GTHA venue Archives - New Liuna Station

2018 Baby Shower Trends

PLAY — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 13:50:12 +0000

What’s more special than bringing a beautiful baby into the world?! There is so much to celebrate when a happy couple is preparing to welcome a little one – and that’s where we come in! At Liuna Gardens, we specialize in helping couples deliver the most extraordinary events – including baby showers!
We’d like to share a few of the latest baby shower trends we’re seeing at Liuna Gardens.

TRENDY DÉCOR
Jumbo, metallic letter balloons are all the rage right now. Spell out the name of the baby-to-be or if it’s a secret, simply spell out B-A-B-Y with letter ballons for a totally adorable touch. We’re also seeing a lot of balloon arches – which are so gorgeous and make a great backdrop for photos! If you want to keep things simple but beautiful, we are loving the 24-inch, round, helium filled balloons that you can get at your local party store for about $7 each. Tie the balloons to lanterns on the floor or on your tables for that wow-factor on a budget!

GET TECHIE
So you’ve come up with your invite list and now you need to make sending and tracking your guests a breeze. In 2018 people like fast and efficient – not to mention environmentally friendly…it’s time to go paperless! There are some beautiful (and free!) e-vite templates available online that make life so easy for you and your guests. You can also register for all of those sweet baby must-haves online and help your guests shop for the wee-one with ease. We also love the idea of creating a hashtag for your guests to use on social media which helps collect all of the special photos in one easy-to-access place!

MAKE IT FUN!
Baby showers are meant to be a good time! Shower games don’t need to be corny and opening presents doesn’t need to be boring! Some ideas to make your baby shower anything but dull:
-pick a theme!
-invite the men!
-throw an evening affair!
-ask guests to bring hand-me-down outfits (babies outgrow their clothes so quickly!)
-ask guests to bring their best parenting advice and collect the words of wisdom in a special scrapbook!
-set up a mocktail bar!
-include a gender reveal!
-throw the shower after the baby is born so that everyone can meet the latest addition!

No matter what your vision is for your baby shower, Liuna Gardens would be honoured to host your loved ones on this special day and help your concept come to life!
Be sure to head over to LIUNA Station blog to check out the latest corporate event trends.
Stay tuned for weekly blog updates and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we deliver fresh content to inspire, excite and assist as you plan your dream event.
From all of us at LIUNA Gardens, thank you for following along!

The post 2018 Baby Shower Trends appeared first on New Liuna Station.

Behind the Scenes With Casablanca Inn

PLAY — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 00:37:17 +0000

Team work really makes the dream work! No matter what event you are planning, it always works best when you work with trusted partners, who go above and beyond to make your vision come true. At LIUNA Gardens we take pride in working with trusted vendors who help our guest have the best experience. We recently caught up with Janice DeSilva-Pearcey, Director of Sales & Marketing at Casablanca Inn, to talk about her role, the perks of working with LIUNA Gardens, and tips for readers looking for accommodations for their special event.
LG: Can you tell us a bit about your role at Casablanca Inn?
JDP: My role at Casablanca Inn is the Sales & Catering Coordinator where I support events for Corporate Groups & Corporate Individual travel.
LG: What are some of the perks of working with a nearby venue, that hosts many weddings and other special events?
JDP: I would say the biggest perk is our established relationship with LIUNA and our trusted partnerships. Knowing each other’s properties, knowing that each other’s guests will be well looked after.
LG: For our readers interested in booking with Casablanca Inn, how far in advance should a large group need to book overnight accommodations?
JDP: Weekends tend to be our busiest nights, due to onsite Weddings and events. It would be best to contact the hotel as soon as travel dates are known.
LG: What features do you provide for guests who need to stay for an extended amount of time?
JDP: Our hotel has two Restaurants onsite – Bogey’s Grillhouse and Panorama Restaurant & Wine Bar. We also have a fitness centre, indoor heated pool, hot tub and full service spa. All of these amenities are available to our guests. Please note, spa services are subject to applicable fees, and available times.

