Jannell and Marc's Love Story

Jannell wanted to surprise her boyfriend with a special romantic picnic on their 8th year anniversary. She wanted somewhere quiet so we chose this tucked away park in Virginia Beach.

We came up with a special theme for them with Marc's favorite color being Forest Green and Jannell's favorite color is pink. As I started creating the design, I was thinking of the forest and I brought the trees in the form of the placemats. and then cherry blossoms seemed to fit with the design to add pops of pink. I choose different forms of greenery to tie in the forest theme.

This was a brunch and did I mention it was a surprise? Jannell had a hard time getting them to the park on time because it was Sunday morning and he was thinking why did we have to leave so early. They brought their adorable Pug with them and he is smiling and was so cute.

This was a total surprise to Marc and he told me at the end he was going to surprise her several years ago, but she got there first. They had a great time and loved the picnic design and very relaxing atmosphere. It was a beautiful 80 degree day and somehow, they lucked out with a cloudy day so it wasn't too hot and humid for them.

Thank you Jannell and Marc for letting us set this picnic experience up for you.

Special Thanks: Main Stream Events and PR Firm for picnic design, set up

Let's schedule your beach, park, porch, lake, backyard, or your favorite location picnic today.

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Karen Gould Main Stream Events and PR Firm 757-204-1416

Who is Karen Gould

INSIDE BUSINESS

When the pandemic hindered large events, this Virginia Beach planner turned to picnics

By Sandra J. Pennecke

Jul 28, 2022 at 10:54 am

When the COVID-19 pandemic halted social gatherings, event planner Karen Gould had to get creative and adapted to demand for smaller outdoor get-togethers.

Virginia Beach — For years, Karen Gould planned large-scale corporate events and parties.

Nowadays, she prefers to plan smaller and more intimate gatherings for her business, Main Stream Events and PR Firm.

A Southern California native, she relocated to Hampton Roads 30 years ago and has called Chic’s Beach in Virginia Beach home ever since. Her career path took her to USAA and after 10 years in human resources, Gould became the executive assistant for the financial service company’s vice president and general manager.

“Eighty-five percent of that job was to plan all their company events,” she said.

Gould was in her glory as she designed, organized and arranged every detail for more than 20 events each year for more than 1,100 employees at USAA. Events included holiday parties, festivals, recognitions, United Way campaigns, corporate communications, fundraising activities and volunteer projects.

“But in 2009, the economy crashed, they consolidated and my position was eliminated,” Gould said.

Already armed with an associate degree in business management from Tidewater Community College — proudly earned while she worked full-time and raised her two daughters, Gould then pursued a bachelor’s degree in technical management with a concentration in hospitality from DeVry University.

“Event planning has always been part of my life — growing up and as a Girl Scout leader for 15 years for both my girls,” she said.

Established in her niche, Gould couldn’t find a job to use her skills, so in 2010 she set out to start her small business. Familiar with the corporate world, Gould threw herself into the arena, helping with holiday parties and nonprofit galas.

“The Salvation Army was one of my biggest clients; I worked with them for six years planning their Hope Gala, an annual fundraiser for the Kroc Center,” she said. “I love that transformation from an empty space to a black-tie gala.”

Over the past two years, Gould planned both of her daughters’ weddings. One was an enchanted forest theme for 135 people in Virginia Beach and the other was a pop-up for 16 guests on the side of a cliff in San Diego.

At the start of 2020, the pandemic brought a screeching halt to events and Gould had to rethink her business. She got certified in virtual events and held several for corporations, family and friends. But, Gould still found herself hankering to use her creativity to plan live events.

“That’s when I started the picnics on the beach,” Gould said. “And it started taking off.”

Clients choose a type of location like beach, park, porch, field, lake or backyard and a theme then Gould designs the perfect customized picnic — handling everything from setup to cleanup. Prices start at $175.

Ron Dinoso thought a romantic beach picnic would be the perfect surprise for his girlfriend, Flavia Neto.

