FLORALS REACH NEW HEIGHTS A REGAL WEDDING AT PORT ROYAL’S MIZNER ESTATE THE GULF’S NEW SUPERYACHT VENUE
Let our team help you plan every aspect of your event so you can focus on what matters. Our event management team can assist with your selection of flowers, linens, music, and décor. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! 4 Seasons Catering & Events proudly offers full banquet and catering services for your private and corporate events: from weddings, to fundraising galas, to private in-home dining and more. 4 Seasons Catering & Events is the perfect host for your special celebration! Let us create and cater your favorite memories. Naples, Florida | 239-922-3718 | www.4seasonscaterings.com LOCALLY INNOVATIVEFOCUSED,CATERING
The Venues: Our curated list of dreamylocalesparty
The Wedding: An elegant affair at the Mizner estate 40
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The Jewels: Amanda Jaron gives new life to heirloom pieces
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BrawleyFloral/KaityKaleidoscopeCourtesy
The EscortStationery:cardsgetcreative
Editors’ Letter 64
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The Birthday: The ultimate eventaccordingsoiree,toanphotographer
The Catering: Rolling with vendorsmobile 26
The CurateEntertainment:mixesuptheperfectDJset
In Every Issue
The Setting: The grandeur of the yacht 52
The Send Off
The Look: Dominic Lacquaniti designs luxe dancing shoes
Kaleidoscope Floral exemplifies the botanical canopy trend.
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Entertain in Style
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Contents
The ArrangementsFlorals:reachnewheights
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The Cocktails: The Vine Room’s guide to dazzling libations
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CELEBRATING
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Whether you’re planning a waterfront ceremony, a festive celebration in our historic lodge or a party on our great lawn, our team is focused on helping create the event of your dreams. With our tropical landscape, stunning sunsets, acclaimed dining, and sister “OldCabbagepropertyKey’sFlorida”feel, you and your guests will make the memories of a lifetime.
Then, in the story about pho tographer Anna Nguyen’s 33rd birthday, we see how she called on fellow creatives from the industry—including Crave Culi naire, Tom Trovato florals and Mom of 3 Cakes—for a whimsi cal celebration at The Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs.
The Gulfshore Life Team
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From the Editors
YOU’RE INVITED
f entertaining is an art, then Southwest Florida is the perfect canvas. With our crystalline beaches, mangrove-lined backwaters and oak-shaded farms, the setting already inspires all the dreamy, celebratory vibes you want.
dream nuptials, complete with an acrylic runway spanning over the picturesque pool.
In this issue, we highlight some of the brightest minds in the industry and tap them for ingenious ideas to elevate your soirée. What we find: Today, it’s about letting your personality shine. Stuffy rules of tradition are out the door. Instead, savvy hosts embrace the spontaneity and originality that make par ties fun. A mobile bubbly bar to
greet guests? Yes, please. A wall of planter calling cards for a green thumb couple? Of course! Matching bespoke heels and loafers by a local Italian tailor? YouFrombet. artistic signature cock tails (courtesy of the bartenders at Naples’ super swanky The Vine Room) to elevated floral arrangements that sway in the breeze, we find big and little ideas to add that special wow factor guests won’t soon forget. If you still seek more inspira tion, just look at the parties featured on pages 34 and 40. The first—a wedding at a historic Port Royal estate, designed by iconic Mediterranean Revival architect Addison Mizner—is for the classic romantics at heart. With the help of Jet Set Wed event planning, Dante and Hillary DiSabato crafted their
Add the fact that our region has an army of talented event planners, floral designers, musi cians for hire and catering chefs, and you have all the makings of an unforgettable day.
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Both events exemplify the imagination that defines event planning now, showing there’s no right or wrong way to cele brate so long as you’re focused on having a great time.
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ENTERTAIN IN STYLE
Trends, ideas and go-to vendors for your picturesque weddings, record-breaking fundraisers, unforgettable birthdays and every special occasion in between.
PhotographyFlorals/AnastasiiaSignatureCourtesy
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from the look. So, during the pandemic, Dominic began designing capsule collections of men’s and women’s shoes, working with a small factory in Spain. “We source small batches of leather that can be hand-dyed and only produce maybe 20 pairs,” he says.
A STEP ABOVE
“
— The Look — By
ou don’t put hub caps on a Ferrari,” is one of the wry mantras printed inside the boxes of D. Lacquaniti Bespoke Shoes, a new line from Naples tailor and designer Dominic Lacquaniti. Being immaculately dressed is a head-to-toe affair, and pairing the wrong shoes with a bespoke suit—putting the hubcaps on the proverbial sportscar—detracts
Naples master tailor Dominic Lacquaniti debuts a luxe shoe collection and downtown boutique.
Celebrate Lauren Amalia Redding — Photography by Chris Lake
camo print, demonstrating Dominic’s penchant for adding contemporary touches to classic staples. Slated to launch with the November grand opening of his new boutique in Old Naples, the women’s line combines silhou ettes evocative of 1960s Sophia Loren. Comfort is a priority, as evident in the buttery suede that lines sky-high heels, perfect for a night of Heritagedancing.isalso
The men’s collection, which debuted in March, includes loaf ers in rich navy blue and glossy
key: Dominic embosses a scissors motif— inspired by a pair given to his father in 1968, two years after he arrived in the United States from Calabria, Italy—on the soles of the shoes. “My father was a tailor; my uncle was a shoemaker. My shoes are about my family—where I got my heri tage and my passion,” he says.
