s o u t h e r n s t y l e

inspiration and ideas from top event professionals

introduction

Celebrations are woven into our lives from the moment we are born; we pave our long and winding road with revelry. Cultures are identified by their milestones, rites of passage, and faiths. From the visions of a select few, through the work of many, and motivated by all, our celebrations are universal.

In Art of Celebration Southern Style, we chart Southern cities' modern-day visionaries who mastermind remarkable events, creating everlasting memories. The best-kept secrets of the Carolinas, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Tennessee are unveiled in the pages to come.

The magic of a phenomenal celebration is achieved with great collaboration. This book will take you on a voyage, sharing the insights and creations of the gifted. We begin this journey with event planners and designers—the directors, producers, and creative geniuses—who formulate, synthesize, and execute the visions from behind the scenes Before the Music Begins. And because once you've set the date, the next step is Location, Location, Location, we turn our focus to the South's most incredible venues, which become inspirational backdrops.

The event, floral, and lighting designers are true connoisseurs of Creating an Ambience; these artists are responsible for the endless ideas and boundless efforts, and are often the heart and soul of an unforgettable gala. Then Eat, Drink & Be Merry in the culinary world of caterers, whose works of art and ingenious creations delight the palate and astound the mind. From there, It's All In the Details, as print shop proprietors, calligraphers, and graphic designers share insight into how breathtaking invitations and other printed materials set the stage for what is in store for the guest and offer a glimpse of what's to come. Through the amazing talents of musicians, entertainers, photographers, and video technicians, Capturing the Moment will forever keep alive the experiences of life's ritual—the art of celebration.

Art of Celebration Southern Style will inspire, inform, and just might take your breath away!

Before the Music Begins

BBC Destination Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Ivy Robinson Weddings & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

JMC Charleston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Table 6 Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Jayne Bubis Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Robin Legendre Wedding & Event Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Rogers and Gala Creative Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Tara Guérard Soirée . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

USA Hosts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Elegant Weddings & Events by AP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Innovative Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Jennifer Carroll Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

The John Gillam Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Signature Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Stellar Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Location, Location, Location

The Peabody Orlando . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Generations Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Schermerhorn Symphony Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Epping Forest Yacht Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Historic Rice Mill Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Hotel Monteleone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

The Powel Crosley Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

creating an aMBience

Duane Murrell VM Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Fancy Faces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Lee James Floral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Urban Earth Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

50 Fifty Creative Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Design Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Visual Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

eat, drink & Be Merry

Kathy G . & Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

Puff 'n Stuff Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

Dessert Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

Good Food Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

Icebox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

capturing the MoMent

Limelight Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

Rebecca Bouck Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

The Entertainment Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

Holloway Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Inspire Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

John J . Unrue Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

Photograhy by Walters & Walters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238

Voilá Cinematic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242

contents

Art of Celebration | 6

Quirky. Creative. Stylish. Hip. Many of the adjectives people use to describe Ivy Robinson as a person also apply to her

event design philosophy, which in the past has produced such ideas as suspending a chandelier-inspired cake from the ceiling and burning initials into tree stump

placecards. An original approach to events is precisely why people are drawn to Ivy and her energetic team; they know that their fête will be not only beautifully

designed and professionally executed, but reflective of their unique personalities as well.

The desire to deeply understand her hosts consistently pays off with events that leave guests with a million different vivid memories swirling around their minds.

During her consultation process, Ivy wants to know not only what a host wants but also how they decorate their home, where they like to travel, and what they love to

wear. She is also not afraid to blend diverse styles: modern coexisting with vintage, traditional mingling with elements that are more funky and offbeat.

Drawing on a childhood filled with global travel and memorable experiences, Ivy still makes it her mission to seek out the distinctive and imaginative. Whether her

plans entail building a wedding cake around a working lava lamp or designating food stations to represent each country a well-traveled couple has visited, the results

are always spectacular.

ivy roBinson Weddings & events

I love coming up with fresh, original ways to deck out a wedding reception . Décor done according to a theme of clarity incorporates transparent elements—crystals, mirrors, glass—punctuated by splashes of pink . Stationer Ceci New York provided laser-cut menu card placemats for the clear plates to rest atop; crystals and pink orchids arranged by my team float above the table .

