Mandarin Oriental, Miami Memorable Mixer

And what a memorable evening it was! More than 300 of Miami and South Florida’s most recognized and respected wedding and event industry professionals gathered on our private beach to support Wish Upon a Wedding. This unforgettable evening included the best of everything: networking with industry leaders in the sands of Mandarin Oriental’s private beach while enjoying Asian-influenced cuisine designed by hotel Executive Chef, Didier Pouzier, all the while imbibing on delicious signature cocktails such as Lychee Martini cocktails served through the evening.

Guests also had the opportunity to partake in an exclusive mini trunk show, featuring high-end skincare products from Brazilian Plastic Surgeon Ivo Pitanguy and a sampling of select pieces from high-end jewelry designer Mariapia Buccelati. Spa Director Osa Mallo offered guests a special look into The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, which is Florida’s only five-star sanctuary of relaxation.

A special thanks to our partners who helped make the evening a complete success: Always Flowers and Events, Nuage Designs, and SFL Productions for enhancing the warm inviting ambiance of the Beach. Alain Martinez Photography and his team for brilliantly capturing the evening’s celebration. We thank Junior’s Entertainment Group for providing the South Florida rhythms of acoustical guitar, which later gave way to DJ Tony Morin with VIP Music and Sound Productions.

But here’s the best part: by being a part of this fun and meaningful event, everyone who attended made a difference in the lives of others and contributed to the success and growth of Wish Upon a Wedding. Wish Upon a Wedding is dedicated to granting weddings for those battling life threatening illnesses and catastrophic situations, regardless of sexual orientation. The foundation was created to celebrate the courage, determination and spirit of these couples by granting their dream wedding wishes. Our hope is that chosen recipients can inspire others couples facing similar situations to find hope and strength.

To find out more about Wish Upon a Wedding programs and products, please visit Wish Upon A Wedding

Making Wishes Come True

Let’s say you are presented with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others … all the while networking with Miami’s industry leaders, enjoying incredible cuisine, and relaxing on the sands of Mandarin Oriental’s private beach … how could you possibly refuse?


Please join us on Wednesday, June 1st from 7:00pm – 10:00pm for a evening benefitting our wedding industry’s only wish granting organization … Wish Upon a Wedding.

Wish Upon a Wedding is the world's first nonprofit wedding wish granting organization, providing weddings to terminally ill individuals regardless of sexual orientation.

Wish Upon a Wedding is dedicated to granting weddings to couples who are facing terminal illness, regardless of sexual orientation.


Vision
By giving the gift of a dream wedding, we are able to grant some of the most intimate and heartfelt wishes of these people’s lives, and help them share this important day with close family members.

Purpose
Our foundation was created to celebrate the courage, determination and spirit of these couples by granting their dream wedding wishes. Our hope is that chosen recipients can inspire others couples facing similar situations to find hope and strength.

Wish Granters Make it Possible
Wish Upon a Wedding relies on the generosity of professionals from the Wedding and Hospitality industries to provide goods and services for our Wish Recipients. By calling on our database of regional Wish Granters, we are able to make wedding dreams come true. From caterers to photographers, and from DJs to cake designers, {and everything in between}, we need you!
To find out more about Wish Upon a Wedding programs and products, please visit the website

We hope you will join us for a Memorable evening … that will help create memories in the lives of others!

A royal wedding of our own ...

Although we may not have a “royal family” so to speak… we certainly have the luxury of hosting weddings of such grace and magnitude that it makes us believe in a fairytale love story from beginning to end.

I am absolutely delighted to share with you the wedding of one of Miami’s most revered and esteemed families, Loryn Schwade to Nader Panahpour, as clearly the love story of this splendid couple is inscribed in every photograph and detail of their celebration. Their storybook wedding epitomizes elegance, style and refinement. Orchestrating a wedding of this magnitude were Miami’s most revered vendors, who flawlessly executed an event that met with unparalleled success.

View video here

As seen in the attached video, the incredibly talented photographer Donna Newman captures in images the deep emotional connection that existed between not only the bride and groom and their families, but each and all of the guests in attendance as well. A special thank you to planner Melissa Davis of Melissa Davis Designs who brilliantly orchestrated all aspects of the event. The impeccable designs, inspired by the mother of the bride, the exquisite Karyn Schwade, were realized through the artistic vision of Karen Cohen, owner of Always Flowers and Events. The amazing music that kept all guests entranced and dancing into the morning hours was performed by the queen of musical entertainment, the incomparable Marcia Mitchell.

