This is Not a Moment

“This is not a moment. This is a movement.” Saw this post from Rachel Ricketts on IG and it really hit home. Bianchi Productions is committed to the movement, BLACK LIVES MATTER.

We promise to continue to learn, to listen, and to share. To speak up about racial injustice, to be active in promoting black businesses and entrepreneurs, and to continue to LEAD WITH LOVE. I hope you will stay on this journey with us, for nothing great comes easy. ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER.

Kicking off the promos, I’d like to introduce you to a bright, young, extremely talented entrepreneur, designer and leader in our industry, Ms. Lauren Montgomery. Coming from an Interior Design background, Lauren founded Collective Rentals less than two years ago, and they have taken off! Collective features an assortment of unique, exclusive pieces that are sure to elevate any space. That’s why their website is typically the first I head to when looking for décor inspo. with that elevated touch. Collective HAS IT.

A little about their journey and style, from CollectiveRentals.com : “We were born and raised in Southern California and followed our hearts to Paris, Nairobi, Sao Paulo, Marrakesh and then followed our hearts right back home. We swear by European clean lines and European classics. We are moved by the exotic soul of Africa, Indonesia and Brazil. And in the same spirit, we firmly stand by 20th Century American Design. Collective is a fresh perspective with an old soul.”

I HIGHLY recommend you check out their website and social media, and let your creativity run wild!

Until next time, Peace & Love. -MB

Fall Forward

What a crazy time to be a graduating senior. Whether it’s high school or college, I can’t imagine wrapping up one incredible journey and embarking on another in the era of Covid. And what a challenging time to be a parent: having to comfort your children and assure them that everything will be okay, when in fact, you don’t actually know that. No one knows when or how this will end, and the long and short term effects it will have on the economy, the job market, and basically life as we knew it.

In my search for inspirational messages to uplift and inspire said graduates, I stumbled across this video. The message: Fall Forward. I LOVE IT. I encourage everyone to take ten minutes and watch it. HEAR it. Then share it. Then watch and HEAR it again. Every morning before you start your day. Try it for four weeks and see how what you think, feel and imagine changes. I’m going to!

Give the Gift of Poetry

Have you ever heard the quote “If you can’t be the poet, be the poem?” We don’t disagree with this, at all. However, BP’s take on the matter: “If you can’t be the poet, hire one!” That’s where we come in.

Whether you’re looking for a unique gift (Mother’s Day, anniversary, milestone birthday) or just want to express something but need a little help, look no further. We’ve made it SUPER easy to convey your message through the magic of poetry. The tone can be fun and flirty, or thoughtful and deep. Whatever it is you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.

Check out the sample below to get a better understanding of the process as well as the final product. Then head over to our brand new poetry page and try it out for yourself.

The Sweetest Flower

A year ago today, BP had the pleasure of working with a brand new cannabis retailer (Sweet Flower) to help curate and promote the launch of their first two locations in Los Angeles. Sweet Flower is a brand focusing on creating a sophisticated and well-informed cannabis retail experience that leaves customers feeling confident and comfortable. Staff (aka Sweet Florists) are highly trained on the nuances of each product and cater to both the flower fluent and the cannabis curious.

A year later they are up to four Los Angeles locations. I’d say our launch was a success! Guest experiences included chair masseurs on the “wellness” themed day, live painting on “creativity” night, Coolhaus ice cream sandwiches on another, and several fun photo-ops throughout the duration. Check out a handful of the fantastic photos captured over the four-day activation.

All photo credit goes to jd fauxto! Thank you JD!!!

Petersen Auto Museum - Venue Highlight

Inside one of the most architecturally unique buildings in Los Angeles, “The Petersen Auto Museum celebrates the entirety of automotive history, industry, culture and artistry in Los Angeles.” The exterior design represents aspects of automotive history as important as the vehicles displayed inside the five-story building.  My favorite parts? The incredible 4th floor Penthouse where many of the museum’s events take place and having one of my besties work there so I’m always in the loop of the latest programming being offered.

As a visitor to what’s been called “the world’s greatest auto museum” by the likes of CNN, Top Gear and others, you will wind your way through three stories showcasing over 100 vehicles. On top of that (or should I say below), the Petersen Auto Museum also features it's famous Vault. From the website: “After an extensive renovation, the Vault presented by Hagerty® has more than doubled in size and now features over 250 vehicles from around the world. Discover some of the most iconic and rare cars, motorcycles, and trucks spanning over 120 years of automotive history on the largest guided automotive tour in the United States.”

GREAT NEWS!! Since we won’t be able to visit in person for a while, the museum is offering FREE daily virtual tours. Click HERE for more info. and to book your spot!

