News
2013 1st Annual Bridal Brunch a Success!
Posted: March 27, 2013 at 9:39 pm
On February 23rd, The Castle Green Events Department hosted its 1st Annual Bridal Brunch! The idea for the brunch came about at the end of last year while The Castle Green Design Committee was making beautiful decor enhancements around the building.
They had completely revamped the Bride’s Room by replacing the old carpet with new carpet that matched the freshly painted walls and stained glass windows. Extra accents such as new crystals on the chandelier and gorgeous frames for the vintage Victorian wedding photographs have really improved this special space.
The floor on the east side of the ballroom which is commonly used as the dance floor, used to be dark and cracked, with a cold feel. It was decided that the old cracks would be filled, and a specialist came in to make the floor the same color as the other side which has original tiles. The room now looks more harmonious and warm.
In addition to these upgrades, the curtains in the ballroom have been replaced with bright, new, charming ones. The cushions on the outside patio chairs have been replaced with brand-new ones and complementing accent pillows. Stunning new wood bars that look like pieces of antique furniture were added for indoor use and are quite impressive in the Sunroom which boasts freshly painted furniture. All of these upgrades have really made this spectacular venue even more remarkable, and the Events Department couldn’t wait to show it off!
As a special treat, all of the couples who are currently scheduled to have their wedding at Castle Green in 2013-2014, were invited to the Castle to be pampered with lavish decor and delicious brunch cuisine cooked onsite and presented by each of our fantastic caterers. They had the unique opportunity to meet our preferred vendors, to play some games and win some prizes, all while viewing the new venue enhancements!
The Concept for the décor was easy… elegant, stunning, and unforgettable!
Gorgeous ceiling swag
Photography by Salvatore Soria
Flowers By Dan
The team worked with Jackson Shrub, the leading supplier of living trees and shrubs for the motion picture studios, to provide stylish white cherry blossom trees, and tall leafy green accent trees for a fun chic environment.
The Itinerary included Mimosas and champagne provided by The Bottle Shop (Liquid Caterer) upon arrival. Guests were greeted with wonderful favors on the center table that was brilliantly decorated by Leah Horrigan from Flowers by Leah with her tall floral arrangements accented with impressive mercury vases.
Jeremy Weinglass, professional pianist, gave a spectacular piano performance in the lobby on the baby grand piano under the Castle’s impressive marble staircase.
In the Grand Salon, spiral topiaries provided by Jackson Shrub were expertly placed in the rooms and boasted delicate twinkle lights for ambiance.
The main focal point however, was a large pepper tree stationed in the middle of the Salon that reached all the way to the ceiling. It was truly magical and created a very romantic atmosphere.
Pepper Tree in Salon
At 11:00am guests were invited into the ballroom to be seated and begin the Castle Green Brunch –Provided by The Ultimate Affaire, Simply Elegant, Castle Catering and Huntington Catering. Each of Castle Green’s EXCLUSIVE caterers prepared wonderful dishes, ranging from spinach frittata, to French toast, to fluffy crepes and more! Delicious cake filled with Bulgarian cream, topped with freshly made butter cream frosting was served by Sean Malian from Pastries by Nancy.
Brunch Cocktails Provided by Sunseri’s (Liquid Caterer) included red and white wine along with a delicious fruity mixed drink that was yummy to the last drop!
Joe Diamond Presentation
Wanting the very best for their guests, Joe Diamond from Joe Diamond Events was appointed to be the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Along with his colleague Randy Kort, Joe ran the show with funny commentary and interactive games. The program included cleverly prepared speeches composed and delivered by each of the participating vendors.
On a stage generously provided by Aloha Events Rentals, each company was able to stand up and introduce themselves and briefly describe what service they provide and offered special discounts to the guests.
Castle Green Special Events Director Shannon Ercek gave a warm welcome speech thanking all of the wonderful couples and fantastic vendors for attending this special event. She introduced Rosalinda Carpenter of the Special Events Department who described in detail, all of the Castle’s recent enhancements and presented the unveiling of the new fabric ceiling swag that is available as an upgrade for special events.
In addition to their presentations, each vendor offered fabulous prizes for the guests to win. Themed baskets, wedding planning books, gorgeous home accents, and Visa gift cards are just a few of the gifts that were given away.
Game for the Groom
Wedding photographer Salvatore Soria from Soria Weddings provided each couple a complimentary engagement photo session after the event.
Dahlia and Preston
Ken and Niki
Overall, the entire event was a smashing success! The Castle Green Special Events Department effectively showcased the recent enhancements and each couple was able to learn more about the Castle’s elite group of vendors and their services. The post-event feedback has been wonderful and there are already plans in the works for next year’s event. The goal is to offer the absolute best experience here at The Historic Castle Green!
If you are interested in having your wedding at the Castle Green, please contact Shannon events@castlegreen.com. It is truly her pleasure to assist you in planning the most memorable day of your lives!