We are honored, enchanted and charmed by the magnificence of such noble love! Thank you Loryn and Nader, Karyn and Jim, for choosing Mandarin Oriental, Miami for this once in a lifetime celebration!

A Royal Affair at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

A royal wedding deserves a royal location from which to celebrate, and Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park was chosen last night by the Queen for a pre-wedding dinner for members of the Royal family, and for Royalty from across Europe and the Middle East.


The red carpet was rolled out on the “Royal Entrance”, exclusive to Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, which is reserved exclusively for royal use while entering the hotel. Queen and Princess Anne embraced the oriental theme of the night and our Asian heritage with gorgeous patterned dresses. Our London landmark and ‘royal’ hotel, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has long been the setting for royal visits, society balls and official engagements. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the late Princess Margaret first learned to dance in the gilded ballroom, Prince Charles and Princess Anne visited the tearooms as children and more recently, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were guests at Baroness Margaret Thatcher’s 80th Birthday party. Since 1889, the historic hotel has become a great British institution and a home away from home for visiting aristocracy.

Although the wedding celebrations and festivities are all but complete – you may still experience the “Royal Treatment” by visiting Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park!

Ven conmigo!

The travel bug has taken hold of me again … but this time, you are coming with me! Destination? Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya.

We have frequently shared images and ideas associated with hosting your wedding here at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, however we realize that we may not be the destination all couples have in mind for their exchange of vows. It is therefore, with great pleasure, that I introduce you to our sister property which has a vibrant life and spirit of her own, Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya. Here is one of the most naturally glamorous settings in the world for your wedding.  

Close your eyes and just imagine the light of the brilliant Mexican sun glinting off a cerulean blue sea. As day turns to night, picture the bright southern constellations glittering in the evening sky. It is here, amid beautifully landscaped gardens and the consummate luxury of our Mandarin Oriental resort that we invite you to participate in one of life’s most memorable and timeless celebrations, your marriage. The resort design of Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya provides for a variety of exotic and luxurious vignettes, making any setting visually stunning for your wedding. An outdoor terrace can be a theatrical scene with the night sky filled with stars and candlelight highlighting the lush greenery. At the end of the evening, after all the glamour and glitz, you can walk to the beach and relax together, listening to the peaceful lap of waves with the sand cooling your toes.

Through the fascinating history of the Maya you will discover much about ritual and ceremony; but when planning your own ceremony or special occasion you need more modern expertise. Mandarin Oriental is renowned for creating successful events, both grand and intimate but it is this idyllic location that you will find most compelling. My esteemed colleague, Victoria Campos, (FANtastic name, right? ;) is delighted to assist and attend to your every need.

So what do you say … vamos a ir??

Guys just want to have fun

Come on, let’s admit, for the most part “we” as the female population initialize, conceptualize and move forward on our ideas and visions to realize the weddings of our dreams. Without a doubt, we look for the "feedback” and guidance of our soon to be significant other, but for the most part, the wedding may very much be all about the bride. Where exactly does this leave the groom when it comes to what he might consider the party of his dreams? Enter a whole new genre of rehearsal dinners, where our guys really can have fun!

We have all seen (and slept) through it: a room with four walls, a video screen showing endless images of the couple when they were young, a head table at the front of the room and endless speeches … not anymore. Instead, picture this:

VENUE: an open lawn with uninterrupted views to the water, boats drifting by and tropical breezes. Imagine your friends and family relaxing at picnic benches or on blankets spread across the grass. Casual and comfortable, welcoming and inviting. You and your guests are laughing and enjoying the anticipation and festive mood on the eve of your wedding. Our Mandarin Oriental South Lawn is the perfect site! What could get better?

FOOD: real food presented from Grill stations such as Kobe Beef Burgers with aged melted cheese, piled high with the toppings. Porterhouse steaks grilled to order with split lobster tails and marinated shrimp. Did someone say carbs? Twice baked potatoes, frizzled onions and crispy French fries! Cherry, Apple and Blueberry Pies, Home-made ice cream and rich chocolate cake. Sound too good to be true? Not so, just ask me to customize the menu based upon your preferences! But what would the food be without libations?

DRINKS: we suggest you leave the wine tasting for another event and instead opt for a “beer tasting” with the assistance of Mike Gonzalez, and the “Yo Beer Guys”

Great for any event, Mike will guide you through the selection and explanation of craft beers and microbrews that may be chosen from around the world. But it’s not over yet – now it’s time for the fun and…

GAMES: somehow they just get more fun when you preface the activity with “glow in the dark” and a paragraph on beer. Whether volleyball, voodoo golf, lawn bowling or a glow in the dark Frisbee, our childhood games suddenly grow up when night falls and glasses are full. And to complete the evening, all we need is the music.

