Guests--including chapter president Jose Ramirez of AFR Event Furnishings (center group, left)--enjoy cocktails and chat.

Chapter community service chair and event panel facilitator Marcus Anthony Gray of The Little Gray Book (seated at left) has his portrait sketched. 

Guests enjoy the open-air cocktail lounge, surrounded by hedges.

The event also included videography services from Expressionary Films and a photo booth from Capture POD.

Chic seating at cocktails. Event rentals were provided by 204 Events.

A green guest--playful faux topiary.

The cocktail array. Good Gracious Events oversaw catering.

Passed hors d'oeuvre for guests.

The interior features both rustic and polished elements.

Doyle Borden Event Style oversaw design and florals.

Another view.

A pretty table set-up.

A range of seating options provides both dining and a setting for the panel.

Sleek sofa.

The dramatic bar.

A table topped with suspended floral.

A closer look.

Bright floral in small vessels.

A pretty floral detail.

The team from Good Gracious presides over a conveyor belt that delivers entrees.

A guest grabs an entree.

Here comes dinner!

SuperCool Creamery dazzles guests with frozen desserts prepared on the spot.

The evening's panel (from left):

Krystal Moreno, catering director for Casa Del Mar and Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica, Calif.

Lara Burnap, editor, California Wedding Day magazine

Kristin Banta, founder, Kristin Banta Events, Los Angeles

David Merrell, CEO and creative director, AOO Events, Los Angeles

Kristin Banta on how she builds her business.

David Merrell on sustaining revenue.

DJ David Krieger sets the mood.