The Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, featuring a striking bell tower, was lit up with a projected harlequin pattern that covered the entire building for this year's Renaissance and Venetian-themed Community Fund Gala on March 1.
Mary Ellen Motyl and her committee members turned to Rosalind Ryan of Showorks Inc., who transformed the space into an event heavily influenced by the Middle Ages and European arts. Drawing inspiration from a very eclectic time in Italian and French history, event planners were able to dream up an array of festive and fanciful ideas.A live model painted to resemble a marble statue sat on a Venetian-style fountain and greeted partygoers as they arrived. Showorks suspended lush red velvet curtains tied with golden tassels from the ceiling to create a lavish entryway, upon which Bay Stage Lighting projected patterned green lighting. In addition, large bronze vases filled with red, purple, and orange roses, were scattered throughout the area.
On the first floor of the community clubhouse, a 15-foot gondola featuring an assortment of specialty seafood, including shrimp and oysters, sat in the middle of the dining area, along with more than 25 cheeses for guests to sample. The surrounding café-style tables were clad in black and white satin harlequin linens. A merry jester juggled his way into the hearts of guests, while a peasant maiden in a Renaissance period costume mingled with the crowd.
The second level of the grand ballroom featured tables of various shapes with high-profile centerpieces echoing the masts of old Venetian trade ships. Each centerpiece was also flanked by several black ostrich feathers and a different Venetian-style mask.
The stage also received the royal treatment, with three large pomander orbs suspended above the stage and the dance floor. Partygoers then danced the night away to the band Pocket Change. A festive juggler and Renaissance maiden provided additional entertainment.
Mary Ellen Motyl and her committee members turned to Rosalind Ryan of Showorks Inc., who transformed the space into an event heavily influenced by the Middle Ages and European arts. Drawing inspiration from a very eclectic time in Italian and French history, event planners were able to dream up an array of festive and fanciful ideas.A live model painted to resemble a marble statue sat on a Venetian-style fountain and greeted partygoers as they arrived. Showorks suspended lush red velvet curtains tied with golden tassels from the ceiling to create a lavish entryway, upon which Bay Stage Lighting projected patterned green lighting. In addition, large bronze vases filled with red, purple, and orange roses, were scattered throughout the area.
On the first floor of the community clubhouse, a 15-foot gondola featuring an assortment of specialty seafood, including shrimp and oysters, sat in the middle of the dining area, along with more than 25 cheeses for guests to sample. The surrounding café-style tables were clad in black and white satin harlequin linens. A merry jester juggled his way into the hearts of guests, while a peasant maiden in a Renaissance period costume mingled with the crowd.
The second level of the grand ballroom featured tables of various shapes with high-profile centerpieces echoing the masts of old Venetian trade ships. Each centerpiece was also flanked by several black ostrich feathers and a different Venetian-style mask.
The stage also received the royal treatment, with three large pomander orbs suspended above the stage and the dance floor. Partygoers then danced the night away to the band Pocket Change. A festive juggler and Renaissance maiden provided additional entertainment.
Large black ostrich feather centerpieces featuring Venetian-style masks decorated each table.
Photography by Chanele
A mannequin outfitted in a dress partially made of fabric and botanicals added a unique element to the decor.
Photography by Chanele
A live model painted to resemble a marble statue greeted partygoers as they arrived.
Photography by Chanele
Showorks Inc. transformed the space into an event heavily influenced by the Middle Ages and European arts.
Photography by Chanele
Large bronze vases were filled with red, purple, and orange roses.
Photography by Chanele
Large black ostrich feather centerpieces featuring Venetian-style masks decorated each table.
Photography by Chanele
Lush red velvet curtains gathered with golden tassels created the entryway.
Photography by Chanele
Guests were eager to sample one of the two suckling pigs being slow-roasted outdoors.
Photography by Chanele
Bay Stage Lighting projected a harlequin pattern onto the building.
Photography by Chanele
A 15-foot gondola featuring an assortment of specialty seafood, including shrimp and oysters, sat in the middle of the dining area.
Photography by Chanele
Patterned green lighting added to the entryway's ambience.
Photography by Chanele
