A Legendary Event Nominated for Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau 2011 Member of the Year!

A Legendary Event is very proud and honored to be nominated for the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau's 2011 Member of the Year!

The Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau markets Atlanta as a top convention destination, bringing $11.4 billion to the city’s hospitality industry annually, and employs more than 1,200 event planning organizations as a part of their network. Each year, they nominate 10 of their members for this prestigious award and announce the winner at their Hall of Fame function.

The Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau is “the liaison between meeting planners, tour operators and its 1,200-plus member organizations.” ACVB's efforts support Atlanta's $11 billion hospitality industry, sustaining 230,000 jobs for metro Atlantans and generating 37 million visitors each year.”  Check out
http://www.alegendaryevent.com/

A Legendary Events Wins Prestigious Award!

Exciting news at A Legendary Event!  The legend continues as NACE - THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CATERING EXECUTIVES has awarded A Legendary Event with the "Best Guest Table Award"! 

The awards were presented at the NACE Experience! 2011 conference in Reno Tahoe, NV, July 26.  NACE annually awards those individuals who have risen to the top their craft, in a variety of categories. We are proud to work with such a talented team and strive to deliver breathtaking decor at every event!  

The NACE awards are judged by industry peers and A Legendary Event is proud to receive this prestigious award for our cutting-edge creativity and entry titled "Bedazzled At Dinner"!  Check us out at http://www.alegendaryevent.com/

Behind The Scenes At A ‘Legendary’ Event!

The star-studded and glamorous premiere of Diann Valentine’s “I Do Over” was a legendary event for all those who attended. Check out this extraordinary glimpse into the preparations that made this flawless event just that – flawless!  From the flowers, the crystals, to the room décor, this video by Anna and Spencer Photography captures it all.  We were so proud to be a part of this fabulous event!

I Do Over Atlanta Launch Party from Anna and Spencer on Vimeo.

Lights, Camera, Action! A Legendary Event on 11Alive's Atlanta & Company!

A Legendary Event’s Executive Chef Liz Cipro appeared this morning on 11Alive’s Atlanta & Company with the fabulous Christine Pullara. Chef Cipro showed Atlanta how to cook up the perfect summer treat, A Legendary Event's Seared Scallops on Summer Corn Salad. The legendary recipe utilizes the freshest ingredients to make a unique salad everyone will love!

A Legendary Event’s  Seared Scallops on Summer Corn Salad

Serves 4 as an Appetizer or 2 for Dinner

12 – Large Sea Scallops (10-20 size)

Zest of one lime, S&P to taste

Grapeseed Oil or Canola Oil

3 ears of fresh corn

½ small red onion, diced

4 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

2 scallions, whites and tender green parts

1 jalapeno, seeded and minced

5-6 radishes, thinly sliced

1 avocado, diced

Juice of two limes

Extra Virgin Oil

Salt and pepper to taste

½ bunch cilantro, chopped

Clean scallops and season with lime zest, salt & pepper. Cut kernels from corn, and combine will all other salad ingredients. Heat non-stick or cast iron skillet until you can hold your hand over it for only 4-5 seconds. Add a thin layer of grapeseed oil to cover the bottom of pan. Place scallops in pan and sear until dark golden brown (3-4 minutes); they should release easily from the bottom of the pan. Turn scallops over and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Plate corn salad on platter or individual plates, top with seared scallops and serve. You can choose to garnish with additional herbs or popcorn shoots. 

http://www.alegendaryevent.com/

And The Winner Is...

A Legendary Event is excited to announce that one of our ‘legendary’ designs has been nominated for a 2011 NACE Award! The National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) is the largest catering association in the world. Each year they host the NACE Experience Awards Gala to honor the past years catering and event achievements. Professionals from around the country wait in anticipation to see who receives the awards chosen by the most accomplished hospitality professionals. We were proud to partner with Ashley Baber Weddings, Event Drapery, The Magnum Companies Ltd., Atlanta St. Regis Hotel and Event Rentals Unlimited.

Move Over Cupid! Here Comes The Legendary Diann Valentine!

