Hartmann Studios Mark Guelfi Matt Guelfi 70 West Ohio Avenue Richmond, CA 94804 510.232.5030 www.hartmannstudios.com
H H a rt m a n n S t u d i o s M ar k G u e l f i
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Matt Gu e lfi
Hartmann Studios’ reputation may just precede it with a history of dynamic events for the likes of the San Francisco Giants, The Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts, and even the Olympic Games’ torch relay. A full-service experiential design company and production studio with a comprehensive cadre of creative and logistically savvy talents, Hartmann Studios is equipped to exceed the expectations of groups as diverse as sports teams, luxury hotel properties, celebrities, and beyond.
Originally founded in 1982 by designer and entrepreneur Bob Hartmann, Hartmann Studios quickly became known for its stunning environments, achieving renown for strong design and impeccable execution. Now owned and operated by visionary brothers Mark, Matt, and Mike Guelfi, who consider event planning a veritable art of the highest form, Hartmann Studios has continued and expanded its luminary status. Washington natives, the three brothers started out in the floral industry, but soon found their clients wanting more and more of their signature Guelfi flair. They purchased Hartmann Studios in 1994 and expanded the company’s offerings to a turnkey level. Northern California-based, Hartmann Studios now has a satellite studio in Atlanta, Georgia, to help accommodate its national and international productions.
At the core of the company’s event planning philosophy is a commitment to think big and to shine brightly. The team’s accommodating, make-it-happen attitude expertly realizes a client’s vision and emphasizes quality control and consistency, above all else. For the Guelfis, the most rewarding aspect of the business is repeat customers who return year after year.
Together with event designer Robert Fountain, we opted for an elaborate, swanky backdrop in black, white, and fuchsia for the San Francisco Symphony’s annual gala.
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Photograph by Tara Arrowood Event Planning
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Photograph courtesy of Hartmann Studios
"We are in the business of making dreams and imaginations come to life." —Matt Guelfi
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Photograph by Tara Arrowood
Photograph courtesy of Hartmann Studios
Above and right: For extra wow factor at this glamorous wedding reception, hosted at a ranch in Sonoma, California, we produced a custom tent liner, featuring 3,800 yards of fabric. In partnership with Sugar Rush Events, we completed the bride’s vision for a colorful peacock-inspired theme, highlighted by hues of blue and cascades of white orchids. Facing page top: Influenced by the fantasy of Alice in Wonderland, our team designed and produced the industry event for a Fortune 500 company. The venue was practically a blank slate, an empty warehouse, transformed by specially made chandeliers, mirrors hanging upside down, and many other whimsical elements that would have made even Lewis Carroll proud. Facing page bottom: The custom hardwood floor installed throughout the clear, structured tent for the San Francisco Opera Ball created a warm, stylish aura, as did the more than 20 sparkling light fixtures. Robert Fountain provided the event design.
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Photograph courtesy of Hartmann Studios
Photograph courtesy of Hartmann Studios
Photograph courtesy of Hartmann Studios Art of Celebration
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Photograph courtesy of Hartmann Studios
"Central to successful event planning is relaying the message the host wants to convey, no matter how large or small." —Mark Guelfi Right: Faux column-like structures, natural elements, and plenty of zebra print were brought in to transport guests to an exotic African retreat at a private event. Dynamic lighting also served to set the mood of a beautiful safari sunset. Facing page top: The precise tabletop and service items are essential for the overall expression of an event. Event designer Gloria Wang and florist Nancy Liu Chen came to us to accomplish their exacting pastel and gold vision. Facing page bottom left: We envisioned this birthday celebration, hosted at a private residence in California, as the ultimate in elegance and sophistication. The glittering chandeliers and the wood chairs, upholstered in lime green, were all custom-made.
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Facing page bottom right: Striking and unpredictable table settings should be the focus of party conversation without obstructing or blocking communication between guests.
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Photograph courtesy of Hartmann Studios
Each and every element of an event should meet and exceed expectations, which requires creativity, tremendous foresight, and unmatched attention to detail. We’re lucky to have a team who is never content to settle for anything less than brilliant.
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The Fairmont San Francisco Emilie Rekart 950 Mason Street San Francisco, CA 94108 415.772.5000 www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco
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The Fairmont San Francisco E m i l ie R e k art
Tony Bennett first sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” in the opulent Venetian Room. It’s a mecca for film
and television shoots and was a favorite of the Master of Suspense himself, Alfred Hitchcock, who occupied the hotel with his crew during the production of “Vertigo.” Every United States President through Bill Clinton has stayed here. And that’s only skimming the guest book of the prominent names who have crossed the threshold.
The Fairmont San Francisco, perched atop Nob Hill, has undoubtedly seen its share of celebrity, in spades, since opening in 1907. But the hotel itself could be considered the real star. The flagship for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the property boasts 591 guestrooms and suites and 20 gracefully appointed banquet and meeting rooms. An $85-million renovation, completed in 2001, restored the hotel to its original Beaux-Arts splendor. So it’s no surprise that Emilie Rekart, director of catering, admits The Fairmont is the venue of choice for locals and visitors alike, given its authentic, historic grandeur and its status as the crown jewel of the city, not to mention its unparalleled attention to service.
The Fairmont’s diverse selection of special event spaces, nearly all with spectacular, panoramic vistas of the city skyline, effortlessly and elegantly accommodate any type of occasion—from a wedding reception in a regal ballroom to a party in the intimate Penthouse Suite. Classic by design, but contemporary in spirit, The Fairmont assures a memorable and star-studded experience each and every time.
