LX Coral Gables Spring 2012 by LX Publications

75 MIRACLE MILE, CORAL GABLES, FL 33134 (305) 446.2957

from the publisher

Welcome. It’s our honor once again to bring you LX Coral Gables, an artistic, oneof-a-kind, coffee table magazine. This is such an exciting issue, featuring exquisite jewelry, artistic photography and stories that will captivate you and pull at your heart strings. Downtown Coral Gables is a haven for the bride-to-be, and this issue focuses on the latest and greatest trends. Be sure to take notice of the many local advertisers who cater to this very special group and please patronize them. In this issue, enjoy the “Center of the Universe (for the diamond business),” and learn why we travel regularly to Antwerp, Belgium, in search of the finest diamonds the world has to offer. Sharon Naylor shares a story, “I Still Choose You,” about renewing your wedding vows. Leading UK fashion photographer, Zena Holloway, graces this issue’s pages with a beauty story entitled “Mermaiden.” Holloway’s unique work is set apart from other fashion photographers by shooting exclusively underwater—and the shots are amazing. “My Mother’s Wedding Dress” is a beautifully written story about memory, reflection, loss and looking to the future. Also in this issue, “pARTners a love story” is about artists Christo and Jeanne Claude and how their love and collaboration literally changed the “landscape” of art. More than 30 years ago, I had the privilege of taking Christo and his entourage out on my father’s boat for a scouting tour of Key Biscayne’s islands. As a young man at the time, I could never have imagined the beauty and wonderment that would be created nearly a year and half later when Christo wrapped these islands in magnificent pink fabric. The next time you’re on The Mile, be sure to stop by and say hello. There’s always a hot espresso or cool chardonnay awaiting you. We love hearing your stories and are honored to be included in your most special moments. Our number one goal is quite simply to “make you happy.” With that in mind, we promise to make your experience at Montica Jewelry both memorable and rewarding. Cheers,

John and Marichi O’Rourke Montica Jewelry

Features

inside

Lifestyle 15 Antwerp Belgium “Center of the Universe” 19 I Still Choose You 61 Awesome 8:

A Golfing Adventure

Wealth 23 Longevity and the

Value of College

Photography 28 Honey Moon and Stars 50 Mermaiden: Photos by

Antwerp Belgium “Center of the Universe”

Zena Holloway

Arts & Culture 26 My Mother’s Wedding Dress 46 pARTners Spotlight:

Christo and Jeanne Claude

Women’s Runway Report: Bridal

Jewelry & Fashion 39 Runway Report: Bridal 43 Runway Report: Men’s 57 Time To Watch: Your

Libation 11 Luke Donald & His

Professional Etiquette

Hole-In-One Claret

pARTners Spotlight: Christo and Jeanne Claude

on the cover

Publishers JOHN AND MARICHI O’ROURKE Editor JON ROBERTS Public Relations JOHN SUNDERLAND Art Director CHELSIE ROBERTS Featured on the cover is the talented photographer Monica Eng. She says, “Growing up in Singapore was a gateway for me to experience the multitudes of cultures and utilize those who surround me to layer my photography. I do not claim to inspire those who stand before my lens, for they are my greatest inspiration. I see her biting her lips and I see someone who has the years ahead running amok in her head. I see him shy away from her gaze and I see the beginning of a new life that is as delicate as it is dedicated.”

Graphic Designer ANGIE HALTER Graphic Designer MIGUEL SALGADO

LX: a coffeetable magazine LX® Magazine is published by Luxury Avenue, LLC, 500 N. Michigan Avenue, Ste. 300, Chicago, Illinois 60611. LX® accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. LX® reserves the right to edit, rewrite, refuse or reuse material, is not responsible for errors or omissions and may feature the same content on lxmagazine.com, as well as other mediums for any and all purposes. Copyright © 2012 Luxury Avenue, LLC. All rights reserved. The entire contents of LX® are protected by copyright© and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part or storage in any data retrieval system or any transmission by any means therefrom without prior written permission is prohibited. LX® and LX® Magazine are trademarks™ of Luxury Avenue, LLC. 8

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A Heavenly Venue for Your Special Celebration!

Proud recipient of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 “City Beautiful” Award!