(239) 887-0069 info@g3catering.com | g3catering.com WEDDINGS • GALAS • SPECIAL EVENTS WINNER FOR BEST CATERER NOMINATED BEST BUSINESS
Each Bling Over starts with colorful, precise sketches for the design. She’ll text clients photos of potential designs or invite them to her Bayshore Drive studio to see the progress and peruse a wall covered in sketches of past pieces. Recently, she rearranged stones from mismatched stud earrings into small, floral vignettes, then attached the min iature bouquets to a pair of gold hoops. She might
SET IN STONE
In her Naples studio, Amanda Jaron turns heirloom jewels into modern keepsakes.
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ince founding A. Jaron Fine Jewelry in 2004, Naples jewelry designer Amanda Jaron has been in high demand for her exuberant, feminine, oversized bangles, chunky necklaces and coiled snake rings set with emerald eyes. Clients fre quently go to Amanda for Bling Overs, in which she redesigns heirloom jewelry to breathe new life into the sentimental pieces. “Everybody in this town has a past,” she says. “They have their mother’s diamond, their aunt’s brooch.”
melt down bits of gold and transform them into a sculptural filigree ring or pluck stones from old wedding bands to adorn a cuff.
Often, her pieces celebrate major milestones, including engagements and weddings, Amanda says: “The pieces are priceless in the sentimental ity and energy they possess.”
Celebrate — The Jewels — By Lauren Amalia Redding — Photography by Anna Nguyen
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14 — GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE Celebrate — The Stationery — By Angela Caraway-Carlton
“Escort card displays are the chance to create a ‘wow’ fac tor,” Carrie Darling, owner and designer of Naples-based Carrie Darling Events , says. “We like to build anticipation.”
Escort cards with high-design set pieces make bold first impressions.
Carrie often dreams up 3D escort card walls. Recently, for
DROPPINGNAME
inding your table at an event used to be as modest as picking up a white, tent-shaped escort card featuring your name and table number. Now, they’re seen as an opportunity to make a captivating first impression.
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a golf-pro groom, she fashioned a display wall from white turf with acrylic golf balls touting guests’ names and table num bers. For another event, she created a faux brick-panel wall to match the Italian-inspired architecture at the Mediterra
ble displays result from collab orations between vendors. She has teamed up with planners, designers and florists to create Instagram-worthy name cards, such as retro, coral-tasseled room keys for a penthouse micro-wedding on Marco Island and a library card cata
Calligrapher Lorena Gil lispie of Fort Myers’ Script Me Pretty admits her imagination is constantly stretched. “I thrive on doing things that haven’t been done before. I have a lot of flexibility because I do most projects by hand,” Lorena says. She’s impressed guests with everything from handpainted watercolor oyster shells to pink Himalayan salt shot glasses that revealed the table number at the bottom of the glass: “Anything we can write on is doable.”
TrenholmPretty/AustinMeScriptCourtesyMerry,Events/KTLuciaAnnaCourtesy
GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE 15
venue, with names printed on individual bricks in fanciful calligraphy. “We added a fabric banner with their monogram along with beautiful growing vines and florals from Tom Tro vato,” Carrie says.
The pros are getting creative with materials, too. Anna Lucia Richardson, founder, execu tive planner and designer of Anna Lucia Events , created an escort card wall of tiny, ter racotta planters, staked with custom vegan leather tags. Other displays have featured chinoiserie-inspired bud vases, Mexican tiles and bamboo.
Script Me Pretty paints guests’ names and table numbers on oyster shells.
Megan Miller, owner of Luster Designs, says the most memora
log that guests flipped through to find their table assignment. “Escort cards have also transi tioned into favors and drinks,” she says, pointing to examples of grab-and-go keepsakes, like personalized cutting boards and cocktail shakers.
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Celebrate The Florals — Samantha Garbarini
By
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A NEW LEAF
The latest in floral design: Lift the large, statement-making arrangements from the tables to create overhead canopies.
IN THE TROPICS
To update the popular tropical motif for a Sanibel Island wedding, Signature Florals and Kelly McWilliams commissioned gold stands from a local welder to raise a full arrangement of monstera, palm and banana leaves, punctuated by the bride’s favorite pink orchids and roses.
PhotographyFlorals/AnastasiiaSignatureCourtesy
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BrawleySymphony/KaityFloralCourtesy
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It may always be sunny and green in Southwest Florida, but that doesn’t mean you can’t channel fall-in-the-country vibes. Fort Myers’ Floral Symphony and Naples’ Avec Moi Event Planning & Design did so with foliage and blooms in deep hues, like burgundy and burnt orange, accented with huckleberry greenery and brass.
The Florals
FALLING IN LOVE
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For an event at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Kaleidoscope Floral and Jet Set Wed created canopies to reflect the outdoor setting. The sprays of hanging delphinium were chosen to rustle in the coastal breeze, and the mercuryglass lanterns shimmered in the afternoon sun.
TRADE WINDS
SteevesFloral/MattKaleidoscopeCourtesy
The Florals
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SECRET GARDEN
Inspired by a photo of a wisteria-covered courtyard and the architecture of the clients’ Naples home, Kaleidoscope Floral and Jet Set Wed draped a portico with delphiniums and orchids in blush, cream and mauve tones, allowing foliage to spill down the arches for a wild, organic look.