The Fairmont San Francisco has historically been a leading venue for milestone occasions. In 1945, delegates from 40 countries around the world met in the Garden Room to draft the Charter for the United Nations. As a tribute to that landmark event, the hotel’s stately exterior flies the flag of each of those countries.
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Photograph courtesy of The Fairmont San Francisco Venue
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Photograph courtesy of The Fairmont San Francisco
Photograph courtesy of The Fairmont San Francisco
Photograph courtesy of The Fairmont San Francisco
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Photograph courtesy of The Fairmont San Francisco
"You know a hotel must be grand when they build a city around it. There’s something special about having an event in the same place where countless, world-famous stars and notables have walked the hallways." —Emilie Rekart Above: The balcony of the Penthouse Suite affords stunning views of the surrounding city and bay, while providing a nice al fresco option for event attendees. Facing page top left: Guests feel a sense of arrival upon walking through our main entrance and into the renovated, grand lobby that conveys a decidedly palatial aura. Facing page top right: The 6,000-square-foot Penthouse Suite is an impressive place for an overnight stay, but we more often see it used as a striking event space with capacity for up to 150 people. Facing page bottom left: The Gold Room makes a majestic statement, lavishly set with a candlelit dinner table extending the length of the room.
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Facing page bottom right: The Venetian Room is without question an ornate and elaborate space. It is the showplace of the hotel and always has been; glamorous cabaret performances are not unlikely here.
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Photograph courtesy of The Fairmont San Francisco
A venue should speak to the host and their guests; it should instill an emotional reaction. That sensation, whether its one of awe and wonder, delight or joy, is what creates the greatest impact and leaves the lasting impression.
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Hartmann Studios Mark Guelfi Matt Guelfi 70 West Ohio Avenue Richmond, CA 94804 510.232.5030 www.hartmannstudios.com
H H a rt m a n n S t u d i o s M ar k G u e lfi
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Mik e Gu e lf i
From celebrations and weddings to corporate retreats and fundraisers, full-service event design and production firm Hartmann Studios has done them all—and at the zenith of high style. Whether it’s a fairytale Valentine’s Day soiree, an oasis-inspired wedding reception, a Roaring Twenties gala, or the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Hartmann Studios has been in the business of making remarkable events come true, on any scale, since its foundation in 1982.
But of what are these extraordinary occasions made? For Hartmann Studios and its comprehensive event rentals division, it’s the millions of distinctive design details that work together seamlessly to create an experience so special, it’s unforgettable. The company’s one-stop approach provides the ultimate service to event hosts who work with a single point of contact, as opposed to multiple vendors. Account representatives are committed to originality and reliability, while behind-thescenes teams of designers and producers bring talent and vision, plus the latest in technological savvy through computer programs to assist with floor plans, staging, and layouts.
Hartmann Studios’ five-acre site in Richmond, California, includes 150,000 square feet of office and warehouse space where the company houses everything imaginable for an event. Possibilities are virtually endless with tenting, staging, tabletop items, bars and lounge furniture, scenic décor, greenery, linen and drapery, not to mention illumination options from Hartmann Studios-owned Impact Lighting & Production. There’s even wood and paint shops for custom pieces. Under the expert lead of Hartmann Studios, it’s all these elements combined that serve to build events and environments that engage and deliver impressive experiences between people, brands and messages.
Nothing can top a fireworks display to provide the finishing touch to a landmark event. The Major League Baseball organization selected us to produce an explosive mini-city at San Francisco’s Pier 30/32, which included an 84-foot centerpiece tower, set off by fabric panels and laser lighting, along with a central courtyard where performers such as Macy Gray took the stage.
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Photograph courtesy of Hartmann Studios Event Design
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Photograph courtesy of Hartmann Studios
Photograph courtesy of Hartmann Studios
Photograph courtesy of Hartmann Studios Art of Celebration
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Photograph by Tara Arrowood
Above: The theme of the San Francisco Symphony soiree, designed by Robert Fountain, could be called a glamorous, retro circus. We fulfilled Fountain’s vision with everything from the circular, hanging ceiling ornaments and the swirling Pucci linens to the big-top tenting and fanciful blue lighting. Facing page: Together with Sasha Souza Events, we orchestrated a beautiful blue, violet, and gold wedding reception at Napa Valley’s Castello di Amorosa.
Event Design
"The success of an event relies on the atmosphere and vibe of the surroundings. Determining the décor is a fun, exciting, and rewarding process every time." —Mark Guelfi
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Photograph courtesy of Hartmann Studios
Photograph courtesy of Hartmann Studios Art of Celebration
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Photograph courtesy of Hartmann Studios
"In event design, the possibilities are endless." —Mike Guelfi Right: The San Francisco Opera Ball was an homage to the vibrant spirit of Morocco. The custom-printed, richly hued fabric for the tent liner contributed to the exotic ambience. Facing page: At Yahoo’s holiday party, we took guests on a trip to Sin City with a Las Vegas-inspired setting. A 40-foot truss was specially designed with changing, colored lights and was suspended over a massive dance floor. The 25-foot Eiffel Tower paid homage to the Paris hotel and casino, while towering palm trees lining the bars and stage added more punch.
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Photograph by Tara Arrowood
An event’s décor and rentals are the special touches that essentially form the basis of a memorable and joyous occasion. It’s important to partner with a company that you can trust to deliver quality at the highest level and quantity at its peak with unparalleled inventory that satisfies every wish and whim.
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