On February 23^rd, The Castle Green Events Department hosted its 1^st 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch it now! http://www.hbo.com/true-blood/index.html#/true-blood/episodes/5/50-authority-always-wins/video/inside-the episode.html/eNrjcmbO0CzLTEnNd8xLzKksyUx2zs8rSa0oYc5Xz89JgQkGJKan+iXmpjIXsjFyMjKyMbJJJ5aW5BfkJFbalhSVpgIAV3AXOA/index.html/

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

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).

 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!

V8 Commercial

 We pride ourselves on a number of unique and special affairs at the Castle Green. From nonprofit organization galas like the Pasadena Children’s Guild’s Winter Wonderland event last year and music videos like “This Ain’t No Love Song” by the well-renowned Trace Atkins, to Microsoft’s own Bill Gates’ large company party and everything in between, Castle Green is the only one of its kind and truly an exceptional venue for any type of filming or event. KLCFCIDHFIHDSKLFHJSDKLJLKSJKLFJDSLKJFVKLFDJVKLDJVKLJF

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That is why Audi of America approached us as their setting for their new commercial!

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 Proud to announce the 2011 Audi models such as the Audi A6 Sedan, the Audi A7, the Audi TT RS Coupe, the Audi R8 GT,  and the Audi A8 W12, where else but the Castle Green would they want to film their new commercial to showcase their latest and greatest cars?

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 Stay tuned to see the Historic Castle Green in a new Audi commercial being filmed here today and aired in the next few months!

Hundreds of thousands of businesses are reviewed every day at such sites as Yelp, Zagat, Citysearch, Dine, Foder’s, Yellowpages and Superpages. Only a select group, however, have enough positive reviews to earn them the 2011 Customer Satisfaction Award for excellence in customer service presented by Talk of the Town News and Celebration Media. The Talk of The Town research team and editorial review board have determined, based on their findings (which include the number of reviews, average star rating and dates of the reviews), that Castle Green  has earned a 4.5  star rating and a special award posting on their website. www.talkofthetownnews.com/awards2011/6267930359

Castle Green, Castle Green Pasadena,Wedding venues Pasadena Ca, Historical Wedding Venue, Wedding Locatio

Thank you to all of our wonderful couples and clients for such wonderful reviews! The Castle Green event staff look forward to providing quality service for your next event!

Geico Commercial Filming at The Castle Green December 2010

The folks over at Geico filmed two brand new commercials at the Castle Green in December 2010. Just in time for the Super Bowl, one of these commercials could be chosen for one of the most watched television events of the year!  It was so much fun to watch the production and creativity that goes into filming a 30 second commercial! As for the details, we are sworn to secrecy for now. But be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Castle Green ballroom and or lobby as the backdrop to some really clever commercials!

The Castle Green is a 113 year old Nationally Registered Historic Monument and Officially Designated Pasadena Treasure, built during the Victorian era, and now faithfully restored in every detail, including architectural details and colors. It has extensive grounds, including a lily pond and arched walkways and verandas, with magnificent trees and expansive lawns for outdoor ceremonies and /or parties and receptions.

The interior spaces, all available to use, are furnished with original Victorian antiques and plush velvet drapes which evoke an earlier time, the Golden Age of America. Frederick Roehrig was the architect for Castle Green.  It was the 2nd in 3 buildings built for the wealthy who loved vacationing in sunny California in this one of a kind, lavish 19th century resort.  Castle Green was actually known as the “Central Annex”.  The building itself combines several architectural elements.

The exterior is in the Mediterranean Revival style while many of its interior rooms are incorporating the Moorish Revival style which has its basis in Islamic architecture developed in North Africa and South-Western Europe. You would need very little (if any) decoration, since the surroundings will immediately convey a sense of luxury and hospitality.

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