The Association of Bridal Consultants Central Florida East, held their September meeting in the beautiful Portofino Hotel. We call it Italy because once you are on property, that is how you feel as if you are in Italy.
This month the wedding and event professionals learned all about wine pairing with meals. As the guests arrived at the Portofino Hotel, they were greeted by Catering Director Bonnie Garfield. Bonnie and the ABC co directors made everyone feel welcome. As the guests checked in, they were welcomed with sparkling wine and appetizers to tantalize the taste buds. Event Concepts set up their elegant white photo booth and invited the guests to have fun and enjoy taking those silly pictures that we in the wedding and event industry are so much fun. When it was time to enter the Venetian ballroom, the doors slowly opened and it was like walking in to a dream. There were Oohs and Ahhs at the decor. The linens from ABC member Tracey Smith with Enchanting Events were a delicate ivory color. The chivari chairs from Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals matched perfectly. As we entered the room Steve Dunlop our MC thought he would serenade us with authentic Italian music. How perfect! As we looked around the room there were uplights in hues of purple to match the theme we were going for. Our luncheon started with our speaker Nancy Lehman explaining the different wines and as we had each entree’ we were able to try a different type of wine. Nancy educated us on the proper way to hold a wine glass, which foods to pare the wine with and different ideas for planners to offer their clients as they enter a new life together. The ideas were amazing. First course for lunch was a deluxe antipasto. Our entrée was a chicken rollatini stuffed with mozzarella, sundried tomato spinach with home made gnocchi and fresh brocolini. You can’t have Italian food and not benefit from authentic Italian dessert! Tiramisu anyone? As the wines were being poured, more and more questions continued. Truly a great meting learning about how to entertain guests and pair the perfect wine with it. Our Co-Directors, Allan, Diane and Rosie introduced the ABC student chapter to everyone.