10th Anniversary

As guests entered the front area of the reception, they encountered Urban Electra, an electric string quartet outfitted in on-theme, leather-accented costumes playing atop a multilevel circular stage.

A staffer dressed in a tiered metal skirt that held champagne cocktails roamed the room. Later on, during dessert, her skirt offered guests glasses of champagne-and-gold-leaf gelée with raspberry Bavarian cream and fresh raspberries.

Inside the main reception area, PSAV set up an 80-foot LED screen displaying steampunk-inspired imagery. While eating and mingling, guests also listened to live music from local dance band Static and watched performances from contortionists and Cirque-style performers.

Two staffers dressed in steampunk costumes carrying an oversize (but lightweight) gilded frame wandered the reception room, encouraging guests to pose for photos while framed inside. A stationary green-screen photo booth was also set up in the foyer, along with steampunk accessories such as goggles, hats, and parasols.

In lieu of floral centerpieces, tables displayed antique-looking vases filled with feathers, clocks in the shape of vintage bicycles, and miniature hot-air balloons.

The planning team worked closely with the hotel’s chefs to design a menu that would reflect the steampunk theme. Case in point: An ice sculpture in the shape of clock tower loomed over the shrimp cocktail display. In addition to buffet-style platters of artisanal cheese, antipasti, and fruit, the spread also included gear-shaped puff pastry shells filled with mushroom ragout, rabbit stew, and lobster thermidor.

Dessert options included top-hat-shaped petit fours topped with edible chocolate feathers.

The dessert bar setup included a working conveyor belt, and plasma screens displayed the food station menus.