Why might you want to host your next event here? I can’t say it any better than this: “Car enthusiasts and novices alike will enjoy attending an event in an environment that is entertaining, educational, and intriguing. The museum offers four dynamic spaces in which to host the event of your dreams. Choose between the exquisitely detailed ARTISTRY exhibit on the 1st floor, the inspiring INDUSTRY exhibits on the 2nd floor, the nostalgic HISTORY exhibits on the 3rd floor, and the iconic rooftop pavilion and terrace of the 4th floor Penthouse.”

I wish I knew when this whole thing would be over so we could start planning and get back to doing what we do best: Producing memorable events, with amazing clients, at some of the worlds most impressive venues! Who’s with me??

While we wait for those days to return, Bianchi Productions has partnered with several fabulous caterers in the LA area, as well as a variety of incredibly talented musicians and artists, to bring you virtually catered events! Have a business meeting or celebration and want to make it more impactful? Bring people together over a meal, and connect through the universal language of music. Call us today and we’ll explain how to keep the magic happening, even in these crazy times!  

Until next time y’all.

Mandy Bianchi, Owner & Creative Director, Bianchi Productions - April 8, 2020

Sharing is Caring

While the last couple of weeks have no doubt been filled with a variety (READ: rollercoaster) of emotions, the one main thing that continues to bring me peace and hope is all of the SHARING that’s happening. Sharing of community, love, creativity and inspiration around the world.

I’m blessed to be surrounded by a wealth of creative and positive people doing big and small things all of the time. And thanks to FB, YouTube, IG, Zoom, HouseParty and the like, they are able to share their creations with the world. Today, yet again, I felt implored to write. But this time I write with fewer of my own thoughts, and more with those of others who have touched and had a calming and positive impact on me during this crazy time. This once in a lifetime.

Brittany Mazel is an up-and-coming superstar in the event world and an all-around bright light. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know and work with this stunning young lady over the last couple of years, and yesterday she shared one of her latest creations. Check out this poignant video, that she wrote and produced all on her own (and likely in no time it all – this woman is AH – MAZING with the videos she makes). I urge you to watch, LISTEN and share this beautiful piece of art. Spread some light to anyone who seems to be getting lost in the dark.

Jordan Auten is an accomplished Director, Writer & Producer. She is also one of my best friends who I’ve know over half of my life. We grew up in Vegas together and booooyyy do we have some stories 😊 You’ll have to reach out to me directly for those! We are on a group text (one of many group texts I’m now on – I’m sure just like all of you) which has been rattled with statistics, warnings and “Not to scare you, but..”’s. It’s a LOT. I know everyone is just trying to keep us informed, but sometimes less is more.

Photo Circa 2010??

Yesterday Jordan shared something that had been sent to her, a message from a Reverend from Agape. It resonated with her so she shared with US. It resonated with me so I’m sharing with YOU:

Although COVID-19 has brought up panic and fear amongst many people, that is not its purpose. This is an auspicious time where the entire world is not only shifting to a new paradigm, but we are being asked collectively to slow down and reflect on the deeper meaning of our unity with each other and all life. It is unavoidably evident that we are being shown how we are all connected via a physical virus. However, at this time it is equally as important to heal the virus of the mind. The clue to this is in the name: Corona. Corona refers to the crown chakra, Divine illumination as well as its infusion to the surface mind to the revelations of Truth. This is a correction to the individual and collective mind on a global level to heal all the disinformation, lies and fear. This worldwide disruption is asking us to stop business as usual by literally stopping to look at doing things differently. Different than before and different in the way we think. More love, compassion and generosity is what is rising. This time of isolation is paradoxically asking us to not isolate from each other in fear of contracting illness. it is to isolate and contemplate our sacred oneness with each other. This is an upleveling to rise into revelational thinking, inspired living. It is time to benevolently rise individually and collectively. The best vaccination you'll ever give yourself is the medication of meditation. It is in our inner pharmacy that we find the purest and most efficient healing and preventative medicine.  

Again, I’m not a religious person. Though it is interesting how I turn to prayer in times like these. Right? I consider myself spiritual, not bound by any books or rules. I try to be the best version of myself and inspire others to do the same. If there’s anything this period of time has taught me, it’s how little control we have over things. Where we go, what we do, who we see, how we wash…none of that is up to our discretion at the moment. But the one thing we DO have control over…our MINDS. Our THOUGHTS. The things we’re choosing to consume and SHARE with a world that is hurting right now.

I encourage all of you to focus on the great ideas you’re coming up with, and DO them. Write that blog. Sing that song. Get that body. Share your heart. Let’s keep the vibrations UP, because why not? The choice is yours. Choose KINDLY. For yourself and others.