IVY ROBINSONCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Event Planning & Design | 7Photograph by Cunningham Photo Artists

Art of Celebration | 8Photograph by Cunningham Photo Artists

Event Planning & Design | 9

Above: A new take on the traditional guestbook, a clear pane emblazoned with the word "love" in pink invites guests to leave signatures and messages . The placement of candles before and behind the pane creates a floating illusion .

Facing page: A custom chandelier replaces the usual seating chart; crystal and Ceci New York-printed bows with names ensure a cohesive look consistent with the theme of transparency .

Photograph by Cunningham Photo Artists

"My favorite part of each event is those few hours of beautiful, organized chaos as we run around before guests arrive, making it perfect ."

—Ivy Robinson

Art of Celebration | 10

Above and left: The modern and contemporary place setting involves a Plexiglas nameplate set before each guest's seat . The pink laser-cut edges of the menu card placemat feature a peony motif .

Facing page: For the champagne toast, there are passed aluminum cans of champagne complete with straw and berries . The Wow Factor Cakes dreamed up a pink sugared crystal confection topped with peonies, tying into the placemats .

Photograph by Cunningham Photo Artists

Photograph by Cunningham Photo Artists

Event Planning & Design | 11Photograph by Cunningham Photo Artists Photograph by Cunningham Photo Artists

"Those hours of building each element of the event, being creative in the moment, are what I really look forward to . It never ceases to excite me ."

—Ivy Robinson

Art of Celebration | 12Photograph by Cunningham Photo Artists

Event Planning & Design | 13

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Right: Fabric peonies decorate the chair backs, while the orchids floating atop the table stretch to the ceiling at the reception tables .

Facing page: Clear acrylic Chiavari chairs lined up for the ceremony establish the pink peony motif . Flowers sprout on either side of the mirrored aisle .

My job is to make sure everything is incredible; your job is to have fun . Don't let stress and the urge to micromanage ruin what is supposed to be the most enjoyable day of your life .

Photograph by Cunningham Photo Artists

"You can draw as many diagrams and make as many plans as you want, but you never know until the day exactly how things are going to work together ."

—Ivy Robinson

Art of Celebration | 14

Good Food Catering will deliver a scrumptious meal whether your event is offsite or held at its exclusive venue, the

Historic Rice Mill Building. The only antebellum rice mill still standing in Charleston, the building has served many purposes since its origination in 1861. Now, even

though the interior has been extensively remodeled and updated, the building's façade still projects a stately Southern elegance that transports guests back to the

19th century.

The ground-floor event space is perfectly appointed for a variety of events. Classic design features such as exposed brick, wide-plank wood floors, and pressed tin

ceilings complement the large double windows that offer unparalleled views of Ashley River. A beautiful mahogany and marble bar works in conjunction with the

adjoining covered patio, providing a dreamy atmosphere for dancing and live music. Besides enjoying the sight of gorgeous sunsets, guests can also take in the

sailboats bobbing gently in the rippling water while seagulls, egrets, and pelicans soar overhead. A stroll by the impressive yachts docked nearby is a great way to

take a break from the wining, dining, and dancing inside.

As a caterer, having your own venue is a tremendous asset, especially when it's one as special as the Rice Mill . The options for indoor and outdoor entertaining make the space work year-round, and being situated right on the water is something that just can't be replicated .

DAREN WOLFECHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

historic rice MiLL BuiLding

Venue | 15Photograph by Marni Rothchild

Art of Celebration | 16Photograph by Stephen Blackmon Photograph by Marni Rothchild

Photograph by Leigh Webber

Venue | 17

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Being in a historic building adds a special sense of excitement to an event . You become an indelible part of the building's legacy, joining others who have experienced joy within those same walls and leading the way for other celebrations in the future .

Our goal as a caterer is not to sell someone an event we have already designed but to create a flawless affair that can accommodate your individual style, taste, and budget .

