Genna Starecky & Bob Hart 9-10-11

Wedding Date: Saturday, September 10th, 2011

Cocktail Hour –  Lobby & South Terrace

 Reception:  Grand Ballroom, Drexelbrook Catering

Philadelphia Wedding Planner: Jean Fernandez

Number of Guests: 291 

Their Story…

My husband and I met March 10, 2007 on the Delaware County Erin Express. We had many mutual friends, however our paths never crossed until that day. Bob made me laugh a lot during the course of the bar tour and we exchanged phone numbers at the end of the night. The next few years, he continued to make me laugh and feel like the luckiest girl in the world. In January of 2010, after he had cooked me my favorite dinner accompanied with ice cream cake, he presented me with a book capturing our journey together OVER THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS and asking me to help him write the future chapters.

We spent a year and a half planning our wedding; there was never any doubt where we would have the reception, in fact Drexelbrook was the only venue we visited. We knew the staff at Drexelbrook was phenomenal and they would make our day the wedding of our dreams. We worked directly with Jean Fernandez; she and the Drexelbrook team ensured that every detail was handled, from table linens to lighting. They were always there to answer our questions; the service exceeded our expectations. Since I was a little girl, I envisioned my wedding day and what it would be, my dreams pale to what we saw when the doors opened to the ballroom, it was something out of a dream.  It brought tears to our eyes. We felt so special. The staff could not have done more.  Our guests have not stopped talking about the delicious food and beautiful room.  From my first meeting with Jean and her sales team to the smell of the chocolate fountain in the dessert room, everything was truly amazing.  Thank you Drexelbrook for making this little girls dreams come true.

The Menu...

Passed Hors d'oeuvres...

Coconut Shrimp with Mango Horseradish

Cheese Steak Spring Rolls with Spicy Ketchup

Napa Valley Clams Casino

Bay Scallops wrapped in Pepper Bacon

Cocktail Franks in Puff Pastry with Dijon Mustard

Panko Crusted Chicken Tenders with Honey BBQ Sauce

Inter-Active Stations...

Fun Fondue

Southern Mashed Potato Bar

Regional Pasta

Artisian Cheeses

 

Signature Cocktail...

"Hart-sicle" - Pinnacle Whipped Cream Vodka, Pineapple Juice, Cream

and Orange Juice, Orange Slice Garnish

 

SERVED DINNER...

Traditional Caesar Salad with Herbed Croutans

Entree Duet of Sliced Tenderloin of Beef & Jumbo Lump Crab Cake

Grilled Asparagus

Gorgonzola Whipped Potatoes in Shell

Wine Service with Dinner

 

GRAND DESSERT FINALE IN NORTH BALLROOM

Petit Fours, Ricotta Cannolis, Bananas Foster Flambe

Godiva Chocolate Liquer & Kahlua Milkshakes

Signature Sundae Presentation

Chocolate Fountain Display

Barista Bar with Espresso & Cappuccino

SWEET ENDING...

Mini Candies with Chinese Take-Out Boxes

 

Wedding Cake: DoughMain Baked Goods

Venue & Catering: Drexelbrook Catering

Decor: Eventricity

Music: Del's Groove

Ice Bar: by Ice Bars, Luges and Logos

Chiavari Chairs: Party Rental LTD.

Lighting & Gobo: Eventions

Photography: Linked Forever 

Videography: Rosemarie Viso

 

Elise & Jeff 9-10-11

September 10, 2011 proved to be a difficult day for outdoor and tented weddings. The Graeme Park Wedding for Elise and Jeff proved to be no exception. With 26 inches of rain in a 30 day period and rain everyday for a week leading up to the wedding, the ground was simply saturated.  With several inches of water in the cooks tent as well as mud and puddles everywhere, the day could have easily been viewed as a wash out disaster. In stepped the Planner, Sarah Morrison owner of All About Events with the Drexelbrook Events Team.

(Left) Kitchen Tent Food

(Right) Muddy Grounds

To quote the Elise, The Bride “You guys pulled it off so it looked like there was never any problem!! Amazing amazing amazing job!! Not only did you guys defeat the elements you made our reception look better than I could have even imagined (which is why I teared up when I came into the tent for the first time)!! It was PERFECT! People raved all night about the service and the food, everything was spectacular!! Thank you so much!!!!”