Engagement Parties • Rehearsal Dinners • Bridal Showers Our award winning dining room and orchid garden make Angelique Euro Café the ideal destination for your special event. Our personal touch allows us to customize each and every event. No two parties are alike. Call Yolanda, Owner Event Planning Connoisseur at 305.529.9922.

Angelique Euro Café ... The little miracle on the mile 117 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables | www.angeliqueeurocafe.com

Professional Golfer Luke Donald & His Hole-in-One Claret By Norman Mark

Apparently, there is a lot more going on with golf than whacking a tiny ball a couple of hundred yards into a small cup. For one thing, there’s a growing association of golf with wine. Many professional golfers have lent their names to wine labels, possibly figuring that amateur duffers might need a glass of wine after exploring the rough and missing par on most holes. Pro golfers with their own wine labels include Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Mike Weir and at least three South Africans-David Frost, Ernie Els and Gary Player. Now a top-ranked young British golfer, Luke Donald, is joining their ranks. His first attempt at wine creation, the Luke Donald 2005 Napa Valley Collection, a claret, is so good that it’s like beating Tiger Woods during your rookie professional tournament. This delicious wine offers a perfect, slightly musky aroma. Its amazing taste combines an initial smooth blend with a later, larger, more muscular smokiness. It’s a fine sipping wine and an even better wine with food.

Years passed, the conversations and the golf games continued. Meanwhile, Donald turned professional in 2001 and earned more than $1 million that first year. Fresh off his 2011 World Golf Championship, his lifetime earnings are now over $17 million. Then Bill Terlato took over most management duties from his father, the legendary Tony Terlato, who introduced Pinot Grigio to American consumers. The Terlato Wine Group’s income has been doubling every five years. In America, the company sells one in eight wines costing more than $14. Although it’s a family corporation and exact figures are not revealed, one estimate put annual sales at over $250,000,000 a year. Although Terlato makes wine with golfer Ernie Els, it was not searching for celebrity wine endorsements. Quality, rather than mere name value, is the company’s most important consideration.

“It was just something away from the golf course that I have an enjoyment in…” Donald prefers to call it a “claret” because that’s the British word for Bordeaux blends. Also, from a golfer’s point of view, the Claret Jug is awarded to the winner of the British Open, something Donald hopes to acquire. Perhaps a jug of his claret could lead to the Claret Jug. Luke Donald’s association with wine began with golf, specifically when he was attending Northwestern University on a golf scholarship. Bill Terlato, now president and CEO of Terlato Wines International, was taking golf lessons from Luke Donald’s coach. Luke and Bill became golf buddies: Luke helped Bill’s game; Bill conducted impromptu wine seminars for Luke.

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Terlato also wanted to create wines that would appeal to younger sippers. A recent survey indicated that the so-called millennial generation (age 21-30) buys the more expensive wines (over $16 a bottle) at a rate of two and a half times the national average. These are the people who grew up wanting $125 sneakers and now some have disposable income. Luke Donald’s high-end endorsements included Royal Bank of Scotland, Rolex and Polo Ralph Lauren. But he had no relationship with a wine company until he and his agent asked Bill Terlato for advice. Terlato told me, “We wanted Luke involved in its development. After two days of tasting, we came up with what finally reflected his personal style and taste.”

“It’s gratifying to hear that you opened a bottle and enjoyed it.” Luke Donald said, “The tasting was an overwhelming experience. We were blending six different wines. It’s like playing chemistry with 100 glasses in front of you. I remember thinking this could take a while. Then we got it down to two possibilities and we broke for lunch. The wines tasted differently with the risotto and that determined the final choice.” In an interview with John Bush back in 2008, right after his wine was introduced, Donald was asked what it was about golf and wine that went together. Donald answered, “It was just something away from the golf course that I have an enjoyment in…It just seemed like a good thing for me to get involved with.” Donald popped a tendon in his left wrist, suffering a “subluxation of the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris (ECU) tendon.” This forced him to withdraw from the PGA tour and from the British Ryder Cup team, which he led to victories. The same New York doctor who cured the wrist problems of baseball player Jason Giambi and professional golfer Jim Furyk, successfully operated on Donald, who returned to golf after rehabilitation and is currently ranked #1 in the world. Donald told me, “It’s gratifying to hear that you opened a bottle and enjoyed it.” I did. The Luke Donald Collection, with only 1100 cases produced this year, is a fine $40 red wine available at www.worldsgreatestwines.com. Next year, Luke Donald wines will offer more claret and a Chardonnay, while he works on keeping his golf game in championship form.

