A fantastic celebration is never forgotten—and with a little

guidance, anyone can be the host of one. What is it that

makes celebrity parties so desirable? While insiders tell their

stories, stunning photographs fill the pages, inviting everyone

to step inside.

Art of Celebration Southern California gives you a detailed

look at the event world’s most prominent movers and

shakers. Tips, hints, and ideas from planners, caterers,

floral artists, entertainers, and other specialists will prove

priceless in throwing memorable bashes. Experience some

of the most amazing events brought to life by the experts at

Exquisite Events. The full-scale event coordinating company

specializes in opulent Indian and Pakistani events. Discover

how the very talented team, led by Nikki Khan, translates a

host’s imagination into spectacular reality. Through colorful

photography and sage words of advice get an inside view of

some of California’s most dazzling events.

With a peek into the elite social scene of Southern California,

you will learn the ins and outs of crafting the perfect party.

Class, style, and unabashed fun come together in this

comprehensive collection.

Front cover photographs by John Solano PhotographyBack cover photograph by Morgan Stark PhotographyFront & back flap photographs by John Solano Photography

Attention to details…it’s what makes us different.

This was my company’s first tagline and I have found no

reason to change. Ten years ago I decided to take my

passion for design and entertaining and fuse these elements

to create an event production company Exquisite Events.

Little did I know the fun and magic that was to ensue. From

channeling 50’s Hollywood glamour to constructing

enchanted Mughal gardens and courts, we have strived

to exceed our client’s expectations and deliver elegance

and magic, no matter how big or small. Perhaps the most

rewarding part of this journey has been the many friendships

forged with staff, vendors, and clients which continue to

blossom and strengthen. I am truly blessed to be doing what

I love and that I hope you enjoy the celebration…

Exquisite Events

Nikki Khan

5635 Hazelcrest Circle

Westlake Village, CA 91362

818.620.2665

www.exquisevents.com

Art of Celebration | 36

ECelebrations are often steeped in tradition, with cultural or religious instructions shaping the décor, wardrobe, and

even cuisine. When dealing with Indian and Pakistani festivities, however, an intricate understanding of the culture’s nuances and sensitivities is even more crucial.

Few event planners have the necessary background to successfully carry off such an event, but Nikki Khan is more than qualified. Born in Pakistan, Nikki spent her

formative years in Switzerland attending an elite finishing school. She found designing tables and arranging flowers so appealing that even after beginning a career

as a clinical dietician in California, Nikki decided to follow her passion and work in special events.

Exquisite Events, formed in 2001, specializes in the type of elaborate, multi-day events that the Indian and Pakistani cultures are known for. Most of these parties

require at least a year of planning, if not more, and utilize every resource and spare ounce of energy Nikki possesses. To ensure the incredible attention to detail and

level of personal attention never flags, Nikki and her team produce only 12 events a year. But when you figure that each event encompasses roughly four separate

parties, the true number climbs much higher.

To help hotels and other organizations better understand these types of events, Nikki has joined the lecture circuit to share her insights and experiences all across the

nation. Educating venues and vendors from a first-hand point of view helps elucidate the most important concept: tradition is the lifeblood of culture.

Exquis itE EvEnts

Seven back-to-back events afford the opportunity to create different designs based on the purpose and significance of each gathering. The keywords the bride came up with for her ceremony and large sit-down dinner reception were "romance," "intimacy," and "English garden." The sumptuous tent was converted from ceremony to reception while the guests enjoyed cocktails in an adjoining tent.

Nikki khAN

Event Planning | 37Photograph by John Solano Photography

Art of Celebration | 38

Photograph by John Solano Photography

Photograph by John Solano Photography Photograph by John Solano Photography

Photograph by John Solano Photography

Event Planning | 39

Before we even get to the wedding itself, prayers are held at the brides home before the bride and groom’s parents each host a Sangeet. A Sangeet serves as the official kick-off for all the revelry about to come, with music, dancing, and fun lasting into the wee hours. A henna party follows the Sangeet, then the ornate ceremony and reception take place, and it all concludes with the sophisticated grand reception.

Photograph by John Solano Photography

"All of the long hours and hard work are so worth it when you finally get to see the host’s reaction."

—Nikki khan

Art of Celebration | 40

Photograph by Andrena Photography

Photograph by Andrena Photography

Event Planning | 41

Photograph by John Solano Photography

Photograph by John Solano Photography

Photograph by John Solano Photography

Above and right: i’ve never seen so many people enter a reception and marvel in awe in the way they did for my enchanted forest design. Birds chirped from cages dripping with flowers, lanterns and votives hung from live trees, and each table was named for a famous couple from classic Eastern or Western love stories. The newlyweds’ sweetheart table, of course, bore their names.