LG: With so many hotels in the GTHA, what sets Casablanca Inn apart from others?
JDP: Very unique, boutique style hotel, with full services. Elegant atmosphere.
LG: Can you share with us your favourite part about working with wedding parties in the hospitality industry?
JDP: Meeting with the Brides & Grooms for the first time, and seeing their vision of their special day come to life!

LG: What advice do you have for readers who are searching for accommodations for their special event?
JDP: Visit the property first if they can – or definitely review online!
We’d like to thank Janice for taking the time to chat with us, and share her advice for readers looking for overnight accommodations, after their special event at LIUNA Gardens. Be sure to head over to LIUNA Station blog to read our mini interview with preferred vendor AMV Weddings.
Stay tuned for weekly blog updates and make sure to connect with LIUNA Gardens on Instagram and Facebook as we deliver fresh, new content to inspire, excite and assist as you plan your dream event.
From all of us at LIUNA Gardens, thank you for following along!

The post Behind the Scenes With Casablanca Inn appeared first on New Liuna Station.

Get Inspired with LIUNA Station’s Elegant Wedding Feature

PLAY — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 21:07:51 +0000

There is truly nothing like a classic sophisticated wedding. With stunning white florals, romantic glowing candlelight, and a mix of gold and silver accents. LIUNA bride Leslie and groom Martell put great attention to detail in their decor, which set the stage for this sophisticated wedding held at LIUNA Station last summer.

LIUNA Station is a GTHA venue that is rich in history, we have hosted endless classic love stories, with the help of some amazing preferred vendors. Couples receive first class service by the staff at LIUNA Station, who help make your dream wedding come to life. We loved the soft romantic feel of this classic wedding theme. All the special moments of Leslie and Martell’s wedding were captured by Marc Mikhail Photography, check out their amazing video highlight.

We are honored to see this love story featured in Elegant Wedding. For readers looking for inspiration for your upcoming big day, be sure to check out the feature, and just imagine what LIUNA Station can do for your wedding day!

We’d like to thank Elegant Wedding for featuring Leslie + Martell classic wedding at LIUNA Station.Be sure to head over to LIUNA Gardens blog to get a glimpse of a traditional Indian Wedding that smoothly transitioned into a elegant Western Ceremony.

Stay tuned for weekly blog updates and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we deliver fresh content to inspire, excite and assist as you plan your dream event.

From all of us at LIUNA Station, thank you for following along!

The post Get Inspired with LIUNA Station’s Elegant Wedding Feature appeared first on New Liuna Station.

Get Inspired with LIUNA Station’s Elegant Wedding Feature

PLAY — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 18:40:31 +0000

Stay tuned for weekly blog updates and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we deliver fresh content to inspire, excite and assist as you plan your dream event.

From all of us at LIUNA Station, thank you for following along!

The post Get Inspired with LIUNA Station’s Elegant Wedding Feature appeared first on New Liuna Station.

Create Your Dream Wedding at LIUNA Gardens

PLAY — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 18:14:55 +0000

Gorgeous colour schemes, detailed decor, and a grand helicopter entrance was the scene that was set for this beautiful LIUNA Gardens wedding. A traditional Indian ceremony was transformed into an elegant Western wedding of lovely lace and black tie attire. With a venue as versatile as our exquisite LIUNA Gardens, couples can truly customize and transform their big day to whatever they want in the GTHA.
With the help of some amazing vendors, and the five star service provided by the staff at LIUNA Gardens, bride, Nicolette and groom, Sanjay were able to transition from their traditional Indian Wedding Ceremony to a Western Wedding with ease. LIUNA Gardens outdoor space was the perfect backdrop for the bright colourful flowers and beautiful decor for the traditional ceremony. Which was then transformed to an elegant black tie event with sparkling silver accents.

Whether you’re dreaming of the perfect backdrop to create your dream wedding, or longing for a venue with stunning gardens and lush greenery, LIUNA Gardens has a beautiful foundation to build a spectacular, one-of-a-kind wedding or special event. We were so excited to see that Nicolette and Sanjay’s stunning LIUNA Gardens wedding was featured on Dave Abreu Photography! Check out the stunning photos captured by Dave and just imagine what LIUNA Gardens can do to create your dream wedding!

