Once a year my life gets turned upside down. Topsy turvy with months of planning and expectation around one event…Art Alive. Sounds dramatic, but for the past 11 years I plan most other things in my life around this week of all encompassing events. It also sounds a little negative….but the secret is that even with all its pressure, it’s detail smothering nature, and the downright physical and mentally exhaustion it brings on, I love it. No other project allows me to flex my creativity and logistical prowess in the same way. The Premiere Dinner specifically is like an event planners greatest fantasy played out in one space. The Art gives me endless content and the main event calls for overwhelming scale…that is what dreams are made of in my book. This year’s event was themed on Alfred Eisenstaedt; the 20th century’s premier Photojournalist. A special retrospective exhibition of his black and white photography from the 30’s and 40’s was the inspiration for this year’s dinner. Set among this amazing photography, an art deco dream evening unfolded.
The rotunda design by Jennifer McGarigle was also themed on Eisenstaedt and greeted guest as they entered the cocktail space. The deep red roses encased in glass echoes visions of being frozen in time like a photograph. The rest of the cocktail space decor hinted at the gilded wonderland you would encounter upstairs at dinner.
Matter being escorted upstairs, guest entered the dining gallery through a tunnel of lights into a room with a custom full overhead installation ceiling of over 40 gold Art Deco chandeliers with areas of complementary floor chandeliers reaching upwards. Similarity the jewel toned floral centerpieces reached upwards on gold risers off the emerald velvet table linen. Colored crystal and gold place settings brought it all together.
We also got into the theme with our event dress and ended up all wearing shades of velvet that matched the decor for the evening and the featured era.
It’s always amazing to see something you have planned and dreamed of for a full year physically come together in front of you. It was a stunning night enjoyed by all and makes me even more hungry for next year’s event! I can’t wait to share the monster event Bloom Bash with you soon!
All Photos: Bauman Photographers
My Dress: Norma Kamali
Rhinestone Turban: Mary Jane Claverol
Production, Tables, Chairs: PEP Creative
Lighting Fixtures & Lounge Furniture: Revelry Event Designers
Tabletop: Not My Dish & BBJ Linen
Flowers: Green Fresh Florals + Plants
Catering & Cocktails: Coast Catering
~SG
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