Congratulations Meghann + Dustin! 08/10/2013

Congratulations to one of our wonderful couples on their recent wedding! Meghann and Dustin held their ceremony and reception at The Center on August 10^th , 2013. This DIY Bride and Groom really let their personality shine with all of the personal details they added to their wedding. Michelle with Blue Dahlia Events, helped pull all of the playful details together, showcasing the fun-loving couple.

 

Meghann put together the backdrop for their ceremony using different strands of fabric. The backdrop was also used to frame the doors of the reception hall once the ceremony was finished and a portion used for a photo booth backdrop.

 

One of our favorite features of this wedding was the custom-made wedding paper set. Guests were greeted with silhouettes of the couple on the seating chart. Matching table numbers and menu cards could be found throughout The Center.

Leading up to the special day, Meghann and her family collected brightly colored mismatched vases to showcase the cheery mix of flowers from Two Little Buds Florist. Yellow Chevron runners featured from Prime Time Party Rental, and festive string lights from Party Pleasers tied the playful event details together.

 

 

Guests enjoyed a delicious meal provided by McHale’s Catering and yummy Cake from Bonomini, as they danced the night away with tunes from Party Pleasers. A photobooth by Ohh Snap! allowed guests to  discover their creative sides while posing with friends and family. Jeff Hill Video and Luna+Lou captured the exciting day on video and film.

 

Thank you Meghann, Dustin and your families for keeping us laughing throughout the planning process. You two are truly a joy to be around and we wish you the best for years to come.

 

For more details on Meghann and Dustin’s big day, we’ve included a vendor list below and a link to our Facebook page.

 

 

Meghann and Dustin’s Vendors:

·         Wedding Coordinator: Blue Dahila Events

·         Venue: The Center

·         Photographer: Luna+Lou Weddings

·         Videographer: Jeff Hill Video

·         Florist: Two Little Buds

·         Catering: McHales

·         Baker: Bonomini

·         DJ: Party Pleasers

·         Rentals: Prime Time Rentals, All Occasions, Advantage Tent Rental

·         Photobooth: Ohh Snap!

·         Hair: Swayne on Main

·         Makeup: Brideface

 

Meet Alyssa!

Q: How did you become part of The Center?

After graduation, I spent a year searching event planners and venues in the Lexington and northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area. I stumbled upon The Center and reached out for more information. At the time, a position was not available but I connected with Alana on LinkedIn. A year later, I saw the posting for two open positions for The Center and sent in my resume. I heard back the next day and here I am!

Q: Tell us a little about yourself...
I’m originally from Prestonsburg, which is a small town in eastern Kentucky. I graduated from the University of Kentucky in May 2012, with a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Strategic Communications, with a focus in Public Relations. I was a transfer from WKU and graduated college in just three years. I’m a proud Kappa Delta Sorority alumnae. I held several internships during college in the event industry and have always known it was where I belong.

Q: What's your favorite part of the job so far?

I enjoy working with clients from beginning to end. After seeing months of hard work and planning, the end product is always worth it. Weddings are my absolute favorite. I really enjoying building a relationship with the couple and getting to know their story.

Q: What are your hobbies or non-work related activities?

I enjoy reading, watching reality TV, and spending time with family and friends. My family lives three hours away, so I’m very thankful when I get to see them. I also love to travel. It’s something I hope to do a lot more of.

Q: Are there any trends that you absolutely love or would love to see brides leave behind?

Lighting is everything and can make or break an event. I love seeing a bride bring in cool, outside the box ideas for lighting. I’m not a fan of just having a couple colors so that everything matches perfectly. I enjoy seeing an event that looks really put together and perfect but not in an obvious way.

Q: Tell us 10 random facts about yourself.

1) I danced for over 13 years and miss it more and more every day.

2) I lived in Myrtle Beach, SC for two years when I was in elementary school.

3) I absolutely am in love with the beach and will eventually move closer to one. (Cold weather is not for me.)

4) I am addicted to Pinterest. At last glance, I had over 6,000 pins. (And of course, there is a huge wedding board.)

5) I could spend hours in Barnes and Noble or Joseph Beth.

