the BARN!

Courtney & Chris's
Barn Wedding
in the Chester Meadow , Lake Almanor

Our specialty has long been "creating something out of nothing" -so when Courtney & Chris approached me to create a unique wedding in a 130-year old iconic barn 11 hours North of here, we jumped at the chance!

The Olsen Barn stood majestically in a meadow in tiny Chester, California . It was always Courtney's dream to be married there after admiring it for so many years while visiting her family lake house nearby. Her dream became reality after her Uncle , Steve St. Clair, bought the historic barn and her best friend, Chris, asked her to be his wife.

It was fitting for both of them ,as they ironically both spent summers up there as children -an unusual bond for two Newport Beach natives. Take into consideration Chris's construction background, Courtney's "let's make it happen" attitude and both of their style savvy-the barn was a perfect fit.

But to say there was a lot to do was an understatement.

We flew up there to assess the situation ---- meeting with vendors and discussing the many logistics. Courtney & I drove through tiny Chester looking for the perfect vintage Ford trucks , taking down addresses and pick-up descriptions. The following days and weeks were spent : finding local vendors, scouring local flea markets for antique bottles and rare finds, and conducting many design and detail meetings. Courtney & Chris( C&C ) returned to Chester to rehab the barn -after 40 years of abandonment, it was in rough shape - and it has become a local party spot for beer drinking teenagers. Graffiti was all over the walls, cobwebs everywhere, owl droppings and uneven concrete. They had the 3' high grass mowed and painted the wooden slats ...and put a weekend's worth of elbow grease into the barn for presentable condition.

Meanwhile, I was in Newport selecting the dream team. Paul Fenner, my friend and Principle of Fenner-Hansen Floral came on board for the critical role of florist. As a bonus, we received some extra style savvy when his interior designer partner, Andrew Joseph , agreed to make the trek with him! The Cosmoteam was assembled of Kristen Miller, Bethany Bridges , Bethany Haas and Jon Davis. Doug Guadagnin of Hunter Drake BBQ signed on for caterer (he would later go on to go above and beyond for us!!) John Schnack would take stunning pictures of the bride and groom. And many more would pull together to make things happen.

The weekend finally came and the set up and everyone pulled together ...The team set up for 3 days -starting with hauling haybails and coating the property with yellow jacket spray . Paul Fenner & Andrew Joseph packed up a van of flowers and décor (with a home air conditioning unit inside the van!) . Once at our cabin, they would have to move the flowers inside and outside to avoid warm temperatures inside during the day and deer munching on the flowers at night! Chris nailed together reclaimed wood to create the perfect arbor to marry his bride he adored. . Libby, Chris's mother, searched the town for the perfect dinner "cow' bell . All while the Reno airport greeted guests from around the country who flew in for the occasion. Everyone settled into their Lakeside cabins.

Joan St. Clair, Courtney's Grandmother and honorary Lake Almanor mayor, hosted a fun lakeside BBQ down by the rec docks as a welcome dinner. A rehearsal dinner at Bailey Creek followed the next day.

And then the big day was finally here. Guests gathered on a perfectly sunny 70 degree day under a tall tree and found their wooden bench seats.

Chris watched in anticipation as Courtney's vintage Model A car softly bumped down the meadow through the _____ trees. While "Bloc Party " played in the background , Courtney's father then escorted her to the man she always knew she would marry . C&C exchanged vows on a bed of yellow roses -a tribute to her brother , Tyler, who passed away a few years back.

And Courtney and Chris became husband and wife.

And the party began! We served hors d'Oeuvres from the tailgate of a Vintage Willies pick up .....Mason Jar cocktails were passed and the reception began. Courtney & Chris freshened up in a vintage airstream as guests checked out the sixteen foot table of old family wedding pictures and books. Guests were encouraged to grab a goodie-a custom barn logoed koozie or a wild flower bomb -that they could throw into the meadow ...so that there would always be a reminder of this special day at the Chester Barn.

The barn was unveiled and it was jaw dropping. Paul Fenner made a STUNNING tablescape of natural elements of moss and grapevine and curry willow and manzantia, twine and rope. He used flea market bottles, rustic lanterns and moss balls ...it was incredible!

In lieu of menu cards, we had barn history cards made and in lieu of table numbers we had table icons. And over the head table, a stunning montage was created of Pat Werner's antler collection, vintage frames and the bridesmaids bouquets .

While guests soaked in the magic of the barn, a delicious BBQ Family style dinner was served .

After speeches, C&C danced to "True Love Waits" ....a song that Chris had picked that surprised Courtney . Years ago, Courtney had given Chris a picture frame-on the back of the picture she wrote" True Love Waits" and told him not to look at it for a couple years.....he hadn't looked at it yet but he chose that song.

Love it!

As the night rolled on, guests danced on haybails-and Chris brought down the barn with an impressive impersonation of Billy Idol .

