Fine dining, a gracious venue, spectacular décor, and superb entertainment are a few things that make an event special. Most people think giving their guests that kind of experience is well beyond their budget’s allowance but I know better.

Hello, I’m Maudie Simpson, owner of A Special Occasion Event Planners, LLC. Creativity is my passion and helping my clients afford an event that looks more expensive than it is continues to be part of the fun!

I started event planning on tight budgets from the first event I ever coordinated. I was helping my former church with their special occasions while working full time as a loan officer. As it turned out, I was not only resourceful on a tight budget but had a an eye for detail, artistic décor, and cohesive planning. Before I knew it, I was creating floral arrangements for weddings every weekend. As demand for my services grew, I left my high stress day job for the work I loved.

Today we design events of up to 500 people for weddings, parties for retirement, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, reunions and more. As a lupus survivor, I have a special place in my heart for fundraisers and non-profit organizations that make the world a better, healthier place to live. We annualy coordinate “The Pretty Party!” lupus fundraiser, the “Gospel Fest” event and a fundraiser for “the Veteran Center.” We do it all, from selecting the caterer and venue to décor and music, so all you have to do is come and enjoy the moment.

My clients receive a free consultation where I assure them that what they want doesn’t always have to exceed their financial allowance. We work together to find the best solutions that deliver maximum results with their bottom line in mind. At A Special Occasion Event Planners, LLC we have partnerships from A-Z that provide catering, entertainment, photography, and more so we can conveniently offer you a “one stop shop” experience. All you have to do is show up and enjoy the event!

Stop by our website and see for yourself that expensive taste is about creativity and passion, not a larger than life budget!

Fewer things are more rewarding than being part of a team who are dedicated to a worthy cause. Preserving a past that will enrich the future is the goal of the Jim Thorpe Association (JTA) and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. As part of an organization that invests in education, charities, and civic responsibility, I am proud to have a hand in it’s recent growth.

I’m Justin Lenhart, Director and Curator of the Jim Thorpe Museum, home of the new Bud Wilkinson Event Center. I grew up in Stillwater and as someone who always enjoyed treasures of the past, I received my BA and MA in history from UCO. After college, I went to work for the Textile Museum in D.C. I enjoyed working in DC’s art community before moving back to Oklahoma. I’ve worked in large, upscale museums and operations like the Oklahoma Historical Society, and smaller high quality museums. With documents and artifacts dating as far back as 1907, the Jim Thorpe collections and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame galleries are impressive and continue to grow.

When I joined the museum in November 2008 I came on board at a time when the JTA wanted to expand and it’s been fulfilling to see those efforts come to pass. The new Bud Wilkinson Event Center reflects our vision for improvement and growth. The event center is ten thousand square feet on the second floor, seats up to 600 people, and is equipped with the latest technology for specific audio and visual needs. We can display your event and with several screens, you can broadcast a multimedia presentation. We’ve made it so easy, you can show up with nothing more than a CD, DVD, or portable computer drive. You can even program our lights and cue music or video without manning the equipment for a smooth event.

We partnered exclusively with the Petroleum Club to offer patrons high quality catering services and make it convenient and less expensive. Better than that, there is no rental fee for our facility when you utilize the catering services of the Petroleum Club. In case you’re wondering, there is no hidden “rental” fee in the price of the menu. Because the food is stored and prepared here with a full kitchen, the Petroleum Club can offer patrons the same reasonable prices that apply to their other locations. Diverse options allow you to budget your menu without compromising quality. If your event is booked during museum hours, your guests can tour the galleries free of charge.

Our close proximity to Brick Town and other attractions like Remington Park and Cowboy Western Heritage Museum make it even easier to take in the rich culture here in Oklahoma City. Whether you’re planning a wedding reception, corporate luncheon, birthday or anniversary party, we invite you to see what we can offer you. Stop by the Jim Thorpe Museum for a tour of our collections and facility or to book your event, contact the Petroleum Club at 405-232-1184.

My grandfather always told me, “You’ll have a business of your own someday but learn on someone else’s time. Get all the experience you can working for other people.” He was right. I learned the tricks of the trade working in the hotel business and for a convention decorating company before striking out on my own. I took my experience and contacts in the hotel business and got to work.

