What better way for wedding professionals to kick off the balmy summer season than coming together in Palm Springs? The National Association for Catering & Events (NACE) and the Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA) joined forces to host a two-day Summer Retreat for the industry's dynamic, innovative experts to relax and mingle at the famed California venue, The Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows.
Guests were greeted by delectable cocktails designed to refresh them in the summer heat as they chatted with friends old and new. After mingling, they took their seats at long tables with black-and-white leaf-print linens accompanied by nature-inspired touches like rattan lamps, ceramic dishware and bamboo flatware. Tropical centerpieces seemed to burst forth from each table, mirroring the hanging flora fastened to woven lampshades suspended overhead.
Experiential agency leader Kristin Banta spoke as the special guest of the evening while attendees noshed on a fresh English pea salad and grilled swordfish or a truffle-stuffed hen. Dessert was the grand finale: attendees grazed on bite-sized offerings like chocolate chip cookies, s'mores on a stick, Earl Grey cremeux and lemon pavlova.
The following day, participants were treated to a vacation staple smacking of the "retreat" theme: a light brunch and mimosas.
