned + runner up with talent. What a thrill!

Best Planner Silver Borrowed and Blue Felici Events Award

AWARD 2) The BEST news and heartwarming feeling of all, is that Santa Barbara fellow vendors named me Most Valuable Vendor. "An ambassador for the local event community."  They see me, Zohe Felici, as a leader, role model and vendor having a collaborative spirit and a  nurturing passion for Santa Barbara.

Most Valuable Vendor Borrowed + Blue Felici Events

I am so humbled, and have worked to so hard to foster relationships with such a wonderful event community, and I am honored that this indeed is the case.  Grazie Mille Santa Barbara!  I am proud to call you my home and to impact friendors in my #FeliciWorld which I celebrate daily and adore so much. I have been #FeliciFied

XO

Zohe Felici

Glamping Bar Mitzvah Five Star Style

Dov's Bar Mitzvah at the Four Seasons Biltmore

Felici Events had so much fun producing this Glamping Themed Bar Mitzvah for our amazing clients.  We turned the El Mar Room at the Four Seasons Biltmore into an outdoor space complete with trees, tent, seating, lanterns, nighttime lighting and a campfire.

The ceremony space at the Mariposa Garden allowed the service to remain intimate and maintain the ocean view and well manicured gardens the Four Seasons offers.  By adding wooden benches and pillows, blanket and saplings, we brought the campy feel into the beach-like setting of the hotel.

Bar Mitzvah Felici Events Outdoor Ceremony Camping Themed Bench Pillow Blanket Wood Green Tree

The string lights were perfect for the sunset ceremony.

Bar Mitzvah Felici Events Outdoor Ceremony Lighting View

Mariachi played the hora and other Jewish songs for the guests immediately following the ceremony.

Bar Mitzvah Felici Events Mariachi Band Outdoor Ceremony

Down to the details, event the kids activities incorporated wood and camping crafts.

Bar Mitzvah Felici Events Craft Table Creative

The family tree was a grand welcome for the guest post ceremony, as they made their way to cocktails on the patio.

Bar Mitzvah Felici Events Family Tree Hanging Pictures Lights

The El Mar Room transformed beautifully by adding trees, uplighting and creating a u-shaped family table for the 60 guests.  Flowers were placed on wooden pieces and the candles tied in the glamping theme into the very elegantly set table

Bar Mitzvah Felici Events Seating Camping Themed Indoor Nature Flowers Green Orange Yellow Trees Lighting Candles

Bar Mitzvah Felici Events Camping Themed Grey Plates Golden Silverware Colorful Linen Flowers Green Candles

Bar Mitzvah Felici Events Camping Themed Grey Plate Golden Silverware Glassware Personalized Menu Print Napkin Flowers Candels

Transforming El Mar into the campground area complete with Teepee was a huge hit for the kids!

Bar Mitzvah Felici Events Camping Themed Indoor Tent Marquee Lighting Campfire

The dessert station in the campground was a huge hit for kids and adults alike.

Bar Mitzvah Felici Events Camping Themed Dessert Station Marshmallow Chocolate Fruits Cookies

Camping would not be complete without S'Mores prepared on these cute cast-iron skillet by the hotel's culinary team.

Bar Mitzvah Felici Events Dessert Camping Themed Marshmallow

Berries and cookies were also a dessert option for guests, the cookie pan a rental item to continue the theme of the event.  It is all in the details.

Bar Mitzvah Felici Events Dessert Table Cookies Fruits Camping Themed

The Singalong was the client's number one priority.  A musical family, this was the vision that created the theme, and joyously brought all the guests together.

Bar Mitzvah Felici Events Camping Themed Sing Along at Campfire Indoor Guitar Instruments Tent

Catering and Venue - Four Seasons Resort

Floral and Decor - NLC Productions by Nico Cervantes

Guitarist Campfire Singalong - John Lyle

Lighting - Spark Creative Events

Linens - La Tavola Fine Linen Rental

Mariachi - Gavin Roy Presents

Photo Booth - SB Photobooths

Photography - Natalie Thomson Photography

Planner + Designer - Felici Events

Rentals Table Settings- Classic Party Rentals

Rentals Ceremony - Elan Event Rentals

Rentals Glamping Details - Archive Rentals

Tree Rental - Gazebo Plants and Flowers

Family Tree Rental on Patio - Jackson Shrub Supply Inc

Voodoo Lounge Halloween Dance Party

Ghoulish Decor + Creative Costumes = A Ghostly Good Time!