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75 Miracle Mile Coral Gables, FL 305.446.2957

ANTWERP, BELGIUM

and Montica Jewelry in Coral Gables, Florida

“CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE” (for the diamond business)

The single most valuable commodity known to humankind is time.

Think about it; time is the one thing we can’t get more of. Regardless of the level of wealth one has attained, and particularly for individuals of high net worth, anything that saves time is a significant luxury. In fact, it can be argued these are the greatest luxuries of all. There are good uses of time and less than optimal uses of time. Because time is a limited quantity, and because everyone can’t know everything, intelligent people choose to consult experts who have invested their time in the mastery of certain fields when decisions need to be made regarding highly specialized subjects. Today of course, with the Internet, those consultations can be approached from a more knowledgeable standpoint. A marvelous tool for research, the Internet can be used to investigate any topic and learn enough about it to become conversant with an expert. Still though, even with the Internet, to become an actual expert requires a substantial investment in time. www.lxmagazine.com

Therefore, when dealing with a highly technical subject, say diamonds for example, while it is indeed possible to learn the terminology online; evaluating and purchasing a truly fine diamond online is considerably more difficult than you might be led to believe. It takes years to develop the skills needed to look at a stone and know exactly what it is. Additionally, a raft of specialized equipment is required to properly evaluate and grade a stone, all of which requires a great deal of time to master. To verify a stone you’re looking at is actually a diamond— assuming you have the training to know what to look for—you need a diamond scale, a measuring gauge and 15

a diamond tester. Once you’ve determined it is in fact a diamond, you’ll need to verify the diamond’s color. For this, you need a master set of diamonds—after all, color is second only to the cut of a diamond when establishing its value. Then, there is the verification of the plotting of the diamond to ensure the stone you’re holding matches the stone detailed on the certificate. Compounding this is the fact the raging economies in Asia and the Middle East have caused a shift in the flow of truly extraordinary diamonds throughout the world. To find them these days, one must go to the point of distribution. Antwerp, Belgium is acknowledged as the “center of the universe” for the diamond business. This is where diamond experts such as John O’Rourke of Montica Jewelry in Coral Gables, Fla., gravitate. Antwerp is the epicenter of the diamond world, and O’Rourke regularly invests his time, talents and significant capital seeking to locate rare and invaluable assets for his clientele. Says O’Rourke, “We work directly with our partners in Antwerp, Belgium, which ensures us—and therefore our clients—a wonderful selection of the finest diamonds the world has to offer. These are special, exceptionally well-cut diamonds you simply can’t find everywhere. 16

Because we offer a lifetime, dollar for dollar upgrade on all of our diamonds, our parameters are quite specific. We are essentially making a long term investment in these diamonds—before we offer them to our clients.” Buying a diamond sight unseen from someone with whom you have no face-to-face relationship is fraught with peril. Any renowned expert will advise against doing so, because they know the best way to buy is with the eye. Online sellers, particularly because they require payment upfront, essentially commit you to the purchase of a “virtual diamond.” Online, you’re buying the certificate, not the stone. And while a certificate can say all the right things, a brilliant-looking certificate can easily describe a substandard diamond. And when it comes down to it, the one you love is going to wear the diamond, not the certificate. This is why the face-to-face counsel of a trusted individual like O’Rourke—someone who has invested the time to become a true expert—is singularly invaluable. O’Rourke, with his emphasis on long-term relationships, knows what you really want is a spectacularly brilliant diamond, one that essentially speaks to you and for you. As he often says; “Let the diamond do all the talking for you, if for no other reason than it simply can.” ∂ www.lxmagazine.com

The Finest Diamonds Direct from Antwerp, Belgium.

I Still Cho o se yo u.

} or Writte n by Sharon Nayl os Images by MC Studi

Recapture the magic of your wedding day and tell your beloved “I still choose you” with a romantic wedding vow renewal celebration. Standing before one another, whether in a stylish designer gown and suit, or in bathing suits on a tropical beach, and speaking from the heart – telling your mate just how much more in love you are, how much you appreciate every moment, every gesture, every morning kiss and kindness – adds a depth to your marriage.

