Kapture has always been inspired by women leaders in the business world. Just as we strive to be the best in our industry, we look to other women leaders who are the best in theirs. From Oprah Winfrey to Indra Nooyi (CEO and Chairman of Pepsi Co.), the business world has seen some of the most visionary thinkers and doers, who also happen to be…women!

Leaders like Irene Rosenfeld (CEO of Kraft foods), and Coco Chanel have changed the faces of their industries, and have made executive decisions which have propelled them and their organizations forward. Irene Rosenfeld has taken actions which would have seemed contradictory to growth, (like splitting her company in half!), but have proven to be quite successful. Coco Chanel, as many know, completely changed the way fashionistas and business women alike thought about fashion and clothing.

Coco Chanel, Ms. Roxanne Rukowicz Ladd

There are women leaders and entrepreneurs in all industries, from entertainment to manufacturing. One such entrepreneur that is pertinent to Kapture is Ms. Roxanne Rukowicz Ladd. Working in the Washington D.C. event world for over a decade, she started her own event production business. Known as a visionary in the DC event and meeting planning industry, she has produced events for celebrities and dignitaries alike. Ms. Rukowicz Ladd has grown her business, and made a difference in her segment of the event world by challenging norms, and looking towards the future as far event production is concerned. Here at Kapture, we love hearing success stories, especially as looking towards the future, and aspiring to be the best in our industry, is an integral part of our everyday life.

Photo Credits:

Featured Image: Indra Nooyi, CEO and Chairman of Pepsi Co., http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/IndraNooyiDavos2010ver2.jpg

Coco Chanel: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/30/Coco_Chanel%2C_1920.jpg

Roxanne Rukowicz Ladd: http://trulyamazingwomen.com/the-women/dc-event-planner-roxanne-rukowicz-ladd

Betty White’s 90th Birthday was a gorgeous, televised event that only Hollywood could throw, and only Kapture could make a reality!  Celebs and honored guests alike celebrated with Betty at the beautiful Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown LA. Kapture coordinated the VIP & guest check-in, seating arrangements, dinner reception, Betty Crocker dessert presentation, green room hospitality and furnishings, and provided all the stationary for the celebration.

Photos by Paul Mocey-Hanton Photography and Trae / Patton of NBC

Get ready social media fans; this week is right up your alley! Social Media Week, February 13th-17th, 2012,  is one of the world’s most unique events.  It offers a series of interconnected activities and conversations around the world on emerging trends in social media across all major industries.  Social media week was created by Crowdcentric Media LLC and in just under three years, Social Media Week has expanded to 21 cities, including New York, Miami, London, Paris, and Hong Kong!  So get ready all you Facebook and Twitter enthusiasts, social media can be used in the workplace more and more!

Many companies and event planners alike have been using social media outlets to spread the word of their latest news and future activities.  Event planning companies are using different sites and applications to the help get inspiration, increase attendance, scope out vendors, recognize sponsors, share updates, and follow up after events!

We encourage you to explore new applications and sites! We’ve highlighted a few of the most used applications event planning companies utilize today:

Pinterest: Pinterest is a Virtual Pinboard. It lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find in your life. People use pinboards to do everything from planning their weddings, decorating their homes, and organizing their favorite recipes!

Eventful: This website is used for and focuses on events only.  Users of the site can follow upcoming events, performances, and concerts. Also, followers can vote for an event in the city by clicking the “Demand it” button.

Punchbowl: This site is dedicated to all things event related. Event planning companies can log on and begin planning their next event.  All the fundamentals of party planning are on this application, including vendors, online invitations, and ideal venues.

Pingg:  Pingg is and online service to make professional-looking invitations and send them out through social media networks.  Also, the website can track online ticketing and event guest lists.

Socilizr: Another great invitation application, users can send out unique and fun invites with personalized pictures, music, and videos. Also, users can promote upcoming parties within the social media network.

Groupspaces: This online application is used for group management. It gives you the ability to send emails, post newsletters, and the capabilities to manage a group all from one website.

Instead of resisting all of the clichés and romance that go along with Valentine’s Day, embrace them!! Valentine’s Day can make anyone nervous, whether you are in a relationship and are not sure how serious you should take this holiday, or you are single and prefer to stay clear of all the red and pink hearts.  So why not help ease the tension with a guaranteed good time for you and all of your friends by hosting a Valentine’s Dessert Bar?