(Left) Kitchen flooring being laid
(Right) Walkway



During the days proceeding the wedding the All about Events and Drexelbrook Events team went the site daily to inspect the ever worsening conditions and formulate a plan. On Saturday morning Gene Blum from Drexelbrook Events, Bob Morrison from Bob Morrison Contracting and Sarah Morrison arrived on site with tools, materials, and a goal in mind. To give Elise and Jeff the wedding of their dreams and the one they planned and envisioned for over a year.
The process included laying flooring in the chefs tent, pulling out the generator that was stick in the mud and laying over 80 foot of plywood decking that was built upon on skids and lumber as a walkway. After all, Elise had an incredible dress that we were not about to let it touch the wet grass or mud.
Graeme Park which is an incredible historic venue in Bucks County was so cooperative in every aspect. From allowing use of their tractor to allowing parking in restricted areas so cars were not on the grass and mud ,they simply said yes to everything we asked.

(Left) A very stuck yellow bus

(Right) The Solution to Stuck Bus

With an hour to spare the walkway was complete, all the electrical wires where run safely through mud and difficult conditions and the Drexelkbrook Events Culinary Team were working in dry conditions on there make shift staging. When Elise first entered the tent for a tour about an hour prior to guests she immediately broke into tears. Tears I learned later from her, were caused by her love of the tent and set-up "you made our reception look better than I could have even imagined (which is why I teared up when I came into the tent for the first time)!! She told us.

Under the very best of conditions tented weddings can provide interesting challenges but this day created challenges beyond that. At days end, after pulling a generator from the mud, resolving all the power issues, overcoming a shortage of rental chairs, building decking for the kitchen, delivering all materials to the event by hand from over 150 yards away, creating a walkway for the Bride and Groom, removing the guests yellow transportation bus not once but twice from the mud and providing outstanding food and service to all the guests we were all able to look back and say "that was incredible".
I cannot say enough about the professionalism and dedication of Sarah Morrison and The All About Events team as well as Ray, Debbie, Chef Dave and The Drexelbrook Events Team. The volunteers and staff at Graeme Park and Bob Morrison who is the proud father of Sarah Morrison were simply amazing as well all the professionals who went above and beyond. .
They say that "When it rains it pours" and on this day the weather proved that true but so did the tears of joy on the Brides face when she witnessed the extraordinary efforts put forth to give her the "Wedding of Her Dreams".

(Left) This was the Goal. A Very Happy and In Love Elise & Jeff

(Left) A Great Celebration!











Venue: Graeme Park
Planner: All About Events
Caterer: Drexelbrook Events
Rental: Newtown Party Rental
Venue Management: OpenAire Affairs
DJ: East Coast Event Group
Photographer: Kylie Richards
Floral: Domenick Graziano
Contractor: Bob Morrison Contracting (Our Hero)
Transportation: Philly Transportation (Guests)
                       Tropiano (Bridal Party)

"From Dirt to Dancing" An Amazing Team Effort

On Saturday September 10th, 2011 Mother Nature did not cooperate with the plans developed by a wonderful family in Stockton, New Jersey. They spent over a year creating an incredible "English Country" Wedding for their daughter. At the last hour, Mother Nature" won and forced the event team to make an incredible move that was only possible because of the extreme professionalism of every member of that team. It is a honor to work with these professionals. Here is an letter from the event planner to the many professionals involved. We feel speaks volumes about the dedication of the Wedding Professionals involved.

 "What’s the saying-“When it rains it pours”?  We learned the spirit of that literally this weekend.  I need you all to understand how amazing you are.  I am so very proud to be part of such an incredible event team.  Be clear that it is your dedication, professionalism and commitment that in the words of Fiona, mother of the bride while crying, took us and the guests “From dirt to dancing!”.   I must take this moment to again say “THANK YOU!” from the bottom of my heart. It is only because of the confidence that I had in the team at hand that I could make the call that I did this Saturday with complete knowledge that we could pull this off successfully.  It was the right call to make.  This email will be a bit lengthy but, hey that’s the price of having so many professionals involved.