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Simply the prettiest jewelry. 22 — GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE
The Florals
BrawleyFloral/KaityKaleidoscopeCourtesy
1185 Third Street South • Naples, Florida • 239.643.8900 www.uniqueboutiquejewelry.com Monday thru Saturday 10-9pm Sunday 11-6pm Delray Beach, FL 561.272.6654 • Cape Cod, MA 508.477.3900
THE COMPANY
2367 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. Suite 804-805 Naples, FL 34109 thepartygirlcompany@gmail.com239-776-6637 @thepartygirlcompany BESPOKE EVENT STYLING + MODERN BALLOONERY
Photographer: Elizabeth Grace & Co.
libations? The Mixed Mule caters to events within a 50-mile radius of Cape Coral, with two 1970s converted horse trailers and trained bartenders that serve specialty cocktails (or mocktails), while Bubbles Mobile Bar’s taps pour beer, prosecco and rosé. The vintage scooter trucks can navigate as far as your rooftop locale, proving it’s always the right time—and place—to raise a glass.
Sospiri Italian Cafe & Gelato rolls up with six flavors of its fresh-made gelato, ready to “transport your party to the streets of Italy,” says co-founder Antonella Filipeddu, a Sardinia native. For a caffeinated buzz, Shift Coffee Bar’s Donie Schepp cruises over in his midcentury-modern
fter the food truck rage, we want the party to come to us in every way possible. The convenience, whimsy and interactive element make mobile vendors attractive to the modern host, and Southwest Florida answers the call with a new wave of suppliers on wheels.
Mobile vendors bring the party to you—with super cute setups, to boot.
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ON THE MOVE
trike with two offerings—a nitro cold brew and an oat-milk draft latte—that don’t require a power source to Lookingprepare.forboozy
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Celebrate — The Catering — By Tess Lopez
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Celebrate The Cocktails — By Samantha Garbarini — Photography by Anna Nguyen
INSPIRATIONLIBATION
Signature cocktails are the adorning jewels of your event. We tapped bartenders at Naples’ The Vine Room—which is known for its theatrical pours—to share creative ideas for reimagining your drinks with gorgeous presentations and Floridian flavors.
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The Cocktails
Milk clarification—a centuries-old process in which proteins in milk bind to particles in a cocktail, rendering it clear—creates quaffable optical illusions. (Mix your acidic cocktail with milk so it curdles, then filter until the liquid runs clear.) The technique also softens boozy flavors and reveals a silky finish. For this paloma, the clarified base of citrus, tequila, Aperol and simple syrup is topped with grapefruit foam, which slowly seeps into the glass, staining the cocktail pink as it’s sipped.
CITRUS FOAMED PALOMA MILK PUNCH
HalmiTeddybydevelopedCocktail
COCONUT NEGRONI
AceroCesarbydevelopedCocktail
Coconut can add a smooth tropical spin to many spirit-forward drinks. The classic Negroni, for instance, fares well when infused with multiple versions of the fruit: coconut fat-washed gin (mix melted oil with gin in a jar, let stand for a few hours, freeze overnight, strain the flavored spirit), coconut rum, coconut water and aging for at least 24 hours in a fresh coconut. For an artistic finish, The Vine Room team suggests brushing the glass with a bold stripe of edible white paint and pouring the Negroni over a rose ice sphere.
The Cocktails
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Start a multi-course dinner with something light. Microsized cocktails, like this Icelandic vodka, dragonfruit and sparkling rosé libation, keep guests from overindulging. Other low-ABV sippers— such as the French 75, Aperol spritz or Bellini—also look darling when presented in dainty cordial glasses. Amplify the impact of a tiny drink by swapping the standard lime wheel for a more whimsical garnish, like a thin slice of dehydrated dragonfruit or a feather clipped to the rim.
27515 Old 41 Road | Bonita Springs www.HeavenScentBonita.com (239) 992-LOVE (5683) Birthday • Holiday • Weddings Creative Fresh Flower Designs Delivery and Set Up Tuxedo Rental YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL THINGS PARTY Unique Boutique For Jewelry, Clothing , Home Decor, Candles, Art, Featuring Local Artists VISIT OUR
The Cocktails
THE DRAGON’S LANTERN
LaurinyeczMátébydevelopedCocktail
hen Hillary Boss and Dante DiSa
Celebrate Michael Korb Photography by Matt Steeves
bato started dating, ‘location, location, location’ made things difficult. She lived on Florida’s east coast, and he lived in Naples. But they both ‘knew’ the moment they met that this relationship was going the distance. A year later, she moved to Naples, and the two wereHillaryengaged.andDante did the cou ple thing: got a puppy (named Kibbi), discussed the future and admired quality real estate—he, as one of Naples’ most success ful realtors with William Raveis Real Estate (he also co-owns Limitless Development), she as an up-and-coming interior
ESTATE AFFAIRS
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Hillary and Dante DiSabato wed at one of the only Addison Miznerdesigned estates in Port Royal.
W
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— The Wedding — By
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Dante and Hillary (right) dreamed of marrying at the 1926 estate. The aisle was a sheet of acrylic that stretched across the historic pool. With its manicured gardens, large lawn stretching down to the Gulf and Mediterranean Revival architecture, the property provided a romantic backdrop.
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The Wedding
The wedding gods were smil ing upon them when Dante hit it off with a fellow Land Rover owner at the dealership. That gentleman and his wife owned 670. They hired Dante to sell the estate but first offered it up for the big day.
