Haute Tea with E Partner: Azature Chocolates

The origins of AZATURE chocolates developed from the sentiment of gratitude and appreciation. It was from the first box created as a thank you to AZATURE jewelry clients that AZATURE fine chocolates were born. Approaching the gift from the same philosophy of innovation and unique design, AZATURE created the first collection inspired from the precious gems that are featured in his fine AZATURE jewelry collections.

Now available in eight different flavor formulations, the chocolates have much in common with his signature AZATURE black-diamond pieces. Take the “Black Diamond - Wild Treasure Cocoa” for example, like its black diamond counterpart, it is inspired by its exclusivity. The chocolate begins with the rare “Wild Treasure” cocoa bean that grows in the Amazon basin of Bolivia to create a luxurious chocolate base for all of the confections. The infused flavors and delicate recipes are applied with care and creativity to create fresh taste all while applying the signature AZATURE gem design. Like fine jewelry, these pralines are a luxurious indulgence that we hope you will take the time to truly savor.

Host: Eddie Zaratsian

Host: Restoration Hardware

Coordination and Host: Rayce PR and Marketing

Lighting: Lonnie Thompson, Images by Lighting

Entertainment: Brandi Smith & Jason Foster of The Society Band

Sound: Spenser Bishop of MixOne Sound

Event Design Florals: Eddie Zaratsian Fresh Floral Boutique

Photography: Marianne Lozano

Photography (Arrivals): Kris Kan

Venue: Restoration Hardware Gallery — Beverly Boulevard

Catering: Divine Catering

Tea Time Tini's: Divine Catering

Videography: Cean One Films

Pastries: Rafi's Pastries

Invitations and Paper Goods: Copper Willow Paper Studio

Linens: Wildflower Linen

Gray Carpet Arrivals and Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Gifts: Jo Malone

Gifts: Azature Chocolates

Haute Tea with E Partner: Classic Party Rentals

Classic Party Rentals can be found helping to make almost every major event outstanding. They have numerous locations throughout the country, and offer a vast inventory of tables, chairs, fine china, high-end flatware, specialty linens, centerpieces, tents, canopies and more. They're ranked number one by the esteemed Zagat Survey as the “highest rated of the major party rental sources” for best equipment and services in addition to winning Rental Company of the Year multiple times at the Event Solutions Spotlight Awards. That's only a couple reasons why they're called upon time and again to help create incredible events and that's why we wanted them to help us out with Eddie Zaratsian's famous Tea with E event on Tuesday, April 17th at the Restoration Hardware Gallery on Beverly Boulevard. Leticia Ortega, an Event Consultant at Classic Party Rentals, helped us create an amazing and unforgettable event. Thank you Leticia!

Johanna Martin and Leticia Ortega

Photo by Kris Kan

Photos by Marianne Lozano

Host: Eddie Zaratsian

Host: Restoration Hardware

Coordination and Host: Rayce PR and Marketing

Lighting: Lonnie Thompson, Images by Lighting

Entertainment: Brandi Smith & Jason Foster of The Society Band

Sound: Spenser Bishop of MixOne Sound

Event Design Florals: Eddie Zaratsian Fresh Floral Boutique

Photography: Marianne Lozano

Photography (Arrivals): Kris Kan

Venue: Restoration Hardware Gallery — Beverly Boulevard

Catering: Divine Catering

Tea Time Tini's: Divine Catering

Videography: Cean One Films

Pastries: Rafi's Pastries

Invitations and Paper Goods: Copper Willow Paper Studio

Linens: Wildflower Linen

Gray Carpet Arrivals and Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Gifts: Jo Malone

Gifts: Azature Chocolates

Haute Tea with E Partner: Kris Kan

As guests pulled up to the garden gates at Restoration Hardware, arriving for the exclusive annual Haute Tea for E, they were greeted by several valet attendants and one handsome and very talented photographer...Kris Kan. Kris was there shooting all of our fabulous Tea for E guests as they stepped onto the grey carpet and into a beautiful cocktail party. Enjoy these photos of some of the Tea for E  guests by Kris Kan.

Eddie Zaratsian of tic-tock Couture Florals and The Fresh Floral Boutique and
David Dimos, VP Outdoor at Restoration Hardware

Stefan Duban and Jeanne Kelly of Restoration Hardware and Eddie Zaratsian and Anna Zaratsian

Melissa Huntington, Rhonda Couchigian and Lia Critchley of Rayce PR and Marketing

Jill Velez and Leora Mauck of Copper Willow Paper Studio

Vanessa Rockafellow of Invisible Touch Events and Kathy Nosek of a Divine-Occasion

Collette and Kaitlin Lopez of La Fete Weddings

ABOUT KRIS KAN

Kris Kan is a lifestyle photographer, based in Los Angeles, California. He travels, photographing beautiful weddings all over the world. Influenced by simplicity, he thrives on capturing images that tell a story.