Photograph by MCG Photography

"'Good' is not good enough . We want to hear 'sensational,' 'memorable,' that we surpassed your expectations and that your guests will not stop talking about your experience with us ."

—Daren Wolfe

Art of Celebration | 18

It's nearly impossible to think of New Orleans without also picturing the dazzling, feathered masks of Mardi Gras. Steve

Hamel's mother-in-law began a family business selling iconic costume pieces in the French Quarter in the 1990s, but it wasn't until someone suggested to Steve that

he explore the special events industry that Fancy Faces began building it reputation as the trendsetter of centerpieces.

Using Spandex, feathers, lights, flowers, and—of course—Mardi Gras masks, Steve and his team construct imaginative, contemporary centerpieces and event

décor for thousands of parties each year in North America, Europe, and even Australia. A warehouse studio full of props and glassware, along with a dedicated

sewing department, supports the Fancy Faces creative process. Each display arrives in components and is assembled onsite, whether it's a jaw-dropping, modernist

installation designed to fill a large space or a collection of elegant table settings destined to leave lasting impressions with their clean, graceful lines.

Not content to rest on his reputation, Steve continually seeks out new and exciting ways to bring his distinctive style to events around the globe. Sometimes a

fabulous new design can be obtained by adapting a Fancy Faces classic to suit a particular host's vision, and other times inspiration arrives by paying close attention

to the current and upcoming industry trends. Either way, it's hard not to think of centerpieces and décor without thinking of Fancy Faces.

It's an energizing challenge when you design for people who work in the special events industry . USA Hosts asked me to come up with something eye-catching, and the color scheme of raspberry, plum, magenta, and white is what ultimately inspired me . I tend to experiment and play around a lot with the elements before settling on the final look—it's a very organic process .

STEVE HAMEL

fancy facesCOVINGTON, LOUISIANA

Décor & Event Design | 19Photograph by Jeff Strout Photography

Art of Celebration | 20

"You can never go wrong with a design that's creative, clean, and contemporary ."

—Steve Hamel

Photograph by Steve Hamel Photograph by Steve Hamel

Décor & Event Design | 21

I had the host's penciled sketch and only a week to design what ultimately became one of my favorite events . Natural elements were my starting point, and the lemons, flowers, willow branches, paper lanterns, and candy evolved spontaneously from there . Once everything was put together on the two 40-foot tables, I just knew it had turned out exactly right .

Photograph by Steve Hamel Photograph by Steve Hamel

Art of Celebration | 22Photograph by Steve Hamel Photograph by Steve Hamel

Photograph by Steve Hamel

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We were one of the first companies to use light boxes, and the combination of lit, Spandex-covered clarinet vases and feather bouquets is still one of our most imitated designs . Oversized martini glasses and elaborate Mardi Gras masks are also much-loved staples here in New Orleans .

It's always simpler and more cost-efficient to rent or buy an already-built centerpiece and embellish it to match your event . There are a variety of things you can do with the same basic concept, such as changing the colors or adding objects that hold special significance .

Photograph by Steve Hamel

"When you're working without restrictions, a whole new world of creativity can open up ."

—Steve Hamel

Décor & Event Design | 23

Art of Celebration | 24

Evolving from a mom-and-pop pastry shop in Trinidad to the largest catering and event planning company in Central

Florida, Warren Dietel's parents' original bakery and catering establishment is an example of entrepreneurial success and realizing the American dream. Since the

early 1980s, Puff 'n Stuff Catering has been a local name associated with the finest baked goods in Orlando; today Warren and his talented team have expanded

their repertoire to full-service catering and special event planning services. Boasting a team of 30 culinary and event professionals, plus 200 part-time staff members,

Puff 'n Stuff Catering is a wondrous force in the business of preparing creative cuisine for some of Orlando's most prominent corporate and social occasions. Catered

affairs run the gamut from intimate gourmet dinner parties in private homes to gourmet brown-bag business lunches and fine dining experiences for thousands of

guests for conventions and charity fundraisers.