“I want to keep things interesting with my girlfriend and I,” Dinoso said.

The “just because” picnic included pillows, a charcuterie board and dessert. And, with Gould’s help, it was a big surprise.

“It was amazing and I’ll never forget the look on Flavia’s face,” he said.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com

https://www.pilotonline.com/inside-business/vp-ib-mainstream-events-0801-20220728-aaewpdon7jei7dvvbzvy3f3tqq-story.html

Karen Gould Main Stream Events and PR Firm 757-204-1416

VB Picnics - PicnicsPOP - Main Stream Events and PR Firm - Let’s design a Damask Themed Picnic

VB Picnics - PicnicsPOP - Main Stream Events and PR Firm - Let’s design a Damask Themed Picnic

I am looking to design a Damask Themed Picnic and could be pops of Pink, Black, or your favorite color. I have many ideas and would love to surprise you with this inspiration of Damask. I haven’t done this in a while, but let’s schedule a Damask Picnic today.

Great for couples who don’t mind a bit of surprise. We will even surprise you with the location and keep it all a mystery? How does that sound?

Karen Gould Main Stream Events and PR Firm (757) 204-1416

VB Picnics - PicnicsPOP - Main Stream Events and PR Firm - Let’s design a Moroccan Themed Picnic

VB Picnics - PicnicsPOP - Main Stream Events and PR Firm - Let’s design a Moroccan Themed Picnic

We found some of our décor that we haven’t used lately, and they need a fresh look for a picnic theme.

This would be great for a birthday party, anniversary or Just Because.

Karen Gould Main Stream Events and PR Firm (757) 204-1416

"Just Because"

I love this phrase “Just Because” What does it mean? When I Googled it, I found these wonderful quotes and I had to narrow down to just a few. You don’t need a special occasion to spend time with your best friends, significant other, family, or co-workers.

This is where we come in. We can create a perfect setting for your “Just Because” Picnic whether it is for 2 or more, we can handle it and let your reason be “Just Because”. We can create the perfect theme, invitations, provide menu selections, and offer location choices for you.

“#3 I hope you wake up every day with joy for what you have. I hope you find pleasure in the little things, smell the flowers you pass, and walk into the world with confidence and positivity. Just keep being you, my dear friend, and you’ll reach the stars!

#5 The world is a better place because you’re in it. It’s true because there’s nobody quite like you. Love you dearly and unconditionally.

#14 In this life, it is easy to find people who want to have fun. The challenge is finding people who are willing to live out your life with you. Finding someone who takes you as you are is rare. I wanted to thank you for taking on the good and the bad parts of knowing me. Thank you for being willing to go the extra mile and actually do life together.

#16 Life can be like a river, and storms can make it treacherous to navigate alone. I am grateful that you are in my boat, helping me to navigate the stormy waters. You have never walked away, even when it would have been easier. You have been the compass directing me to calmer waters, and I wanted to say thank you.”
https://futureofworking.com/just-because-card-messages-and-quotes/

Blue Vintage Tea Party Inspiration

I bought these placemats and I knew they were going to make a great inspiration for me. I didn’t know what I was going to do but I let my mind wander for a few days. I thought about it and came up with a blue and pink vintage tea party theme. My favorite color is blue and I added some blue and pink finishing touches to my vintage tea party. I never know what I am going to do until I start decorating and then pull items from my home. I have many items tucked inside cabinets and china huts that I hardly ever use unless on a special occasion. You don’t need a special occasion to set a pretty table or have a picnic. “Just Because” is the perfect reason to decorate and have friends over.

I’m actually in love with the blue and pink vintage tea party and I love seeing it set up. I hope you do too.

I’d love to create a perfect theme for you and your friends whether a dinner party or a brunch picnic on the beach, porch, park, lake, backyard. Even for a bridal or bachelorette party would be fun.

If you have an inspiration, let my mind go wild and create something unique for you.

I'd love to schedule your picnic so let's do it. Book Now!
Karen

Karen Gould www.yourmainstream.com 757-204-1416