Plus Event Services

Interview with Bob Lopez who is with Plus Event Services.

How long have you been in the special event industry?
I have been in the Special event industry for 25 years. I started as a set up and driver and also filled positions in the industry as a operations manager, tenting department manager, general manager and have worked in the sales department in both two of the largest special event companies in the valley. (Classic and Proem)

Why did you start Plus Event Services?
I was inspired by the book Rich Dad Poor Dad and was in search for a method to teach young people about special events and the value of hard work. One of my clients was hosting an event that needed after the event cleaning and I made the suggestion to hire some high school kids to do the clean up. He asked if I had any kids and I said sure and that is how we got started. We started Plus events as a high school project in 2005. Plus Event Services has since branched off as a full service Special Event company specializing in logistical planning, tents , tables, chairs, linens, and various special event equipment rentals.


What is your most memorable Event?
Over the last 25 years I have seen a lot, fiesta bowl, PIR, NFL Experience Super bowl(Glendale Arizona), Scottsdale Fashion week, Bike Week, Country Thunder, Russo Steel Auto Auction excetrera. But I would have to say the most memorable event was for The Make a wish foundation for a 15 year old girl who had leukemia. My role was to help transform a church gymnasium in to a ball room so she could have the experience of going to the prom. Plus donated our time labor and provided the equipment to make this wish come true. I always ask myself and others in the industry when do we have the opportunity to use our talents for the happiness of others. This is a very key component and is at the heart of Plus Event Services.


What is the most requested rental item?
As far as the most requested rental item I would have to say is the basics of the industry. Tables and chairs. With the economy being what it is it boils down to simple elegance and over the years this is what has worked best in any economy.


Why do you love being in the special event industry?
Why I love this industry? I don’t know. I think you have to be crazy to work in this industry but I think for me it is making the impossible possible in the eyes of every client. To provide possibilities and as many options to clients and to set the foundation and the stage for people to enjoy themselves is what makes me happy.




Bob Lopez
Event Rental Specialist
Plus Event Services
Tel:480-263-1115
e-mail: bob@plus-event-services.com
web: www.plus-event-services.com  

Sutcliffe Floral

Interview with Kelly Tulloss with Sutcliffe Floral

How long have you been in a Florist?
I have been a floral industry since 2005. That is when my husband and I bouqht Sutcliffe Floral from Dave and Sue Stilley. My previous career was a marketing manager for Verizon. I absolutely love the business and love working with people.



What is your favorite flower to use for wedding bouquets?
My favorite flower to work with for weddings is mokara orchids - LOVE them! I really love orchids of any kind, I think they are classy, long lasting and very beautiful.
What is one tip you can give brides?
I would recommend for brides to HAVE FUN in the planning of their wedding. To have an idea of the color or type of flowers they love is helpful. Having pictures of styles or designs that catch their eye would be helpful for us as florists to know what their vision is for that special day.

Thank you Kelly!

Sutcliffe Floral

(928) 774-0670

111 Beaver Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Simply Delicious of Flagstaff

Interview with Janis Hunt, Simply Delicious
How long have you been in the Special Event Industry? I have been in this business since 1989, and have done hotel and restaurant catering services, restaurant management, hotel sales and marketing, conference center sales and am now partnering with Chef Nancy McCulla at Simply Delicious Catering & Cafe Daily Fare
How did you get started in the Industry? I started as a cocktail waitress and bartender when I was in college. I fell in love with the business, finished my BS and then got a job as a manager in a hotel restaurant. Experience and training in the field was far superior (and more lucritive) than changing majors!!


What is your most memorable event? A lovely wedding at L'Auberge de Sedona on the Creekside Lawn...beatiful flowers and fragrance filled the air, the bride and groom were meant for each other and were so easy to deal with, all the food was perfect, the weather was perfect, no bugs and no issues.....they don't happen like that too often.

What is the most requested food item? In Cafe Daily Fare, it's gotta be the Fish Tacos....like none you've ever tasted. As far as Simply Delicious, that's a tough one because every menu is so unique. Our Hors d'Oeuvre Platter consisting of Crackers, Baguettes, Grapes, Berries and a Duo of Tri-Color Pesto Pate and Marinated Goat Cheese with Grilled Balsamic Portabellos is pretty popular.....


What is one tip you can give brides? Relax...remember it's YOUR day and you need to let the little things go sometimes. We can't all have a Royal Wedding :)

Thank you Janis!!!

Simply Delicious
(928) 774-2855

408 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
info@simplydeliciousflagstaff.com

Red daisies and chocolate covered strawberries!

Christina and Andrew are the shyest couple I have ever worked with! They were high school sweethearts and so in love! Their story and planning process was the most unusual I have ever had! Christina and Andrew came to us need help with planning a wedding a year away, but there was a catch… there were not going to tell their family until right before the wedding…. Not even that there was a wedding in the future! The only one who knew about the planning was their son (big secret to keep huh??)  So whenever we met there was always the off chance we could run into their family!!!! So we always had a story… Just in case! 

A traditional wedding for their families was a traditional Indian wedding, but they wanted to be different. The wedding location would be at Flagstaff Ranch and Christina would wear a modern wedding dress. 

Four months into the planning Christina asked 3 of her friends to be bridesmaids, but they were sworn to secrecy! They went dress shopping and had a blast. Then it was time for a food tasting. Flag Ranch did a fabulous job with the tasting, it was a FULL meal! They served prime rib, chicken parmesan, salad, rolls, grilled veggies and chili powder hot chocolate truffles, to DIE FOR!!!!   I still couldn’t believe they were still keeping this a secret.  The next surprise was a tango. Christina and Andrew practiced every week! There was even and outfit change for the wedding! 

Two months before the wedding they decided to surprise their parents and tell them about the wedding! They were so surprised because the whole wedding was planned already! The day of the wedding everyone was relaxed and excited! Christina and Andrew were nervous and excited about their dance! The ceremony was held on the patio of the golf course, and the guests were thrilled. The reception was held in the dining hall. Christina and Andrew were so thrilled to be relaxed and their family was enjoying every minute! 

Then it was time for Christina’s favorite part, The Cake! Designed by Caked, the cake was a white cake and had drizzled chocolate like a chocolate covered strawberry. The cake was decorated with Red daisies and chocolate covered strawberries, her favorite! Andrew had a favorite of the night too… it wasn’t the cake though; he was most excited about the prime rib!!

The time came for the dance! What a way to enter your own party! Christina was decked out in a short black tango dress, looking stunning; Andrew was handsome in his suit. They danced their tango perfectly and their guest stood to their feet in amazement!! 

The night was smooth and family filled and Christina and Andrew were thrilled to be married! They had such a great time planning and enjoying their day! And we had a blast working with them and helping to keep their secret!

Christina

Vendors

Venue & Reception: Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club

Event Planner: Peak Events

Floral: Glamourous Occasions

Cake Designer: Caked

Entertainment: Downtown Browne Productions

Photography: Garrett Dauphers Photography