What started as a business out of my home and garage fifteen years ago is now my dream job. In 2002 I became a certified balloon artist and soon began winning awards for my ‘out of the box’ creations. As a family business, my daughter Treva also mastered this creative illusion of color, movement, and design and today artistic balloon arrangements are a large part of our business. With certified artists on call, rest assured your event will shine right on schedule.

With over 6,000 square feet of warehouse space, I have everything I need at my finger tips to make my clients the star of the show. We supply rentals and deliver gorgeous décor for events of up to 1,500 people. Whether you need pipe & drape, trade show decor, balloon decor, wedding coordination, wedding rentals or party rentals, we can deliver the kind of event that your guests will remember. Let us bring our expertise and unique creativity to your next special event!

Event Planning by Leilani, Inc.

Hi, my name is Garrett Blackwood and I started Blue Label Bartending because I saw a need for energetic, attractive and professional bartenders who would specialize in event bartending. With most events scheduled on weekends, professional bartenders are unable to leave their restaurant or bar to provide their services and event planners end up settling for unskilled, unprofessional and irresponsible bartenders. I should know because I heard horror stories during the years I bartended in Tulsa. I decided to use my experience to train professional bartenders to serve the special event industry at an affordable price.

In addition to our private bartending services, we have a bartending school to ensure each bartender is well educated about liquor and licensing laws and well trained in superior customer service, special event bartending, and hundreds of drinks. They faithfully adhere to company policy which includes on time arrival and no drinking before or during serving hours or while closing down the bar.

Knowing you have a well trained, professional bartender brings peace of mind. The last thing you want to worry about is a guest who drinks irresponsibly and puts you at legal risk for damages. Our bartenders monitor alcohol consumption and we are licensed and carry a $1 million dollar liability insurance policy so no matter where you host your party, you can savor your evening and enjoy your guests with peace of mind.

Let us enhance your next event with a company who is raising the bar in our industry and yours. We bring the best service to your event no matter how small or large to locations all over the state. For more information, visit us at www.bluelabelbartending.com or contact our offices at 405.651.8373 in Oklahoma City or in Tulsa at 918.671.5222

Blue Label Bartending

I’m Jess Barnes and that’s why I created Black Tie, The Wedding DJ’s, a branch of Shake Rattle & Roll designed to offer couples a DJ who specializes in weddings. I discovered this business over twenty years ago when I filled in as a DJ for a friend’s sorority party in college. As a long time music lover, I decided to DJ and eventually started my company.

Today our DJ’s travel all over Oklahoma in varied venues from intimate parties in backyards and barns to large, uptown events in ultra-formal galas. With back up equipment and DJs on call, you never have to worry about a no show DJ or disastrous technical difficulties. Although we’re a large company, our DJs collaborate on each wedding to create an atmosphere that is unique to every reception. We hire DJs based on their ability to connect with clients so they always deliver exactly what our customer ordered.

While couples often hire a wedding coordinator, many do not. That’s why we’re prepared to handle the announcements and juggle the reception events with grace and style, carefully keeping the focus on the bride and groom while engaging their guests. We work with the facility manager to help welcome their guests, with the caterer to announce dining and cutting of the cake and with the photographer to capture those moments they’ll treasure forever. We include lighting to liven up the dance floor and décor lighting such as monogrammed initials for the floor or wall and “up lighting” to accent reception décor.

We listen carefully to our client’s request because we know couples want to play all the songs that celebrate the love and joy they share. No obnoxious jokes, no inappropriate music and no DJ’s “working the room” soliciting for that next event. We know the difference between enthusiastic, professional entertainment and bad taste.

At Shake Rattle & Roll and Black Tie DJ’s we invest our time and emotions into your event so that you get the most intimate and gratifying experience possible. Your wish is our command.

Hi, I’m Jennifer Lindsey-McClintock and I love my job as the Public Information and Marketing Manager for OKC Parks and Recreation. Everyday I’m reminded why I decided to stay in my home state because it’s my job to make sure people know about all that Oklahoma City has to offer.