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Kehrin Hassan of Jet Set Wed planned the 127-guest wedding. The centerpiece of the ceremony
If any home in Naples was designed for a wedding, it’s 670, with its fountain-filled courtyard facing Gulf Shore Boulevard South, a dramatic pool and a massive stretch of manicured lawn out back that slips to the beach.
designer (now a principal designer with Knot + Tide Inte riors). On one of their drives, they noticed the beauty of 670 Gulf Shore Boulevard South, one of the few Port Royal estates designed by famed Mediterra nean Revival architect Addi son Mizner, known for giving Palm Beach its look. “There is an amazing Old World charm about 670,” Hillary says. For about a year, they kept driving by the 1926 estate, dreaming of a grand wedding on the massive stretch of lush lawn fronting the Gulf of Mexico.
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Hillary wore a plunging two-piece, beaded dress with a removable cathedral-length skirt designed by Lebanese fashion designer Zuhair Murad. Bridesmaids wore Champagne satin slip dresses by Australian designer Shona Joy. The groom donned a custom two-toned navy tuxedo by local Joseph Wendt.
Following the estate’s Med iterranean Revival design, Naples-based Tastebuds Cater ing crafted a menu that leaned Italian, with a four-course meal of farro salad, cacio e pepe, and surf and turf—plus, a four-tier funfetti and carrot cake—two favorites for the couple. During the toasts, groomsman Sean McVay—the Los Angeles Rams
decor was the 80-foot clear acrylic aisle suspended over the estate’s colonnade-wrapped swimming pool. (The setup only caused one incident, when a guest’s chair tumbled into the water before the ceremony. He was fine; his suit was drip-dry.) Floral Symphony covered the aisle in garden roses, ranunculus, stocks and campan ulas. Five groomsmen and five bridesmaids walked the raised catwalk at sunset, and Reverend Russ Winn officiated.
Jet Set Wed planned the 127-person reception, which was catered by Naplesbased Tastebuds. Floral Symphony handled the botanical arrangements.
The couple’s honeymoon took them to Amsterdam, Kenya, Tanzania, Mnemba Island and Qatar. By then, Dante had long secured a buyer for the estate. Both the former and new own ers attended the wedding. And, location was never an issue for the DiSabatos again.
Guests gathered around fire pits, a bourbon-and-cigar bar, and a sparkling-wine bar.
GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE 39
disco headphones. During dance breaks, the crowd strolled the expansive grounds with its foun tains, gardens and sugary sands. The reception featured fire pits with soft-seating arrangements, a bourbon-and-cigar bar, and a bubbly bar with various spar kling wines.
coach, who was Dante’s college roommate and attended with his now-wife, actor Veronika Khomyn—gave a particularly riveting speech. As the night progressed, guests took to the dance floor, which went quiet at 10 p.m.—though the party rolled on, with the aid of silent-
The Wedding
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(2)NguyenAnna
What happens when an event photographer enlists her friends—all top professionals in the industry—for her birthday bash? They create an epic Bridgerton -inspired tea party for the ages.
Celebrate — The Birthday — By Lane Nieset
BUTTERFLY EFFECT
fter two years of missed gatherings, Naples-based wedding photographer Anna Nguyen, of Zee Anna Photogra phy, wanted to throw an over-the-top celebration for her 33rd birthday in February. “I felt life was too short to celebrate just milestone birthdays,” Anna says. She brought in her friend Jana Tobey, owner of event planning and design services Wedding Hero and Event Hero, to execute her vision. Anna wanted to support small, local businesses, so she chose one of her favorite places, The Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs, as the venue and hired an all-star team of Florida-based vendors she knew from photographing events.
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She and Jana developed the design for a Brid gerton high tea—a theme that prompted guests to don elaborate hats, pastel-hued dresses and strings of pearls. The catalyst for the color scheme: the Impressionist-inspired Floral Monet Napkins from linen and furniture rental company Nüage Designs. Jana pulled shades of pink, yellow and red from the napkins’ motif, and Naples florist Tom Trovato selected florals to amplify the colors.
For the alcohol-free party, Crave Culinaire laid the table with whimsical teapots with butterfly accents. Guests sipped tea accompanied by goldtrimmed stands stacked with crudités, tea sand wiches and pastries, as well as an assortment of single-tier cakes by Fort Myers’ Mom of 3 Cakes. Pianist Melissa Sanchez—who wore a white, puffed-sleeve floral dress and lace gloves that matched her keyboard—serenaded the crowd with
The wrought-iron tables in the glass-encased solarium—which resembles a design-savvy green house—are black, so the team suspended black, flower-filled bird cages blooming with bouquets of Pink Floyd roses, blush butterfly ranuncu lus, green hellebores, Burgundy cremones and hanging vines from the ceiling. To heighten the secret-garden feel, smilax and jasmine vines were intertwined throughout the corners of the space.
(2)NguyenAnna 42 — GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE
The Nüage Designs Impressionistinspired napkins dictated the color palette for the decor by Jana Tobey, of Wedding Hero, and flowers by Tom Trovato. Anna Nguyen (left) encouraged her guests to don frilly hats and floral frocks to fit the venue, a Victorian-style solarium at The Wonder Gardens.