With over ten years of experience, Kris has the skills to approach every event as an opportunity to capture something extraordinary. Exclusive to all his clients, he's dedicated to provide consistent timeless memories.

Tea with E Partner: Jo Malone

Guests of this year's Tea with E got to take home a Jo Malone™ Gift Bag that contained the essence of joy in a bottle. If your style is understated, sophisticated and timeless, then a Jo Malone™ perfume might be just right for you.

About Jo Malone™

Jo Malone™ was created in 1994 when it produced a handful of scents revolutionary in their discerning simplicity. Jo Malone London has become a name internationally synonymous with all that is most coveted in British style.

The Jo Malone™ Studio orchestrates a world of bespoke luxury that is inspired by, and immersed in, modern British culture, curating collaborations between world-renowned master perfumers and London’s leading creative talent, from Savile Row to Sloane Street. In working with the most forward-thinking style mavens Jo Malone London is enduringly at the forefront of perfumery.

Photos by Marianne Lozano

Host: Eddie Zaratsian

Host: Restoration Hardware

Coordination and Host: Rayce PR and Marketing

Lighting: Lonnie Thompson, Images by Lighting

Entertainment: Brandi Smith & Jason Foster of The Society Band

Sound: Spenser Bishop of MixOne Sound

Event Design Florals: Eddie Zaratsian Fresh Floral Boutique

Photography: Marianne Lozano

Photography (Arrivals): Kris Kan

Venue: Restoration Hardware Gallery — Beverly Boulevard

Catering: Divine Catering

Tea Time Tini's: Divine Catering

Videography: Cean One Films

Pastries: Rafi's Pastries

Invitations and Paper Goods: Copper Willow Paper Studio

Linens: Wildflower Linen

Gray Carpet Arrivals and Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Gifts: Jo Malone

Gifts: Azature Chocolates

ABC-OC St. Regis Monarch Beach

Haute Tea with E Partner: Images by Lighting

As if getting Images by Lighting to set the ambiance for your event isn't prestigious enough, how would you feel if the award-winning lighting designer and founder of the wildly successful company actually showed up for the party? We love Raymond and we were absolutely honored to have him as a guest at this year's Haute Tea with E. Lighting Designer Lonnie Thompson was also there, and is just as talented, charming and adorable as Raymond! It's impossible not to smile when these guys are around. They are always so professional and go above and beyond to create incredible environments every single time. The European Garden at Restoration Hardware never looked better than on Tuesday night and we have Raymond and Lonnie to thank for it. Images by Lighting is the best of the best!

Images by Lighting, LLC. was created in 1981 as one of the first event production lighting design companies in the Los Angeles area. Beginning with the technical directorship for MGM Studio’s Diamond Jubilee, Images has gone on to become a leader in the industry lighting numerous high profile events for such corporations as Ford Motor Company, Gillette, Litton Industries, Coca Cola U.S.A., International Olympic Committee, DreamWorks Pictures, and the Board of Governors for the Academy Awards.

Nine time winner of the “Best Use of Lighting” award in addition to “Best Decorated Theme Event,” “Best Use of Equipment,” “Best Use of a Tent,” and “Best Event Logistics” awards from Special Events Magazine are just a few of the recent accolades bestowed upon Images making them the most awarded lighting company by “The Special Event.”

Internationally recognized, Images has illuminated events throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Bermuda, Australia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Korea.  Images continues to set the standards for the event lighting industry and is proud to be the co-founder of the International Special Events Society (I.S.E.S.)  Images has been  a featured lecturer on the Science of Event Production for a variety of associations including the National Association of Catering Executives, Meeting Planners International, U.C.L.A. and the I.S.E.S. Center for Professional Development.

Images by Lighting, at the forefront of the event lighting industry since its inception, believes that a special event occurs only once.  Images has the expertise, experience and knowledge to get the job done right, on schedule, within budget and true to your event objectives.

Tea with E Photos by Marianne Lozano

Raymond Thompson and Lonnie Thompson — Images by Lighting

Mother's Day is on Sunday!

Haute Tea with E Partner: Rafi's Pastries

Rafi's Pastries creates desserts that are outrageously elegant and sinfully delicious! As guests of this year's Tea with E approached the dessert table flanked with little bites of heaven, they were instantly faced with a problem. To bite into a piece of artwork seems wrong...but to not bite, impossible! Every single guest paused to appreciate the time and artistry that went into the desserts this year...and then proceeded to savor each tiny little bite of pure joy. Thank you Rafi's Pastries for wow-ing our senses and thank you Marianne Lozano for capturing the images so we can re-live the joy!

