Blog - Harborside Banquets

Nick & Cassie – A New Zealand/California Love Story

June 16, 2017

Nick & Cassie – A New Zea … | Harborside Banquets

A true trans-continental love affair, Nick’s first contact with Cassie’s family came during the summer of 2004 when he was a camp counselor with Cassie’s brother in upstate New York, where they became fast friends.

After summer, Nick took a cross-country trip, planning to end up near Chico, CA, to visit some family friends. Fate stepped in, as Cassie was attending Chico State at the time, and her brother asked if she would show Nick around town while he was there.

What was planned as nothing more than a guided tour quickly became a friendship and then a romance. After three weeks together Nick’s visit to the US came to an end, whereupon he returned to New Zealand.

Nick & Cassie stayed in touch. Both just 18 and fully occupied with school on two different continents, they did not see each other again until 2012 when Nick returned to the US to attend a wedding in Texas. He made a stop in LA, and met up again with Cassie. The attraction was still there. Nick cut short his visit to Texas to spend a few more days with Cassie in Newport Beach before flying back to New Zealand.

Upon returning to New Zealand, Nick invited Cassie to join his family for the 2012 holidays there. She next traveled to New Zealand in the summer of 2013, and again in the summer of 2014. In December 2014, Nick traveled to Newport Beach to spend the holidays with Cassie’s family.

When Cassie returned to New Zealand in February of 2015, Nick proposed and the rest is history! We’re so glad Nick and Cassie found the Harborside and we’re honored to be a part of their unique love story.

Photographs by Kat Harris

Cake by Cinderella Bakery

Venue: Harborside Grand Ballroom

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An E-Harmony Romance, Chris & Laura

February 18, 2016

PHOTOS: Priscila Valentina www.priscilavalentina.net

CAKE: Nothing Bundt Cakes

COORDINATION: Lauren Pittman @ Prince Events

DJ: Andy Mason

Chris & Laura’s one-of-a-kind story about Harborside’s E-Harmony Bride & Groom, as told by Jeannie Assismos, VP Content E-Harmony:

“When actress Laura Carlson auditioned for a role in an eHarmony commercial, she had absolutely no idea how much this opportunity would change her life.
As she sat on the set with eHarmony CEO and founder Dr. Neil Clark Warren, the two talked about life — including her lack of a love life. The fellow Iowan natives really bonded, and Dr. Warren urged her to give eHarmony a trial run.

A year and a half later, Dr. Warren received an email from Laura:
As you know last year, after we shot our commercial, you were so gracious to give me a free membership to your site. Even though I was skeptical I thought, ‘Ah what the heck, I’ll give it a shot, and I’m not out any money! You even prophesized that day that I would meet my husband on your site! Well, I just wanted to let you know that after almost a year and a half of dating a wonderful gentleman, Chris, who I met on eHarmony, he proposed to me on Oct 6th.
Dr. Warren and I had lunch with the happy couple last week, who are obviously very grateful, very compatible, and very in love.”
By Jeannie Assimos, Vice President, Content E-Harmony

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Marcus & Brianna – November 2014

February 4, 2015

The story of Brianna and Marcus begins on a December night in 2012. With Christmas lights twinkling all around and the festive spirit in the air, they met on a blind date in Newport Beach, California. Immediately the two were taken with each other, Brianna saw how kind-hearted, honest, romantic, and thoughtful Marcus was. Marcus admired Brianna’s sense of humor, caring spirit, beautiful smile, and bubbly personality.

From that day forward, Brianna and Marcus were inseparable , living life full of love and adventure. From beach days and going kayaking, to movie dates and Marcus’ famous homemade dinner dates for Brianna.

It wasn’t too long after they dated that Marcus knew Brianna was “The One”. Marcus proposed to Brianna on the rocky shores of Little Corona Beach. With tears in her eyes she said yes!

They recited their vows and commitment to each other in front of their family and friends on November 22, 2014 where this Chicago boy and California girl became man and wife.

In true Newport Beach style, their reception was held at the Harborside Grand Ballroom. The florals by Flowers, Etc. were purple perfection. Dance music was provided by DJ Carcano, and the innovative Allure Ventures brought their supercool PartyQube and guests were able to post fun, candid photos onto Facebook and Instagram. Capturing this perfect party on film was Jeff Lewis of Real Photo SD, who, as you can see, did an AMAZING job. To top off the evening, guests enjoyed wedding cake by Beverly’s Best (Yorba Linda). Check out these great photos….

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Kelsey & Ryan September 2014

November 20, 2014

Kelsey and Ryan met on a Saturday night at the local bowling alley, where Kelsey was a Cocktail Server. Ryan had come to the bowling alley with a girl, so Kelsey naturally thought it was his girlfriend and thought nothing more about it, except that he was such a hunk!

Ryan came into the bowling alley a couple weeks later with the same girl and wouldn’t you know it Kelsey was their cocktail server again. After ordering, he continued to tell Kelsey about a bet he made with HIS SISTER about who would bowl the best game, and the loser would have to vacuum the other persons home. She was extremely excited to find out that it wasn’t his girlfriend after all!

The next weekend Ryan arrived with just a group of friends. With a little liquid courage Ryan asked Kelsey for her phone number. Kelsey quickly wrote it down on a piece of paper and handed it over.

Ryan finally called a week later and left her a very memorable voicemail. She called back and they continued to chat all weekend and ended with Ryan asking her on a date.

Almost a year and half into their relationship Ryan had a new job offer in Atlanta, GA. He would only accept if Kelsey moved with him. Kelsey accepted. After living in Atlanta for a few short months; Ryan proposed in Tybee Island, GA on top of the Lighthouse.

They were engaged for a little over a year while they planned their wedding across the country in Newport Beach CA. Ryan and Kelsey married at Crystal Cove and had their reception at Harborside Grand Ballroom in the Balboa Pavilion on September 6, 2014.

Fabulous photos by Lin & Jirsa Photography Amazing Flowers by Maribel at the Blooming Branch Scrumptious Cake & Cupcakes by Frostings Cupcakes in Lake Forest, CA DJ services courtesy of Vive Entertainment

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Steve & Amy, May 2014

May 27, 2014

Steve and Amy met in 2010 when they were both living in Las Vegas. Both came from small towns and big families and there was an immediate attraction. When Steve ended up moving back to California for work, this meant a long-distance relationship for 3 years! Amy and Steve had talked about marriage, but as a teacher, Amy’s timeline was limited since she had to commit to an entire school year once school was back in session.

On her last day of school in 2013, Steve showed up at her apartment at midnight, after driving to her apartment straight from work in California. He proposed in the doorway and she immediately said, “yes!” They decided to get married in Newport Beach and found the Harborside Ballroom to be a perfect waterfront venue for them. We are glad they did. Steve and Amy are truly a special couple and we wish them the best of everything!

All photos by the amazing Jamie Brinkman Photography! Harborside Ballroom loves DJ: DJ Sota Entertainment Delicious Cake by: Susie Cakes