Those who enjoy partying with a certain amount of anonymity will tell you that the premiere Sarasota Venetian Masked Ball had everything a 18th-century party demands: elaborate costumes, extravagant entertainment, and flowing drinks. More than 300 supporters of the Sarasota Children Protection Services paired fanciful masks with powdered wigs on March 22 to help raise money for the organization.
Cheryl Frampton of Tinkerbell Events & Promotions sought inspiration from the centuries-old festivities of Carnival to transform the Rustic Grill into a period masterpiece. Upon entering the ball, guests were confronted with a free-flowing lighting display projected onto the restaurant's permanent silk-draped ceiling, coordinated by Tight AV Productions, and nine mismatched crystal chandeliers. Models in exotic Venetian-style gowns serving welcome cocktails greeted partygoers. Frampton divided the bi-level restaurant into five different party spaces, including a dance-club area and a secluded lounge on an open-air balcony overlooking the main event space. Each space featured a signature act or performer. From the beats of the Royal Company to a strolling mandolin entertainer, a harpist, two string trios, and an accordion player-all wearing masks-entertainment abounded, but wasn't limited to musical acts: Fire-breathers, jugglers, and masked acrobats also performed throughout the evening.
In the private dining room, a buffet of 18th-century delicacies was set up, many served on skewers and accompanied by sauces created by the restaurant's chef, Clinton Comb.
Cheryl Frampton of Tinkerbell Events & Promotions sought inspiration from the centuries-old festivities of Carnival to transform the Rustic Grill into a period masterpiece. Upon entering the ball, guests were confronted with a free-flowing lighting display projected onto the restaurant's permanent silk-draped ceiling, coordinated by Tight AV Productions, and nine mismatched crystal chandeliers. Models in exotic Venetian-style gowns serving welcome cocktails greeted partygoers. Frampton divided the bi-level restaurant into five different party spaces, including a dance-club area and a secluded lounge on an open-air balcony overlooking the main event space. Each space featured a signature act or performer. From the beats of the Royal Company to a strolling mandolin entertainer, a harpist, two string trios, and an accordion player-all wearing masks-entertainment abounded, but wasn't limited to musical acts: Fire-breathers, jugglers, and masked acrobats also performed throughout the evening.
In the private dining room, a buffet of 18th-century delicacies was set up, many served on skewers and accompanied by sauces created by the restaurant's chef, Clinton Comb.
A beauty donning ruffled bloomers and a corset posed for cameras as if she was still getting dressed for the ball.
Photography by Chanele
A beauty donning ruffled bloomers and a corset posed for cameras as if she was still getting dressed for the ball.
Photography by Chanele
Upon entering the restaurant, guests were met with a free-flowing lighting display by Tight AV Productions, projected onto the restaurant's permanent silk-draped ceiling, and nine mismatched crystal chandeliers.
Photography by Chanele
More than 300 supporters of the Sarasota Children Protection Services paired fanciful masks with powdered wigs on March 22 to help raise money for the organization.
Photography by Chanele
Models in Venetian-style gowns serving cocktails greeted partygoers.
Photography by Chanele
A masked juggler strolled about entertaining guests with talents, tricks, and wit.
Photography by Chanele