We’d like to thank Dave Abreu Photography for capturing Nicolette + Sanjay elegant wedding at LIUNA Gardens. Be sure to head over to LIUNA Station blog to get a glimpse of a classic and sophisticated wedding feature from Elegant Wedding.
Stay tuned for weekly blog updates and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we deliver fresh content to inspire, excite and assist as you plan your dream event.
From all of us at LIUNA Gardens, thank you for following along!

The post Create Your Dream Wedding at LIUNA Gardens appeared first on New Liuna Station.

An Essential Photo Checklist to Capture Your Unique Corporate Event!

PLAY — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 13:50:48 +0000

So who is going to photograph your upcoming fabulous corporate event? After the lists upon lists have been checked off, and last-minute details finalized, how do you find that perfect fit to capture all the hard work you’ve done so effortlessly? We have put together an essential checklist for you to review and ease the search. Along with a couple of innovative ideas to try at your next corporate event!

Pre- Event Checklist:

Day of Checklist:

✔ Ensure you have a schedule for all day/evening events so that you can prioritize.

✔ Make sure you have provided a shot list, for example from the front desk/registration, event signage (free advertising), host/speakers, organizers, VIP’s etc. Basically whoever you want pictures of make sure they make it on your shot list. Also remind the photographer that it’s important to get the feeling of the event. After it’s all said and done capturing candid shots are a must!

✔ It’s a photographers job to ensure they have what they need (and then some) but don’t forget to save a place for setup, tear down and store extra gear. Also provide plenty of time to be able to get camera ready.

✔ Taking names is a must! Make sure your photographer grabs the names of people in single or group shots for social media purposes or for use later on in publication, websites, etc.

Lastly, some cool and innovative ideas to set your photos apart from just any old corporate event could be to use a drone. This popular device captures dramatic angles and aerial views of large groups. GoPro is another option, as it adds a personal touch with someone who knows the event better than anyone else!

Stay tuned for weekly blog updates and make sure to connect with LIUNA Station on Instagram and Facebook as we deliver fresh, new content to inspire, excite and assist as you plan your dream event.

Be sure to head over to LIUNA Garden’s blog to check out its photo checklist and unique concepts for your big day.

From all of us at LIUNA Stations, thank you for following along!

The post An Essential Photo Checklist to Capture Your Unique Corporate Event! appeared first on New Liuna Station.

All you need to know about booking an overnight stay at Staybridge Suites

PLAY — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 21:56:27 +0000

Whether it’s a wedding, graduation, or banquet, people from everywhere visit the GTHA to celebrate their special event with us at LIUNA Gardens. For those travelling, or for events that run several days, your guests may require overnight accommodations. We recently caught up with Marilyn Butkovic, Director of Sales, for Staybridge Suites in downtown Hamilton. Marilyn works closely with us to ensure our guests are well taken care of. Read our mini interview below, where we discuss the benefits of working together, and how Staybridge Suites ensures LIUNA guests have a wonderful stay.
LG:Can you tell us a bit about your role at Staybridge Suites?
MB: As the Staybridge Suites Sales Manager, I contribute to the achievement of budgeted Guest Room and Catering revenue, by committing the hotel’s product and services within agreed pricing/service parameters. I lead Group and Business Travel prospecting efforts, outside solicitation and inquiry responses to achieve monthly and annual revenue targets. I also supports the Hotel objective to become recognized as the most responsive hotel, through highly effective inquiry response and timely communication of client requests to our Operating Departments.

LG: What are some of the perks of working with a nearby venue, that hosts many weddings and other special events?
MB: The Staybridge Suites Hamilton Team enjoys watching friends and family come together to celebrate occasions.
LG: For our readers interested in booking with Staybridge Suites, how far in advance should a large group need to book overnight accommodations for their special event?
MB: Inquiries can be made and room blocks can be confirmed 50 weeks prior to their special day.