More wedding couples are choosing to renew their vows their way, whether in a grand wedding re-do at the country club with 150 guests and a masterpiece of a wedding cake, in their own backyard with their closest family and friends, or just the two of them at the ocean’s edge or in the church, synagogue or garden where they originally said their vows. They’re re-living the excitement of the wedding-planning (perhaps more enjoyably this time, without the input of ‘helpful’ parents,) touring ceremony sites together, tasting delectable cake sample bites, designing lovely bouquets and florals, selecting elegant invitations and of course, choosing their wedding vow renewal dresses and suits. A big trend now is to incorporate some element of the original wedding day into this celebration. Cher Floyd, who with her husband John has renewed their vows several times over the past twenty years, says of one celebration, “I used my original wedding veil, and had our original florist send similar flowers for us.” No matter the grandiosity of their plans, or the intimacy of a small affair, vow renewal couples experience that heart-flutter of excitement as they write new vows reflecting the bright points of the life they’ve lived together. They might repeat the same vows they spoke years ago, add new thoughts to that vow script, add their signature style and sense of

“Most wedding couples say they haven’t felt as connected to one another in years as they do on this day.” humor this time around, and speak so sentimentally that tears come to their eyes. This is a moment dedicated to expressing appreciation and admiration for everything their partner does to enrich their life together, and to enrich their children. Most wedding couples say they haven’t felt as connected to one another in years as they do on this day. As an added bonus, wedding vow renewal couples say they love setting an inspiring example for their children and grandchildren, showing them that this is what a solid, loving and supportive marriage looks like, not the turbulent relationships they see on television reality shows and in celebrity gossip magazines.

Why Renew Now? It doesn’t have to be a 5th, 10th, or 25th milestone anniversary for you to renew your vows. Some couples do so on their very first anniversary, their 7th, their 12th…whenever the time feels right. A couple may wish to re-cement their bond after an extremely challenging year, such as one partner’s illness or job search struggles, or a military deployment. Or, they might re-new their vows in a joyful year, such as after their first child is born, and again when each additional child arrives. Some couples return to their original destination wedding resort each time, bringing their children with them to participate in their vow renewal celebration. It’s also become a trend to surprise a spouse with the ‘wedding re-do’ she’s always wanted. If parents controlled the wedding plans, or if finances didn’t allow for that masterpiece wedding cake, the garden wedding, the sea of roses, if it rained on her dream garden wedding, she now gets the surprise of a lifetime: “Will you plan our wedding vow renewal celebration with me?” Tears will certainly flow with that romantic offer. She gets the Do-Over she’s always wanted, made all the sweeter by the fact that her partner suggested it.

“Surprise ring upgrades are rising in popularity.”

The Wedding Ring Gets a Do-Over As Well

replaced by a new ring. She’s lived for years with, and cherished, the wedding ring placed on her finger at her wedding, and she would be disheartened to ‘trade it in’ for a newer model. A solution: take the stones from the original band and include them in the new band’s design, perhaps as stones embedded in the anniversary band. Or, the stones from the original band can be re-set as a new diamond pendant she can wear every day now and forever.

Open Editorial

, When Dr. Chris Kammer

planned a surprise vow renewal for his wife Jean Marie on their twentieth wedding anniversary, he also added a dazzling gift: “I had her wedding ring upgraded to a new platinum setting, and I also surprised her with a new anniversary band with twenty diamonds around the circle to wear with it.” Dr. Kammer’s present stunned not only his bride, but all of their family and friends in attendance.

Renewing your vows

Surprise ring upgrades are rising in popularity, and many husbands are giving an added thrill: they’re bringing their wives to the jewelry store to let them pick out their new, upgraded style elements. The shopping experience in itself adds wow factor to the gift, with the wife treated as a VIP by the jewelry shop staff. Some jewelry experts say they bring out a bottle of sparkling cider or Prosecco for these special couples, just as they do for their about-to-be-engaged couples shopping for the engagement ring. “Love should be celebrated,” says one jewelry store manager. “And we like to make their moment extra-special.” Dr. Kammer represents the high-end ring upgrade client who shops for finer metals, and a diamond-encircled anniversary band, perhaps an upgrade to larger wedding band stones with greater fire. Which brings up an important issue: the wife might not wish to have her wedding band 22

Great solutions if the original ring will remain untouched: get her a dazzling right-hand diamond or gemstone ring, or simply surround the original band with two new, stackable diamond-encircled bands. Perhaps each band can symbolize five years of marital bliss, perfect for a tenth wedding anniversary, or symbolizing each of the couple’s two children. When you add an element from the marriage to the ring upgrade, even a subtler design becomes priceless.