If you know Zohe, you know that Halloween is one of her favorite holidays.  Born December 29th, Zohe has participated in or hosted a Halloween Party for as long as she can remember.  The best part of this holiday is the unique Halloween costumes and the creative haunting decor.

October 31st 2015 we produced the 4th annual Voodoo Lounge Halloween Party at Montecito Country Club.  What a perfect venue to host such an event!  Santa Barbara's Voodoo Lounge Halloween Dance Part is an event that is open to the public, in which Scott Topper Productions + Felici Events manifested in 2012 for the Santa Barbara community.

A huge Grazie Mille to Kelsey Crews for these amazing images!

We LOVED this group costume, those are usually some of our favorites.  The entire Addams Family is pictured below.

These girls won best costume as the twins from The Shining. Gory and gruesome, we were afraid to talk to them.

These two won 2nd place in the costume contest as the Voodoo Duo.  It's all in the details, look at the foliage on the guy's flip-flops.

This group of friends were striking a pose, what a great mix with a punk rocker, hercules, money, dia de los muertos and air force pilot costumes.

Things got a little wild on the dance floor.

Here is a surprise performance by Borgia Bloom

The event producers, Zohe Felici of Felici Events and Scott Topper of Scott Topper Productions did it again!

Aaaand, the Felici Events Team w/ Zohe Felici posing  in front of the grand fireplace. 

Grazie Mille to the event professionals and vendors who helped Felici Events make this night possible:

Grim Reaper Grilled Cheese by The Blue Owl

Shot Ghouls Cannon Blast + Cannon Blast Cauldron Potion Jello Shots

Haunted

Action Photo Booth

Scott Topper Productions

DJ'ing and Boogy-manning the night away

THRILLER Flash Mob performance by

La Boheme Professional Dancers

Social Media Savvyness by

Search Engine Pros

Social Media Assistance by

Social Status Media

Spooktacular Location at

Montecito Country Club

Creepy Cages donated by

Bella Vista Designs

Complete with Spine Chilling Sparkling Lounge, the party was a huge success!

We were honored to be able to donate Partial Proceeds to the Pacific Pride Foundation

Planning A Tuscan-Themed Oceanfront Dinner

Felici Worldwide Brings Tuscany to Santa Barbara

After traveling to Italy in July, Zohe was so inspired by her mother land.  The colors, food and vibrant settings motivated Felici Events owner to produce a Tuscan-style rehearsal dinner for her wedding clients.  Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the views were stunning and something to compete with, but Felici Events found no challenge in producing an event just as breathtaking.

A Huge Thank you to our Vendors:

NLC Productions - Flowers + Decor

Town and Country Event Rentals - Tableware + Rentals

Catering Connection - Catering

Kiel Rucker Photography - Photography

Felici Events - Planning + Coordination

Blue, Purple + Teal = Bat Mitzvah Garden Party Appeal

Peacock Colors + a Garden in the Heart of Santa Barbara

It is no secret that the Santa Barbara Club is one of our favorite venue to produce weddings and special events in Santa Barbara.  So much so that Zohe held her 40th Birthday Celebration - Godfather Theme - at this location.  In fact, this client attended that event and also fell in love with the venue, thus booking it and having it be a perfect fit for her daughter's Garden Party themed Bat Mitzvah.

We were thrilled to be here working at the Santa Barbara Club, and the theme and colors - so much fun!

We love when guests leave notes and words of wisdom (rather than just a guest book). Leaving it out for guests to share at their leisure throughout the reception or event allows time for all to think about what to say and share a lovely note with the guest(s) of honor.  In this occasion we purchased leaves and flowers to keep in theme w/ the event for guests to write on and hang on a manzanita branch.

Felici Events Bat Mitzvah Wishing Cards Write A Wish

A great entertainment for any age, is getting temporary tattoos, flash tattoos or in this case Henna.  Here the guest of honor is getting some henna work done by the lovely Dee.  When you have a lot of guests, keep the designs simple so that each guest takes up a 10 minute window.

Felici Events Bat Mitzvah Henna

Felici Events Bat Mitzvah Drinks Beverage Garden

A "mockail' bar is a great element to include for the kids.  Here we have specialty drinks of Lily's Lemonade and Watermelon Crush.  Fun straws add to the festivities.