Peace & Love - MB

Long Story Long (Not that Long) - Current Mood - March 15th, 2020

Of course I can’t speak for everyone, but it’s been an overwhelming couple of days for me and many of my friends. Fear, ignorance, misinformation, leading to disappointment, anxiety, safety concerns, loss of income…the list goes on. It’s been ten months since my last blog post (for that I am embarrassed), but finally I’m feeling compelled to start writing again. To express myself, to share, to hopefully help others in some shape or form, and to just put as many positive vibes out there as possible. So if you make it to the end, and enjoyed the read or think anyone else might, please feel free to SHARE!

As I start this blog now, the date is Sunday, March 15th , 2020. The time is 2:07pm PDT. I had already decided I was going to “pick up the pen” again starting Monday, thanks to social distancing and event cancellations, but I couldn’t help but kick it off with a personal note before getting back to business (BTW…social distancing, something I hope we’re ALL doing by the time this goes live). Normally blog topics include specific events, new or “must know” venues, all star entertainment acts, etc., things related pretty specifically to event planning. But today, I come to you as a Mother, a business owner, a friend and a fellow HUMAN.

Today is only day 2 of our self-quarantine due to the rapid spread of the Corona virus that’s wreaking havoc across the world, and it’s been a lot. A lot to think about, a lot to wrap my head around, a lot to figure out. Questions, concerns, thoughts… running through my mind constantly:

“What is the right thing to do?”

“Should I go hang out with my friends?”

“Should I get together with family?”

“Should I even go pick-up food or am I better off cooking at home?”

“Do I have anything to cook at home?”

“Did I get enough toilet paper that day?”

Still don’t get that last one. On Thursday morning (3/12), before LAUSD schools were officially closed or #socialdistancing was trending, my daughter and I were at Rite Aid getting lotion. After the SECOND person literally RAN by us to get toilet paper, I thought “SHIT, guess we better get some toilet paper!” And it’s a good thing we did. I had to lend a friend four rolls the next day because her family of five was on their last one. They normally stock up on the weekend (like most working families) and hadn’t done their weekly shopping trip before the apocalypse hit and everyone started hoarding. But the toilet paper?! There are sooo many other ways to clean your ass…what are you people afraid of??? I digress…

I go from inside my head with all of these thoughts, to social media where I read stories in my FB mommy groups. Some stories that make me cry tears of joy, and others that make me cry tears of sadness. On Instagram I see people sharing experiences, music, art, love…and I’m hopeful. Hopeful that this too shall pass. So instead of dwelling on the unknown future, I’m trying to find the silver lining in the moment. Here’s what I’ve come up with.

We RUN all day long. From morning routines, to school drop-offs, to work, to work-out, to pick-ups, to baseball practice, to dance class, to rehearsal, to our show, to dinner, to bedtime, to chill, to sleep, to do it all again. It’s EXHAUSTING. Perhaps during this time of isolation we can take a step back and recognize what’s really important in life. Connect to the people and things that really matter, even if not in person. Pick up the phone and start talking with your family and friends more. Pick up the phone and call your clients and peers, see how they’re doing. Read. Write. Create. Listen. Love. Share. Connect. Reconnect. And of course…DANCE!!!

A few of the things that have brought me some comfort over the last few days are below. I’d love for you to leave a comment and let me know what’s been keeping you smiling in the midst of all of this angst.

• Music + Dancing - lots of it #DUH

  • If you aren’t familiar with Stephen tWitch Boss (@sir_twitch_alot on IG) and Allison Holker (@allisonholker on IG), do yourself a favor and check out their Instagram accounts. They are the CUTEST, HAPPIEST couple on the planet and share their obvious joy for dancing and their INSANE ability. #dancinggoals #couplegoals

  • I think this song reminds me of Texas summers as a kid. IDK what it is but definitely been listening to this oldie but goodie on repeat lately: Fishin’ in the Dark by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

• Cleaning + Organizing – it feels soooo good

• Dancing…did I mention that??

So long story longer. I’m sharing just to share. Maybe this helps you pass a few minutes of your day. Maybe you can relate to something I’ve said and feel less isolated. Maybe I just introduced you to or reminded you of something that brings you great joy. Whatever your reason for making it this far. Thanks for staying. I hope you use this time to connect in a different way. Maybe an old way. Pick up the phone (I know, crazy right??), pick up a book, pick up a new hobby. Do something that brings you joy and peace of mind each day, as we all need a little break from the world around us right now.

Lastly, please know that you can always reach out to me if you need to talk, vent, laugh, or just shoot the shit for a while. I’m going to embrace this new normal as much as I can (because what better option is there) and use this time to re-connect and stay connected with the things that matter most to me. The people and things that make me happy. One of my favorite quotes, though we can’t take it too literally right now: “Stay close to people who feel like sunshine.” I don’t know about y’all, but I LOVE the SUN!! Peace and love everyone!