Host: Eddie Zaratsian

Host: Restoration Hardware

Coordination and Host: Rayce PR and Marketing

Lighting: Lonnie Thompson, Images by Lighting

Entertainment: Brandi Smith & Jason Foster of The Society Band

Sound: Spenser Bishop of MixOne Sound

Event Design Florals: Eddie Zaratsian Fresh Floral Boutique

Photography: Marianne Lozano

Photography (Arrivals): Kris Kan

Venue: Restoration Hardware Gallery — Beverly Boulevard

Catering: Divine Catering

Tea Time Tini's: Divine Catering

Videography: Cean One Films

Pastries: Rafi's Pastries

Invitations and Paper Goods: Copper Willow Paper Studio

Linens: Wildflower Linen

Gray Carpet Arrivals and Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Gifts: Jo Malone

Gifts: Azature Chocolates

Restoration Hardware's Gift Registry

Did you know Restoration Hardware has a gift registry? They do and it's fabulous! It's not just the amazing products that make Restoration Hardware's gift registry superior...it's also the extras. We all love excellent service and those little extras that make life easier and better. Here's what you'll get when you register with Restoration Hardware:

• Convenient online access to your registry: 24/7, for you and your guests.
• Complimentary announcement cards: You will receive an initial set of 15 cards, but you can contact them for more cards, if needed. They're perfect for letting friends and family know you're registered with Restoration Hardware, and are designed to include in your event invitations.
• Complimentary gift packaging: Once your guests complete their purchase, they'll take it from there, ensuring that the gift is attractively gift boxed and whisked off to its destination. (Please note that some larger items cannot be gift boxed.)
• Two different ship-to designations: One address to use before the event, one to use after.
• Even more convenient exchanges and returns: If you receive a duplicate gift, or would like to return an item for any reason, they'll be happy to exchange it or offer a store credit.
• A manager for your thank you notes: They'll help you keep track of who's been thanked. Use their handy online tool to create a list of gift-givers and their gifts. Check off the name as you send your notes.
• A completion program: A one-time 10% completion discount on items that were not purchased from your registry. It's valid for 12 months after your event.

Gift Registry FAQ's

Oh, and don't forget to register for some beautiful outdoor pieces for your new garden and patio! The only problem with Restoration Hardware's registry is trying to decide which items not to put on the list. (Just so you don't seem greedy.)

Our Host for Haute Tea with E 2012: Restoration Hardware

Operating 87 retail and 10 outlet stores throughout the United States and Canada, Restoration Hardware is a growing and cutting-edge luxury brand. Restoration Hardware has become an esteemed design powerhouse, offering unique quality products in a growing number of categories including furniture, lighting, textiles, bathware, decor, baby and child and outdoor and garden. Speaking of outdoor and garden, if you were lucky enough to receive an invitation to this year's Haute Tea with E, then you know how incredibly gorgeous the Restoration Hardware's European Garden and Gallery at 8772 Beverly Boulevard looked on the 17th! In case you missed the big event, we've got some photos by the very talented Marianne Lozano and Kris Kan!

Photo by Kris Kan

Photos by Marianne Lozano

And for all you brides to be, mothers of the bride and wedding planners out there, keep in mind that Restoration Hardware has a bridal registry! Their spring 2012 collection is incredible, featuring deconstructed designs inspired by 19th century classics, an amazing Baroque Wood Crystal Chandelier inspired by the Rococo era in Versailles and lots of beautiful pieces in a lovely indigo blue. We fell in love with the European Zinc Dormer Mirrors and the Vintage-Washed Chambray Bedding is like your favorite pair of jeans: you won't want anything else. These pieces are made to last a lifetime, will never go out of style and are beautiful AND comfortable....exactly what a home should be.

Host: Eddie Zaratsian

Host: Restoration Hardware

Coordination and Host: Rayce PR and Marketing

Lighting: Lonnie Thompson, Images by Lighting

Entertainment: Brandi Smith & Jason Foster of The Society Band

Sound: Spenser Bishop of MixOne Sound

Event Design Florals: Eddie Zaratsian Fresh Floral Boutique

Photography: Marianne Lozano

Photography (Arrivals): Kris Kan

Venue: Restoration Hardware Gallery — Beverly Boulevard

Catering: Divine Catering

Tea Time Tini's: Divine Catering

Videography: Cean One Films

Pastries: Rafi's Pastries

Invitations and Paper Goods: Copper Willow Paper Studio

Linens: Wildflower Linen

Gray Carpet Arrivals and Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Gifts: Jo Malone

Gifts: Azature Chocolates