MUSIC: Whether the relaxed strumming of an acoustical guitar or upbeat rhythms of a DJ, let Alan Andai and AA Musicians help you create the mood:


Sound like a rehearsal dinner that the guys (and gals) will never forget? Contact us at Mandarin Oriental, Miami!

An artistic approach to weddings!

My life’s first “calling” was (and still is) art, so when creative and talented individuals are able to incorporate their art form so beautifully into a wedding, needless to say, I wish to shout it from rooftops – or in this case, a blog! Such an incredible wealth of talent can be found in Miami, and the following artists are but a few that have found a way to integrate their art and passion into wedding celebrations:

 

Laura Buccellati

http://www.laurabuccellati.com/english/index.html

Laura Buccellati credits her passion for designing fine leather accessories to her family’s cultural heritage and grandparents, Mario and Maria Buccellati, the beacons of her current creations. Following the footsteps of her family - legendary jewelers known for their impeccable designs and distinctive style - and growing up under the renowned Buccellati name, is one of many inspirations that motivated Laura to pursue a career designing exclusive leather accessories for today’s handbag connoisseur. Coined as “a jewel of a bag,” Laura’s Signature Collection follows in the footsteps of the Buccellati family tradition of excellence and impeccable craftsmanship. Preferring sophisticated designs over flamboyant, of-the-micro-moment trends, Laura features classic silhouettes for the debut of the line.

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The methodical production is the essential feature of the Buccellati legacy. With an elegant tradition of refinement and sophistication, Laura’s Signature Collection is measured as timeless pieces of art. “My handbags encompass style, class and balance. Surpassing mere function, I believe they should be more than a vessel for our belongings, but a reflection of our lifestyle,” says Laura.

As distinctive as your wedding dress, any of Laura's pieces will beautifully compliment, or as well, could provide a "pop" of color to the gown of your choosing. It is not too difficult to imagine Louboutin's red soles "married" to my personal favorite, Laura's brilliant red "Alba" python clutch.  If you wish for a more subtle statement, the same Alba clutch is available in flawless, creamy white as well as an assortment of natural and jewel tones. Each handbag is a jewel waiting to be discovered and cherished!

A true artist, Laura states that, “By striving to achieve that old world craftsmanship so rarely found today, we set ourselves apart from general handbag designers.” Setting ourselves apart from the competition is something we at Mandarin Oriental, Miami know about, so we congratulate Laura on her much deserved success and applaud her artistry.

Pablo Oliveira

Nuage Design
http://www.nuagedesigns.com/enter.php

Think of one of the oldest art forms, one that brings movement to life, an art that brings color and movement to life. Envision peering into a kaleidoscope … where just the slightest shift in movement creates a new and intriguing look. Enter a new creative force in the events industry, Mr. Pablo Oliveira, and his company - Nuage Designs. His portfolio of couture linens such as embroidered organza, hand pleated cloths, and origami influenced designs are trend-setting and elegant. His innovative furnishings, custom chandeliers and lounge environments bring wedding events to a whole new level. Pablo finds a way to bring art into every event, however I need not say more. Just enjoy these images.

Tomer Avivi
http://www.avividesigns.com/
I have the distinct pleasure of knowing and working with an incredible artist and professional by the name of Tomer Avivi of Avivi Designs, who brings art and history into the wedding celebration. Tomer specializes in the art of illustrating lives. His work beautifully chronicles the couples’ progression from childhood, their family heritage – even their family tree. He also specializes in depicting the marriage contract, or Ketubah. Whereas we have all been witnesses to Ketubahs created on paper, Tomer’s newest creations are done on wood – the actual tree!

His inspiration for each art piece comes from the bride and groom’s unique story of meeting, their past and their future together. This story is then preserved through his art work. Tomer states, “From generation to generation it is a responsibility that we share our history and life story. Knowing where we are from strengthens where we are going! A wedding day is the perfect opportunity to highlight and illustrate a couple's history – and future as two stories become one and form a new family tree. There are undeniable parallels between a family tree and physical tree. The roots represent the family, and the couples are the living roots that will make the tree grow. Each story is unique and each tree is uniquely different! I LOVE THAT! I appreciate the different limitations that each tree presents. Making it challenging and fun for me as an artist! I have been so blessed to have a chance to do what I do. It is an honor and a privilege!“

 

We are honored to work with these talented individuals and congratulate them on their creativity and artistic approach to weddings!