NigroPhoto/HeatherMoxiicourtesy(2),NguyenAnna
The Birthday GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE 43
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Crave Culinaire crafted the high-tea fare, while Mom of 3 Cakes handled the singletier birthday cakes. After the festivities, Anna led a release of 75 native butterflies at The Wonder Gardens.
contemporary and classical scores from La La Land, Bridgerton, Mozart and Vivaldi. To capture it all, the team enlisted Heather Nigro of Moxxii Photo to take portraits of the birthday girl in her lilac frilled hat and matching floral dress.
Because the venue is a botanical garden and ref uge, Anna wanted to leave behind a gift that would become a living part of the sanctuary. She ordered 75 painted lady butterflies, which are native to
The Birthday
“The vision was to have live butterflies fluttering around the greenhouse, bright florals catching the eyes of guests and mouthwatering food that left everyone asking for more,” Jana says. “The overall mood was for guests to feel as though they were entering a secret garden to celebrate one of their dearest friends.”
this part of Florida, from a farm in Orlando for a butterfly release—her version of a birthday toast.
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With Curate Entertainment, Cape Coral-based Malike Adigun blends the polish of wedding entertainment with the high-energy impact of club parties.
Celebrate Jaynie Bartley Photography by Brian Tietz
Adebola flightyearsAdigun“Malike”was9oldonafromNew
— The Entertainment — By
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MIC DROP
York City to Southwest Florida, where he was relocating with his family, when he told his mom he wanted to change his name to Malike, after his favorite bas ketball player, Malik Rose. His family had been living in Queens, where Malike had developed a troublemaking streak and was facing expulsion. His mom moved the family to Cape Coral, lured by word of the region’s booming real estate and engag ing schools, with programs to keep her sprightly kids focused in the classroom and busy after hours. “From there, everything flipped: I saw myself differently,” Malike says. “I had a lot of energy that was misplaced as a kid, and when I moved to Southwest Flor ida, that energy was channeled into some really cool things.” He buckled down at school, enlisted in extracurriculars and sports, and got involved with his local church. He was determined to betterWhenhimself.Malike was in high school, his mom threw pizza par ties for the kids at the local Boys and Girls Club, where he would play music from his laptop. Soon, he was DJing for as many as 50 weddings a year to pay his way through college at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), where he created the viral “Dunk City” song that helped put the school on the map in 2013. After years of interacting with a mix of professional wedding and club DJs, Malike recognized the opportunity to merge the two styles. “If you take that profes sionalism, organization, ele gance and classiness, and pair it with the raging fun that happens
add, are Black and brown and minorities,” he says. He insists on three things for his crew: a professional demeanor, a dapper appearance and the energy to pump up a crowd. The team also offers fusion packages with live musician-and-DJ collaborations or, for instance, a saxophonist who wanders through the crowd whileYouplaying.canadd upgrades, like
smoke machines for a dancingon-the-clouds experience. “We want you to feel like you’re at an elegant dinner party that suddenly turns into Coachella,” MalikeWhensays.he’s not emceeing an event, he hosts assemblies at middle and high schools through his mental-health nonprofit Curate Hope. The issue is per sonal for him: Malike struggled with depression after his mom passed from cancer when he was
The Entertainment at a party, that’s our business,” Malike says.
confetti cannons, photo-booth equipment, cold sparklers and
In 2019, the married dad-ofone launched his luxe wedding and event business, Curate Entertainment, with 10 DJ friends. Three years later, Malike—who’s also worked as a teacher and youth ministry leader—books as many as 500 weddings a year and man ages a subcontracted team of 12 DJs, officiants and almost 40 musicians, “who, I might
He humbly kicks all the credit back to his mom, her giving spirit and that pivotal moment when they moved to Florida more than two decades ago: “It’s kind of full circle the way everything has come around.”
Helping Brides look effortlessly chic! An intimate and stylish private appointment only boutique offering timeless gowns dresses for the modern bride. FOLLOW US ON @purebridalboutique 13261 McGregor Blvd , Ste 103-1, Ft Myers, FL 33919 | 239.826.1639 | www.purebridalboutique.com
Malike works with more than 50 DJs and musicians that can be mixed and matched for different musical experiences. in college, and then again when he lost his father to a heart attack just two weeks after graduating from FGCU. “I wasn’t taking care of my health … I was still running hard as hell,” he says. Now, he channels his energy into creating relatable curriculums to help students recognize and manage mental-health issues by addressing them openly through music- and dance-infused rallies, aimed at reducing the stigma and encouraging dialogue.
50 — GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE Celebrate — The Setting — By Jaynie Bartley
T
While the boat can easily cruise waters like Gordon Pass and into Naples City Dock, for now, David plans to keep Seafair at Rose Marina, near the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.
YachtsSeafairCourtesy
his November, Miami-based Seafair launches a second superyacht, bring ing a new, luxe experiential setting for big-group soirees to Naples and Marco Island. “Seafair looks like a big, fast yacht, but the bottom is like a flat barge,” founder David Lester says. Designed to host up to 600 people, the 165-foot superyacht—by star yacht designer Luiz de Basto—can drop its docking spuds to anchor close to shore, where guests board from a catamaran shuttle.
The charter offers catering options from a Michelin-trained chef, and you can add planning services, entertainment and decor. A stage is set for concerts and auctions—and, if it rains, walls of windows below deck provide Gulf views. “This gives guests an experience on the water that they wouldn’t get any other way,” David says.
ROCK THE BOAT
A splashy new superyacht takes on-the-water fêtes to the next level in Naples and Marco Island.
