On April 4th, 2009(and the hottest day of the entire year might I add) Tom Chillot and Kristi Crisafulli tied the knot at what is known as South Beach's most treasured property, Casa Casuarina (the mansion of the late Versace). This home is more a museum than an exclusive hotel. With only 7 suites, it is the most exclusive venue in all of South Florida. Together with his two beautiful children, Tom and Kristi partied the night away with their closest friends and family whom all of which flew in from all over the world. Congratulations and We wish you the best.
I wanted to post every single picture I had of this wedding but unfortunately I had to narrow them down. The pictures came out amazing! Thank you to Martha and Jesus Ramirez from Unique Design Studios. Just when I think you cannot surprise me, you do.Please visit them at http://www.udsphoto.com/
Giant 13 foot trees lined the backdrop of the ceremony. Although the pool made of bizzaza tiles made of 24 carat gold are amazing to look at, we wanted to create a scenery that not only would compliment the property but would be classic, simple, and unique. Clusters of over sized hallow candles At this venue, less is more!
I am all about the details! Each family members seat had their name on a heavy card stock paper tied with an elegant satin ribbon. Not only does it make the chair look pretty, it assures the family members that there chair will be reserved for them and they will not forget where they sit after they walk down the aisle. The seats second row were not assigned however each seat had a reserved sign attached to it. It worked great and looked beautiful!
In lue of favors, the bride and groom wanted to send a monetary gift to three charities. Each of their guests were able to print their name on these charity card and chose the charity of their choice. Frames were place on this table describing each of the charities and the reason the couple chose the particular organization. After the wedding, the couple made donations to each of the charities in the names of the guests as per their choice. It is such a great idea to donate to charity instead of giving out trinkets. The participation of the guests really gets them involved and makes it so much more personal and meaningful.
Although every aspect of a wedding is my favorite part, I would have to say the decor is probably my all-time favorite part of the wedding. Even more so when the ceremony location gets transformed into a completely different look for the reception. If you notice, the ceremony looked modern and clean and the reception is soft and flowy. This gives the guests the constant element of surprise, hence more Wow- Factor.
Chef Dale Rey prepared the most amazing menu for this wedding. The first course was a carpacio of Maine lobster, then the first of two main entrees - roasted filet Mignon and following with pan seared grouper! I thought that the guests would not be able to eat two entrees but the food was so amazing, they all did! I couldn't believe it!
The couple was very easy going when it came to the decor - they put it in all in our hands. Rick Interian and I both worked on the details to make this reception spectacular. When they saw their sample and loved it, Rick and I knew we had struck gold! Simple, elegant, all about the details- it made the reception fit right in with the gorgeous mansion. Avant Gardens did a stupendous job putting together all of the floral details for the wedding.
Hanging candles were added to these huge trees that now set the stage for the bride and groom's head table. Using candles and blue lighting, were able to create the perfect ambiance; The essence of romance is so important to maintain at an outdoor, evening wedding. We did not use pin spots in the tent since the look of this wedding was more soft and flowy. The saturated hues of blue and the tons of candles used in the table filled the clear tent with just the right amount of like and made the entire reception glow (hence not needing the extra enhancement of pins).
Miniature crystal buckles were placed through black velvet ribbon and tied around in each glass cylinder. The buckle and ribbon accent made each cylinder have character and added a sparkle factor. I love love love using buckles, then again I love using anything that sparkles! =p The hallow candles that were used down the aisle at the ceremony were moved to various locations around the reception. Again, using the same element in a different location for a complete different look. I try to re-use items as often as I can; however I make sure it looks different somehow.
One of my favorite pictures! Munchkin!
This spectacular cake was designed by my favorite confectioner, Rosie Cunille. Amazingly she took smallest fabric sample of the Bride's Oscar de la Renta gown and replicated it perfectly on the cake. Adding crystal accents to each flower was just the right touch to make this cake out-of-this-world amazing! It truly was flawless and prob. one of the prettiest cakes I have ever seen. 
What is a party without a little entertainment? Not my type of party at least! These performers were great! they actually did acrobats with the brother of the bride! It was enjoyable and hilarious. The entertainment was the greatest ending to an amazing four course dinner and the ideal beginning to a true South Beach PARTY!
One of SOBE's premier Club DJ's spinned the best of old school jams and top 40 hits. What an amazing Party!
Wedding Coordinator: Jackie Farah Fernandez and Day of Execution Managers Jessica Rico and Jennifer Gonzalez for Jackie Ohh... Events. Venue: Casa Casuarina, South Beach. A special thanks to Chef Dale Rey and Stazzie Appleyard. Girl, there are too many words I would have to say to you =) lol, I will some it all up with "Thank YOU". Martha and Jesus Ramirez from UDS Photo- amazing as always. Rick Interian and Avant Gardens you totally Rocked It dude! Rosie Cunille I don't have to tell you what you already know. To the rest of the vendor team and the Gansevoot Hotel- Thank You!