LG: What are some of the benefits of choosing Staybridge Suites for people visiting LIUNA Gardens for their next event?
MB: As we are conveniently located in downtown Hamilton, which is nestled between Toronto and Niagara Falls. We are an ideal choice for upscale extended stay guests or travelers “on the move”.
LG: What features do you provide for guests who need to stay for an extended amount of time?
MB: All of our Suites feature spacious floorplans and fully equipped kitchenettes with full size fridge, stove top, dishwasher and microwave. A home away from home environment is great for guests travelling with food sensitivities.
LG: With so many hotels in around the downtown Hamilton area, what sets Staybridge Suites apart from others?
MB: There is something special and distinctive when you stay at Staybridge Suites Hamilton. That’s because we get what it take to make an experienced traveler feel more comfortable, connected and welcomed. We take pride in providing a home away home for all our guests!
LG: Can you share with us your favourite part about working with wedding parties?
MB: Watching families and friends enjoying their time together during our breakfast buffet featuring hot and cold items (free for overnight guests) in the great room or patio.

We’d like to thank Marilyn for taking the time to chat with us, and share her advice for readers looking for overnight accommodations, after their special event at LIUNA Gardens.
Stay tuned for weekly blog updates and make sure to connect with LIUNA Gardens on Instagram and Facebook as we deliver fresh, new content to inspire, excite and assist as you plan your dream event.
While you’re at it, head over to LIUNA Station’s blog to check out its tip to run a successful corporate event.
From all of us at LIUNA Gardens, thank you for following along!

The post All you need to know about booking an overnight stay at Staybridge Suites appeared first on New Liuna Station.

Get the 411 on LIUNA Gardens Special Features

PLAY — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 23:44:21 +0000

When you think of LIUNA Gardens, many mention our beautiful venue with stunning gardens, amazing waterfront views, and a summer-like destination that is close to home. We want to add on to our great wedding venue reputation in the GTHA, and highlight other special features, for you and your beau to review below!
Personal Touch
For any special event, you want guests to see and enjoy all your favourite things! At LIUNA Gardens, we provide signature cocktails available at all price points. Opportunity to customize your menu, with no stress, simply put in the request to our on site coordinator who will be happy to help you. And don’t worry, if Nonna wants specialty additions like pasta aglio et olio, we got you covered!

Supreme Bar Package
Are you planning a wedding shower, and want to add a little bubbly for the guests? Say no more, we will put together a mimosa bar with your name on it! For lovebirds feeling creative, and want a specialty cocktail, we are happy to make specific cocktails that meet your needs. We also have table side liqueurs with coffee available for your family and friends. Needless to say, we truly have a supreme bar package for you!
Mother Nature at her Finest
Yes, we do have a beautiful outdoor venue space for your special day! Whether you want to utilize our outdoor patio space, roam around our beautiful gardens, set off lanterns over the lake, or end the night with a bang with fireworks (permitted with permit), you will receive our best in class service from beginning to end.

Hassle Free, Five Star Experience
Overwhelmed, and need help? Don’t worry, your on site coordinator will assist you with setting up your receiving line items, and any other logistical support you need! If you are looking for other suppliers, we have a great list of preferred vendors to help you. We do provide floor length table linens, table numbers, easels, cake knife and money boxes. Wedding parties will also have access to our VIP suites for use at reception, to get ready in. And don’t worry, we have a ton of free parking available for all your guests.
Have we peaked your interest yet? We would LOVE to host your upcoming wedding! Get in touch with us today to book a site visit, and secure your desired date. Remember, dates do fill up fast.

Stay tuned for weekly blog updates and make sure to connect with LIUNA Gardens on Instagram and Facebook as we deliver fresh, new content to inspire, excite and assist as you plan your dream event.
While you’re at it, head over to LIUNA Station’s blog to check out its special features.
From all of us at LIUNA Gardens, thank you for following along!

The post Get the 411 on LIUNA Gardens Special Features appeared first on New Liuna Station.

