Showing posts with label Sterling Engagements Wishes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sterling Engagements Wishes. Show all posts

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Sterling Engagements Wishes: Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  
Wishing you and yours a Happy, Safe and EXTRA FUN Holiday! 


Looking forward to sharing the new year with all of our past, present and future clients to come! 


Out with the old and In with the New: Happy 2010!

We are so excited that today marks the end of 2009! It's been quite the year and while we are so grateful and fortunate for all of our clients and continuing growth, we know 2010 will be a better year for all.

Have a Happy yet Safe Holiday and we will see you next Year!!!

Happy Day!

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Merry Christmas from Sterling Engagements

Merry Christmas to all those celebrating this evening and tomorrow. Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday filled with family, yummy food and good times.


This tree was created last year by Soo Kee Jewellery, a jeweler out of Singapore. This tree is considered world's most expensive Christmas Tree. It's currently on display at a shopping mall in Singapore. The tree is encrusted with 21,798 dazzling diamonds that total 913 carats, 3,762 crystals and covered with 456 twinkle lights. The total value of this tree is $1,005,000.00

Photo and Information Courtesy of Spluch.

Happy Day!

Holiday Wishes from Sterling Engagements

Monday, December 21, 2015

Sterling's 2012 Year-End Review

 

From our family to yours, we wish you a warm, joyful and extra special holiday as the season continues.   

Thank you for inviting us into your lives, special moments and celebrations.  Looking back on 2012, we continue to be humbled by our experiences with our loyal clients, vendors, friends and family.  It’s been an incredible year and our success could not be possible without you.  We are so grateful for all of your endless support, kindness and encouragement.   

Here are some of our favorite moments from the year!

Sarah and Matthew's Southern Wedding in Dallas, Texas!
Photo courtesy of Jessica D'Onofrio Photography

Kate and Rob's Epic Wedding at Cicada 
Photo courtesy of Von Swank Photography  

Corporate Opening Night Party for 4500 at The JW Marriott LA Live & Nokia Plaza   
Corporate After-Party for a Charity Concert featuring Diana Ross
Corporate Summit Multi-Room, Multi-Theme Closing Gala for 4500 guests
 Photos courtesy of Evoke Photography

Emily and Saul's Enchanted Wedding at The Millennium Biltmore Downtown 
 Photo courtesy of Next Exit Photography  

Mirella and Scott's Multi-Ethnic Wedding at Vibiana
 Photo courtesy of Ryan Phillips Photography

BJ and Judie's Glamorous Old Hollywood Inspired Wedding at Majestic Halls
Photo courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography 

 Alexa and Evan's Rustic yet Elegant Wedding at The Bel-Air Bay Club
Photo courtesy of Ryan Phillips Photography

Jen and Marc's Modern Chic Wedding at The Bel-Air Bay Club
 Photo courtesy of Joy Marie Photography 

Jill and Jordan's Natural yet Modern Inspired Wedding at a Private Residence
Photo courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography 

Michelle and David's Rock Concert meets Carnival Inspired Wedding 


Video courtesy of Jennifer Ruiz

Amanda and Hal's High-Fashion Lavish yet Romantic Wedding at a Private Residence
Photo courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography 

 The 1st Annual Huddle Conference in Denver, CO
 Photo courtesy of Matthew Photography  

Myesha and Craig's Modern yet Whimsical Wedding at Cafe Pinot Downtown

Ani and Patrick's Gorgeous and Glamorous Wedding at the Natural History Museum
Photo courtesy of Kris Khan Photography  
 
Sammy's Music & Lyric Inspired Bar Mitzvah
Photo courtesy of Amber Event Production
 
Corporate Opening Party for 9000 Guests on a Rooftop in Long Beach Roaring Twenties Soiree for 2300 Guests at 
Jesse James' former West Coast Choppers Warehouse 
Photos courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography 

Daniel and Kolette's Rustic Elegant Fall Inspired Wedding 

Jessica and David's Elegantly Enchanted Vibiana Wedding
Photo courtesy of Docuvitae Photography

New Hollywood Glamour Opening Dinner for 550 Guests in a Parking Structure!

Old Hollywood Glamour Opening Dinner for 950 Guests in a Parking Structure!

A Holiday Journey through Space, Land, Sea and Fantasy Party for 1500 Guests 
Photos courtesy of Photography Christopher Todd Studios
 
We look forward to all that 2013 has to offer.  We cannot wait to design, create and produce extraordinary events for you and yours! 