Not only is dessert much easier to plan than a four-course meal, (and let’s be honest everyone loves desserts), but  it also allows your friends who are in a relationship to dine out on their own, and then join in on the fun at your party.  In order to please the masses make sure you invite both couples and singles, so no one feels out of place or left out.  Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner sending out E-vites will be faster then regular mail.  Check out these evites that will be sure to capture your friends attention.

via evite.com

After you have emailed your guests it is time to start decorating!

-First, designate a table or a section of the room for the desserts.  If you cover the table with either a white or light pink tablecloth, the desserts will become the showcase with all the color they will bring.  Also, try to find a tablecloth that will extend to the bottom of the floor; that way you can hide things under the table and your guests will have no idea!

-Next you will need to find mason jars, clear canisters, or even clear bowls.  It is better to have different heights and size canisters to add different dimensions to your table.  Then, figure out which candy and desserts you want to place in each canister.  You can choose from red hots, red and pink jelly beans, red m&m’s, licorice, kisses, sweethearts, heart conversation candies, etc.

-Now, you can create tags for each of the canisters.  Just grab some pink, red, and white paper, and some ribbon.  Cut the paper in heart shapes and layer them.  Then you can either print out the name of the candy or you can write it directly on the heart.  Then, punch a hole through the top of the hearts, pull the ribbon through it, and tie it around the canister.  Doing this for each of the candies is an easy way to personalize them.  If you really want to get into the spirit of Valentine’s Day, you can change the name of each of the candies and desserts to represent love or another aspect of the holiday, like “Some like it RED HOTS”

-Now that all of the candy is assigned a space it is time to figure out what kind of desserts you want to serve.  You can do anything from cake pops, to whoopee pies, and cupcakes.  All of these will be extremely easy to fit into the theme.  You can make red velvet whoopee pies, chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with pink frosting, and chocolate and vanilla cake pops with red and pink sprinkles.  Or even some chocolate covered strawberries.  Be creative, the options are endless!

-Next, don’t forget to create signs for each of your great desserts! This time you can cut a single small heart, write the name of the dessert, and glue it on a toothpick.  Then stick the toothpick into one of the desserts and you are done.

via http://www.etsy.com/shop/andersruff

-Don’t forget your guests are going to need something to hold their treats in. Set out clear plastic bags with ties (in case they want to take some home) and clear plastic plates for the desserts.

-For another special detail, you can create a pennant flag.  Luckily you already have all of the supplies to make one, two, or even three.  You can either write out “Dessert Bar”, or just string a bunch of hearts together on a long strand of ribbon.  This little touch will make your dessert bar look completely finished.  You can even create another pennant flag and hang it somewhere else around the room that can say, “Happy Valentine’s Day”.

via verymerryvintagestyle.blogspot.com & http://www.etsy.com/shop/andersruff

A party is not complete without beverages! You can choose fruit punch, go romantic with champagne and strawberries, or try a special cocktail like this one:

A Kiss Goodnight

1 splash Rum, Dark

1 ½ oz. Sour Raspberry Pucker

-1 ½ oz. Vodka, Strawberry

Fill with ½ 7-Up

Fill with ½ Cranberry Juice

Add the vodka and Raspberry Pucker, and then fill halfway with cranberry.  Fill the rest with 7-up and finish with a splash of rum. 

-Now that all of the decorations, and baking are done don’t forget to create a playlist to add a little pizzazz to your party.  You can either go romantic with some Michael Buble or have a fun party mix.

Always remember that being the hostess means you set the mood for the party, so relax, enjoy, and put some love in the air!

It’s that time once again.  Yes, that’s right, the 46th annual super bowl!  Watch as the Gaints and the Patriots rival against each other for the victory and title.  Of course, with every super bowl there comes a party, so this year make your party an event to remember!  Check out these amazing party tips on how to ”kick-off” your planning now and kapture your imagination!

Apparel-

When deciding what to wear to a super bowl party this year, think fashionable.  A super bowl party has become more like an event, so why not have fun with your style?   Most importantly, if you are a huge football fan, wear your favorite jersey to the party even if it’s not the team that is playing.  It’s all about getting ready and putting yourself in that competitive mood; ready to cheer, shout, and root for your team.