Water Views: Gulf Capacity: 300 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes hiltonmarcoisland.com
5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples; 597-1111
HILTON NAPLES
Water Views: No Capacity: 250 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: No colliermuseums.com/rentals
VENUES THAT WOW
HILTON MARCO ISLAND BEACH RESORT AND SPA 560 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island; 394-5000
5111 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 430-4900
52 — GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE
EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL 1901 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples; 403-2000 Water Views: Beach Capacity: 80 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes edgewaternaples.com
Water Views: No Capacity: 300 (banquet seating), 400 (theater-style seating) Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes naples.hilton.com
THE CLUB AT THE STRAND 5840 Strand Blvd., Naples; 592-7710
ARTIS—NAPLES
Celebrate — The Venues
COLLIER COUNTY
Water Views: Gulf Capacity: 80 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes bayfrontinnnaples.com
CYPRESS WOODS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 3525 Northbrooke Drive, Naples; 593-5311
BAYFRONT INN 1221 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 649-5800
From elegant country clubs to waterfront resorts, these locales provide the perfect backdrop. All phone numbers are area code 239 unless otherwise specified. We recommend you contact the venues for their latest information.
COLLIER MUSEUM AT GOVERNMENT CENTER 3331 Tamiami Trail E., Naples; 252-8287
Water Views: Natural wetlands Capacity: 30-175 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes cypresswoodsgolf.com
GREY OAKS COUNTRY CLUB 2400 Grey Oaks Drive N., Naples; 262-5550
Water Views: No Capacity: 1,477 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Call artisnaples.org
Capacity: 200 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes thestrandclub.com
THE CLUB AT MEDITERRA 15755 Corso Mediterra Circle, Naples; 254-3000
Water Views: Beach, lakes and ponds Capacity: 250 Site Fee: $2,000 On-Site Catering: Yes mediterraliving.com
Water Views: Lake
Water Views: Lake Capacity: 250 with dance floor, 320 without dance floor Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes greyoakscc.com
On-Site Catering: Yes jwmarco.com
1500 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 530-5106 Water Views: Bay Capacity: 130 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes naplesbayresort.com
2700 Pine Ridge Road, Naples; 213-1991
Water Views: No Capacity: 100 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes innonfifth.com
400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island; 642-2794
Water Views: Gulf and beach Capacity: 500 Site Fee: Varies On-Site Catering: Yes laplayaresort.com
NAPLES GRANDE BEACH RESORT 475 Seagate Drive, Naples; 227-2182
Water Views: Bay and Gulf Capacity: 149 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes naplesprincesscruises.com
LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT
Water Views: Pool Capacity: 250 (pool decks), 1,600 (ballrooms) Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes naplesgrande.com
Celebrate — The Venues
INN AT PELICAN BAY
9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples; 597-3123
Water Views: No Capacity: 150 Site Fee: From $500 On-Site Catering: No colliermuseums.com/rentals
Water Views: No Capacity: Call Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: No napleshistoricalsociety.org NAPLES PRINCESS (YACHT) 550 Port O Call Way, Naples; 649-2275
54 — GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE
Water Views: No Capacity: 250 Site Fee: From $1,500; nonprofit discounts available On-Site Catering: Approved caterers naplesart.org
Water Views: Lake Capacity: 100 outdoors Site Fee: $500-$2,500 On-Site Catering: Approved caterers innatpelicanbay.com
NAPLES BAY RESORT & MARINA
NAPLES ART ASSOCIATION (Corporate events only) 585 Park St., Naples; 262-6517
Water Views: Lake and
480 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island; 393-1400
INN ON FIFTH & CLUB LEVEL SUITES
NAPLES DEPOT MUSEUM 1051 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 252-8287
NAPLES SOCIETY’SHISTORICALHISTORIC PALM COTTAGE 137 12th Ave. S., Naples; 261-8164
Water Views: Gulf and Beach Capacity: 150 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes marcoresort.com
HOTEL ESCALANTE
aqua range Capacity: 200 inside, 300+ outside Site Fee: $1,000-$3,000 On-Site Catering: Yes kensingtoncc.com
KENSINGTON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
800 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples; 597-8777
MARCO BEACH OCEAN RESORT
290 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 659-3466
699 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 403-8777
JW MARRIOTT MARCO ISLAND BEACH RESORT
Water Views: Pool Capacity: 350 Site Fee: Varies; nonprofit discounts available On-Site Catering: Yes hotelescalante.com