6) Fall is my favorite season. There’s nothing like wearing jeans, boots, and cute sweaters/layers every day.

7) I’m very OCD and cannot function if I’m not organized. Yes, my planner is color coordinated.

8) I enjoy coloring (yes, like in a coloring book) when I get really stressed out. Maybe it makes me feel like a little kid again, which is why it’s so relaxing.

9) I went on my first cruise this year and am totally OBSESSED. I absolutely cannot wait for our next trip.

10) I treat our dog like he’s our child. He is my best friend and a great listener. Nothing makes you feel more loved than having a dog run up to you when you get home.

Signature Drink Series: Themed Weddings

In honor of Wedding Inspiration week (round two), we have collected a few drink recipes that would be a perfect compliment to the themed weddings of the week.

State Fair-Inspired Wedding:

Cindy’s Caramel Apple Cocktail

 

Ingredients

3 ounces maple Crown Royal

2 ounces toasted caramel Black Velvet

1 ounce apple liqueur

3 ounces apple juice

1 lemon, juiced

3 ounces ginger ale

apple slices for garnish

caramel sauce for garnish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Summer-Inspired Wedding

Fizzy Summer Sorbet

Ingredients

Assorted sorbets

Chilled Champagne or sparkling wine

Directions
Place 6 martini or wine glasses in freezer for 30 minutes or until very cold.
Fill chilled glasses with 5 or 6 mini-scoops of assorted sorbets, then top each with champagne.

 

Winter-Inspired Wedding 

Candy Cane Martini

 

Ingredients

1 1/4 ounces vanilla vodka

1 1/4 ounces white crème de cacao

3/4 ounce peppermint schnapps

Garnish: peppermint candy

 

Directions

Combine vanilla vodka, white creme de cacao, and peppermint schnapps in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously, and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with peppermint candy.

 

Recipes sourced from:
http://daydreamerdesserts.com/2013/02/cindys-caramel-apple-cocktail.html/
http://www.womansday.com/recipefinder/fizzy-sorbet-cocktail-recipe-122361
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/candy-cane-martini-50400000108884/

 

Themed Wedding Inspiration: Winter Wonderland

Looking for some decoration inspiration? Look no further! In honor of The Center's blank canvas space, we will be highlighting themes that would go over beautifully at our venue over the next week.

 

Winter Wonderland

You cite November and December as your favorite months. Something about the cozy sights and scents of the holiday season melts away the cold for you. The kindness and warmth of the holiday season remind you of the way you feel with your fiance and you want to share it with your wedding guests on your big day.

Picture this: Your guests walk through the doors of The Center. The dome is lit a cool, snowy white and everyone is gathering beneath them to admire the signature drinks of cocktail hour: Spiked Apple Cider and Candy Cane Martinis. They enjoy their drinks on soft white couches, placed along the dome room, and then make their way into the ballroom to dance beneath the snowflakes. Your centerpieces, sat atop silk silver linens, are floral arrangements of babys breath and red roses. Your caterer brings out holiday favorites, and everyone departs the wonderful winter celebration at the end of the night with a kiss beneath the mistletoe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Event at The Center

 

Event At The Center




Photographs sourced from www.pinterest.com

 

 

 

 

Themed Wedding Inspiration: Summer Weddings

Looking for some decoration inspiration? Look no further! In honor of The Center's blank canvas space, we will be highlighting themes that would go over beautifully at our venue over the next week.

 

Summer

You're at your happiest when the sun is out and you and your fiance want everyone to feel the warmth and relaxed air of summer at your celebration, even if they weather outside is frightful.

Picture this: The dome room is lit a bright, sunny yellow or orange, and the bartender starts out cocktail hour by serving bud light and ginger beer as your DJ plays the songs of summer. Your centerpieces, situated on soft, light blue linens, teem with colorful florals on bright green stems. The warm neutrals of The Center and the paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling take everyone a little farther into summer, as they bust a move on the spacious dancefloor.

 

 

 

 

Photography: Aster and Olive Photography / Source: www.100layercake.com

 

 

 

 

Photographs sourced from www.pinterest.com

 

 

 

 

Themed Wedding Inspiration: State Fair

Looking for some decoration inspiration? Look no further! In honor of The Center's blank canvas space, we will be highlighting themes that would go over beautifully at our venue over the next week.

