In 18th-century Venice, donning an elaborate mask for a weekend ball was an ordinary part of life among the elite. For the more than 250 guests who stepped out at the St. Regis Resort, Fort Lauderdale on November 9, that tradition became part of their 21st-century lives. American Red Cross event planner Cariann Moore enlisted David Johnson from A Basket Affair for the overall concept. His team transformed the grand ballroom of the six-month-old property into a Venetian oasis with help from Frost Lighting and BBJ Linen.
The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction held on a promenade overlooking the water. Living gold statues graced the event's entryway as guests arrived. Once inside, period characters dressed as a gondolier and Venetian courtesans greeted them. Tom Weber from Smile Event Photography snapped photographs, which were later framed and given to guests as keepsakes.In the ballroom, Frost projected a Venetian skyline onto the walls, transporting guests back in time. For the tables, BBJ draped them in golden linens accented with deep reds, and Johnson arranged three bouquets of red roses in a triad accented with two elaborate masks as centerpieces for each.
The resort treated guests to a three-course meal, starting with an organic oak salad, followed by a duet of filet mignon and white-pepper-crusted halibut, and topped off with a chocolate brownie cake with walnut and chocolate mousse.
After dinner, a live auction was held to benefit the American Red Cross-among the items was Stewart the golden retriever, quickly a crowd favorite, who brought in $1,800.
The Steven Chase Orchestra provided entertainment for the evening, performing everything from classical duets to modern favorites like Bruce Springsteen and Jimmy Buffett.
The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction held on a promenade overlooking the water. Living gold statues graced the event's entryway as guests arrived. Once inside, period characters dressed as a gondolier and Venetian courtesans greeted them. Tom Weber from Smile Event Photography snapped photographs, which were later framed and given to guests as keepsakes.In the ballroom, Frost projected a Venetian skyline onto the walls, transporting guests back in time. For the tables, BBJ draped them in golden linens accented with deep reds, and Johnson arranged three bouquets of red roses in a triad accented with two elaborate masks as centerpieces for each.
The resort treated guests to a three-course meal, starting with an organic oak salad, followed by a duet of filet mignon and white-pepper-crusted halibut, and topped off with a chocolate brownie cake with walnut and chocolate mousse.
After dinner, a live auction was held to benefit the American Red Cross-among the items was Stewart the golden retriever, quickly a crowd favorite, who brought in $1,800.
The Steven Chase Orchestra provided entertainment for the evening, performing everything from classical duets to modern favorites like Bruce Springsteen and Jimmy Buffett.
A Basket Affair created a triad red rose centerpiece featuring a different Venetian mask for each table.
SMILE Event Photography
Executive pastry chef Jordi Panisello prepared more than 250 chocolate 'Venetian Mask' desserts.
BizBash
Entertainers dressed as a gondolier and a Venetian courtesan greeted guests as they entered the cocktail reception.
BizBash
A Basket Affair, Frost Lighting, and BBJ Linen transformed the ballroom into the Venice of yore.
SMILE Event Photography
Living statues greeted guests as they entered the cocktail reception.
SMILE Event Photography
