All photos courtesy Curtis Dahl Photography
Born in 1953? Check.
Both achieving a milestone event in 2023? Check.
Both named Charles? Check and check.
The last Royal Coronation took place 70 years ago, and when King Charles III was coronated last year, a different Charles—of Sherman Oaks, Calif.—turned 70 and decided to use the parallels between himself and the new King of England to his advantage.
High Rise Events was approached to create a coronation-themed birthday party for this Charles, whose mother apparently said that if that name was good enough for the future King, then it would be good enough for her son.
Held on the day of the actual King Charles’ Coronation, the birthday Coronation in California mimicked the British Royal event, transforming the client’s modest home into the grandeur of Westminster Abbey, announcing the event with an old-timey scroll, welcoming costumed guests with a red carpet, sating them with a British gourmet dinner and English teas, and honoring the birthday boy with a crowning ceremony.
There were challenges in transforming the client’s home into a grand affair for 100 guests, but High Rise Events worked their magic to create a palatial setting. The entrance set the scene as the narrow driveway was covered in a plush red carpet lined with gold stanchions swagged with crimson cords, where two Kings’ Guardsmen saluted incoming guests. The gates and fencing along the driveway were covered with custom Royal Coronation Banners featuring a Coat of Arms emblem encrusted with the client’s headshot. Meanwhile, a 20’ x 10’ custom backdrop of Westminster Abbey was designed to camouflage the detached garage, which became the focal point for the Coronation Celebration.
Then there was the matter of transforming the small yard into a Royal Garden. The Gardens needed to set the scene for the Crowning of the King and accommodate formal seating for 100 guests. Every inch of the space was plotted out so that when it was “Coronation Time,” the client (California Charles) could reign over the soiree. The Royal Garden yard space was also the setting for showcasing the pre-recorded actual Royal Coronation on a large monitor throughout the evening.
The dining portion of the evening was certainly a royal affair. The Guardsmen stood at attention, inviting guests to take their seats at an opulent dining table, dressed in crimson and gold satin linen. Gold candelabras, chalices, gilded crowns, jewels, and candlelight embellished the tabletops while Tivoli lights sparkled overhead.
The highlight of the event was the Coronation Ceremony. An ornate vintage throne stood upon a Royal Stage adorned with a jewel-encrusted crown, scepter, and sword, which rested upon a velvet tableau. Above the throne was a lighted marquee signifying The Coronation of (California) King Charles.
Just to play out the parallels as much as possible, the client’s wife sat on an adjacent throne, sporting a Camilla wig. The client also honored his mother’s legacy with a stand-up silhouette of “The Queen,” recreated with a photo of his mother’s face, in a nod to the British Coronation honoring the memory of the recently departed Queen Elizabeth II.
The King handed out crown-shaped chocolates to guests as they departed this royal celebration. This memorable affair not only left a royal impression on guests—it received the honor of the Special Events Gala Award for Best Private Event for an Individual. Congratulations High Rise Events.
Submissions Now Open
It's once again time to celebrate the best of the best! Submissions are now being accepted for the Special Events 2025 Gala Awards! We invite you to submit your best work from the past year. Join in the excitement and the spirit of our industry as we celebrate the hard work and exceptional accomplishments of our peers.
To submit an entry to this year's Gala awards, please visit our awards portal at https://ace-gala.awardsplatform.com/
Important Dates
- September 1, 2023-August 31, 2024 | Eligibility Period for Entries
- Sunday, September 15, 2024 | Regular submission deadline ($125 fee)
- Tuesday, September 30, 2024 | Late Bird submission deadline ($175 fee)