 

State Fair

Both you and your fiance are fun-loving and you want to share that with all your wedding guests. You embrace the lights and colors of life and your ideal wedding would reflect that energy.

Picture this: The sun is setting on Fountain Square outside the large window of the ballroom. The city lights twinkle as the interior lights shine up the walls to the high ceilings of The Center in reds and whites. Your guests laugh and chat as they enjoy the popcorn bar and casual catering. Your centerpieces sit atop checkered linens and feature little flags with table numbers printed on them. Your guests will leave your reception feeling as though they've spent the night celebrating with you at the state fair.

Photographer: Jose Villa Photography / Source www.100layercake.com

Photographer: Jose Villa Photography / Source www.100layercake.com

Photographer: Jose Villa Photography / Source www.100layercake.com

Photographer: Jose Villa Photography / Source www.100layercake.com



Event at The Center

 

Photographer: Jose Villa Photography / Source www.100layercake.com

 

 

 

 

 

The Center Wants You...We're Hiring!

We're taking a break from our week of Themed Wedding Decor to announce some exciting news!

The Center is currently looking for two spectaculor individuals to fill new roles in our organization and we can't wait to hear from you! Check out the descriptions below for additional details.

Event and Conference Booking Coordinator - The Coordinator will market and administer venue-lease opportunities, including bridal, corporate, non-profit and social events to potential clients and manage logistics of event execution. Responsible for meeting an annual revenue target, the Coordinator will assure clients respond to all requirements of the contract. The Coordinator will also recommend ways in which The Center can improve its capacity to create revenue through venue leasing.

Responsibilities:
-Market and promote The Center venue lease opportunities to potential clients, event planners, city representatives, and others through various networking events and opportunities.
-Cultivate opportunities for The Center to host community events whose objectives align with The Center's values.

-Identify potential partnerships and opportunities for The Center’s involvement in events and communicate with Management on planning partnered events.

-Oversee the development of digital and print materials necessary to promote the spaces.

-Collaborate with colleagues on event marketing, including media relations, print and digital collateral, and preservation of content for archiving.

-Make recommendations for improving venue-lease capacity.

-Supervise special events, on-site vendors, guests and volunteers.

-Contribute to overall vision of The Center that supports central goals of the venue.

-Perform other duties as assigned to support special event process.

Minimum Qualifications:

-Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications, marketing, business or related field.

-Demonstrated knowledge of event logistics including timelines, space planning, vendor selection, contracts, and hospitality.
-1-2 years experience with venue lease opportunities, meeting planning, or similar arena.
-Experience working on a multi-functional collaborative team.
-Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas in written and verbal format, and build and maintain relationships.
-Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
-Ability to keep track of requests, requirements and deadlines.
-Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.


Event and Conference Services Assistant - The Event and Conference Services Assistant performs administrative support and assists in event coordination for events in The Center. Typical duties include but are not limited to finalizing event details with vendors, creating timelines and load-in schedules, collecting certificates of insurance, calendar maintenance, inventory management, supervising special events, creating a variety of correspondences and invitations, and overseeing functions in absence of Event Coordinator.

Customer service skills needed to work with clients to coordinate details. Typical events include meetings, luncheons, dinners and receptions. Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills, ability to establish working relationships with brides, vendors, and community clients. Special Events Assistant must have the ability to work independently, with minimal supervision and must understand and carry out oral and written instructions and make decisions based on knowledge of policy and procedures. Maintain records and develop methods for tracking, analyzing and reporting data. Perform other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities:
-Assist in scheduling events and oversee functions

-Collect certificates of insurance and develop event timelines
-Inventory management
-Maintain records and develop methods for tracking, analyzing and reporting data.
-Supervise on-site vendors, guests and volunteers.

Minimum Qualifications:

-Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in communications, marketing, business, hospitality or other related field.
-Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
-Must possess the ability to prioritize and rearrange priorities as needed.
-Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends.
To apply for each of these roles, please submit a cover letter and resume to employment@mcacenterllc.com.