Warmest Wishes,
Alexandra & The Sterling Engagements Team

Friday, December 11, 2015

Happy Channukah from Sterling Engagements!

Happy Channukah from our home to you and yours! We wish you 8 days of memorable family time, lots of presents and of course Rest & Relaxation! The winter holidays from Thanksgiving through New Year's are our favorite season of the year. We love all of the elements that equate the holiday season from pumpkin and cinnamon, flickering candles, snowflakes with sparkle, the scents of a tree... there is truly nothing better than these!


Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart.

Today was also an exciting day for our team. We just returned from a successful day down at the Herbalife Headquarters producing their 2009 holiday party. Stay tuned for a sneak peak from the All Around the World themed event.

Happy Latkes!!!

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving from Sterling Engagements

Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday of the year. Everything it represents to us from family to Pumpkin Pie is so special. We are so grateful for our clients, vendors, family and friends and wish you a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!


Photo Courtesy of Grin and Bake It!

Happy Turkey Day!

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Sterling Engagements Wishes: Happy Thanksgiving!

Photo Courtesy of Bittersweet Primitve Dolls


Today is such a special day and one of my favorite holidays all year, not just because it kicks off the start of holiday season but because I am thankful for so much both personally and professionally.  I love the celebration, the quality time I spend with friends & family and of course all the special recipes I prepare for them!

I came across this photo earlier this week and fell in love.  Elizabeth Messina really stole my heart with this one... 

Photo Courtesy of Kiss the Groom and The Maili Files

I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday and enjoy the nice extra long weekend.  If your a Black Friday shopper, good luck tomorrow! 

Monday, November 23, 2015

Totally Delish Thanksgiving Recipe: Herb-Roasted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy

So it's not very often that we post recipes on our blog, after all we design and produce events for the most part. However, planning life's celebrations does include some of the planning at home for the holidays. My favorite is definitely Thanksgiving!

For that, today we are posting quite possibly the greatest turkey recipe ever! Not exaggerating here people, this recipe is extraordinary! It actually requires days of prep, thus today is the day to start if your interested in trying something new this year. Not sure how I make the time to do it, but I have and I will continue to, as it really is totally worth it.

After making this recipe for the past 3 years, receiving all the rave reviews from family and friends, all over my amazing skill to pretty much follow the Bon Appetit recipe, I've decided to share it. Now you can enjoy all the compliments that follow this bird and eat the best turkey ever, all in the same night.

So... without further adieu, here is my all-time favorite recipe from the lovely Epicurious website.

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy


Brining the turkey in the refrigerator for two days ensures an incredibly moist result. We do not recommend stuffing brined turkeys because the brine can make the stuffing too salty. A do-ahead gravy base eliminates last-minute stirring and thickening. Look for fresh bay leaves in the produce section.

Yield: Makes10 servings

Ingredients

Brining
8 quarts cold water
2 cups coarse kosher salt
8 large fresh or dried bay leaves
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
2 tablespoons whole allspice
1 16- to 17-pound turkey; giblets removed, neck reserved

Herb butter and gravy

3 tablespoons minced fresh Italian parsley
3 tablespoons minced fresh thyme
3 tablespoons minced fresh sage
3 tablespoons minced fresh marjoram
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

4 cups low-salt chicken broth
2 cups apple cider
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons Calvados (apple brandy) or other brandy

Roasting

2 large Granny Smith apples, quartered, cored
2 large onions, quartered

1 cup apple cider

Preparation
To brine the turkey:

Line extra-large pot or bowl with two 13-gallon (or larger) plastic bags, 1 inside the other. Combine 1 quart water, salt, bay leaves, peppercorns, and allspice in large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until salt dissolves. Remove from heat. Add 1 quart cold water and cool to lukewarm. Pour into plastic bags; mix in remaining 6 quarts water. Wrap turkey neck and refrigerate. Submerge turkey in brine to cover completely, gathering bags tightly to eliminate any air; tie bags closed. Refrigerate turkey in brine in pot at least 18 hours and up to 20 hours.

Line large roasting pan with 4 layers of paper towels. Remove turkey from brine and drain well; discard brine. Place turkey in prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

For herb butter and gravy:


Mix parsley, thyme, sage, marjoram, rosemary, and nutmeg in small bowl. Transfer 1/4 cup herb mixture to small bowl; mix in 1/2 cup butter.