Felici Events Bat Mitzvah Purple Nibbles

A scrumptious appetizer station for the adults include a charcuterie, cheeses and veggies, with the bread sticks doubling up as decor.

Felici Events Bat Mitzvah Floral Arrangement Table Decor

The adult tables, indoors, had an elegant feel with the gorgeous white, green and dark purple color palate to compliment the aesthetics of the teal and purple linens, and bring the garden theme indoors.

We chose 3 different colors of Dupionique linens within the palate which worked out nicely inside the main dining room.

Felici Events Bat Mitzvah Purple Blue Flowers Table

Felici Events Bat Mitzvah Garden Purple Seating

Outdoors, the kids tables consisted of seated tables with window box centerpieces of greenery and pinwheels and low to the ground wooden tables with cups of Tulips and Lillys (for our guest of honor, Lily). The iridescent dupionique La Tavola pillows matched the linen and tied the design together.

Another fun element was the outdoor furniture (to the left) where both adults and kids were able to lounge on.  The seating arrangement by Elan Rentals was perfect for this setting.

Felici Events Bat Mitzvah Garden Purple Lights Balloon

How and why are the kids all seated and attentive?

Felici Events Bat Mitzvah Balloon Purple Pink Green Blue Table Seating Garden

…..Desserts, of course!  These mini bundt cakes were a huge hit!  We purchased paper decor shaped toppers tied in the garden party theme. We love incorporating the food and beverage into the theme.  Most caterers can do this without a problem, rather than having the same ol' same ol' menu, and it does not cost much to bring in touches or a menu that tie in with the theme.

Felici Events Bat Mitzvah Cupcakes Purple Pink Colorful

One of our favorite design elements is how the 'wishing tree' (manzanita tree + floral stems + string lights) turned magical at night, and became a focal point as the sun set and it became dark.

Felici Events Bat Mitzvah Purple Pink Blue Lights Garden Seating

We thanked guests as they left and favors were there ready for them to pick up.  Keeping with Lily's Garden Party theme, we had seed bombs (3 per pack) with a lovely thank you card to match the stationary as a moment for guests to remember this magical night.  What a great Bat Mitzvah!

Felici Events Bat Mitzvah Favors Thank You Organza Bags Lilac Purple Mint Sign

Felici Events Bat Mitzvah Thank You Favor Organza Bags Seed Bombs

Coordinator - Felici Events

Dessert - Nothing Bundt Cakes

Flowers - Coco Rose Floral Design

Lighting - Spark Creative Events

Linens - La Tavola Fine Linen Rental

Music/ DJ - H2H The Perfect Element

Photobooth Flip Book - A Little Scene Flip Books

Photobooth - Complete Weddings & Events

Photography - Kelsey Crews Photo

Rentals - Furniture - Elan Event Rentals

Rentals - Dance Floor - Ventura Rental Party Center

Venue - Santa Barbara Club

Entertainment Brings Adults + Kids Together at Parties!

SMILE + SNAP! It's a Felici Events Bat Mitzvah

For any celebration, entertainment is a MUST have.  Personally, we like interactive entertainment to help bring the guests together and add a fun and exciting element to any event.  The integration of an Open Air Photobooth® provided an exciting activity for guests and subsequent receipt of professional quality keepsake photographs that will last a lifetime.

With the current social media trend, especially around mitzvah aged kids, having  Social Media Integration - Instant Email, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds incorporated are a plus.

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And here is the token Felici Event Team "Quality Control" image.  FeliciTazioni Julia!

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Planner - Felici Events

Photobooth - Open Air Photo Booth

Colors + Candy + Creativity = #FeliciTimes Bat Mitzvah Celebration!

Dylan's Candy Inspired Bat Mitzvah

We were thrilled to have produced a 2nd celebration for our clients' youngest daughter's Bat Mitzvah this year (Ava celebrated her Graffiti Grunge Celebration in 2012) at Fess Parker Doubletree Resort, the Reagan Room.  The thing about producing kids events, is….well, I get to be a child again!  The vision, creativity and audience allows for more creativity, color and out of the box ideas.

My theory is that the theme starts the minute (BEFORE) you step into the room.  For this reason we had adult height decor greeting guests prior to entering the party room, in order to create anticipation and fluidity.

balloon decor ideas candy bar theme kid party

Once inside  the room, we set up an open air photo booth, a perfect occasion for the host(s) to stand and greet guests and step in for a photo op...

open air booth entertainment candy theme balloon decor

Cocktail hour on the patio was an adult-only zone with bar and lounge for those guests who wanted to step away from the activities. Magnificent Pacific Ocean view included.