Who says you can’t relive your wedding night?  Over 200 guests celebrated a sneak preview of Diann Valentine’s new show I Do Over at the Biltmore Ballrooms in Atlanta. Valentine, an internationally acclaimed wedding and event designer, arrived glittered to perfection. This hot pink, celebrity studded event sparkled with our catering and design from A Legendary Event!  “I Do Over” will premiere on We TV Sunday, July 24. The show gives couples a chance to re-do their wedding ceremonies after a disastrous first walk down the aisle.

How Sweet It Is at A Legendary Event!

How sweet it is!  Searching for some delectable desserts?  Think "Legendary" style and present the perfect desserts at your next event by having each dessert be a bite-sized work of art. 

That's what our pastry chef at A Legendary Event does daily!  A little bit of heaven also deserves the proper presentation, so consider it a unique creation and take note from our pastry chef. 

Here's wishing you sweet success at your next event!  Get a sneak preview and tasting of our sweet indulgences at http://www.alegendaryevent.com/!      

Have A Legendary Independence Day! Happy July 4th!

Want to celebrate America in a fabulous 'legendary' way?  Have a picnic or barbeque for your family and friends. Serve foods that have a touch of  red, white, and blue to show off your patriotic spirit.

Assorted red and blue berries, drinks that have an American touch and desserts that your guests can decorate themselves can make your July 4th soiree one for the history books! To view photos of more delicious delicacies, visit www.alegendaryevent.com!

A Love Affair With Lavender

Lavish your next event with a little color!  Lavender colored floral arrangements are one of the many popular trends that are popping up this season. At A Legendary Event, we love to pair lavender flowers with additional hues such as cream and eggplant. A lovely touch to compliment the table decor is lavender scented candles placed around the floral arrangement. Not only will the candle light create a legendary ambiance, but your guests will also feel relaxed and rejuvenated. alegendaryevent.com

Make It A Legendary Summer! Keep It Seasonal!

Want To Be A Legendary Entertainer? 

Here are a few tips from our legendary team of talent!  Keep it seasonal and add a colorful and creative touch to your next party.  Start with seasonal foods and flowers from orchids to magnolias.  Put mother nature on the guest list and select colorful options in season.  

We love designing with seasonal foods.  Add a festive touch to your next party by filling baskets and tabletops with fruits and vegetables to make your buffets, dinner tables and centerpieces legendary.  Here are some eye candy photographs to help you entertain with style and pizzazz!  

Add colorful bowls for those spreads, breads, chips and dips.  Mix and match your china patterns and incorporate your creative flair. When it comes to being a hostess with the mostess, we suggest incorporating  fun and unexpected dishes and decor when it comes to setting your table. 

Your guests will appreciate your efforts and don't forget the party favors! Bottle up your favorite salad dressing or a treasured rescipe that you served at dinner! Inspire your guests to want to come back for more!

Our secret? Keep it legendary! alegendaryevent.com

Have A Legendary Breakfast!

A Legendary Event’s Vice President Robyn Spizman will be speaking at the Buckhead Business Association’s breakfast addressing Tony Conway's award-winning special events enterprise and how to make your business legendary! Spizman is a well known media personality seen nationally on Today, heard weekly on Star 94 weekly and a New York Bestselling author named Georgia’s Author of the Year, 2011. Visit www.buckheadbusiness.org for more details. We hope to see you Thursday, June 16th! 

For The Love Of Coconut!

A Legendary Recipe!  Crazy For Coconuts!

Try this mouthwatering treat featured in an article written by Tony Conway for Affluent Magazine and enjoy it for your next occasion.  A favorite of A Legendary Event, translated literally, “coconut laddoo” means “balls of coconut.” Combined with condensed milk and powdered sugar, these delicious delicacies are truly legendary!  http://www.alegendaryevent.com/  

Coconut Laddoo

Ingredients:
•3 cups fresh dry coconut (shredded)*
•¾ can condensed milk
•1 cup powdered sugar

How to Make Coconut Laddoo:
•Boil condensed milk in a pan.
•When it starts boiling, add 2 cups shredded coconut and mix well.
•When the milk gets absorbed in coconut, add the powdered sugar.
•Stir continuously on medium flame until mixture starts leaving the sides of the pan.
•Remove and make small balls (about the size of a table tennis ball).
•Roll the balls in the remaining coconut.
•Refrigerate Coconut Laddoos for 30 minutes before serving.
•Depending on taste, add 1 level tsp of cardamom powder to shredded coconut.
Enjoy!