Water Views: Yes Capacity: 500; maximum 35 in presidential suite Site Fee: $1,000-$3,500
Water Views: Golf course Capacity: 167 indoors, 500 outdoors
THE RITZ-CARLTON GOLF RESORT, NAPLES
BONITA BAY CLUB 26660 Country Club Drive, Bonita Springs; 495-0200 Water Views: Lake Capacity: 180 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes bonitabayclub.com
56 — GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE
THE WHITE ROSE 2320 Moulder Drive, Naples; 610-3160
TIBURÓN GOLF CLUB 2620 Tiburón Drive, Naples; 593-2277
G Dock, 14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers; 472-8443
TARPON COVE YACHT & RACQUET CLUB
On-Site Catering: No adventuresinparadise.com
Site Fee: $700-$1,750 On-Site Catering: Yes tiburonnaples.com
280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples; 598-3300, ext. 6760
Celebrate — The Venues
2755 Inez Road, Naples; 353-3572
On-Site Catering: Yes ngala.net
Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes tarponcoveclub.com
2250 28th Ave. S.E., Naples; 571-2531
CAPTIVA CRUISES 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva; 472-5300
NAPLES WEDDING BARN
Water Views: Gulf Capacity: 49 per boat (3 boats) Site Fee: Varies
LEE COUNTY ADVENTURES IN PARADISE CRUISES
2600 Tiburón Drive, Naples; 593-2000, ext. 6760
Water Views: Lake Capacity: 660 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes ritzcarlton.com/naplesgolf
VINEYARDS COUNTRY CLUB 400 Vineyards Blvd., Naples; 353-1500
CASA YBEL RESORT 2255 W. Gulf Drive, Sanibel; (866) 748-8958, ext. 1351 Water Views: Gulf Capacity: 10-200 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes casaybelresort.com
Water Views: No Capacity: 1,500 Site Fee: Call
THE NAPLESRITZ-CARLTON,
On-Site Catering: Outside catering welcome naplesweddingbarn.com
Water Views: No Capacity: 299 Site Fee: $5,000-$8,000 On-Site Catering: Outside catering welcome thewhiterose.com
Water Views: Gulf and Pine Island Sound Capacity: 148 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Approved caterers captivacruises.com
471 Bay Club Drive, Naples; 592-9808
Water Views: Gulf Capacity: 800 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes ritzcarlton.com/naples
NGALA PRESERVEWILDLIFE
Water Views: Wiggins Pass Bay Capacity: 100
BURROUGHS HOME AND GARDENS
Water Views: No Capacity: 299 inside Site Fee: $3,000-$5,500
2505 First St., Fort Myers; 337-9505
Water Views: Caloosahatchee River Capacity: 25-500 Site Fee: $500-$6,000 On-Site Catering: Approved caterers burroughshome.com
Water Views: No Capacity: 300 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes vineyardscountryclubnaples.com
105 Shell Drive, Bonita Springs 34134; 992-0024
Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes mediterraliving.com
THE CLUB AT BAREFOOT BEACH
COLONIAL COUNTRY CLUB 9181 Independence Way, Fort Myers; 768-9421
Water Views: Gulf Capacity: 115 Site Fee: $1,200
26110 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs; 254-3000 Water Views: Gulf Capacity: 80
THE CLUB AT MEDITERRA
EDISON & FORD WINTER ESTATES 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers; 334-7419
BEACH CLUB
Water Views: Caloosahatchee River Capacity: 300; inquire for larger events Site Fee: $850-$5,000 On-Site Catering: Approved caterers edisonford.org
Celebrate — The Venues
Water Views: No Capacity: 130 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Approved caterers fortmyersfernery.com
On-Site Catering: Yes theclubatbarefootbeach.com
THE FERNERY 1400 Colonial Blvd. Suite 44, Fort Myers; (941) 964-4630
Water Views: Lake Capacity: 240 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes colonialgolfclub.com
Springs; 390-4240
GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE 59
Site Fee: From $18,800 On-Site Catering: Approved caterers lacasatoscanaswfl.com
Water Views: Beach and bay Capacity: 1,400 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes hyattregencycoconutpoint.com
10420 Washingtonia Palm Way, Fort Myers; 278-9090, ext. 131
Site Fee: Food minimum $5,000
Water Views: Caloosahatchee River Capacity: 250
8330 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers; 322-0717
On-Site Catering: Yes the-gasparilla-inn.com
Water Views: Lake Capacity: 150
2577 First St., Fort Myers; 850-1171
Water Views: Lakes and pools Capacity: 250
LA CASA TOSCANA
500 Palm Ave., Boca Grande; (941) 964-4630
HERITAGE PALMS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Site Fee: $3,500-$6,500
On-Site Catering: Yes hpgcc.com
Water Views: Bay Capacity: 300 Site Fee: $4,000-$5,000
THE HEITMAN HOUSE
On-Site Catering: Yes heitmanhouse.com
HYATT REGENCY COCONUT
POINT RESORT AND SPA 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita
THE GASPARILLA INN & CLUB
8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach; 765-7788
On-Site Catering: Yes landingsygtc.com
LOVERS KEY ADVENTURES AND EVENTS
On-Site Catering: Yes lexingtoncountryclub.com
Water Views: Lake Capacity: 300 Site Fee: Call
Water Views: Gazebo on Gulf Capacity: 250
LUMINARY HOTEL & CO.