Mom + Entrepreneur = Mom’preneur

PLAY — Thu, 10 May 2018 18:13:48 +0000

Who’s the boss? Mom, of course! Happy Mother’s Day to all of the incredible women out there, working tirelessly, all the while making the world’s toughest job look easy.
Today we wanted to shine the light on some incredibly talented Mom’preneurs who work just as hard outside of the home as they do inside.
We recently caught up with a couple of women who hold the title of both Mom and Boss and continue to inspire us with the amazing work they do! Check out our interviews below, with Sandy Gaidola, Owner of Sandola Events and Ervee Caddick, Owner of Giant Camera Photo Booth. Continue reading to find out how these Moms are making their mark in the wedding/event industry and having fun while they do it!
Liuna Gardens: Tell us a little bit about your business?
Sandy: Sandola Events is a wedding and event planning & design company in its 8th year. Offering creative, refined, out of box ideas for any occasion. We love creating meaningful and beautiful connections with clients through their events.

Ervee: Giant Camera Photo Booth is a Photo Booth company who provides entertainment to you and your guests. We make sure that they will leave your event with quality photos, happy faces and a great experience! We provide your guest with their photos on a customized template from your event.
Liuna Gardens: Tell us why you became a Mom’preneur?
Sandy: I became a single mother while having the business for already a few years. There came many challenges with juggling the business solo and it gave me much insight and knowledge as to what I had to prioritize and strategize on how to continue forward. With having my child, I have more determination, passion and faith in my business.
Ervee: It all started when I wanted to have an extra income. We had a small rental business and I wanted to add photo booth. I designed a booth that looks like a Giant Camera and had my husband and father in law create it for me. Photography and designing is a hobby of mine. Having a Photo Booth business gives me the opportunity to do both of my hobbies and earn extra while having fun.
Liuna Gardens: What is one piece of advice you would give other Mom’preneurs in the event and/or wedding industry?
Sandy: Always set boundaries to your business and your clients.
Ervee: Being a Mom’preneur can get really busy, but always remember to make quality time for the little people who call us MOM.

We’d like to thank Sandy of Sandola Events and Ervee of Giant Camera Photo Booth for sharing their inspiring Mom’preneur stories and we’d like to wish all of the other hard working Moms out there a very happy Mother’s Day. The world wouldn’t be the same without you!
Stay tuned for weekly blog updates and make sure to connect with Liuna Gardens on Instagram and Facebook as we deliver fresh, new content to inspire, excite and assist as you plan your dream event. Be sure to check out some more amazing Mom’preneur stories on the Liuna Station blog!
Learn more about the businesses featured in today’s blog!
Sandola Events
Website: www.sandolaevents.ca
Instagram: @sandolaevents
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sandolaevents
Giant Camera Photo Booth
Website: www.giantcameraphotobooth.ca
Instagram: @giantcameraphotobooth
Facebook: www.facebook.com/giantcameraphotobooth

The post Mom + Entrepreneur = Mom’preneur appeared first on New Liuna Station.