Eventually, of course, the sheriff came and it was time to reluctantly head on over to the Chester Bowling Alley. The highlights were most certainly watching Courtney in her gorgeous Vera Wang Dress eat nachos and Chris continue to entertain us with Poison songs. With locals watching , C&C's best friends and family closed down the bowling alley ....and of course......headed back to the barn! We fired up the generators, pulled up a car and blasted the radio ......and partied till the wee hours .....until finally the new Mr & Mrs Werner retired to the inn across the meadow .

A very special thank you to Courtney and Chris, Maria & Charlie St. Clair, Libby & Pat Werner , Joan St. Clair, Steven St Clair, Libby & Pat Werner, Paul Fenner, Andrew Joseph, Doug Guadagnin, John Schnack and the Cosmoteam!!!

Haven't heard from us in a while? Here's Why!

...A friend told us it would be hard to keep up with a newsletter ....

She was right!

Here's a sneak peak at our Summer & Fall Events and what we have in the pipelines....

(at least the ones we can tell you about ! )

7/22-25 Comic-Con

Kellan Lutz, Amber Heard and Jerry O'Connell all patiently waited in line to experience the Debut of the Patron Simply Perfect Margarita Juicing Bar atop the chic Omni Rooftop in San Diego.

7/30-Cosmopolitan creates an event for

The Debut of the Singer Vehicle Designs Porsche Concept 911.

Who knew Katy could fall in love with a car!? Check it out:

www.singervehicledesign.com

7/31 - A lovely styling of a

Wedding Aboard the Queen Mary

7/31- A 50^th Birthday Bash in Crystal Cove .

Katy discovers cupcakes toppers and will never let her cupcakes go topless again!

cupcake toppers

8/9 A Catering at Hurley Featuring the

Art Work of Dalek

8/12-15 Patron Spirits goes ultra high -class at the RM Auctions Car Show at Quail Lodge, Pebble Beach. The Cosmoteam creates interactive cocktails and fun for a world-class crowd with Patron owner , John Paul DeJoria.

8/21 We create a 40^th Birthday For Denzel Washington at Home.

(okay not really but he was a look -alike!)

8/22 The Cosmogirls put on their referee outfits and head to

Palos Verdes for a Football Draft Party!

The "Lasagna Cupcake" Has it's Debut. It's a hit!

8/22 The Wild Brunch in Malibu !

8/27 The Endless Summer Nights Party

Love it when a plan comes together!

Kurt Caillier opens his dream bachelor pad to 500 strangers and

Orangewood PALS nets $42K for our kids!

Lakers Coach Brian Shaw digs our Club Orangewood with Patron Bottle service.

Look for details in the December issue of Riviera.

Labor Day -C&C 's Lake Almanor

Wedding Weekend!

9/11 America's only "royal" family hosts an event at one of America's only true castles.

The Kennedy's hold a star -studded event at Hearst Castle with a private performance by Natasha Bedingfield. Captain Sully (as in landed plane on Hudson ) watched from afar with amusement as guests created their own Patron margaritas and later he jumped in the Patron Photo Booth. Maria and Anthony Shiver took several flattering Patron pictures before heading down to watch guests night swim in Hearst Castle's iconic Neptune Pool!

9/12 A Sweet Little Birthday Party on Linda Isle

9/16 Macy's Glamorama with Patron

The Cosmogirls work the Patron after- party for the

West Coast's most anticipated fashion show of the year!

9/23 Tacos & Tequila - Siren Studios unveils their new hip rooftop event space. Guests enjoy mini gourmet tacos while waiting with enthusiasm to get their own

Patron Lime Squeezer custom engraved !

9/24 Corona Del Mar Rehearsal Dinner at Home ...

Our client calls next day to say that we created what guests were calling

"the best rehearsal dinner party ever" .

Ditch the restaurants people!!!!

9/25 Playboy Mansion

The Cosmogirls head to the Playboy Mansion for the

Patron XO Café Dessert Bar !

10/1 "Reunion Provence" in Palos Verdes

We create a lovely reunion party with a French Flair for a group who shared an unforgettable adventure there last summer.

10/9 Anna Lynne McCord hosts an event at Tesla Motorcars Benefiting Patron's Charity, The St. Bernard Project -rebuilding homes destroyed in Hurricane Katrina.

Members of the casts of 90210 & Modern Family love the Patron Simply Perfect Interactive Bar!

10/9 Katy creates a Classy Engagement Party for a young couple at their parents STUNNING Laguna Beach home, with a sweeping view of the Pacific.

10/14 Patron hosts an event for Hope For Hannah in a Movie Executive's Brentwood Backyard. A lot of money is raised for Rhett's Syndrome.

10/15 We create an all -out 30^th Birthday Bash at our fav Hotel 741!

10/15 The vintage Patron Tequila Express Train Pulls up to Union Station -guests get an exclusive look at this very special historic train.

10/24 Team Cosmo heads back to Katy's native Midwest for the

Kohler Food & Wine Festival.