Other choices include adding gemstones to the new design, embedding larger diamonds, and adding personalized engravings (sometimes as a surprise.) And don’t forget that the husband’s wedding band can be upgraded as well; he may prefer a different style (such as hammered metals or diamond chips) than he chose in his younger years. Many couples with children love to include their kids in their vow renewals, expressing their love and admiration for the wonderful people their sons and daughters have grown to be, and promising to always support their dreams. As part of the renewal, it’s lovely to present diamond pendants, gemstone earrings or other precious gifts to the girls, as well as meaningful gifts to the boys. Grandchildren may be included in this gift presentation as well, for all to share in the joy of the day.

HOW MUCH MORE WILL YOUR DEGREE BE WORTH? By Lyndon Conrad Bell

In 1934, when Norman Rockwell painted this image, the cost of an undergraduate degree was $400.00 per year.

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With college tuitions steadily rising, an economy rebounding from the great recession, and the life expectancy of the average American steadily increasing, a question on the minds of many people—simply put—is it worth it? Conventional wisdom says absolutely, unequivocally, without a doubt, yes it is. After all, hundreds, if not thousands of studies have found the lifetime earnings potential of a college graduate is almost always significantly greater than that of an individual with no secondary education. Add to that, the fact that today’s college preps will potentially be in the workforce twenty more years than today’s retirees which only increases the value of a college education. In 2009, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey started asking people with a bachelor’s degree to list their undergraduate major course of study. This enabled, for the first time, the ability to place a specific value on a particular major. For workers whose highest degree was a bachelor’s, incomes ranged from $29,000 for counseling-psychology majors to $120,000 for petroleum-engineering majors. However, the study also showed the median income for people with just a high-school diploma was about $32,000 vs. $55,000 for those whose highest degree was a bachelor’s. In other words, an individual with no college at all could potentially make more money over the course of their lifetime than an individual with a college degree—in some fields. There is another set of aspects of this discussion to consider though; the social attributes demonstrated by academically-oriented people, the value of the lifelong learning traits instilled in college graduates, and the broader perspectives afforded those with a college degree. A 2007 study by the College Board, New York, found college graduates, regardless of major, are involved in the community and engage in charitable giving at more than twice the rate of high-school only graduates. Further, they live healthier lives and are more likely to experience increased longevity. 24

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“college graduates, regardless of major, are involved in the community and engage in charitable giving at more than twice the rate of high-school only graduates.” painting: Judy Palermo www.judypalermo.com

When this is considered along with the fact people are living longer in general, with all this added longevity will come significant earning potential. Further, as we move forward as a society, the best jobs will either be more technologically dependent or technologically oriented.

With this in mind, choosing a major should be about finding something you love to do. One should try to find something they love that will either (a) still be in demand many years from now, or (b) give them a foundation from which they can continue to evolve their skills and expertise as times change.

Maura Kastberg, executive director of Student Services at RSC: Your College Prep Expert in Schenectady, New York, says; “In the high-tech world we live in, which is steadily becoming increasingly so, technology has replaced many jobs that are repetitive in nature. Plus, businesses are always looking for ways to do things more efficiently, more cheaply, and more safely. Companies are also looking to make their products and services easier for their customers to use. More and more, technology is the answer to those concerns.”

Which brings us to another hidden asset of a college education—the flexibility it gives people to evolve with the progression of their careers. Says Kastberg; “Most people today will have three to five different jobs over the course of their working lives. College lets people change their career focus more easily and is a foundation to build upon as technology advances. Taking additional courses to keep up with changes is much easier than having to start from scratch in a quickly changing world.”