We manage 5,000 acres of land encompassing 144 parks and public space. We run golf courses, lakes, trails, swimming pools and “spraygrounds”, senior centers, nature parks, the Myriad Botanical Gardens and other municipal garden centers, plus two performing arts centers including the Civic Center Music Hall. We provide specific recreation activities and wide open spaces for fitness, play and recreation.

What’s new this year? Plenty! Our new skate courts on Route 66 and South Lakes Park is the hang out for beginner and intermediate BMXers, boarders, and skaters. Fitness is more fun on the Cardio Course at Lincoln Park and for walking or jogging gurus, Bluff Creek’s new track is a must see in the heart of pristine woodlands. Don’t miss the newly renovated Eisenhower Plaza at Stars and Stripes Park where patriotism is at its best for park lovers everywhere!

Families cool off and splish, splash and spray their way into summer fun at our free spraygrounds where kids enjoy water wheels, spray cannons, and water dump buckets! Be sure to visit our Aquatics Centers and don’t miss the Earlywine Aquatic Center, soon be home to Oklahoma’s first tunnel slide. The vortex-like structure will thrill sliders down a three story ride to the drain. Watch out below! Also take advantage of free fishing classes for your kids ages 5 to 15.

Everything we do at the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department reflects our mission to provide opportunities that enhance the quality of life for our citizens. Young and old, there’s something for everyone right here in Oklahoma City!

Discover all Oklahoma City has to offer at www.okc.gov/parks

About eight years ago, I decided to use my catering experience for large and small groups to start my own catering business, which has been blooming ever since.

At Michael’s Catering, we provide a wide range of catering services for groups from 50 to 2500 guests. Whether you prefer banquet or custom menus, we cater for seated dinners, buffets and receptions with hot and cold hors d oeuvres. We prepare all types of cuisine – Mexican, Southwestern, Italian, and Luau. Planners also can choose from our premium choices, such as prime rib, lobster and other seafood dishes.

More than half of our business is for wedding related events – receptions, showers, rehearsal dinners; but, we also provide catered breakfasts, lunches, dinners and breaks all over Oklahoma for all type events.

Michael’s catering is known for our exceptional presentation. I create my own ice sculptures from a variety of designs to suit the occasion. We create a “wow” food table
by displaying the foods at different heights using mirrors and crystal glassware. We supply flowers and food linens that coordinate with your color scheme and even use decorative touches such as feathers to enhance the impression. We offer two foot to five foot cheese or shrimp towers (with as many as 800 shrimp!).

Utensils, plates, glassware are all provided, as are the set up and tear down. We supply a professional server and wait staff for sit down and banquet style events. For added convenience, we will also be happy to assist you in arranging for bar service, wedding and specialty cakes, rentals, florals and entertainment.

If an Oklahoma wedding or other event is in your future, please contact Michael’s Catering and discover how experience, professionalism, quality and artistic creativity sets us apart from the competition. For personal service, call me direct at 405-556-0377.
 

Mike Cook, Chef/Owner

Michael’s Catering
P. O. Box 6514
Moore, Oklahoma 73153
405-556-0377

michaelscatering@coxinet.net
www.michaelcookcatering.com

A couple of years ago, we decided it was the right time to fill the rental niche of unique, yet affordable items We began with renting a rustic line that’s very popular in Oklahoma – big wooden pieces like harvest farm tables. Then we added lounge areas, mostly modern in many different styles and colors, which quickly were in great demand.

At Mood Party Rentals, we also have a large collection of accessory pieces. Our statement pieces include 8’ mirrored chandeliers, spiral topiaries, candle holders, as well as lighted acrylic pieces for bars and bistros and some seasonal items. Every thing we rent is specially selected to give your event that distinctive mood that adds so much to its success.

Lee and I are always adding to our cutting-edge collection, so we always have the latest trends, including some exciting new arrivals hugely popular in Europe. Our goal is to rent only items which are truly unique and that make an event a standout, but at prices the general public can afford.