2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers; 314-3800
18061 Miromar Lakes Parkway, Miromar Lakes; 908-2398
60 — GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE Custom Catering to Meet Your Needs! 239-333-CHEF • info@jamiescuisine.com • www.jamiescuisine.com • Corporate Catering • Fine Dining Chef Dinners Events Catering • Cocktail Parties THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US: BEST CATERER IN LEE COUNTY! 1
THE LANDINGS YACHT, GOLF AND TENNIS CLUB
Water Views: Ceremony site on Caloosahatchee River Capacity: 180 Site Fee: $500
MIROMAR LAKES BEACH AND GOLF CLUB
Water Views: Beach and lake Capacity: 180 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Call miromarlakes.com
18810 Misty Morning Lane, Fort
MISTY MORNING BARN
Site Fee: $750-$10,000 On-Site Catering: Approved Caterers loverskeyadventures.com
4425 S. Landings Drive, Fort Myers; 482-3211
LEXINGTON COUNTRY CLUB
Caloosahatchee River Capacity: 1,000 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes luminaryhotel.com
16257 Willowcrest Way, Fort Myers; 985-1823
Celebrate — The Venues
Water Views:
Water Views: No Capacity: 300 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes pelicanpreservelifestyles.com
Water Views: Gulf Capacity: 150
Water Views: Lakes and ponds Capacity: 185
275 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach; 463-8638
PELICAN PRESERVE GOLF CLUB
Water Views: No Capacity: 150 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes buckinghamfarmsonline.com
BODY BUTTERS BATH BOMBS SEA SALT GIFTSSOAPSSHAMPOOSCRUBSBARS•SELFCARE&MOREWITH WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL HAPPY Tin City • 5th Ave South Coconut Point • Sanibel Downtown Fort Myers Shop Online at NAPLESSOAP.COM Ship FREE with orders $50+ celebrate GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE 61
Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes plantationgolfcc.com
On-Site Catering: Yes pinkshell.com
Myers; 887-0069
Water Views: No Capacity: 250 indoors Site Fee: $2,600-$3,400 On-Site Catering: Call mistymorningbarn.com
10500 Dartington Drive, Fort Myers; 561-8650, ext. 3617
THE RUSTIC BARN AT BUCKINGHAM FARMS
Site Fee: Call
9802 Pelican Preserve Blvd., Fort Myers; 985-1706
THE PLANTATION GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
12931 Orange River Blvd., Fort Myers; 206-2303
PINK SHELL BEACH RESORT & MARINA
Water Views: Pine Island Sound Capacity: 125 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes tarponlodge.com
Celebrate — The Venues
’TWEEN WATERS ISLAND RESORT & SPA 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva;
SPANISH WELLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
12201 River Village Way, Fort Myers; 694-7229
WHITE ORCHID AT OASIS 3027 E. Riverside Drive, Fort Myers; 433-2226 Water Views: Caloosahatchee River Capacity: 50-400 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes whiteorchidatoasis.com
On-Site Catering: Yes sanibelmarriott.com
27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs; 319-5534
Water Views: Bay view from rooftop Capacity: 300 Site Fee: Call
THE WONDER GARDENS
9801 Treasure Cay Lane, Bonita Springs; 992-5100, ext. 216 Water Views: Pond Capacity: 400 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes spanishwellscountryclub.com
16623 Captiva Drive, Captiva; (800) 787-5829
THE VERANDAH CLUB
1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel; 472-4151
5951 Silver King Blvd., Cape Coral; 541-5040 Water Views: Marina Capacity: 1,200 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes westincapecoral.com
Water Views: Beach Capacity: 500 ballroom,
Water Views: Buck Key Preserve Capacity: 75 Site Fee: From $10,000
On-Site Catering: Yes southseas.com
Water Views: Yes Capacity: 24 (solarium), 150 (open-air pavilion), 250 (Peacock Lawn) Site Fee: From $500 On-Site Catering: Preferred vendors available wondergardens.org
On-Site Catering: Approved caterers shangrilasprings.com
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA EVENT CENTER
Water Views: Gulf Capacity: 300 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes sundialresort.com
Site Fee: Call
250 outdoors Site Fee: Call
TARPON LODGE & RESTAURANT 13771 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia; 283-3999
11515 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Suite 101, Bonita Springs; 245-9910
THE WESTIN CAPE CORAL RESORT AT MARINA VILLAGE
SHANGRI-LA SPRINGS
17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, Fort Myers; 466-4000
SOUTH SEAS ISLAND RESORT
Water Views: No Capacity: 650 Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes swfleventcenter.com
Water Views: Varies Capacity: Call Site Fee: Call
Water Views: Orange River Capacity: 250 Site Fee: $1,000 On-Site Catering: Yes verandahgolfclub.com
SIDNEY & BERNE DAVIS ART CENTER
5400 Plantation Road, Captiva; 472-5111
62 — GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE
SUNDIAL BEACH RESORT & SPA
2301 First St., Fort Myers; 333-1933
MARRIOTT SANIBEL HARBOUR RESORT AND SPA
On-Site Catering: Call seaoatscaptivaisland.com
Water Views: Oak Creek Capacity: 10-400
27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs; 992-2591
SEA OATS LUXURY ESTATE ON CAPTIVA ISLAND
On-Site Catering: Approved caterers sbdac.com
472-5161, ext. 447 Water Views: Bay and Gulf Capacity: 130 indoors, 200+ outdoors Site Fee: $1,500-$4,000 On-Site Catering: Yes tween-waters.com
The Send Off
KellyPhotography/TiffanyTRKCourtesy 64 — GULFSHORE LIFE | CELEBRATE
Floating On Air
So long, formalities. Goodbye to doing things because they should be done. Welcome to the new era of event planning, where personalization is prioritized and the whimsy is amplified. A telling example: the rise of balloon installations for even the most formal affairs. Locally based Bubbly & Company (whose display is featured) uses balloons to create voluminous arches, floating garlands and technicolor feature walls to make your special day pop.
Call: 877-533-4799 or 242-367-2158 Email. info@abacobeachresort.com | www.abacobeachresort.com
With 40-beachfront acres and a prime location within Marsh Harbour, the iconic Abaco Beach Resort offers guests access to a variety of land- and water-based activities ranging from island-hopping, fishing, snorkeling, and diving to shopping and dining. The resort caters to families, couples, friends, and groups looking to escape the crowds of some of the larger islands while experiencing the relaxed hassle-free attitude that makes The Abacos so authentically unique.