"A Night with the Stars" - The 2019 Inaugural Patient Prom for Children's Hospital Los Angeles

May 4th, 2019. That was the day that months of hard work, planning and a ton of favors culminated into the first ever Patient Prom for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. And boy was it memorable!

We loaded in the day before and began transforming the hospital’s daily meeting rooms into a Hollywood-themed “Night with the Stars.” Throughout the evening, several hospital staff stopped in to see what all the buzz was about. There was an excitement in the air and it was palatable. The kids were eager for Saturday night to get there, and we were all looking forward to this experience for them. One lovely nurse came in multiple times to thank me and my team for putting this all together; she just couldn’t believe what we were doing. I didn’t realize until that moment, just how many people (and how deeply) this special evening would impact, including me.

Converting a sterile hospital meeting room into a red-carpet Hollywood event is by no means an easy fete. But when you’ve got fantastic partners working with you to make it all happen, it sure is fun. And you know we’re all about the fun.

Setting the tone for the evening, Red Carpet Systems (one of our favorite and longest running partners) provided the grand red carpet entrance our patients would enter through. Adorned with red rope and stanchion and a life-size award statue provided by Absolutely Fabulous Events, we spent most of our time trying to keep people off of this dazzling entrance! Once inside, the pre-function space featured a 36’ version of the famous “Hollywood” sign as the focal point. Quite an impression if you ask us!

Now it’s 5pm Saturday evening and doors are open! Just like a normal prom, parents were not invited. Lol. After dropping their children off at the top of the red carpet, adults hung out in our charming parent’s lounge where they enjoyed snacks, beverages and delicious treats provided by Richard Kensington, owner of Kensington Caterers. One of the kindest men with the biggest hearts in the biz. Especially when it comes to kids!

The first two hours teens spent getting glammed by some of CHLA’s fabulous supporters:

Hair and make-up: Glam Squad, Nars, Bellami and Flower Beauty

Manicures: Glam Squad, Olive & June and Essie

Prom Attire: Jessica Simpson, Harvard Westlake School, The A List and Shoshanna

Jewelry & Accessories: The Mobile Color Bar - Kendra Scott

Once they were done getting primped and primed, they enjoyed a variety of activities until it was time for dinner and dancing:

Custom “Word” Bracelets and Roaming Photographer: Fun 4 Events

Oversized games: Absolutely Fabulous Events

Strolling Magician: The Art of Magic

A CHLA provided Caricature Artist

7pm: Doors opened to the ballroom and our fabulous emcee got the party started. Thanks to The One Up Group for bringing the energy: fun lighting, great sound system, and the best Emcee in town! And this is LA people, there are a LOT of emcees. 😊 Crateful Catering prepared delicious bites and beverages with all food allergies and restrictions in mind. Crateful’s Co-Founder, Emanuele Ponzu, went above and beyond with this event. Definitely a Yes man! He was even caught cutting a rug on the dance floor with some very excited kids. So thankful to have partners that are willing to give back and go the extra mile no matter who the client or what the circumstance!

There are so many other partners that helped us transform the space into an unforgettable “Night with the Stars”:

Absolutely Fabulous Events: Dance floor and award statue centerpieces that accented each table

BBJ Linen: Beautiful floor-length table linens and gold satin napkins that elevated the space in a big way

Collective Rentals: Exquisite gold chairs completing the Hollywood look of the dinner tables. Special TY to Lauren Montgomery, Collective’s Founder and Creative Director, for sticking with me from the beginning. This supremely talented (and ridiculously good looking) woman said “Yes!” when I asked her to help me launch my company, and AGAIN when I reached out about this special event. #GRATEFUL

Red Carpet Systems: Stage to get the party started and keep it going when celeb guests like ASAP Rocky showed up!

Studio RFD: Decor and pergolas that were huge in the transformation of the vibe in the room

But let’s be honest, it was definitely the true Hollywood stars that excited these kids the most. Five generous celebs got ready with the kids, ate with them, and then DANCED their tushies off alongside them. I know the CHLA team agrees, we are so thankful for their participation and big hearts!

Last but certainly not least, the CHLA Child Life and Hollywood Cares for Kids teams. We worked hand in hand to bring our vision for this magnificent evening to a reality, and I'm so honored to have been part of this amazing group of WOMEN :). Special shouts out to Samantha Lamb, Amanda Brown and Lyndsay Hutchison for leading this team with such ease and grace, even when it wasn't either of those things. I can't wait to see what we come up with for next year!