meet your team

Meet your team of wedding professionals

Dane Gorup, Director of Catering
A native of Orange County, Dane has spent over 15 years at the Hilton Anaheim creating memorable social and corporate events. Having started his career at the Hilton as a server and working his way through the ranks up to the Executive position of Director of Catering, Dane has exceptionally well-rounded knowledge of many of the departments within the hotel. His superior talents recently earned him the prestigious title of, "Director of the Year" for Hilton Hotels Corporation. Dane has carefully sought out a team of professionals that will deliver an experience, which you and your guests will cherish for years to come. Pride and passion is the commitment that Dane will dedicate to your special event. He can be reached directly at 714.740.4288dane.gorup@hilton.com

Sabrina Aris, Assistant Director of Catering
Sabrina Aris, a 16-year veteran of event planning, has a rich background ranging from corporate events and wedding design to managing star-studded parties and private galas. A professional with a passion for shaping details to fit your vision, Sabrina is a member of the International Special Events Society (ISES), the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), and the Association for Wedding Professionals International (AWPI), keeping her on the cutting edge of today's trends. She works hard to anticipate all facets of what it will take to make your meeting or event a successful "talk of the town". Having earned both Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) and Certified Wedding Vendor designations, she will ensure that planning your wedding or special event will be a fabulous memory. Discover what a combination of hands on experience, education and a creative spark will achieve for you! Sabrina can be reached directly at 714.740.4278 sabrina.aris@hilton.com

Barbara Vaniski, Senior Catering Manager
Barbara has worked for more than 25 years in the Hospitality Industry; 12 of those illustrious years have been with the Hilton Anaheim, handling convention, corporate & social events ranging from 5 to 10,000 guests. Her enthusiasm and outstanding levels of service caught the attention of the Executives at Hilton Corporation, who recently inducted her into the Hilton "Circle of Excellence" awarded only to the top 10% of Catering Managers corporate wide. Barbara will bring you her undivided attention & expertise, and will work with our experienced &professional Culinary & Banquet teams, to assure that your special event is a complete success for you and your guests. she can be reached directly at714.740.4289 barbara.vaniski@hilton.com

Kyung Soo Carroll, Executive Chef
Kyung Soo Carroll, born September 10th 1977 in Seoul South Korea, moved to the US in 1984 and was brought up in one of the most important and historic cities in the United States, Arlington Virginia. The young and extremely talented Chef Carroll joins the Hilton family in Southern California after eighteen years of chopping, slicing and sautéing with the best on the East Coast and Southeast Asia. Working alongside culinary greats including Brian McBride, Jeff Buben, Michel Richard and Todd Grey to name a few, Chef brings his fusion of flavors (Classical French cuisine and Nuevo American Fusion) to Hilton in a fresh farm-to-table style that will undoubtedly establish his career on the West Coast.

Chef Carroll found his passion early on in life while cooking in the test kitchen of his High School when his Commercial Prep Professor, John Bonham told him he had a gift. After realizing that he belonged in the kitchen, Chef went on to study the art of cuisine at Johnson and Wales: College of Culinary Arts in Charleston, SC and graduated Magna Cum Lad. Soon after graduation, Chef Carroll started his professional career in the hotel industry mastering his skills while winning the titles of Chef de Cuisine, Banquet Chef, Executive Sous Chef and Complex Chef in the Washington DC area. After realizing that he wanted to showcase his talents on the West Coast, Chef Carroll, his beautiful wife and 3-month-old daughter made the big leap and moved to Southern California to join the Hilton Anaheim family. Carroll wants to eventually become part of the Research & Development team for Hilton Corporation allowing him to craft dishes that would be served worldwide. Until then, you’ll find him putting his own spin on menu items for the lucky Californian’s visiting the world renowned City of Orange County.

"Joining the Hilton family is both an honor and a privilege," Said Chef Kyung Soo Carroll, Executive Chef, Hilton Anaheim. "Knowing that the Hilton brand is one of the most respected hotel brands in the world, it is with pride that I take on the role of Executive Chef and hope to use my passion for the culinary arts to bring new and exciting flavors to the guests of the Hilton Anaheim."