Candy Bar Theme Bat Mitzvah pink decor

kids table candy decor theme Felici Events

To decorate the kids tables in a playful and tasteful way, we purchased floral sheeting which we found at our January conference in Anaheim.  The elegant La Tavola napkins were made into silverware rolls and held together by candy bracelets.

kid part entertainment idea slomo booth Felici Events

A slo-mo photo booth entertained both guests and adults alike. In fact, it was so much fun we have another blog post dedicated to it!

candy bar theme Felici Events Bat Mitzvah pink

A view of the room in its completion below.  The lounge areas gave a little separation between the adult and kids tables.  The topiaries you see on the kids tables were a crafting project made by mom + daughters and friends.  I always think personalizing your event somehow is a great idea!

The adult tables were elegantly presented using Dupionique La Tavola Linen and napkins wrapped in dots for a playful twist.

dots decor idea candy theme Felici Events

Family of the Bat Mitzvah Client

The floral sheeting was a great backdrop for the room, which created a WOW factor and added joviality to the hotel's banquet room.  Here is the whole client family together striking a pose.

The vibrant kids buffet turned into a dessert buffet to be enjoyed by all.

decor ideas dylan's candy bar Felici Events

Felici Events candy bar kid party

Candy Bar for Kids Party Candy Theme Felici Events

Bat Mitzvah guest of honor dancing for her event

How else to burn off the calories taken in at this delectable affair?  Why dancing of course!  Here is the guest of honor  starting a dance set with her BFF.

A HUGE Grazie Mille to our team of vendors who helped turned our clients' dream into a reality!

Photography - All Images by Kelsey Crews Photography

Flowers - Juniper Designs

Decor - Cathy Olson - Balloon Artist

Lighting - SPARK Creative Events

DJ - H2H The Perfect Element

Rentals - Town and Country Event Rentals

Linen - La Tavola Linens

Photobooth - Open Air Photo Booth

Slow Motion Booth - The Slow Motion Booth

Venue - Fess Parker Doubletree Resort 

Planning and Design - Zohe Felici, Felici Events

Santa Barbara Jewish Festival 2015

May 2015 marked the 4th year in a row that Felici Events had helped produce the Great Santa Barbara Jewish Federation's Jewish Festival. The Annual Santa Barbara Jewish Festival is a free event allowing the community to experience the rich traditions and culture of the Jewish people.

Music stage Santa Barbara Jewish Festival Felici Events

The afternoon is filled with dance, food, crafts, art,  information and the sights and sounds of the joyous Jewish culture.

Santa Barbara Jewish Festival Felici Events Kelsey Crews

Santa Barbara Jewish Festival Singing Felici Events

There is a specific kid festival area  where children are captivated by their own kiddie's entertainment, complete with crafts, games, and activities.

Santa Barbara Jewish Festival Kelsey Crews Photo Felici Events

Selfie Booth Southern California Mitzvahs Felici Events

In case you did not know it, Felici Events has a sister website, Southern California Mitzvahs where we showcase our mitzvah party production and services.  We have a booth at the Festival and this year we created a selfie instagram booth.    Scott Topper, our partner with Southern California Mitzvahs is holding down the fort with our newest member, Skyler Topperov!

Southern California Mitzvahs Jewish Festival Felici Events

kids walking away Felici Events Jewish Festival Santa Barbara

Could not resist this picture from the talents of Kelsey Crews Photography, this is just so sweet!

Felici Events Team Santa Barbara Jewish Festival

And once again, the Felici Events team strikes a pose for the camera.

Here is a quick video of the Santa Barbara Jewish Festival set up to break down - event production at its best.  Video by our client Mike Witt (who is also a talented guitarist and performs at the festival) @guitarwitt.

https://youtu.be/oxEZbOOIFnI

A Huge thank you to all the volunteers who help with the Jewish Festival and also to our corporate sponsor and Friendor SPARK Creative Events

Venues for a Destination Wedding in Italy

Tuscany is an ideal location for the perfect destination wedding.

Choosing a unique and stunning location for your wedding is not an easy task.  There are so many options that it’s very easy to get confused. Tuscany offers an abundance of history, which is why there are numerable villas, monasteries and castles, all beautiful and each with it’s unique design and elegance!

