This event for the San Diego Telecom Council was a gala and art auction benefiting the Monarch School (a school for homeless children). The challenge of this event primarily was that it was held on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, the second was the two opposite aspects of the event; the art auction and the formal gala. To achieve the high tech art auction, we created a very high tech looking event on the main runway, complete with false walls
Simple details such as clean linear seating and single linens with matching ties on belly bars helped create an upscale yet very contemporary feel for the silent auction and cocktail reception.
To continue the high-tech feeling, the bar was custom designed out of brushed metal with truss towers. Acrylic shelves made liquor bottles appear to float while empty silver photo frames accented the area and continued the theme
Simple arrangements of submerged orchids with floating candles were the perfect accompaniment to this portion of the evening, adding both a contemporary feel and the element of water which reflected the fact that we were on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean.
As the cocktail hour came to a close a spandex reveal was removed from the West end of the flight deck revealing an enclosed genuine butterfly atrium complete with real trees, fabricated scents evening light and 2,500 live Monarch butterflies to incorporate the charity for which the gala was held – The Monarch School.
Once inside the 100 X 140 foot clear formal dining tent, guests were welcomed into a feast for the senses. Thematic lights, tree branch chandeliers, twinkle lights and a set of expansive Monarch butterfly wings flanking the stage finalized the tone for the event. To add to the elegance of this gala, no two tables were dressed alike. Table linens and napkins ranged in colorful tones of deep gold to fiery orange and muted green.
As the evenings program began, the center of the butterfly wings transformed into the projection screens used for the AV portion of the event. Throughout the entire course of the evening, lighting was used ton createg the illusion of a fall day from sunrise to sunset and into nightfall.
To expand of the sense of texture to the room, bichon linens were chosen their silky, yet crinkly look & feel were reminiscent of fall leaves
Each table had a unique floral arrangement. Laurel worked with designers to create each and every centerpiece personally. Using unexpected elements such as olives on the vine, gave the arrangements fabulous texture and tied all of the color in the room together
Giving each arrangement the same overflowing feel and using same flowers, such as roses and hydrangeas in contrasting hues helped create a uniform look in the room, in spite of the different centerpiece on each table
Containers of varying size shape and texture were used on each table. Here, a simple wicker basket, while another a copper urn. Each container represented in its own way a bountiful fall harvest.