Grande Affaires: Weddings, Galas and Celebrations Galore
An armory of secrets to create over-the-top experiences for any occasion
Grande Affaires creative director Robert Torres (pictured) spent hours (upon hours) hand-selecting the white acrylic he’d use to create the entrance to this year’s Make-a-Wish Foundation gala held at the Hotel InterContinental. The theme was Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball but that’s the only information his client provided – it was Torres’ interpretation that would fill the space and divide it into sections for cocktail hour, dinner and later, the after party.
So he directed his carpentry team to use the dramatic glass squares to create from scratch a room to greet guests, ordered custom vinyl flooring and searched the world – that’s a literal term, not a figurative one — for huge shipments of white mica and faux leather. There would be no bartenders in tuxes – no way — as Torres instead employed entertainers costumed in dramatic head-dresses and armor to pour drinks as a functional and theatrical part of the scene.
“You have to raise the bar with these people,” says Torres. “They’re so used to going to over-the-top events.”
The Big Bang 2012
Miami Science Museum’s BIG BANG has quickly become one of Miami’s most anticipated and sought-after events for young professionals. Hosted by the museum’s next generation of leaders, the Young Patrons, this black-tie-optional soiree will kickoff a weeklong celebration for the new Museum’s groundbreaking on February 24th. The night begins with a dedicated BIG BANG cocktail hour begining promptly at 9 pm. At 10 pm the Galaxy Gala site will convert, with the aid of special effects, lighting and a theatrical “big bang”, into the party of the year.
“This is a big year for us at the Miami Science Museum. We will be breaking ground for our new state-of-the-art building in Downtown Miami, scheduled to open in 2015,” said Gillian Thomas, President and CEO of the Miami Science Museum. “Young professionals are an important group for us as they are our future leaders and family patrons. Our MiaSci Young Patrons have done a wonderful job of planning a signature event that helps complement our traditional Gala, with added nightlife-inspired excitement to be enjoyed by all.”
WSVN7’s Alexis Rivera and Big Bang Chair Izzy Havenick
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SOCIAL Manny: Episode 73
This week SOCIAL Manny, by Manny Hernandez, features NATPE at the Fontainebleau, the Splendor in the Garden luncheon and fashion show at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens, the St. Regis hotel opening at Bal Harbour, and the Blo party at Ricochet. Bold faced names include Laura Jennings, Robert and Brenda Nestor Castellanos, Marlen Pernetti, Nancy Bachelor, Lisa Petrillo, Nicole Lozano, Linda Levy Goldberg, Dan and Tina Carlo, St. Regis GM Marco Selva, Bal Habour Mayor Jane Rosenfield and many more…
Pictured: Marlen Pernetti at the Splendor in the Garden luncheon and fashion show at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens
