Set Your Table for Meaningful Moments
This piece first appeared as the cover feature in GREET's 2024 December edition.
Growing up, I was always on the go. From the age of 5 until college, the similar pattern of “school, dance, piano, homework, sleep” created a fast-paced and focused agenda each day. No matter how busy the season, there was always one simple constant that brought comfort to my ever-changing life: the dinner table. Every night, my parents, who have defined the purest example of unconditional love, insisted on gathering my sister and I around the table to share a meal and take a moment to pause and reflect. What I thought was just a time to marvel at my mother’s new recipes or interrupt valuable homework hours, was actually a daily reminder that life is never too busy to be present with one another.
The older I get, the more I realize the true treasure held in the ordinary moments. My family dinners are a testament to that and overtime they knit a deeply woven passion for making others feel just as special and present as my family did for me. That is the fuel for everything I do, and I feel incredibly lucky to pursue a career that ignites the same fire in a town that keeps the spark alive.
I moved to Corona Del Mar from the Inland Empire 2 years ago to pursue a job opportunity and my lifelong dream to live by the water. Although I have the tendency to hesitate before a big decision, I am so glad I decided to jump in. As I gather with strangers for sunset at Inspiration Point, greet friendly faces while volunteering with the sweetest team at CDM Florist or discover new selections at the farmer’s market each Saturday, this town perfectly compliments my extroverted old soul that constantly craves slow moments and new opportunities.
Looking back, this craving was most apparent at the end of my senior year (go Bruins!) with the endless search for job opportunities combined with the deep longing to pause time. Out of sheer curiosity and hope for the perfect alignment, I reached out to a local wedding planner in LA. After 7 years, 2 internships, various job titles, 200 weddings, 50 dinner parties, multiple non-profit galas, and a wonderful mentorship, I am grateful to report that it surpassed my wildest expectations. Every opportunity has set the beautiful foundation for Everlast, my event planning and design company that creates and executes purposeful events keeping others present in what matters most: the people you love, the stories you tell, and the everlasting memories you create. Each event extends past the clients and into the greater community by donating a portion of each one to one of my favorite charities, CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates.
While most people think that the celebrations themselves are the most extraordinary moments in our lives, after my experience from family dinners to the most grandiose events, I strongly believe that it is the purpose and people behind life’s milestones that give our memories their heartbeats. I will always boldly encourage an emphasis on moments over the details and people over perfection. Don’t get me wrong, a cohesive tablescape, intentional decoration and perfectly executed timeline can fill a heart with joy (especially this detail-oriented gal’s), but it is the unexpected hug from grandma before you go down the aisle, thoughtful conversation around the dinner table, laughter-filled sing-a-long while cleaning up after the party ends, spilled drinks after a loud cheers and endless support in the preparation that truly make it overflow.
I am grateful to say that my little dinner table in CDM continues to echo my parent’s simple piece of furniture that provided effortless moments for reflection, presence and connection in the same way I use each event as an opportunity to do the same. Your dinner table, whether in your kitchen, backyard or event venue, can create the space to welcome and inspire. The deepest joy behind all of life’s celebrations happens when we are present and genuinely connected with others. I hope you find those moments this December and if not, that you feel encouraged to prepare a table in whatever space or time you have for someone who needs it most in this season—in Corona Del Mar and beyond.
Incredibly grateful for the insanely talented vendors within the Everlast community and behind the magic of this shoot!
Venue: Ebell Long Beach Website InstagramPhoto + Video: Maggie Shea Website InstagramFlorals: Raw Finery Website InstagramLinens: Bondi Rentals + Design Website InstagramDishware + Glassware: Sundrop Vintage Rentals Website Instagram Menus: Danielle Arn Website Instagram Cakes + Food: Juliet’s Kitchen Instagram