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My MOTHER’S

Wedding

dress By Elizabeth Fergus-Jean Photos submitted

I found my mother’s wedding dress, sealed in a plastic bag, stuffed into an old tattered leather suitcase just a few months after my mother had passed away. At first I had no idea what it was, for it appeared to be a crumpled mass of old tulle and lace. Clearly it had not been thoughtfully stored away for safekeeping; it had been jammed into a bag and sealed away where it did not hold the power to stir up old memories. Yet when I unzipped the bag, wisps of the past seeped into the air. This wrinkled, slightly torn dress had once been beautiful; I knew this because I also found my mother’s wedding photos. She was stunning with her lace gloves and soft hopeful gaze. I wish my mother was with me so I could ask about her dress, her wedding and honeymoon; all stories I never heard yet longed to hear. I slipped on her dress, careful to not tear the aging lace. It fit; my body now as my mother’s, and I felt her presence around me. At first I felt a deep longing, and then curiosity washed over me as I began to slowly move this way and that, feeling the scratchy material brush against my skin. I lifted her veil to inhale her memory, dreaming of her, when she wore the dress on her wedding day. 26

I peered through the veil, seeking answers of her story, and finding those of my own imaginings-my daughter is getting married next year. Unlike my mother, I carefully sealed my wedding dress in the hopes that one day my daughter would want to wear it. But, she is indeed her mother’s daughter, for she too,

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showed no interest in wearing her mother’s wedding dress. And that is fine with me. A mother’s gift is sharing her love and supporting the choices her daughter makes. Dresses and fashion may come and go, but the memories that cling to their fabric transport us to rekindle our love of our past and our hope for the future.,

Photographed By Monica Eng Interview By Chelsie Roberts

Photography & Styling Monica Eng www.vividshots.com Third Eye Brian Fisher make-up & Hair Jyue Huey from The Make-Up Room Wedding gowns from The Wedding Present model Daria Popova

C. When you are photographing a subject what kind of transformation happens in you? How do you become part of the artistry that you are creating and how is it different, or the same as who you are in regular day to day life?

M. I am curious by nature. Whenever I meet someone interesting, get caught in a unique situation or watch a really nice movie. I often wonder how it feels to be in someone else’s situation—imagining the multitudes of emotions surrounding that situation. I later translate them into little stories through my lens.

C. Other than the art of photography, what other art forms do you incorporate into your work, or what meaning do you derive from other art forms?

M. I love music and dance. Whenever possible I try to incorporate them into my works. Almost all the time, I will have a certain song

in my mind that I would almost play on a loop during my shoot to get everyone into that mood during the shoot; Sometimes we all get so sick of that song after the shoot we never want to hear it again. I have done shoots based on the ballet, Giselle and the Moonlight Sonata, all with my own interpretation from a different view point. Next, I would love to do a shoot based on Tango. It’s the one dance I find absolutely enchanting. I would love to be able to master Tango one day and translate it into my photography.

“colour and light is basically like a life partner to a visual artist. You have to understand every intricate aspect to make the relationship work” 30

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C. Describe how you feel about color and light? M. Colours and light are inseparable, to see a full spectrum of colours you’ll need an adequate amount of light. To set the right

mood and message in an image, you’ll need to understand them well. Metaphorically speaking, colour and light is basically like a life partner to a visual artist. You have to understand every intricate aspect to make the relationship work as you would understand your life partner...what makes them tick, what makes them happy or sad.

C. How do you feel about love, life and one’s mark that they make on the world through imagination and imagery?

M. I think life is short and we should love and live to the fullest, always fight for your dreams and do what you love most. You don’t need a lot to live fully because the simplest things are the most wonderful. I think imagination and fantasy are the necessities of life, it’s a way of looking at life through the eccentric side and laughing at life’s realities.

“ Your proposa l... i s the most meaning f ul conve r sation “ Your proposa l... you’ll e ve r have .” i s the m ost meaning f ul conve r sation you’ll e ve r h ave .

”

Heaven’s Gates A r ing Gates of . . . Heaven’s A r ing of . . .

M e a n i ng

S C O T T K AY.C O M S C O T T K AY.C O M

322 Miracle Mile

coral gables, Florida

305.448.3599

www.jdelolMobridal.coM

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

The Long and Short of It

Bridal

Spring 2012

Oscar de la Rentaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Tea Party By: Simone Goller

There was something enchanting in the air at the Oscar de la Renta showroom where he presented his Spring 2012 bridal collection on Monday, April 11, in New York. Always one to put on a show and create something awe-inspiring, de la Renta this season set the scene to something you would expect little girls to conjure up if they let their young and vivid imaginations run free. Always refined of course, these little women could be found hosting a tea party in the garden out back