Decor-

Set the tone of the party by decorating it with your favorite team logo and colors.  Turn your party into a football field by covering the tables with  fake green grass  and painting white yard lines on it to give it that authentic football appearance.  Centerpieces are a must and are always a great decor, as well as a great discussion piece.  Think of creative, football, homemade DIY centerpieces.  These will be unique and save you money.  Also don’t forget your football themed plates and napkins.

Food-

Every year seems to be the same foods; chips n’ dip and buffalo wings.  Try switching it up.  This year make your food unique and different from any other super bowl party you have thrown. Football themed foods and shaped football foods can be a great way for your guests to not only enjoy what they are eating, but also give them something they can try at their next football party.  Forget the traditional snacks; dig into your imagination and create some creative football cuisine for this year’s super bowl extravaganza.

Drinks-

Of course with your creative football cuisine you need something nice, icy and cold to wash it all down and beer would be the obvious drink of choice, after all, what is a super bowl party without your beer?  But why not switch it up a little and get creative.  For instance, have a linebacker limeade for your favorite linebacker or super bowl buster to get you in the gaming mode.  “Cut back” on the beer and try adding a little more excitement to the party by serving some of these amazing superbowl cocktails.

Games-

The party must continue to flow after drinks are served.  Super bowl party games and drinking are a great way to keep your guest entertained and at the same time watch the super bowl.  While there is already plenty of competition and bets being made, why not make it more interesting.  “Drive” your guest into a frenzy and watch them “fumble” as these games can make for great entertaiment.
           

Left Photo Top Row; Middle Photo Top Row; Right Photo Top Row

Middle Photo Bottom Row; Right Photo Bottom Row

There’s no doubt that Park City, Utah holds a special place in the hearts of the Kapture team. Not only did Kapture just plan a wedding in the beautiful ski town, but Nilo G. also just met the mayor! Needless to say, Park City is a magical place year round, but for 10 days in January each year, it turns into the place to be for independent filmmakers and Hollywood power players.  It’s the Sundance Film Festival, and it’s a showcase of some of the best talent in the entertainment industry! Naturally, with the best of the business in town for the event, they must have the best parties!

Kapture decided to highlight a few of the most unique bashes of the week for a look into Park City and the exceptional experience of Sundance. Enjoy!

Tao Park City With Google Music + T-Mobile

Tao was a major hotspot as guests partied well into the morning while drinking complementary Stella Artois beer and Patron Cocktails.  Google Music picked artists from across the country, representing different genres for a packed house of celebs.  Guests included Afrojack, Lil John, Paris Hilton, and the Party Rock! Crew.

Gen Art and 7 for All Mankind – “7 Fresh Faces in Film” Party

This event took place at The Sky Lodge and was a great way to showcase artists who are sure to be the next big stars in the movie business. Guests included Christina Hendricks, Geoffrey Arend, Seth Rogen, Justin Long, Anne Heche, and Tyler Hilton.  Hosts announced this year’s 7 Fresh Faces honorees and guests enjoyed cocktails from Ultimat Vodka, Patron Tequila and illy issimo.

Miami Oasis on Main Street

Guests including Alexis Dziena, Andie MacDowell, Angela Kinsey, AnnaLynne McCord, Cheryl Hines, and Isla Fisher poured into “The Lift” on Main Street for a fabulous Miami themed bash.  Gifts were sponsored by the Miami tourist board and included products from Patron, Disaronno, “Soul” headphones by Ludacris, Carlo Pazolini, Got2B, and Sabra snacks. Talk about VIP!

Playboy Party

Guests such as the cast of Entourage and David Spade came to this Park City party in search of snow bunnies and other lavish excitement typical of a Playboy bash.  The party was hosted by the great Anthony Mackie and Bombay.  Plenty of gin martinis to go around!

HBO Silent Party

What do white coats, noise-cancelling headphones, and entertainment celebrities have in common? Well they were all at HBO Silent Party of course! HBO held a high concept cocktail party where guests were expected to be completely silent to celebrate a documentary screening at this year’s Sundance Festival.  Guests included Robert Redford, and MoMa curator Klaus Biesenbach.

 Photo Credit

So maybe you’ve danced in the rain, but have you ever thrown a party in it?  Do something different than a traditional snow themed event this winter and open your arms to raindrops!

Invitations
You can poke little martini umbrellas through your invitations, how cute is that?!