Capable of catering any style of event in the area's most popular and exclusive venues, the Puff 'n Stuff Catering team is all about innovation. The hallmark of the

dynamic firm is its creative food and drink menus, featuring unique recipes with gorgeous presentation whipped up under the artful direction of executive chef

Paul Lorrain. Known for preparing gastronomic wonders at individual stations, the deliciously entertaining chef wows guests with fresh fare and mouthwatering

presentations. Complete event design and menu planning is also within the scope of the award-winning culinary team. Weddings, corporate celebrations, and social

affairs are designed and orchestrated with finesse, drawing from Warren's professional experience during his tenure with Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, the Disney

Institute, and from his leadership roles in industry organizations.

A wedding reception inspired by the couple's romantic first date at a New York Italian restaurant featured pasta dishes with a Tuscan flair . Served family style, invitees enjoyed flavorful Tuscan classics as each course was presented . A bottle of sommelier-selected wine went home with each guest . Floral décor reflected the rich palette of autumn colors . Event by Preston Bailey Entertainment Design .

WARREN DIETEL

puff 'n stuff cateringORLANDO, FLORIDA

Catering | 25Photograph by Brian Adams

Art of Celebration | 26

Left: The celebration's soft pink color scheme honored the worldwide cause of the Susan G . Komen for the Cure organization at an ISES fundraising event . Chef Paul designed a plated dinner for hundreds, presenting an entrée of sea bass atop root vegetables with fennel broth reduction served in elegant angled bowls . Dessert was pretty in pink to coordinate with the event's decidedly feminine, rosy glow .

Facing page: Presentation is everything . Our scallop tower plated hors d'oeuvre looks colorful and delectable . A glazed and grilled salmon plated dinner is a feast for the eyes . Pan-seared scallops on a sweet potato mash, finished with caramelized onions, pistachios, and a merlot reduction are cleverly served in Oriental spoons . Hors d'oeuvre mini-plates are meticulously prepared and artfully presented to impress sophisticated palates .

"Catering is an art form ." —Warren Dietel

Photograph by Limelight Photography

Catering | 27

Photograph by Curt Littlecott

Photograph by Curt Littlecott

Photograph by Chris Gillyard

Photograph by Damon Tucci

Art of Celebration | 28

Photograph by Vitalic Photo

Photograph by Vitalic PhotoPhotograph by K&K Photography

Catering | 29

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Right: Bon appétit . Our herb-rubbed and grilled lamb chops are served atop roasted root vegetables, then finished with crimson reduction . Beautiful presentation tempts the eye, while innovative flavor sensations please the palate .

Facing page top: Chef Paul presents his famous Brazilian churrasco, the rustic station allowing guests to participate while our chef prepares cuisine: marinated and skewered New York strip steak, applewood bacon-wrapped chicken breast, lechon asado, and pepper berry-rubbed rack of lamb, all accompanied by savory mojo dipping sauce presented on plantain mash . A fiery blow torch grills meat to personal taste with flair . To complement the rustic theme, we suggest biodegradable paper dinnerware as an eco-friendly solution .

Facing page bottom: Our chef-attended dining stations delight partygoers . The shabu-shabu station serves up Mongolian-style hot pot fare . Guests fill Oriental bowls, choosing from napa cabbage, bok choy, shiitake and enoki mushrooms, carrots, onions, bean sprouts, snow peas, scallions, and tofu . The raw food is placed in a basket and submerged in simmering soy sirachi miso broth, finished with noodles and an array of hot and spicy, and sweet and sour dipping sauces to heighten each savory bit . Watching the chef prepare pepper berry-rubbed lamb chops is an engaging tableside experience .

"Combining the freshest ingredients with creative presentation is the secret to a successful event ."

—Warren Dietel

Stay open to new ideas and let the professionals do what they do best . Be diligent in looking for event partners; have tastings with local caterers and choose one with consistently high ratings . Quality food and excellent service pulls an event together, making it unforgettable .