Chicago's Best Celebrity chefs dug our Patron Simply Perfect activation!

10/30 Katy & John Ganun co-create possibly the world's most fun Halloween party -

The 7 Deadly Sins -at Hotel 741.

Greed, Sloth, Lust, Vanity, Gluttony, & Wrath were the themes of 6 hotel rooms. Guests had to experience each of the sins to get into the 7^th room, Club Envy, at Midnight . A talented acting troupe nailed each sin.....check out our video below ....(PG13) ...

Seven Deadly Sins Video

11/1 Athlete's First Office Cocktail Party

11/5 Guests stand 16 deep to get a chance to experience the

Patron Muddle-Your-Own -Mojito Bar at chic Aria's All Star Event in Las Vegas.

11/6 Siren Studios Movie Debut Rooftop Party

11/13 Patron hosts yet another event at the

Pasadena Museum of Art overlooking historic and lovely Pasadena .

11/17 Patron creates a huge production at Vibiana, LA's 130-year old former Cathedral. With it's jaw-dropping carrera marble walls and columns and glossy dark wood floor, Katy declares it the most beautiful venue in LA!

Guests are treated to the John Ganun Patron Photo shoot, where guests step onto the "set" and are directed by this former Broadway actor.

The result is a high -end magazine quality photo that guests can leave with!

....And what we have in the pipelines...

12/2 A Corporate Executive Dinner Party -it's gonna be yummy!

12/3 UCLA : The Revelry Before the Revelry at the Bel Air Bay Club! ....with a surprise!

12/5 A Tree Trimming Holiday Celebration and CDM Christmas Walk Kick-Off

12/3-12/5 Bundle up Cosmogirls! You are headed to Utah for the

Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest with Patron!

12/8-9 We're back in Vegas with Patron!

12/9 Corporate Holiday Party Catering for 200 at the Office

12/11 A Venetian -Themed Holiday Masquerade Party

at a Fabulous Home in Laguna Beach !

12/15 A sweet mother -daughter Ornament Exchange Party in Palos Verdes Estates.

12/16 A Winter Wonderland Themed Party atop Siren Studios.

12/15-19 Boat Parade in Newport! Boat & House Parties throughout Newport!

12/31 An Intimate New Year's Wedding at Home in Newport

-this will be a gorgeous one!

3/25 A Black & White With a Pop of Color Wedding in Dana Point for an out-of-town bride & groom

4/2 Cosmogirl Bethany is getting Hitched!!!

5/5 Katy creates the Chicago Youth Programs Annual Spring Fling atop Chicago's Chic Aqua Building. Expect invites my Chicago friends!

5/14 Katy has the honor of creating a

Sophisticated Yet Whimsical Wedding at

Shady Canyon!

5/20 An unforgettable Rehearsal Dinner in one of the most beautiful Traditional Newport Homes we have seen! Can't wait!

5/21 A Secret Garden Wedding at Home with a classy Big Canyon Country Club Reception to follow!

8/27 Golf Course Nuptials at Big Canyon with a

Traditional Reception to Follow with a Twist of Creativity!

......And April 29th Katy & Danielle are in London for Kate & Prince William's Wedding -the ultimate wedding research!

Katy & Paul Fenner-the florist who made C&C's wedding magical!

Bethany!

About Katy Higgins and Cosmopolitan Events

Katy Higgins is well known for her creative, organized, customized & friendly approach to all of her one-of-a-kind events. Specializing in event planning , catering, design & party staffing, Cosmopolitan Events INC has created over 575 unforgettable events from modest to grand.

Experienced in events from 12 to 3,500 guests; working with budget- conscious non-profits to over-the-top billionaires ; from BBQ's to exquisitely plated dinner parties, Katy is appreciated for her chameleon -like way of assessing each individual clients' needs and implementing those needs perfectly.

Over the past 8 years , Katy and her team have earned such clients as: Elle Magazine, Nike, Hurley, Patron, Macy's, The YMCA, Neiman Marcus, Ferrari, Hoag Hospital, Volcom, Quiksilver, Sony, Riviera Magazine, Nixon, celebrities and many, many more. They have helped create events for Sundance Film Festival, The ESPY's and Comicon and often work in residences in Big Canyon, Pelican Hill, Shady Canyon and Emerald Bay. Katy and her team have created events in California and Nationally.

Prior to launching Cosmopolitan Events INC, Katy enjoyed a 12 year successful career in the restaurant industry. Katy proudly serves on the board of Orangewood PALS, an auxiliary of the Orangewood Children's Foundation. She also enjoys world travel.

Cosmopolitan Events, inc

Newport Heights

949.720.1899 O

949.697.1234C

949.719.1701 F

www.cosmoevents.info/gallery/

Special note:
In LAST month's newsletter we failed to acknowledge the winter wonderland decor photographer,
Kimberley
Saxelby ...we regret this error. She is the best decor photographer !
http://www.trueemotions.com/