About Us

Experience and Expertise

Imagination, ingenuity, and experience to design and produce spectacular events: that is what defines Illusions of Grandeur II, Inc. For over 40 years, we have been the trusted event design and decor source for corporate and social events across the Monterey Peninsula and beyond.

Our in-house custom fabrication shop and full-service floral department set us apart as a true one-stop shop. From concept to installation, everything is handled by our team. No outsourcing, no handoffs, no surprises.

Based in Sand City, we are a preferred vendor for the major hotels and venues in our area. Whether your event is at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a tent overlooking the Pebble Beach Golf Course, or a private estate in Carmel Valley, our team manages every detail of the installation. While the majority of our work takes place on the Monterey Peninsula and throughout Monterey County, our clients have taken us as far north as Napa and as far south as Palm Springs. We regularly serve clients across Santa Cruz County, Silicon Valley, and the broader Bay Area.

We partner with hotels, caterers, photographers, destination management companies, and entertainment agencies to deliver events that are professionally designed, flawlessly executed, and built around your vision. Whether you are a meeting planner branding a corporate gala or a couple planning your wedding day, our goal is the same: bring your vision to life.

Meet the Team

Alison J. Baguio

CEO/Owner as of November 2025, General Manager 22 years

As the proud owner of IOG II, a wife of more than 20 years, and mother of two sons, Alison leads the company with a commitment to growth, strong customer relationships, and exceptional service.

Britta Arnold

Creative Director, 31 years

Britta is our longest tenured employee! As the creative backbone of the company, Britta flawlessly translates ideas into stunning visuals, ensuring every event becomes a masterpiece she can stamp with her high level of artistry standards.

Gerardo Cabrera

Master Builder, 17 years

A devoted husband and father of 3, Gerardo’s creative talents lead the team to push the bar for each and every event through building visual event experiences which both awe and amaze.

Linda Calannio

Senior Sales and Event Director, 26 years

Linda defines customer service to a tee! With over 35 years of event experience, this deeply caring mother and wife is the heart and soul of the team, leading the way with ease and grace.

Hugo Montes

Operations Supervisor, 15 years

Hugo’s business card would fill an entire page with his talents including upholsterer, lighting and sound guru, truck logistics specialist, and DJ, all achieved with his kind and incredibly calm persona.

Eliseo Cabrera

Assistant Builder, 7 years

Event details do not escape Eliseo; meticulousness, diligence, precision and attention to detail defines his daily process. Team player, friendly, and gracious describes this devoted and dedicated husband, father and grandfather.

Jose Cabrera

Event Specialist, 12 years

Our resident concertgoer, Jose continues to build his skill set, positioning him as a vital team member. He contributes out of the box creativity with a steady hand while sharing an infectious personality.

Alina O’Rourke

Administrative Manager, 1 year

The organizational foundation of IOG II, Alina, aka “glue”, keeps the team running smoothly. Multitasking is her middle name! From schedules to finances, Alina executes all behind the scenes effortlessly.

Team Support
In addition to our core leadership team, we are proud to work with a trusted network of part-time associates, student interns and skilled experts who support our creative projects including florals, lighting, graphic design, printing services, sewing, and more.