Facing page: A bride’s infatuation with Paris and all things French allowed me to bring in ruffles and feathers, creating a grand reception that brought to mind can-can dancers and glamorous bistros. Pink and amber lights glinted off the glossy, custom-made mahogany dance floor, ropes of pearls hung from the stunning centerpieces, and special thought was given to the napkin fold, done in the form of a rose. The men received vintage wine bottles as favors, while the ladies were presented with silver dishes crafted in india.

Art of Celebration | 42Photograph by John Solano Photography Photograph by John Solano Photography

Photograph by John Solano Photography

Traditional practices abound in a Sikh wedding, such as the ceremony always having to end before noon. Other important elements include clearing all furniture for the ceremony—since traditionally guests sit on the floor—and not allowing meat dishes or alcohol to be served until the ceremony is concluded and the holy Book removed from the premises. Though once that happens, the corks get popped and the party really starts!

Event Planning | 43Photograph by John Solano Photography

Art of Celebration | 44Photograph by John Solano Photography Photograph by John Solano Photography

Photograph by John Solano PhotographyPhotograph by John Solano Photography

Event Planning | 45Vviews

Right: The bride wanted to use the same structure employed at her Sikh and hindu ceremonies for her sweetheart table at the luncheon. The whole room was awash in a pink and amber glow, and beautiful centerpieces of twigs were created with fuchsias, oranges, and a hint of coral.

Facing page top: Some very important elements of a successful henna event include marigolds, the colors green and yellow, and female guests dancing and singing traditional songs. Touches of fuchsia give the space an added vibrancy. While the sunken center of the room had only low furniture and a collection of brightly colored pillows, a stage was erected to hold the bride, groom, and their families while they received their decoration.

Facing page bottom: i built a Sangeet entirely around the concept of peacock feathers. The iridescent cobalt blue, turquoise, emerald green, and bronze provided a lovely starting point for a room that eventually included swirling light projections and flower arrangements studded with the feathers. A swing imported from india resided underneath a canopy built from twigs and hung with lanterns.

"hosts should arrive at their own event as guests, relaxed and ready to enjoy the celebration."

—Nikki khan

Creating multi-day indian events can be challenging and require tremendous amounts of planning, knowledge, and hard work. Since each event has a distinct personality of its own and no two events are alike, keen vision, creativity, and unparalleled attention to detail are required. i am lucky to have a team that is dedicated, hard working, and understands the nuances and sensitivities of indian events.

Photograph by Andrena Photography

A fantastic celebration is never forgotten—and with a little

guidance, anyone can be the host of one. What is it that

makes celebrity parties so desirable? While insiders tell their

stories, stunning photographs fill the pages, inviting everyone

to step inside.

Art of Celebration Southern California gives you a detailed

look at the event world’s most prominent movers and

shakers. Tips, hints, and ideas from planners, caterers,

floral artists, entertainers, and other specialists will prove

priceless in throwing memorable bashes. Experience some

of the most amazing events brought to life by the experts at

Exquisite Events. The full-scale event coordinating company

specializes in opulent Indian and Pakistani events. Discover

how the very talented team, led by Nikki Khan, translates a

host’s imagination into spectacular reality. Through colorful

photography and sage words of advice get an inside view of

some of California’s most dazzling events.

With a peek into the elite social scene of Southern California,

you will learn the ins and outs of crafting the perfect party.

Class, style, and unabashed fun come together in this

comprehensive collection.

Front cover photographs by John Solano PhotographyBack cover photograph by Morgan Stark PhotographyFront & back flap photographs by John Solano Photography

Attention to details…it’s what makes us different.

This was my company’s first tagline and I have found no

reason to change. Ten years ago I decided to take my

passion for design and entertaining and fuse these elements

to create an event production company Exquisite Events.

Little did I know the fun and magic that was to ensue. From

channeling 50’s Hollywood glamour to constructing

enchanted Mughal gardens and courts, we have strived

to exceed our client’s expectations and deliver elegance

and magic, no matter how big or small. Perhaps the most

rewarding part of this journey has been the many friendships

forged with staff, vendors, and clients which continue to

blossom and strengthen. I am truly blessed to be doing what

I love and that I hope you enjoy the celebration…

Exquisite Events

Nikki Khan

5635 Hazelcrest Circle

Westlake Village, CA 91362

818.620.2665

www.exquisevents.com