Combine broth and apple cider in heavy large saucepan. Boil until reduced to 3 cups, about 20 minutes. Pour broth reduction into bowl. Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter in same saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour; stir 1 minute. Whisk in broth reduction, then cream, Calvados, and remaining herb mixture. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until gravy base is thickened and reduced to 2 3/4 cups, whisking often, about 20 minutes. Cool gravy base slightly. (Gravy base and herb butter can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.)

To roast the turkey:

Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 350°F. Remove turkey from roasting pan; drain any accumulated juices from main cavity. Discard paper towels from roasting pan. Melt herb butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Brush bottom of roasting pan with some of herb butter. Return turkey to prepared pan. Tuck wing tips under; tie legs together loosely to hold shape. Place some apple quarters and onion quarters in main cavity. Brush remaining herb butter over turkey; sprinkle with pepper. Scatter remaining apples and onions around turkey in pan. Add reserved turkey neck to pan.

Roast turkey 1 hour. Baste with 1/2 cup apple cider. Roast turkey 30 minutes. Baste with remaining 1/2 cup cider. Roast turkey until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175°F, basting turkey every 30 minutes with pan juices and covering breast loosely with foil if browning too quickly, about 2 hours longer (3 1/2 hours total). Transfer turkey to platter; let stand at least 30 minutes before carving (internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees).

Discard apples, onions, and turkey neck from pan. Pour pan juices into large glass measuring cup; spoon off fat from surface. Pour degreased juices into gravy base and bring to boil over medium-high heat, whisking occasionally. Boil until gravy thickens enough to coat spoon and is reduced to 3 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Season gravy to taste with pepper.

Serve turkey with gravy.

So there you have it, my secret weapon for the holidays is officially out.

Couple quick things I always modify with this recipe...
* I always make double herb butter and place it under the skin of the bird, before it goes in the oven.
* I always double the gravy recipe so you have extra for your guests.
* I always baste with extra cider after that first initial hour.
* I always cook my bird at 500 degrees for the first half hour to get a nice color than I drop it down to the 350 degrees. If during the cooking process, it becomes to brown, you can always cover it with foil over the breast portion.
* Lastly, I always serve with my signature cranberry sauce...

Happy Cooking!

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Sterling Engagements Wishes: Happy Anniversary Amanda and Luis!

Today is the 2nd anniversary for a very special couple, Amanda and Luis! The Barrios' were married 2 years ago today at Agoura Bible Fellowship and had their reception at the Westlake Village Inn.

Here is a recap of their special day thanks to the lovely Charles Lauren Films. To date, this is one of our most treasured highlight reels ever! So sweet!
To see special details from this day, visit the original blog post!

Happy Anniversary!

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween Everyone! We are off to complete the set-up for our Oh So Fabulous Halloween Event!

We wish you a safe, fun and super scary Halloween! Enjoy the always great decorations, yummy candy and of course dressing up! Of course our favorite thing to do for Halloween is dressing up our dogs. So with that being said... Check out our best dressed award this year for Costumes Preston the Puggle.




Happy Halloween!

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Sterling Engagements Wishes: Happy 4th of July!

What a beautiful day it is to celebrate such a festive holiday!  Hoping you are able to get out, take the day off and enjoy some sunshine!

 
Photo courtesy of Examiner

The 4th of July is one my own all time favorite holidays for the sole purpose that I LOVE fireworks.  This year is an extra special one for me as I'm actually able to take the bulk of the afternoon and evening off.  So I'm going to share with you some holiday rules and guidelines that I made for myself for this special day.  Hoping it will encourage, inspire and excite you as much as it has me!
   
ӿ  Embrace the day: Do something a little different than what I usually do... 

ӿ  Be Kind: To yourself and others today, push yourself to somehow go the extra mile for you and for someone else in some way.  Even if you don't want to, it will come back.

ӿ  Have Fun: Be a little extra silly, laugh a lot and create memories with those around you to make this THE BEST 4TH EVER!

ӿ  Make New Friends:  Wish anyone you get the opportunity to a Happy 4th!  Whether it's a stranger on the street, a waitress at lunch or even a person you haven't met yet at the same party you are at.  Change their day, it's powerful and amazing and oh so rewarding.

ӿ  Be safe:  That's self explanatory!

    Have a safe and Happy Holiday!

