Katherine and Chris 9-8-12

We are lucky to have such great clients and equally lucky that they work with great photographers! Bob White of White Photography provided us with some of the images he captured during Katherine and Chris' September 8th, 2012 wedding reception. We took you Behind the Scenes during the event set up, and now you can see the event itself! Enjoy!

Secret ArtWorks 2012

This past Friday, on November 16th, The Center was the place to be for ArtWorks' "Secret ArtWorks: When Pigs Invade" event. This was the second year that the non-profit organization held the event in The Center and it was a pleasure to watch all of the elements of the event come together again. You may recall last year's post, Behind the Scenes: Secret ArtWorks, where I followed the event set up from start to finish. This year, we have some fabulous pictures of artwork boards, the pigs from the silent auction and if you scroll all the way down to the bottom, you can find the Cincinnati Enquirer's great image (taken by Joe Simon) of the chrome pig that was displayed in The Center's dome!

 

 

You may have seen many of the pigs displayed around the city during the encore Big Pig Gig project. The Big Pig Gig: Do Re Wee featured ceramic pigs sponsored by local organizations and designed by local artists around downtown Cincinnati during this summer's World Choir games. Some of these creative and beautifully painted pigs were auctioned off at the Secret ArtWorks: When Pigs Invade event to help raise funds for the organization. It was quite an adventure moving the pigs into the space, but the staff and volunteers worked together to make it happen! 

The event also featured fantastic food from Jean-Robert, Jeff Thomas Catering, Taste of Belgium, and more!

And of course, the main attraction was the artwork! Tickets and art vouchers are sold prior to the event and then, those in attendance have the opportunity to purchase 5"x7" pieces of art, only discovering the artist after the piece has been purchased.

This year, the event also featured a "Secret Lounge." With uplighting provided by Goodwin Lighting and furniture from Camargo, this private room was a great space for guests to gather. Another unique aspect of this event was the stunning display of the chrome pig, which was the first thing guests saw as they entered The Center. The pig was positioned on an elevated platform in the center of the bar and with The Center's LED dome lights set on rainbow, the colors reflected off the pig and captured everyone's attention. Goodwin Lighting complimented the dome ceiling by adding different colored uplights around the room and having them fade over time.



Picture by Joe Simon/ Taken from Cincinnati.com



We were honored to once again take part in the Secret ArtWorks event. It was a pleasure working with Marie Krulewitch, who coordinated the event, and all of the ArtWorks staff and volunteers who made it happen! We are looking forward to next year!


Winter Party Rental - Save 10%

Book your winter party between now and November 26th, 2012 to receive 10% off the base rental price for a Monday-Thursday event!

 

 

The Center is the perfect place for a corporate or social event. Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, the venue offers large open rooms and a great view of Fountain Square! You have the space and flexibility to host a formal seated dinner, relaxed gathering, or a rockin' party.

 

Choose between the space-only rental or have tables and chairs included for up to 300 guests. There are no preferred vendors so you are welcome to work with the vendors of your choice to create the event that you want!

 

 

Please visit our website to learn more about The Center

Email us at info@mcacenterllc.com or call 513-824-7274 for details on this limited time offer.



Behind the Scenes: Event Set Up for 11-3-12

See below for pictures from the 11-3-12 wedding and reception in The Center!

 

Caterer: Jeff Thomas Catering

Lighting: Goodwin Lighting

DJ: Pro Sound A

Rental Company: All Occasions Event Rental

 

 

The area beneath The Center's LED lit dome was set for the ceremony. All Occasions' Milano chairs gave the space a modern look and feel.

The wedding colors were orange and purple. The linens and centerpieces were arranged by Jeff Thomas Catering.

The modern theme was carried into the Ballroom for the reception. The space really came to life after Goodwin Lighting brough in purple uplighting for the walls!

The tables were a mixture of rectangular and round banquet tables and were arranged in a spoke pattern on both sides of the Ballroom!

These creative centerpieces featured orange roses and eggplant inside the vases!

We loved seeing the bars set up by both of the Ballroom's windows! The hightop cocktail tables overlooking Fountain Square were perfectly placed and added a modern/lounge feel to the event!

Sip & Savor 10-30-12

On October 30th, a Private Wine Tasting was held in The Center. Destiny's Catering provided the beautiful fruit and cheese display, passed appetizers, and friendly service. The available wines and a brief description were listed on chalkboards at each of three stations. The decor featured fall colors, beautiful floral arrangements inside pumpkins (created by our October 6th bride!) and candle light.

 



Get to Know: Village Pantry Catering

Village Pantry Catering recently worked a wedding reception in The Center, providing excellent food and service for all of the guests. The family owned and operated business takes great pride in providing the best ingredients, service and value for each and every client. You can find their blog post on the October 27th event here: Simple and Elegant Wedding. Read our interview with Jay Ward below for more information on Village Pantry Catering and what they have to offer for your next event!

Background on Village Pantry Catering:

Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Over 34 years

Q: Where are you located?
A: In Loveland at 453 Wards Corner Road, Loveland, OH 45140.

Q: What geographical areas do you serve?
A: We serve the entire 275 Loop and beyond, and have actually gone to Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, Lexington and Louisville for some events.

Q: What types of events do you cater?
A: We cater most all types of events from Baby/Bridal/Wedding Showers, Bar and Bat Mitzvah's, Holiday Parties, Weddings, Corporate Events, Rehearsal Dinners, Team Building Events, Art Show Openings, Grand Openings, Theme Buffets, etc.

Q: How many people are on staff?
A: We have 12 full-time staff members and approximately 75 part-time servers/bartenders.

Q: What are your specialties?
A: We pride ourselves on developing customized menus that fit most everyone's budget.



Work in The Center:

Q: What do you like most about the venue?
A: I love how The Center is somewhat of a blank canvas, so each event is different and can be designed to fit the vision of each and every client. It's a beautiful space, and there are so many possibilities of things you can create there.

Q: If you could cater the event of your dreams at The Center - What would be on the menu?
A:

Carved Beef Tenderloin

Honeybaked Ham

Wonderful Sauces and Breads

Huge Shrimp w/Spicy Horseradish Cocktail Sauce

Lobster Bisque

Lamb Meatballs

Marinated Antipasto Platters

Spicy White Cheddar Fondue

Salted Caramel Gelato

Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar (Plus a Fully Stocked Bar)

 

and a Werther's Candy to cap off the night!

 



Set Up for 10-27-12

This past weekend, The Center was once again transformed for a beautiful wedding reception. The space was filled with Pinterest-worthy decor and plenty of creative and personal touches. With help from Village Pantry Catering, our DIY bride created an impressive setting for the evening.

The decor was both simple and elegant. Burlap table runners, tan cloth on the buffet table and appetizer table, the use of wicker baskets and old windows all brought a vintage feel to the room, while the natural elements in the centerpieces added a lighter, whimsical touch. I also loved the height that the tall centerpieces added to the space!

These windows were used to showcase the food and drink menus. Cute!

 

The Centerpieces turned out beautifully! The floral arrangements were all done by the bride's cousin, the branches spray painted by the groom, and the pieces were put together by the mother of the bride and another cousin! The group effort paid off :)

 

 

 

The "LOVE" plates below were filled with blue and white mints and sat on the cake table in front of the cake!

 

 

The bride and groom each had a signature drink for the cocktail hour - The "Rocky Top" and the "Philly McFly"

 

The gift table featured an old suitcase for the cards, pictures of the bride and groom and the guest book was a Shutterfly album, again featuring pictures of the happy couple!

 

Guests were able to grab chocolate covered marshmallows as their favors on their way out of the event!