Mini Interview with LIUNA Gardens Events Coordinator: Nicole Lazaruk

PLAY — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 00:09:58 +0000

Our stunning and seemingly endless gardens are a perfect setting for a variety of events. From small to large scale functions, we provide a five star service to ensure guests create lasting memories. With the many years of hosting many different Southern Ontario events, we know what it takes to prepare for a successful corporate event.
We recently caught up with Nicole Lazaruk, Sales and Event Coordinator for both LIUNA Gardens and LIUNA Station, to find out what you can expect from LIUNA when hosting a corporate event, her favourite memorable events held in the Gardens, and what you should know when planning your upcoming corporate event.
LG: Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your position at LIUNA Gardens
NL: I am a Sales and Event Coordinator for both LIUNA Gardens and LIUNA Station. At LIUNA Gardens, my role is to assist clients in choosing LIUNA Gardens to host their event and then be their direct contact in the planning stages leading right up until the day of their event. My responsibility is also to ensure the clients’ requests are communicated to our operations team who really make the magic happen. Our culinary team lead by Executive Chef Amanda Steen and our Operations Manager Salman Joseph along with his youthful, energetic staff, execute the contract details developed by me in consultation with the client.
LG: What are some of the ways you measure a successful corporate event?
NL: Whether it is a small business meeting of 30 people with a continental breakfast or a large scale Gala with extravagant décor and entertainment; I consider it a successful event if the guests and the individual clients are happy. Every company will have their own idea of a successful event, as every goal of a corporate event is unique to that particular business. Repeat business is also flattering for us at LIUNA Gardens; return business says we did a good job.
LG: How do you keep your budgets on track?
NL: Most often I am only responsible for the food and beverage budget, so it is easier than having to manage the audio visual and/or décor budget as well. We provide a lot of event basic needs with our food and beverage budgets that are not always included with all venues (linens, tables, chairs, easels, microphone and podium etc.). Most corporate clients only need to add audio visual equipment to our basic package and they can easily work directly with our in house company EAV (Emporium Audio Visual). The key to keeping the budget on track is to be flexible with menu combinations and being creative along with the assistance of our Executive Chef.
LG: Can you tell us one of your most memorable corporate events you planned for LIUNA Gardens?
NL: LIUNA Gardens hosted so many fun corporate events over the last few months; it is hard to pick just one. Many wonderful Christmas parties, our own New Year’s Eve Gala, small and large business meetings from banks to local businesses are just a few examples. One event that stands out from a strategic point of view would be the one held by Xerox. With the Xerox event we had to plan how we would move many large machines in and out of our venue for their show, and then how we would support the extra power to make them all work on event day. Then there was the colourful and creative cocktail reception for First Ontario, with live circus performers interacting with guests throughout the reception. Most recently we hosted the Wells of Hope “Taste & See” event. This event allows guests to travel around the venue tasting wine and food from several Niagara wineries and local restaurants, including delicious appetizers from our own LIUNA Garden Kitchen.

LG: With so many corporate event venues to choose from, what sets Liuna Gardens apart from the rest?
NL: LIUNA Gardens has a beautiful view of Lake Ontario and acres of manicured gardens, which boast the perfect location to host a corporate event. What other venue can offer a barbecue lunch with a spectacular view and a breath of fresh air during a full day conference. LIUNA Gardens is hidden in a suburban subdivision nestled on the banks of Lake Ontario, halfway between Toronto and Niagara Falls.

LG: How do you bring creativity to your corporate events?
NL: LIUNA Gardens provides companies the perfect opportunity to break from the norm of the corporate meeting space. Because our location is directly beside the lake, it allows attendees the ability to step outside at breaks to inhale some fresh air and recharge during a long day of meetings. Why not add a barbecue lunch out on one of our patios or a yoga session on the lawn of the Gardens to the day’s agenda. Many companies are looking for healthy food options for their events, so why not consider healthy activities and venue locations. Besides location; customizing menus allow are Executive Chef to play and create, which is one of her many strengths. Whether it’s a cocktail party with plenty of beautiful passed hors d’oeuvres or a full sit down menu, we can cater to any meeting planners’ vision.

LG: Share your advice for readers who are planning a corporate event
NL: The advice I would give corporate event planners is to work with the venue you have chosen, they know the strengths of their facility and what they do best.
We’d like to thank LIUNA Gardens Sales and Event Coordinator, Nicole Lazaruk for taking some time to chat with us, share her expertise and for contributing to so many successful events at LIUNA Gardens and Station! Be sure to head over to LIUNA Station blog to check out a mini interview with LIUNA Station Corporate Sales Manager, Susanna Alvarez, and learn about her experience planning corporate events at the Station.
Stay tuned for weekly blog updates and make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook as we deliver fresh, new content to inspire, excite and assist as you plan your dream event.
From all of us at LIUNA Gardens, thank you for following along!

The post Mini Interview with LIUNA Gardens Events Coordinator: Nicole Lazaruk appeared first on New Liuna Station.