Womens Runway Report Bridal

Designer Spotlight

surrounded by freesia and lavender scents as they sip tea, or at least gesture as such, in little white gloves and paint pictures for each other envisioning their fantastical wedding dreams.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

With the youthfulness to the collection came an understated elegance that only de la Renta could pervade. Long silhouettes with bodacious skirts composed of ruffles and organza florets gave the illusion of a woman running through a patch of petals as they joined together to adorn her body. Rabbit hair on a white feathered bolero and scarf meshed perfectly with the springtime garden fauna. Offering something novel to the bridal repertoire, de la Renta utilized the neckline in square shapes and more angular cuts. All 37 designs were white except for a couple of degrade silk organza gowns in pink and a tea length version in pale blue.

sJLM COUTURE Womens Runway Report Bridal

Pnina Tornai

Womens Runway Report Bridal

Alexander McQueen Mens Runway Report

The Long and Short of It Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Spring 2012

McQueen’s Brit Rock Hall of Fame By: Godfrey Deeny

Though rock n’ roll is an American term, when it comes to its iconography, it’s our British rock star cousins who occupy far more of the music’s visual history. The accepted wisdom is that the Cleveland, Ohio DJ Alan Freed first popularized “rock and roll,” on radio and that the first true record in the genre is “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats, an alias for Ike Turner. However, the first true rock gods when it comes to fashion are legends like the Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who. And that remained true through many decades, when UK stars as diverse as Joe Strummer, Bryan Ferry or Pete Doherty set the sartorial

Alexander McQueen

Designer Spotlight

agenda more than their colleagues across The Pond. Which brings us to the latest menswear collection from the house of Alexander McQueen. Sarah Burton put it, “a history of a baby band, from their early shows, to more self-indulgence and on to huge mega stadium concerts.” Burton’s spring 2012 collection for McQueen was a tour de force of tailoring, a witty understanding of sartorial rock imagery and a counter blast to the self-indulgent whimsy. The true cool of these clothes was the way she could riff through all sorts of rock legend moments-spiffy mod hounds’ tooth suits, Chelsea spiv rocker, eighties synthesizer pop star, poetic new romantic and aristocratic country house amateur rocker to legend entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in, but of course, Cleveland, Ohio. Whether flame printed jackets, Edwardian tails, revolutionary dandy striped pants or sleek gangster singer double-breasted jackets it was all pretty brilliant. So, Brit rockers, raise your hands in applause for Burton, few designers will ever dress you quite so well. 44

Armani

Gucci

pARTners The Love Story

Christo & Jeanne Claude By Lyndon Conrad Bell

Imagine having the following conversation with your spouse/significant other; “Hon, I have a great idea. I want to take 150 oil barrels and use them to block off a street downtown. When the police show up to clear them, I’m going to need you to hold them off so the press can document it while I attend a gallery opening in another part of the city. Do you think you can do that my love?” How well do you think that a question like that would be received? In the case of Christo Vladimirov Javacheff and JeanneClaude Marie Denat, her answer was, “Yes darling, of course I can.” That positive response enabled a seminal event in the life of their career, which ultimately attracted the pair enough notoriety to sustain a forty-eight year creative collaboration—which continues to birth some of the most monumental works of art the world has ever known. Seemingly pre-destined to meet and fall in love, Jeanne-Claude and Christo were both born on June 13, 1935—Jeanne-Claude in Morocco, Christo in Bulgaria. The two met in Paris in 1958, when, as a young artist, Christo was commissioned to produce a portrait of Jeanne-Claude’s mother, Précilda de Guillebon. Jeanne-Claude once said her life began the day Christo walked into her family’s home. And while Cyril, their son, born May 11, 1960, was the couple’s first collaboration, the pair went on to literally redefine the work of art. For many years, the fruitions of their efforts were credited only to Christo. And while it is true the overtly creative aspects of their projects sprang from Christo’s imagination, the real work of transforming the work from the firing of synapses in Christo’s brain to a tangible artifact capable of triggering responses in the brains of others fell largely to Jeanne-Claude. In 1994, the couple announced they would henceforth be known as a single entity, and further, all projects they’d created since 1964 would be retroactively labeled as the work of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The announcement drew considerable criticism, as her role was perceived by many in the art world to be “merely” administrative. In response, Christo said, “The drawings are but the scheme for the project, after that, we do everything together. Everybody knows we’ve worked together for over 30 years. There’s no point in arguing about who does what. The work is all that matters.” In fact, the couple never flew together so in the event of a tragedy, their work could continue unabated.

