Italian Riviera

A lemon tree sat in the middle of the bar in the reception space.

Designer Placido Dias of Dias Design built up the entries into the dining room and silent auction area to create a sidewalk café feel.

Topiary trees adorned with hanging tea lights and ceramic bowls filled with eggplants, onions, and lemons served as centrepieces.

A mural depicting the Amalfi Coast provided a backdrop for the stage.

The table settings were meant to elicit visuals reminiscent of an alfresco supper in Italy. "The garden's active exhibit, 'Wild Medicine,' was an inspiration, as well, in the form of blooming and fragrant herb plants and topiaries," Bedore explained. "Fresh snipped lavender graced the napkins at each place setting and the tablescapes featured a collection of aged ceramic vessels filled with shades of plum, lavender, and eggplant seasonal blooms, herbs, and elegant candlelight."

The lighting in the Conservatory tent was reminiscent of a sunset in Italy. Over the course of the evening, the lighting subtly changed from amber hues to a midnight blue, inviting guests to dance to the sounds of the Kevin Osbourne Band under what looked like a night sky. To make one last impression on guests, Steven Starr Events sent attendees home with madeleine cookies.

The main course was a pan-seared fillet of branzino with provencal-style tomato jam, creamy Parmesan polenta, and sweet fennel. A small salad prefaced the dish, and rotating deserts were offered afterwards.

A tent behind Villa Firenze was designed as an Italian piazza with flooring that mimicked colorful Italian tile. The pattern, created for the event, also was used in the program book.

Fruit and flower centerpieces from Jack H. Lucky Floral Designs topped the tables.

A dessert buffet offered treats from several regions of Italy including crostata di crema al limone and salame di cioccolato from Emilia-Romagna as well as tiramisù and biscotti from Tuscany.

Guests could serve themselves drinks from a limoncello station that featured several brands of the liqueur. The event also had a gelato cart, espresso bar, and wine-tasting area.