A Legendary Event Helps Drive Success For Senior Citizen Services!

A legendary thank you for voting for Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good and making this contest a piece of cake! We are pleased to announce that with everyone’s help, Senior Citizen Services of Atlanta won a Toyota Highlander. This beautiful new car will help SCS continue to deliver nearly 300 healthy meals each day to homebound seniors in Atlanta. Kudos to everyone who helped this dream become a reality!

Liz Cipro - A Legendary Lady!

Look Who's In The Kitchen!  We are so pleased to announce Liz Cipro as the first female Executive Chef of our legendary, award-winning company. With an extensive background in the food industry, Cipro has overseen many of the top events run by A Legendary Event’s highly successful culinary staff.  A member of the distinguished Les Dames D’Escoffier International, this organization is the only one of its kind: a world-wide philanthropic society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality.

As Executive Chef, Cipro will oversee all aspects of A Legendary Event’s culinary department including menu design, daily kitchen operations, food preparation, and purchasing. Congrats to Liz who also was featured in Lisa R. Schoolcraft’s column, “Restaurants and Hospitality,” in the May 27-June 2 issue of the Atlanta Business Chronicle.  Way to go Liz!  We are so proud of you!

Legendary Takes The Cake!

Make your next party legendary with a selection of mini-cakes created by our pastry chefs!  These delicious, smaller versions of larger masterpieces can create a lasting impression on your guests. By serving a customized cake at each place setting, you can add a dash of creativity and flair to your event. With a variety of flavors, chic styles, and an abundance of colors available, these little iced works of art can make any occasion out of this world event!  http://www.alegendaryevent.com/ for more incredible edibles that can't miss!  (photo by Bill Hansen)

Tuesday’s Trends: Honeysuckle Takes All!

Now that it is officially summer, it is time to break out the dynamic color schemes for any occasion happening this season.

A trend we are seeing is an increased use of bright, bold, non-traditional colors, emerging in bridesmaids’ dresses, flowers, and the even the décor at your event. Like the photograph shown, brides are combining exciting shades of pinks, reds, and greens and creating their own individual signature syles. One particular color that is popping up everywhere is Honeysuckle and was even named Pantone Color Institute’s 2011 Color of the Year.

A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive shade in the spectrum.”

Visit http://www.alegendaryevent.com/ and check out our photo galleries filled with colorful events of all shapes and sizes! 

Make This Holiday Weekend Legendary!

Looking to make this Memorial Weekend memorable? Have a picnic in the park or jump into your bathing suit and head to the pool! Whether you’re hanging with the family or entertaining out-of-towners, here are some party ideas to make your celebration legendary. If you're planning to have a picnic, be creative with your spread.  Show your American spirit by incorporating red, white, and blue with traditional summer treats and seasonal fruits. To refresh your adult guests, try this exciting vodka cocktail which we call "Legendary Lemonade".  Party on and keep safety at the forefront!

Legendary Lemonade
1 1/2 oz. Kettle One Vodka,
1/2 oz. Chambord
3 oz. Lemonade
Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a tall glass. Garnish with fresh berries or a lemon.

Check out alegendaryevent.com for more legendary ideas!

The Royal Wedding Lives On! Kudos to Kate!

Looking to have a "legendary" wedding?  According to A Legendary Event's Director of Floral Jeanna Graham, Kate Middleton’s bouquet has ignited a trend amongst our brides. Her much talked-about bouquet included locally grown flowers such as Lily-of-the-Valley, Hyacinth, Sweet William, and Myrtle. Since the wedding, Lily of the Valley has increased its popularity and we enjoy integrating it in many bouquets, flower arrangements, and centerpieces. Brides are inspired by the style of Kate’s bouquet including these understated flowers which add an elegant touch to their weddings.

While many brides choose their flowers primarily based on color, Kate Middleton has revived the Elizabethan era tradition of selecting flowers based on symbolism and legendary meanings. Symbolically speaking, Lily of the Valley signifies sweetness, humility, and returning happiness.