Special Thanks to all of our participating vendors:
Caterers:
Simply Elegant www.simplyelegantcateringinc.com
The Ultimate Affaire www.theultimateaffaire.com
Castle Catering www.castlecatering.net
Huntington Catering www.huntingtoncateringcompany.com
Wedding Coordinators:
Desiree Russo www.desireerussoweddings.com
Events by Melody Walker www.eventsbymelodywalker.com
The Wedding Connection www.tobeydodge.com
Photographers:
Soria Weddings www.soriawedding.com * All Photos taken By Salvatore Soria *
Cakes & Kisses www.cakesandkisses.com
Wedding Officiant:
So Cal Officiant www.socalofficiant.com
Florists:
Flowers by Dan www.flowersbydan.com
Flowers by Leah lhorrigan1@earthlink.com
Flowers by Sharon flowersbysharen@myway.com
Music and Entertainment:
Joe Diamond Events www.forthegoodtimes.com
Harpist www.amberlynnharp.com
Weinglass Music www.jeremyweinglass.com
Photo Booth:
Sugar Snap Photo Booth sugarsnapfun@gmail.com
Rentals:
Aloha Event Services www.alohaeventservices.com
Jackson Shrub Supply david@jacksonshrub.com
(Plant rentals & set Decoration)
Liquor Delivery Service:
The Bottle Shop bottleshop@earthlink.com
Sunseri’s mike@sunseris.com
Cakes:
Pastries by Nancy www.pastriesbynancy.com
Parking and Car Rentals:
Unified Parking (Valet) (626) 395-9953 x124
Limo & Car Rental xldncop87@msn.com
Esthetician Services:
Smooth Aesthetics Medical Spa www.smoothmedspa.com
Customized Wedding Jewelry:
Violet Hairpins www.shopsomethingblue.etsy.com
Hotels:
Sheraton www.sheratonpasadena.com
True Blood Season 5 Filmed at Castle Green
Posted: June 19, 2012 at 6:47 pm
For HBO’s True Blood fans, we have a treat for you! True Blood season 5 not only offers more drama and intrigue with the introduction of some new characters, but clips of this season’s second episode was filmed at the Historic Castle Green! On last week’s episode (True Blood Season 5:50 “Authority Always Wins) Pam returns to Fangtasia, the vampire bar she co-owns with Eric. There, she remembers her human days at the turn of the century; she operated a brothel. The “brothel” was actually set in our very own “turn of the century” building in the fantastic Moorish room. Some of the furniture was brought in to make the brothel element look more authentic, but clearly, you can see the brilliant reddish walls and instantly recognize one of the most favored rooms in the entire Castle! Click on the link below and jump to minute 2:37 in the timeline and see if you can recognize it. For fans who have not yet been to the Castle Green, Like us on Facebook and get information on our next public tour! See for yourself what inspiration this old building brings!
For more on True Blood Season 5 episode 2 ”Authority Always Wins” check out Behind the Scenes
True Blood filmed at Castle Green Pasadena, CA
Castle Green Spring Tour – April 22, 2012
Posted: January 14, 2012 at 6:12 pm
The owners and residents of Castle Green are pleased to announce the
Spring Castle Green Tour
April 22nd, 2012, from 1 to 5pm
Tickets $20/person (children under 12 are free)
See inside the mysterious 1898 building that sits behind high gates in the middle of Old Pasadena, once the premier hotel in an age when Pasadena was the winter resort of choice for affluent East Coast families.
Tour the restored first floor and grounds, with the original sitting rooms and hotel lobby. Our docents will guide you through the history and architecture of the building.
View residents’ private apartments opened to tour-goers on the upper floors, first converted in 1926 and now ranging from accurate period dwellings to contemporary post-modern innovations.
See the penthouse, once a glass-ceilinged conservatory, and rooftop, overlooking all of Pasadena. Walk inside the iconic bridge.
Watch (and dance with) Victorian dancers in the ballroom, with live music by the Armory Band. See croquet on the lawn by the Pasadena Croquet Club.
Have tea in the sunroom.
Tickets will be available at the door, and will soon be available online. To stay updated, follow us on Facebook, or sign up for our mailing list below.
Groups of more than twenty people should contact Shannon Ercek (626-793-0359) for tickets. For enquiries, please contact Shannon Ercek (626-793-0359) or Megan Wiseley (megwiseley@gmail.com).
Castle Green Tour is Moved to April 22, 2012
Posted: November 23, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Thank you to all of our loyal guests who come to visit the Historic Castle Green for our open houses!
We invite you to come for a very special Spring-Time Tour on Sunday April 22, 2012.
We will have beverages, snacks, and very special entertainment as well as the unique glimpse into the wonderful apartments, common areas and ballroom! More details to come soon!
To be on our mailing list, please email us at Events@castlegreen.com .
Thank you for your interest and happy holidays!
Jackie Chan V8 Smoothie Commercial Films at Castle Green
Posted: October 14, 2011 at 6:59 pm
It is nice to see Jackie Chan is still kicking! This V8 commercial was filmed in the apartment right above the ballroom at the Historic Castle Green. The patio is portrayed in the first scene, and the kitchen of the same unit is in the second scene. Believe it or not, for this short commercial, it took 5 days and one really large crane to remove the lovely garden that was there. Though Jackie is known for his expert fighting skills, he was accompanied by several body guards. He was too quick to snag an autograph…perhaps it is all the V8 vitamins he’s drinking!