Asking a Tuscany-based wedding planner for suggestions, will help find the perfect venue for you.  Below are our tips to find the ideal location to make your dreams to come true!

Venue Felici Events and Super Tuscan Wedding Planners Wedding-in-Tuscany

The typical Tuscan "casale",an old Tuscan home, is a familiar place where you and your family can feel at home during your stay.  A casale is usually small and intimate, ideal to accommodate your bridal party and share with a few select members that will take part in the wedding preparations!

05Wedding-in-Tuscany

Farmhouses are similar to the typical tuscan casale. As wedding venues, farmhouses not only will host your bridal party, but are an amazing starting point for a one-of-a-kind walk among vineyards as the wind gently caresses you, or to savor a taste of the local wines and products. It doesn’t get more authentic than a farmhouse to experience Tuscany to the fullest.

Tuscany Wedding Location Felici Events and Super Tuscan Wedding Planners

Another luxury-medieval alternative you can easily find in Tuscany, are castles! With their magic charm, castles will let your guests feel like they’re living a part of history but with a modern look.

If you are planning on having a large number of guests, and you want them all by your side during the days before and after the wedding, the best solution is an ancient medieval burg transformed into a cozy lodging. Besides the traditional aspect of the outside areas, they are indeed very cozy and you will have all comforts at your fingertips. Nearby you will find day spas and elegant restaurants that the burg put at its guests’ disposal.

Castle Wedding Location Felici Events and Super Tuscan Wedding Planners

Elegance is not unusual in Tuscany! Other than its rustic side and infinite fields around these houses, Tuscany offers plenty of elegant Italian styled villas. The luxury interiors will amaze your guests and the beautiful Italian gardens are ideal to host elegant outdoor receptions. Your guests will appreciate such a sophisticated choice!

03Wedding-in-Tuscany

Tuscany, however, is not only countryside and vineyards…right around the bend the stunning Tuscan sea is waiting for you!

3italy-seaside-wedding-tuscany-coast

That’s just a short list of the possibilities, but don’t worry… other stunning venues are over the next hilltop as you make your way throughout the Tuscan countryside. Now that you know a bit about Tuscany...what will you choose?

Ask Felici Events and Super Tuscan Wedding planners for more suggestions!

Felici Events Table Design at the Luxe Linen Showcase

felici-136

Felici Events displayed our wedding and event design skills recently, at Sherwood Country Club. Luxe Linens invited us to produce a table-top design of our choice, to showcase the 2015 line of new linens and napkins. Here is a video clip showing you the finished product as well as the wonderful team who helped us fulfill a little creative magic!

https://youtu.be/4_mxxRxN1Rg

We were tickled pink to be invited, which carried into our theme of a pink table top inspired by the 2011 movie 

Marie Antoinette

 (directed by Sofia Coppola, a fellow Italian-ite and Felici-favorite).

felici-104

We chose to showcase our table of eight using Luxe Linens' Sherbert Vogue.

Once we decided on the linens, Felici Events called on the the talents of a newer vintage rental company Otis and Pearl, to supply the silverware, china and glassware.

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Nina of Coco Rose Designs and the Felici Events Team could have spent hours in her storage unit looking at all the fun table top pieces.  In face, we may have.  Low and behold, it was easy for us to fall in love with the pink glassware you see at each table. Perfectly fitting for such a girly table top setting.

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Next, we asked for help from our friend and fellow

ISES-VSB 

member, Joost Bongaerts, owner of Florabundance, if he would like to contribute, and graciously he supplied all the floral.

The final touches, envisioned by Nina of Coco Rose Designs included the sweet fresh berries and delectable

macarons

 embellishing the table top.

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Finally, we chose the

Florence dining chairs

(both with arms and without) to complete the look of the dining table.  They were definitely the talk of our table amongst attendees and fellow showcasing peers.

It was absolute perfection.  The location, setting, details, event and evening.  Thank you Luxe Linens for including us in this project!