The Scott family had worked tirelessly for a year leading to the momentous occasion of their daughter, Pippa, marrying her true love, John.  The focus was always on family and what they could do to make this happen.   And by the doing I mean doing—THEY planted a vineyard, landscaped a property, painted a house, built a traditional English wedding structure from the trees on the property and even cut the grass up until the day before the wedding.  Work boots and goulashes line the porch as a testament to a hard day’s work .  The entire family was involved in this true labor of love.  Pippa’s aunt, a florist in England, even came and created all of the floral and décor for the day, so that everything was made with love. 

Every bride dreams of her unique wedding.  For this couple they just wanted to get married at home and celebrate with family and friends.  The overriding line was always that  “we are simple people really”.  All week they said that they were not scared of a little weather and that people would just kick off their shoes and have a good time.  While I am all for that great spirit of fun and adventure, sometimes Mother Nature has a different view.  The Event Quip team led by Michael Sardanopoli, put up tents in rain and difficult conditions when even basic staking was an issue.  This group of English gentleman farmers was never convinced of the need for a floor and at a point we had to accept that decision, but prepared we were.  Bobby’s Pottys was unable to make the trek on the original delivery date because of weather related road closures, but persistently arrived with plywood to build a road so they could drive in and safely prepare the site.  Eventions made sure all power was run with safety and performance in near impossible conditions for electric and lighting. Party Rental Ltd was flexible with delivery dates so that we could get the product to the site in the best possible condition.   Having taken every possible precaution, tenting the ceremony by the pond as well as the reception site, providing generators to ensure power,  a separate cooks tent, 40 bags of pine bark, tiles for under every table leg, retiming of deliveries to give the property as much time to dry out as possible, adding a plywood road to allow access for a lovely restroom trailer to provide gracious accommodations while not stressing the septic, having both tent and electrical professionals on hand to take care of any issues that might arise, etc.  All this still was no match for the weather.  At 2:30 the mud began to come up over our shoes and that is when I knew that there was no toughing it out.  The guest experience would have been horrible.  We had already set up everything but who were we kidding.  We had flown through Plans A-D and needed a Plan J (last effort).  I called the New Hope Winery and presented our situation.  After several minutes of discussion Sandra was gracious enough to understand the critical need and offer us refuge in the way of her facility.  Presenting that option began to calm the hysteria that was taking hold of the family.  When the decision was made to move the reception you all shined and to that end you are our heroes! 

No one balked, or complained or put up an obstacle.   All of our colleagues and business partners for this event demonstrated professionalism and compassion.  Everyone’s query was the same, “How can I help?”.  The Event Quip, Eventions and Bobby’s Potty on site representatives pitched in and helped to make this move a success even though they were not moving with us.  Thank you!  At 3:00pm we had a plan and action.  This is when I am most proud to be part of the Special Events Industry.

We are blessed to have worked with the incredible Drexelbrook Catering team that was positive and responsive with a “CAN DO” attitude.   Off premise catering is a totally different beast than on premise events, something that is not quite understood unless you’ve been there and this was even more of a bear.  I let Gene Blum know what I was thinking and he, who was dealing with another off premise event that had its own set of weather challenges, said do it and I will meet you there.  Sheila, who was the confident and strong leader of the Drexelbrook team on site was action and efficiency in motion.  Lou is a solution based master who always thinks about the best outcome no matter what effort is required.  Chef Will is the calm, no problem guy who leads his kitchen with the same confidence.  Michael led the staff and exuded the “Drexelbrook Way”.  Hakim was there to say, “What’s next?”.   Gene arrived covered in mud, since he was the unsung hero at another event, not because he had to, rather because he wanted to make sure his team and I were ok.  A true caring professional!  To the entire Drexelbrook Team,  YOU ARE AMAZING!  You represented Drexelbrook with honor and demonstrated your personal integrity as well, BRAVO!

The decision to move had its own set of consequences.  The wedding cake delivery needed to be diverted, the ice delivery had to be re- routed.  All of the linen and floral had to be moved.  China, glass, silver and other rentals that Party Rental Ltd.  delivered with care that morning had to be moved as well.  We now could not accept as many cars at the site due to the fact that they were to be parked in a field, not optimum at this point.  So a call to the 2 hotels to tell guests that transportation would be coming.  Oh, then we had to find that transportation.  The James Hager bus company came to the rescue and provided yellow school buses for all the transportation needs.  This turned out to be an “experience” for all of the British guests that had never seen a school bus.  Our photographer, Scott Lewis just kept shooting and our DJ from Cutting Edge was a real trooper, having to set up for the ceremony, which by the way was still at the house under a tent in the mud and then move on a dime to another location and he was ready to go before the guests arrived. And Dino got a call at 10pm at night from me letting him know that the rental order was now at two locations and had to be picked up early.   Again more evidence of true professionals.  Let me let you know the best part.  Many of the guests thought this is what was planned. The guest experience was fantastic so the family experience was tremendous.  I am in awe of all of you!  This wedding went on time and without as much as a hiccup in the guest experience.

