Creative Strategy and Event Design Manager
Around the office, you’re known for:
Always trying something new and learning/being curious! I’m constantly looking to add new skills to my toolkit and won’t stop trying until I’ve mastered every detail. I don’t believe in stupid questions, and I’ve lost all fear of them – we all learn in different ways so why not ask!
Meeting or event experience you’ll never forget:
I know this is cheesy, but my own wedding has to be my answer for two reasons: 1) It reinforced my career path in event design, 2) It taught me skills beyond aesthetics (i.e., budgeting, operations, spatial layout, guest experience, etc.). Because of my love for event design, I took on all aspects of planning our wedding, in addition to being the bride. Some details required me to learn how to use power tools to build our seating chart wall and learn graphic design to customize our vintage hotel keychain guest favors. Our wedding in Montana happened to occur the same week that Yellowstone National Park flooded for the third time in history – and we planned to get married outside! Despite the stress of rain planning and out-of-town guest transportation, every detail was executed just as we wanted, and we were featured by a Bridal Magazine! I hope our wedding shows how amazing an event can be for guests when you put yourself in their shoes and bring your own personality to the table in the design process. It truly does make the difference.
The one San Diego secret I’m willing to share….
I can’t believe I’m divulging this secret because it is already so hard to get a reservation, but it’s too good not to share with other fellow cocktail lovers! East Village/Gaslamp is home to an intimate speakeasy, Young Blood, hidden behind a secret keg wall in the back of the Neighborhood Restaurant. Once inside, a personal bartender curates a 3 course (appetizer, main, dessert) cocktail experience based on your spirit preference, flavor likes and dislikes, and any favorite cocktail inspiration that you share. The ambiance is to die for, with art deco inspired wall sconces, record player wall, and floor to ceiling real wax candles. I gave our bartender minimal guidance, but she seemed to read my mind on exactly what I liked (or maybe every cocktail they make is just insanely good!). I was especially impressed when I told the bartender that I wanted my dessert cocktail to be chai tea latte meets tiramisu, and she nailed it.
I know every San Diegan has their personal favorite cocktail bar; however, Young Blood takes the cake for the vintage environment they have created and the innovation in their flavors they bring to the bar. I had never seen some of the ingredients they used in their drinks behind a bar before, which adds to the excitement! You’ll have to fight for your Open Table reservation, but I promise it’s so worth it!