Event Report: Summertime - And The Production Is Not So Easy

In early July Brynne Peña had the enviable task of producing a series of three evening events in a gorgeous coastal setting, a private estate in beautiful Palos Verdes, California.

The Theme: A Storied Night Under The Stars at The Cliff's Edge.

The Event: three consecutive gala dinners for varying numbers of guests with changing entertainment.

The Challenge: HEAT!

Brynne is happy to share the details on how we beat the elements to keep the guests comfortable.

Brynne: "The client entertained at their own private location and we had proposed a basic look that could be adjusted each day to accommodate the very differing guest counts. On night 1 we had 45 guests, night 2 saw 100 and the final night closed with 110 revelers. We had worked up blue prints for all three nights that allowed us to incorporate existing structures and include the pool area in the setting. Exact planning allowed us to add 8' banquet tables as needed for the higher guest counts without having to take down the previous setups. 

The California coast is infamous for cool fog and nightly marine layer in spring and early summer.

We had planned ahead and rented a 40x80 clear tent to ensure the view of the Starry Nights and protect our guests from the elements."

Crystal chandeliers provided an elegant touch to the outdoor location. 

Crystal chandeliers provided an elegant touch to the outdoor location. 

The tent arrived on the first day, just in time for a change in the weather. It got unexpectedly warm and sunny for the coast! 

Brynne: "The outside temperature reached about 85 degrees. Our tent acted as a green house. Temperatures peaked near 105 degrees as we were setting up. We were drenched in sweat. It was time to make some phone calls! The tent setting was way too hot for guests. We called our trusted partners and added air conditioners and fans. Our crew then went to work, expertly setting up the cooling equipment while they adjusted tent openings at the same time to create more air flow. We worked hard and fast to create an all around comfortable environment." 

Further changes were made to the installation schedule, bringing in all floral decor as late as possible to prevent wilting.  

Brynne: "I am really thankful to our amazing crew! We managed to reorganize our setup and get the venue finished just in time for the event. During the days our crew worked in triple digit heat, under time pressure to get it all done. Our client and the guests never noticed the heat challenge! By 6pm the tent was elegant and cool. Nature provided perfect sunsets to top it off. We celebrated three beautiful nights under the stars, with mild ocean breezes."

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Thank you to our crew and especially Brynne! Always the pro, she never let anyone notice that we perspired and she met the challenges all outdoor events pose with a smile.

Very best,

Janet