I’m taking you back to Venice, Italy for the Engage!17: Venice gala that I had the pleasure of attending. I was there speaking about my experience as a wedding planner in France, and celebrating with colleagues too. The finale gala was designed to look like an over-the-top Belmond Hotel Cipriani wedding with a Venetian theme.

The evening began at Hotel Belmond Cipriani with a fanciful cocktail hour and entertainment became a show.The setting for the finale party was right on the water at this iconic wedding venue.

Stilt walkers and dancers greeted guests by the bar, while other artists hung from the ceiling.

Guests even became part of the entertainment with a photo wall that was more like an optical illusion.

The space was abundant with Venetian stripes and colors and lit by oversized crystal chandeliers.

At Engage I have the pleasure of seeing old friends and meeting new colleagues from around the world. This makes our

destination wedding planning abroad much more seamless, with contacts in so many countries now.

Following cocktail hour, the guests were led down a long outdoor hallway flanked with flowers and a Venetian scene.

The surprise that was to come was worth the journey! Housed in a glass tent, the reception truly felt like it was in a permanent structure. That structure and all the decor was all for us.

Inside the tent we discovered a world of color and fantasy.

I’ve said before, creating a bit of theater magic in an event is key. This reception had plenty of theater! Upon entry, the

centerpieces rose to the ceiling to uncover a candlelit floral arrangement hidden under shades.

Then the ceiling was covered with feathers and lighting to set the mood. I love to design floor to ceiling so there’s always something for your eye to catch.

When guests sat down for dinner, the theater of the entertainment began.

The party kicked off with a variety of singers and performers. This event, like so many we produce, was not just about the band. A Belmond Hotel Cipriani wedding has to be surprising and this event was full of surprises. There were many acts throughout the night that continually changed up the vibe of the music.

Engage!17 was a wonderful event to experience and they really showed guests what Belmond Hotel Cipriani wedding could be like at its best. Thank you Engage for including me in the magic!

Event Team: Photography: Betsi Ewing Studio + John Cain Photography | Hosts: Engage Summits + Host Venue: Belmond Hotel Cipriani | Video: Elysium Productions | Concept, Design & Decor: VINCENZO DASCANIO | Entertainment & Artistic Direction: Nu Art Events | Planning: Venice First – bespoke events & luxury travel | Lighting & Sound: Tecnoluci | Sparkling wine: Ferrari Trento |Wine: Masi Agricola |Escort Cards, Table Numbers + Menu Design: Two Paper Dolls | Event Furniture & Linen: Oltre il Giardino Venezia | Greenhouse Design: Le Coperture