    Sunday, June 21, 2015

    Happy Father's Day!

    Today is a very special yet hard day. For everyone out there with their Father still alive, I wish you a Happy Holiday and make sure you hug your father and tell him that you love him!


    Here are a couple of my favorite poems and quotes!

    "We may not shower him with praise
    Nor mention his name in song,
    And sometimes it seems that we forget
    The joy he spreads as he goes along,
    But it doesn’t mean that we don’t know
    The wonderful role that he has had.
    And away down deep in every heart
    There’s a place that is just for Dad....."
    - Author Unknown

    A Dad is
    "A Dad is respected because he gives his children leadership.
    A Dad is appreciated because he gives his children care.
    A Dad is valued because he gives his children time.
    A Dad is loved because he gives his children the one thing they treasure most - himself."
    - Author Unknown

    F.A.T.H.E.R.S.
    "F" aithful.
    "A" lways there.
    "T" rustworthy.
    "H" onoring.
    "E" ver-loving.
    "R" ighteous.
    "S" upportive.
    - Author Unknown

    A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.
    - Author Unknown

    Happy Father's Day
    "Happy Father's Day" means more than have a happy day.
    Within those words lie lots of things we never get to say.
    It means we love you first of all,
    Then thanks for all you do.
    It means you mean a lot to us,
    And that we honor you.

    But most of all, I guess it means that we are thinking of...
    Your happiness on this, your day,
    with pleasure and with love.
    - Author Unknown

    "My father died many years ago, and yet when something special happens to me, I talk to him secretly not really knowing whether he hears, but it makes me feel better to half believe it."
    – Natasha Josefowitz


    While my father is no longer with me, I know he is up above smiling down and so proud! For those of you that don't know, Sterling Engagements is named after him, so Father's Day is always really special around here.

    And again... Happy Father's Day!

    Sunday, May 10, 2015

    Happy Mother's Day

    Happy Mother's Day! Here are selection of my favorite words of wisdom, specifically in honor of my mom and all of the other mom's out there reading. Hope you all had a wonderful day!


    "When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child."
    Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

    "The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new."
    Rajneesh

    "Motherhood brings as much joy as ever, but it still brings boredom, exhaustion, and sorrow too. Nothing else ever will make you as happy or as sad, as proud or as tired, for nothing is quite as hard as helping a person develop his own individuality especially while you struggle to keep your own."
    Marguerite Kelly and Elia Parsons

    "Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers, and sisters, aunts and cousins, but only one mother in the whole world."
    Kate Douglas Wiggin

    And again... Happy Mother's Day!

    Monday, April 20, 2015

    Featured Wedding: Dana + Robert


    Dana and Robert were married on March 27th, 2010 at the beautiful Bel-Air Bay Club. This was a very special wedding for the sole purpose that Sterling Engagements was not the planner, but actually Alexandra Rembac (me, Alex) was actually a bridesmaid. So this blog is very special and personal to me. I'm choosing to feature it because not only did Micah and Megan of Micah Dahlberg Photography do an absolutely stellar job but I also hold this very dear to my heart.

    So without further ado...


    Dana's gown was an Amsale, it's the Cecily gown which is a fit and flare design featuring double organza, a layered bodice and an amazing sparkly brooch. Her shoes were the Hyde Pump by Badgley Mischka.


    I just absolutely adore this picture of Dana. She looked so beautiful on her wedding day but this picture specifically just says it all. Micah did such a great job with her bridal portraits too!



    Dana and Robert's first look was probably one of the most powerful first looks I have ever seen. As you can see with the picture below it was very emotional, not just for the bride and groom but also for us bridesmaids too!


    Dana and Robert's ceremony was overlooking the ocean and so beautiful! The Bel-Air Bay Club has one of most favorite views looking out in all of Los Angeles.


    The reception was so elegant and beautiful, Dana and Robert chose to do it in the living room instead of the ballroom and I loved this choice! The hardwood floors in the living room are so great!


    I saved this picture for the last spot because it's just my favorite. Dana is always smiling and laughing when Robert is around and this picture just represents them, especially on their wedding day perfectly.


    Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Bisi! I'm so happy for the two of you and it was such a pleasure to be your bridesmaid. Your were the prettiest of brides and your day was so special. I'm so grateful for our friendship and all the memories we've shared throughout the years. I wish you two the best as newlyweds and in the coming future... Love you both!

    Happy Couple!