Photograph by Chris Gillyard

Art of Celebration | 30

Brooke Shields has called her photographs "sweet and real." She is Charlie Sheen's family photographer. And Chris

Kattan told InTouch magazine that she did an "amazing job" photographing his wedding. Since 2001, Rebecca Bouck's been lucky enough to do professionally what

has been her passion since she was six years old.

Rebecca spent her early career as an event planner, gathering knowledge and skills from that profession and combining them with a master's degree in business from

The George Washington University to form her own photography business. Now her roster includes an impressive list of celebrities and everyday folk who treasure

her candid, elegant images. Though she's based in North Carolina, Rebecca has traveled the world photographing weddings, family portraits, and social events in

Morocco, Serbia, Greece, the Caribbean, and all over the United States. When Matt and Suzy Hoover, contestants who met and fell in love during the second season

of "The Biggest Loser," got hitched in Jamaica, Rebecca was there to capture every joyous moment.

Not only does Rebecca photograph people who make their living in front of a camera crew, she herself makes the occasional onscreen appearance. She has

appeared as one of the photography experts on the Lifetime television show "Get Married," lending her valuable experience from both sides of the lens.

At the wedding of professional golfer Paul Casey to Jocelyn Hefner, elaborate orchid centerpieces were a joy to shoot . Re-carpeting the entire Four Seasons ballroom in white just for the reception created a magnificent backdrop for the play of shadow and light .

REBECCA BOUCKGREENSBORO, NORTH CALROLINA

reBecca Bouck photography

Photography | 31Photograph by Rebecca Bouck Photography

Art of Celebration | 32

Photograph by Rebecca Bouck Photography

Photograph by Rebecca Bouck Photography Photograph by Rebecca Bouck Photography

Photography | 33

Chris Kattan's wedding to Sunshine Tutt was an unbelievable opportunity to photograph some of the best comics in the business . Many of Chris' co-stars from "Saturday Night Live," including Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Parnell, Seth Meyers, and Rachel Dratch, were on hand to celebrate the day with love and laughter .

"Having someone who is friendly and trustworthy behind the lens guarantees a positive experience ."

—Rebecca Bouck

Photograph by Rebecca Bouck Photography Photograph by Rebecca Bouck Photography

Art of Celebration | 34Photograph by Rebecca Bouck Photography Photograph by Rebecca Bouck Photography

Photograph by Rebecca Bouck Photography

Photography | 35

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Right and facing page bottom left: Traditional elements merge with modern—orchids in clean-lined vases—at a Rhode Island wedding, while Paul and Jocelyn's big day featured no shortage of gorgeous flowers throughout . It's the tiny details that are the most fun to capture .

Facing page top and bottom right: During one couple's very distinctive first meeting, they enjoyed a private, romantic lunch on the beach with a meal packed into ornate lunchboxes that fit the wedding theme . After the ceremony, they stood on the 8,000-square-foot dock—built to order in their backyard to host the reception—and gazed out at the sunset .

Knowing when the sun sets is extremely important for photography . When you're scheduling an event, keep in mind that any images you want to take outdoors will reflect the time of day . High noon is most likely going to result in squinting eyes, while the last hour before nightfall produces absolutely beautiful light for portraits—it's my favorite time of the day to get behind the camera .

Photograph by Rebecca Bouck Photography

"It's not just about taking photographs; it's about capturing moments that people will treasure for a lifetime ."

—Rebecca Bouck

“Art of Celebration Southern Style is an exhibition of the South’s grandest events .” Ivy Robinson

Vibrant photographs of breathtaking events, along with fascinating descriptions, anecdotes, and tips from industry experts, fill

Art of Celebration Southern Style’s exquisite pages .

“An event is an experience . When the experience directly reflects the essence of the host, it is a successful and purposeful affair . The events

in this book are reflective of this type of integrity .” Angela Gala

Creating Spectacular Publications for Discerning Readerswww.panache.com

Art of Celebration Southern Style US $45ISBN 13: 978-1-933415-98-7 ISBN 10: 1-933415-98-3