Grazie Mille to our contributors:

DESIGNER and VISIONARY: Felici Events

FLORIST: Coco Rose Design 

VINTAGE RENTALS: Otis and Pearl

CHAIR RENTAL: Revelry Event Designers

FLORAL PURVEYOR: Florabundance

Felici Events Wishes You A Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Felici Events Presents: St. Patty's Day Party Lookbook

The Felici Events team loves a great themed-party - who doesn't? With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, we thought that it would be the perfect time to share with you all a #Felicified guide to planning your very own St. Patrick's Day Party. 

food - Stuffed-Reuben-Pull-Apart-Bread

Let's start off with the food! Because how amazing can a party be without delicious food? Our team searched high and low for the following themed-out, mouth-watering dishes. We also included the links to the recipes for you, enjoy! 

Finger Food/Starters

- Shamrock Nachos - Taking any opportunity to bring out the green clovers.

food - shamrock nachos

- Spinach Pesto Mashed Potatoes - A new way to wear green!

food - Spinach-Pesto-Mashed-Potatoes

The Main Course

- Lucky Spinach Quiche - Lucky you!

food - quiche

- Corned Beef Brisket Pita - We can already taste all the flavors!

food - pita sandwich

- Irish Bread Braid - Feeling lucky yet?

food - irish bread braid

Sweets

- Muddy Buddies - They are essentially blinged out puppy chow.

food - muddy buddies

- Shamrock Shake - Who needs McDonalds when you can do it yourself?

food - shake

Cocktails

- Honeydew Martini - the simply perfect green drink

food - cocktail

- The Irish Flag - how patriotic!

food - irish flag

Now that we have gotten all the drooling out of the way, check out the festive decor ideas the Felici Team has for you!

- Wreaths - we have a more casual option as well as a more classy version for you!

decor - casual wreath

decor - classy wreath

- Floral Displays - chic and classy

floral - classy

floral - chic

OR opt for a more fun and do it yourself versions!

floral - hat

floral - clovers

- Banners

banner - clover

banner - lucky

- Party Favors - simple yet thoughtful. 

favor - jar candy

favor - polish

- Decor Embellishments - for that extra wow factor. 

embellishment - balls

embellishments - jars

- Special Touches - it's the small things that matter.

special touch - setting

special touches - straw

Your options are endless when planning a party. We hope you enjoyed the ones we gave you. Put them to good use and let us know how everything turned out. Don't forget to keep checking back for more felicified party ideas! In the meantime, we wish you a very lucky St. Patrick's Day!

Picturesque Santa Barbara Historical Museum Wedding

Sarah and Scott Church

It's Wedding Wednesday and the Felici Events team wants to celebrate this beautiful picturesque Santa Barbara Wedding! This #Felicified couple got married in the summer and were a wonder to work with! If you want to have a true Santa Barbara Wedding, follow these tips from a previous Felici Events wedding in honor of Scott and Sarah.

First off, this couple used not 1, not 2, but 3 different venues the day of! Talk about really using Santa Barbara to its fullest. The wedding party got ready at the Canary Hotel in downtown Santa Barbara which worked out perfectly since the rehearsal dinner the night before took place on the rooftop of the Canary Hotel. It is a really a unique and elegant venue; I mean, just look at this staircase!

Sarah and Scott Canary Staircase

Sarah and Scott Canary Fountain

The ceremony took place at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel which is a grandiose church at the foot of some of Santa Barbara's impressive mountains. The reception took place at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum which is filled of Old-Spanish decor and ambiance. Of course when you have more than one venue, the transportation plays a big role on this special day. The Felici Events team decided to work with EOS shuttles for guests and Santa Barbara Trolley for the wedding party. It is really important that if your wedding takes place in multiple locations you provide transportation, if possible. Your guests will truly be thankful and overall will allow more guests to be on time since they are all together. It saves you and your wedding coordinator headaches later on! Besides, having transportation can allow all your guests to get to know each other a little better. Not to mention, it provides another source of fun for your wedding party!

Sarah and Scott Trolley

Sarah and Scott Wedding Party Trolley

When it comes to Santa Barbara, old-Spanish and adobe architecture is all around! It really gives it that picturesque feel. As for the reception decor, the Felici Events team and the bride and groom worked together to choose the color palette that really compliments that, specifically the Historical Museum adobe tile and wooden structure. Great job and a special thanks to Stems Floral for making it happen! Just look at the beautiful centerpieces and bouquet with the hints of peach and pink that really compliments the Historical Museum (and even the church as well)!