I would be remiss if I did not thank my own team.  Grace under pressure—how incredible!  No drama just a solution based client centered group that puts together an awesome team.  The ability to assess the situation, figure out a plan, have the guts to pull the trigger and execute, all while they don’t see you sweat!  With several events on tap that day, I am thankful to have a team in place that allows me to do what I need to do and be where I need to be.

I thank each and every one of you again from the bottom of my heart and that of the Scott Family.  The guests had a marvelous time and many had no idea that this wasn’t the plan all along.  Feel terrific about your part.  This family didn’t have a wedding, they created a memory and you were a big part of why it will be great.  Who will forget this wedding!!  I can’t wait to do business with you again under more relaxed circumstances.  You Rock!!"

It Truly is an honor to work with all these professionals! At a recent industry dinner a respected colleague said "We are the Dream Makers" in referring to the Special Events Industry. I think in this case it may be more fitting to say "We make Miracles Happen"

Some of the many team members involved:

Event Planning, Design & Decor: Eventricity

Ceremony & Planned Reception Tenting: Eventquip

Lighting and Power: Eventions Productions

Bathroom Facilities: Bobby's Pottys

Linens: Gala Cloths

Rental: Party Rental Ltd

Reception Site: New Hope Winery

Catering: Drexelbrook Catering

DJ & Sound: Cutting Edge DJ's

Photography: Scott Lewis Images

Transportation: James Hager Bus Company

FOP SURVIVORS FUND GALA

276 Philadelphia Police Officers have lost their lives in the line of dutyThe Michael G. Lutz Lodge #5 - Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Ways and Means Committee is asking for your help in remembering these fallen officers.

On November 26th, 2011 Drexelbrook Events is honored to be part of an amazing event to support those fallen hero's and their families.

This great event was created by Renee McIntyre and Sara Morrison from All About Events. Renee who is the wife of a Philadelphia Police Officer wanted to do something to help the families of those who gave everything to "Protect and to Serve"
Drexelbrook Events is honored to have been selected as the caterer for this great event. An incredible evening of dinner, dancing and fun awaits those who come out to support this great cause.
The FOP Survivors Fund is in need of support. A recent article on Fox detailed the financial hardships faced by this fund. http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/022009_Police_Survivors_Fund_Depleted#.Tl09yg3f2PQ.email

Although there are several events each year that help support the fund including a Golf Outing created by Mike Rossi  from East Coast Entertainment and his brother (See http://www.vincekellygolf.com/ ) as well as an event each spring on Spring Garden Street (See http://www.fopsurvivorsfund.com/) there is still a need for support for this fund and this gala is bound to be become a regular benefit through the hard work and efforts of Renee McIntyre, Sarah Morrison and so many sponsors.
The event is still in need of Sponsorship, Donors and Support! You can find out more by contact them at fopgala@yahoo.com or sarah@allaboutevents.us
To get a very simple visual of the loss of life that the Philadelphia Police have endured you can just pay a simple visit to Geno's on 9th street and see the "Walk of Honor" dedicated to those Police and Fire Officers who have given everything.
Drexelbrook Events is proud to support the FOP Survivors Fund Gala and hope you will come join us at this event or inquire as to how you can you support this gala.
A brief list of supporters and sponsors of this event and those who all help make this day possible include:
All About Events
The Philadelphia FOP
Drexelbrook Events
Eventquip Tents
Eventions Productions
Fairmount Park Commission
Cutting Edge DJ's
Brandywine Valley Talent
Uniquely Philadelphia
Video One Productions
Party Rental Ltd
Kevin York Photography
Chariot Valet
Off Shoots Floral & Design
Aqua
Thank You to all the sponsors, supporters & all those who are helping make this event possible