Name: Alizabeth Schotten
Title: Production Manager
How long have you been with PJC? Since January 2011
Describe your role with Pure Joy and how does your position make PJC a better company?
Do you want to hear how I roll? Like a gangster. But my “Role” here is all behind the scenes. I LOVE all the little details of each event. I make sure that the awesome ideas given to the event planners from our clients are able to come alive at their event. Am I Santa Claus? No, but I do make lists and check them 3 or 4 times. My job is to make sure that our staff is set up for success at each event, so they run smooth and flawless.
What’s your favorite part about working for Pure Joy?
I have a bunch! I would say my favorite is writing menus. I like to look at it as creating an experience for people. When we gather information from clients about what they are envisioning for their event, I really try to make them gasp when they read it! We don’t just send out cookie-cutter proposals for people, we really want them and their guests to feel like even the food is part of the experience bringing 2 families together for a wedding. Mixing Mexican and Korean cuisine? Challenge accepted.
What’s your one moment of glory since you’ve been working for PJC?
Every wedding vendor is going to deal with Bridezillas sometimes. Even Momzillas! I think after working an event for a particularly difficult client, and then having them tell you that their expectations were exceeded in every way makes for a glorious ride home.
What’s your favorite food that Pure Joy Catering has served?
Easy. My favorite appetizer is the Brie Cheese Quesadillas with Caramelized Onion and Cherries. The Grilled Parmesan Rosemary Polenta Triangles is the best side dish ever, and for the main event, I have to go with the Grilled Tri-Tip with Madeira Green Peppercorn Sauce. That sauce is outrageous!
What kind of trends are you seeing for this upcoming Wedding Season?
I’m constantly on Pinterest seeing what’s new and exciting for this season. It seems like people are finally backing away from the mason jars and burlap! Here in Santa Barbara, the rustic theme will always be present, but I’m loving what it’s turning into with the elegant and even glam touches throughout the distressed wood and chalkboards. Family Style service is still as popular as last year, with the long family tables, but chef-manned action stations are starting to pop up for a fun more laid-back wedding.
What do you do for fun?
I have 2 crazy amazing little girls that take up most of my time. We love adventures, playing softball, and going to the beach any chance we get! My husband, (who has actually worked for Pure Joy longer than me as a Bartender & Supervisor), and I are both hardcore Dodger fans, and we love going to the games and getting rowdy :)
What else do you want our readers to know about you?
There is no such thing as too much cheese, too much peanut butter, or too much Michael Jackson. I’m a horrible cook. I’m a huge Criminal Minds and Walking Dead fanatic.
A Note From the Executive Chef;
Liz is such a lovable genius. She's the wizard behind the curtain who takes care of the myriad of details entailed in executing Pure Joy large complex off-premise special events. Unlike most catering companies we go through every detail with a fine-tooth comb many times - right from proposals to the final plans and that’s Liz. After years of event planning and sales, she was so good at making sure everything is perfect that we put her in charge of Pure Perfection and that really is her magical power.