Apparel
To get your guests excited before they even arrive, have them dress in full rainproof attire – rain boots, ponchos, or an awesome polka-dot umbrella!  It might be a rare chance for your guests to show off their favorite rain outfits.

Music
Who cares if it’s sunny outside, you can play the sound of rain throughout the party!  There’s also lots of great playlists online perfect for a rainy day.  Design your own or check out one from Boston.com, Stereomood, or “The Song of the Day” Blog.

Décor
Use inspiration from songs, movies, DIY crafts, and more!  Make the place sparkle with your favorite shade of blue.  You can scatter metallic confetti onto the tables and make paper origami boats placed for each guest.  Hang inexpensive umbrellas from the ceiling or use leftover martini umbrellas to make cute umbrella lanterns, sure to catch the eye! Have photos up from the movie “Singin’ In The Rain.” and start splashing!

Your guests will definitely remember this charming and unique theme.

NBC Touts Betty White’s 90th With Televised Dinner Bash at the Biltmore

EVENT REPORT   01.23.12 8:00 AM

Still very much steeped in show business, Betty White turned 90 with a bash that aired January 16 on NBC. The live event behind the television spectacle happened on January 8 at the Millennium Biltmore downtown, with 283 guests. Brad Lachman Productions, helmed by producer Bill Bracken, produced the program for TV, and for the live event, Kapture Vision handled the dinner coordination, guest list management, and table design. Guests mingled in the Gold Ballroom first for the dinner reception, where interactive food stations offered dishes like risotto made to order and salads in martini glasses. Biltmore executive chef Thomas Ryan worked alongside Kapture owner Nilo G. to create a custom menu of heavy hors d’oeuvres and stations that was a more social twist on the traditional sit-down dinner.

After an hour of wine and bites, the Crystal Ballroom opened for the NBC program. With its frescoed ceilings and the glow of rich amber lights, the room evoked a bygone age of Hollywood. The color palette included soft pink, ivory, and champagne-gold hues, for a golden look apropos of the former Golden Girls star. Each table was topped with a floral centerpiece adorned with white Cymbidium orchids, cream hydrangeas, peach and pink roses, white Dendrobium orchids, and pink lysinathus. David Numata worked with Nilo G. to design the arrangements with a curving shape that allowed them to flow between the silver wine buckets. The coordinating stationery, including name cards, table numbers, and dessert menus, were designed by Kapture’s in-house graphic designers, Megan Barisas and Micah Cerelli. (Kapture also set up a third ballroom to act as a green room, with wardrobe, hair, and makeup areas separated into individual spaces with black draping. Black velvet lounge furniture and cocktail tables furnished that space.)

The Kapture team also worked alongside Betty Crocker to plan and design individual chocolate cakes that were placed at each guest’s place setting. An edible flower decked each confection, as did a gift tag that matched the giant multitiered birthday cake presented to White prior to the show.

NBC’s celebration for White included a roster of celebrities who have been part of White’s career. They honored her on stage through skits, comedy, song, and video dedications. The group included Chevy Chase, Amy Poehler, Mary Tyler Moore, Ed Asner, Carl Reiner, Joel McHale, Carol Burnett, and Jennifer Love-Hewitt.

As guests left the ballroom, they scooped up copies of White’s latest book, My Life at the Zoo.

—Alesandra Dubin

Click here to view the full article.

Betty White’s 90th birthday was a gorgeous, televised event that only Hollywood could throw, and only Kapture could make a reality!  Celebs and honored guests alike celebrated with Betty at the beautiful Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown LA. Kapture coordinated guest registration, dinner, dessert, the green room, and provided all the stationary for the celebration.  Behind-the-scenes details and photos of the event are hosted in Kapture’s blog!

Happy 1st Birthday Giggles N’Hugs! It’s time to celebrate with the people that brought you the #1 kid-friendly restaurant and play space, as voted by Citysearch. Frequented by Hollywood’s elite: Halle Berry, Mark Wahlberg, Ben Affleck and Gwen Stefani just to name a few! Giggles N’Hugs is a fantastic place for parents to enjoy a little me time and for kids to let loose. Offering everything from private themed birthday parties to healthy organic food options, this is the place to be..and we want YOU to join us in celebrating our 1st anniversary!! Come prepared for free play, activities, entertainment and much much more!

EVENT: Giggles N’Hugs 1 Year Anniversary Party

DATE:    Thursday, February 9th

TIME:     10 am – 4 pm