The language of flowers is one we take to heart and each of our weddings should be memorable. When we roll out the red carpet, we think Lily of the Valley as a wonderful choice for the perfect fairytale ending. These flowers are a combination of grace and nobility and can make any wedding legendary.

Check http://www.alegendaryevent.com/ to view our floral photo gallery! 

A Legendary Event Recognized by the 21st Annual Allie Awards and the AJC

Exciting things are happening at A Legendary Event!  We are pleased to announce we received the Allie Award for Best Team Effort on April 10th. The Allie Awards is our industry’s annual ceremony presented by the Atlanta Chapters of the International Special Events Society and the National Association of Catering Executives. The Award recognized our collaboration with Ashley Baber Weddings, Event Drapery, The Magnum Companies Ltd., and Event Rentals Unlimited on a recent wedding. We would like to thank the Atlanta Chapters of ISES and NACE for this prestigious recognition.

At this legendary, award winning wedding, our team worked together to orchestrate the planning process of the ceremony. This included the selection of the venue and vendors, such as the stationer, calligrapher, design team, and beyond. A massive truss structure covered the 24’x24’ dance floor and wowed guests with its rotating lights anchored on top. We always strive to go above and beyond for our clients, and we are honored to be awarded for this team effort.

A congratulations is also in order for Leah Stephens, our extraordinary Catering Sales Manager, who was given the prestigious Certified Special Events Professional Rising Star Award, presented by Tim Lundy. This accolade’s purpose is to honor, recognize, encourage and inspire an event professional towards her greatest potential in the special events industry. Leah’s hard work and dedication proves she is on her way to becoming a leader in the special events field.

Our legendary news keeps going! On April 12th, registered dietician and Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Carolyn O’Neil commended A Legendary Event for our healthy catering options in her article, “Catering to Your Health.” O’Neil interviewed A Legendary Event’s Sous Chef Lance Hagan and Pastry Chef Brittany Wright about delicious health and dietary alternatives in catered food. Hagan recommended healthier world cuisines such as Asian and Mediterranean and using regional Southern produce, while Wright created a lower-calorie panna cotta with fresh berries and dark chocolate. To view the article, visit: http://www.ajc.com/health/atlanta-loses-weight/catering-to-your-health-906059.html

Also, check out our new website http://www.alegendaryevent.com/   We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Four Seasons Hotel, “A Bride for All Seasons,” Bridal Show 2011

A Legendary Event was fortunate to participate in the Four Seasons Hotel, “A Bride for All Seasons,” Bridal Show 2011. Join us as take a sneek peek into our presentation! 

This elite bridal show attracted brides with the most discriminating taste and it was an exciting way for our company to give our future brides a small insight into our legendary talents. We were selected to portray and represent the effervescent season of Spring. A Legendary Event's vision was perfectly presented with pastel colors, cool winds and the warmth of the sun.

Our vignette represented a seasonal bouquet of flowers bursting onto the scene with an unexpected surprise of tones and colors. Tony Conway’s A Legendary Event’s design team Amy Saltzman, Kate Bradley and Jeanna Graham helped bring to life these stunning selections for the bride who wants to make a statement and is both daring and confident.

The array of pastel colors are a trend popping surprise you’ll see in many fashion and bridal magazines and at the forefront of our interpretation of a stunning springtime wedding.

Gracing the backdrop of the chandelier of flowers, the striped, beautifully colored ribbon wall had an airiness that welcomed brides as they walked by our vignette which was overflowing with imaginary cool southern winds.

The spring time daffodils, Juliet roses and narcissus grew from out of the middle of the table through delicate glass vases and moss.

A Legendary Event, Floral Director, Jeanna Graham created each bouquet tying in the classic trend that many brides value and incorpoarte in their wedding table décor.

The flower-lit chandelier we created was remarkable, breathing life into the vignette and atracting many brides. The chandelier even smelled like spring with sweet smells of narcissus. The photography was shot by Nancy Jo McDaniel who has photographed many of our events. Please view the online slide show of our spring time vignette that she so masterly put together.  Online Slide Show