Sarah and Scott Church Outside

Sarah and Scott Musuem

Sarah and Scott Centerpiece Floral

And of course to keep that theme going, the Felici Events team designed the rest of the decor to match! The Felici Events team believes that wedding signage is really important, but more so it adds special touches that help tie the theme together! In this case, the reception sign was made from an old piece of wood that the bride and groom got. If you don't have a crafty friend or the resources or even time to make it there are ways to get signs like this made on Etsy or other companies. We recently got Dana Decals to make a few decals for some signs at a different wedding and they came out spectacular!

Sarah and Scott Mr and Mrs

Sarah and Scott Reception Sign

Now, although this picturesque Santa Barbara Wedding looks amazing as is, you can always incorporate your own personal touches! For example, this Felici bride and groom had a big thing for cognac, so a cognac and cigar bar was made at the reception and it was a big hit! Something like this makes your wedding more personalized and is made for all guests to enjoy and share with you! (P.S. Notice the orange and peach accents continue onto the pillows!)

Sarah and Scott Cognac Bar

To make this wedding possible we needed all the help we could get so the Felici Events team wants to thank everyone involved and especially Chris Schmitt Photography for these amazing pictures!

Dreaming of your wedding in Tuscany

08Real Weddings by Super tuscan Wedding Planners

Engaged couples dream of having an unforgettable wedding, and a wedding worth-the-name must be, well, one you have always imagined.  Tuscany, an ideal location for a dream wedding, is a postcard come to life which carries sentiments to be shared with your other half.....of course your family and friends are also invited!

Those who think that the love at first sight is all encompassing are right! One cannot help but fall in love with the picturesque Tuscan backdrops, where rolling hills of blue and pink blend to create the most romantic moments of ones lives.

01Real Weddings by Super tuscan Wedding Planners

This region of Italy will add magic and induce a careless spirit that allows couples to live each moment of their wedding as the perfect one... a promise from both Felici Events & Super Tuscan Wedding Planners! 

Felici Events and Super tuscan Wedding Planners

Once you fall in love with it, there is no other option than to plan your Tuscan wedding!Tuscany, guaranteed with stunning panoramas, is at your fingertips. We want to dream it (and plan it!) alongside you, so that you may enjoy yourselves and book your first flight to Italy.  This will be the first of many visit, guaranteed!

Whether you are envisioning a traditional Tuscan religious ceremony in an ancient church, romantic personalized nuptials in a medieval castle, or a civil ceremonyin Tuscany in a a historic palace, or even a Tuscan symbolic wedding in front of a stunning panorama, we will facilitate and guide you to discover enchanted places and find the right fit for you.

Felici Events and Weddings by Super tuscan Wedding Planners

Once we have found the perfect location for your once-in-a-lifetime occasion, we will produce every detail.  Imagine a rose petal aisle, a glamorous wedding gown and a colourful and blossoming wedding altar, ready to bless your union on your wedding day!!

08Real Weddings by Super Tuscan Wedding Planners civil ceremony

Have we woken you up yet?? Ask us to lead you thru Florence, Siena, Cortona or amidst the vineyards of Montepulciano and Montalcino! Immerse yourselves in order to create a personalized and unique experience.

23Real Weddings by Super tuscan Wedding Planners

Felici Events and Super Tuscan Wedding Planners

19Real Weddings by Super tuscan Wedding Planners

A wedding in Tuscany..it’s not only about dreams.. Dream, and ask! Tell us about yourselves and how we can create your dream into a reality.

With love, Zohe Felici for Felici Events and Elia Moretti for Super Tuscan Wedding Planners

Super Tuscan Weddings Felici Events

Photography Credit:

Amy Turner: 

http://www.imag1ne.

com/

Lisa Poggi (foto town hall Cortona): 

http://www.lisapoggi.com/

Andrea Bartolozzi: 

http://www.

weddingmovie.it

Happy Valentine's Day!!

What is LOVE?

As a wedding planner, I get to experience first-hand what love is.

Whether it be between the engaged couple, a bride and her parents, the groom and his parents or the extended family and friends:

Love is an expected guest attending every wedding ceremony and reception.

Love does not get an invite, does not RSVP and does not receive a Thank You Card.

Zohe Felici wedding planner loves her job

For me:

I love my parents, friends and family.

I love my dog.

I love my profession (the pic above speaks for itself, a candid taken during a Felici Event).

I love my work friends.

I love where I live.

I have so much to be overwhelmed with love about, I am extremely fortunate.

Sharing the Felici-Love on this very special day, thank you for partaking in my journey (of life) with me.

XOXO!

Zohe Felici