Please visit our showroom and warehouse all under one roof at 1012 N. W. 69th or visit us on the web at moodpartyrentals.com. After you select your items, we will deliver and pick up anywhere in the state.

Get the basics for your event from any ordinary rental company. For the unique items
that set your event apart from the crowd, choose Mood Party Rentals.
 

Tiffany Stephens, Owner

Mood Party Rentals
1012 N. W. 69th
Oklahoma City, OK 73116

405-840-2081

lee@moodpartyrentals.com
www.moodpartyrentals.com

Hello, my name is Andrea Croasdale. I’m the facilities manager of Harwelden Mansion in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Although not a native Tulsan, I have grown to love the town and have made it my home. I came to work for the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa, which owns Harwelden, after completing both my bachelors and masters degrees in History from the University of Tulsa.

Constructed between 1923 and 1926, Harwelden was built as the private home by oilman E.P. Harwell and his wife, Mary. Upon Mrs. Harwell’s death in 1967, her majestic home was donated to the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa, graciously continuing Mrs. Harwell’s legacy of supporting the arts in the community.

The sprawling mansion, with its lovely landscaped grounds, encompasses the size of a city block. The 3,389 square feet mansion is said to be the only Collegiate Gothic-English Tudor Style home in Tulsa. For decades, Harwelden has been the preferred choice for weddings, parties, and other events. Its reputation as the perfect setting for weddings of distinction has spread primarily through word-of-mouth by satisfied brides and impressed guests.

The rental fee, which benefits the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa, includes your exclusive use of the mansion and its grounds. If you plan to hold your event outside, the mansion’s interior will be available should the weather interrupt your plans. The use of Harwelden’s event furniture, as well as indoor set-up, tear-down, and custodial cleaning, are included. Your choice of caterer is welcome to use the mansion’s large caterer’s kitchen, and we will happily suggest preferred vendors for all of your event’s needs.

If you’re looking for a venue with the spacious elegance of a mansion steeped in Oklahoma’s opulent oil boom history, consider the unique style and charm of Harwelden Mansion in Tulsa. You may come to the conclusion, as numerous others have, that no other decorations are necessary here, as the impressive architectural design speaks for itself.

When our daughter was planning her wedding a couple of years ago, she came up with a unique idea of creating a candy buffet for her reception. With help from friends, my husband, Jack, and I set it all up and were amazed how all the guests loved it, young and old alike. A photographer who had attended the weddings called us later and suggested that we considering creating candy buffets as a business. In August of 2008, Candy Forever was born. We advertised some, joined some networking organizations and participated in shows, but it was the large number of referrals, including a popular wedding coordinator who has helped make the business a success. In addition to weddings, baby showers, class reunions, birthday parties and anniversaries, we’re also in the process of booking proms.

At Candy Forever, we offer three basic types of service: You can simply order party favors with personalized bags filled with your choice of candies. Or, we can set up a candy buffet for 100 guests or less much like the old fashion candy counter with a variety of colorful chocolate and hard candies.

Our third packages is a custom candy buffet especially popular for weddings. The candies are chosen to coordinate with your colors or theme and beautifully displayed in crystal containers with scoops, usually eight or ten containers, but you could have as many as 25. Each guest receives a personalized bag with the bride and groom’s names, wedding date and saying.

Candy Forever displays table-top signs, but some clients choose to add a few flowers or even an ice sculpture. However, one of the major advantages of the candy buffet is that it can take the place of expensive decorations or additional gifts for the guests. It can also take the place of a groom’s cake or dessert table.

When you choose Candy Forever, you can relax knowing your dealing with a trustworthy, family owned business that takes care of everything. You simply provide the table and we provide the set-up, tear-down and clean-up service. We’ll even bag up the remaining candy and take it to your car.

Although we’re headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we now service areas throughout Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City. So, no matter where you are, or what type of event your planning, make it a little sweeter, easier and less expensive by contacting Candy Forever today at 918-693-4943 or visit us at www.candyforever.net.
 

Renae Marshall, Owner Candy Forever, LLC P. O. Box 571351 Tulsa, OK 74157-1351 Ph: 918-693-4943 info@candyforever.net www.candyforever.net