The phrase “Work Of Art” typically applies only to a finished piece. In the case of Jeanne-Claude and Christo’s installations, the “work of art” involves so much more than just the piece itself. A good example of this is the ground work laid for their seminal installation, Running Fence. Flowing gracefully across 24.5 miles of northern California’s Sonoma and Marin counties, Running Fence began near the town of Petaluma, before crossing U.S. Highway 101 as well as 14 roads in both counties. At its terminus, the fence slipped fluidly into the Pacific Ocean at Bodega Bay. The project required a 400-page Environmental Impact Study, hearings with both county’s commissioners, numerous city council meetings, and individual permission from each of the 59 ranchers whose lands the fence would cross. The “work” of this art piece began in 1972. The actual physical installation process began four years later in April of 1976. Running Fence was completed on September 10, 1976 and stood for just under two weeks, before being removed on September 21, 1976. The scale of the work is almost unimaginable. The eighteen foot high fence was composed of 2,050 panels of white nylon fabric measuring eighteen feet wide by sixty-eight feet long. The fabric was suspended between a pair of steel cables by means of 350,000 hooks. The cables were in turn supported by 2,050 steel poles placed sixty-two feet apart and anchored three feet into the ground. Steel guy wires braced each of the steel poles. And while Running Fence is rightfully considered one of history’s most extraordinary works of art, getting the clearance to build it in the first place was the “work” of art too. Her husband’s most ardent supporter, Jeanne-Claude’s machinations behind the scenes—doing the “work” of art— are what ultimately saw their projects realized. An oft-overlooked aspect of Jeanne-Claude and Christo’s work is the fact it has always been entirely self-funded. All the related expenses, including the engineers, lawyers, installers, environmental analysis, traffic control, trash removal and sanitation at the sites have been borne by the artists without viewing fees, sponsorships or outside investments of any kind. Jeanne-Claude once quoted the cost of producing Running Fence at some 21 million (1970’s) dollars. That would be well over 60 million dollars today. The funding of their projects comes from the sales of smaller pieces of art created by the couple, as well as selling the preliminary sketches, renderings, and models of the ultimate work. Eschewing the traditional artist/agency relationship, Jeanne-Claude fulfilled that role as well. Arguably, Christo would not be Christo without the efforts of Jeanne-Claude. And while she had no significant interest in art before Christo, she often said she would do whatever it took to ensure their success. If Christo had been a plumber, Jeanne-Claude is quoted as having said she’d have learned everything she needed to know about becoming a successful plumber. www.lxmagazine.com

Images top to bottom: Wrapped Reichstag, Berlin, Germany, 1971-95 Running Fence, Sonoma and Marin Counties, California, 1972-76

photos: Wolfgang Volz

Their next work. Called Over The River is a plan to build a semi-translucent canopy some 5.9 miles long over a stretch of the Arkansas River between the towns of Salida and Ca単on City in south-central Colorado. The idea for Over The River was planted as Jeanne-Claude and Christo watched the fabric of their Pont Neuf bridge-wrapping project being hoisted into place above the River Seine in Paris together. Although Jeanne-Claude has passed away, before she departed, she set into motion the realization of this work. Christo is continuing their artistic legacy and love story by continuing the plans for Over The River, with the spirit of Jeanne-Claude at his side.

The Umbrellas, Japan-USA, 1984-91 photos: Wolfgang Volz

Surrounded Islands, Biscayne Bay, Greater Miami, Florida, 1980-83 photo: Wolfgang Volz

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Mermaiden

Photographer Zena Holloway Story by Chelsie Roberts Fashion Thea Lewis Hair Michael Jones using Bumble and Bumble Make up, Phyllis Cohen at DWM using Shu Uemura Model Lydia Beesley at Storm. Photographers Assistants Angela Neil and Greg Hardes Diving Assistant Phil Richards. Fashion Assistant Ashley-Gianna Hallett.

Photographer Zena Holloway, born in Bahrain, now working and living in London is rumored to be able to hold her breath for three full minutes; which is a good thing, because her art is not only awe inspiring – it is literally breathtaking. Why literally? because, her scenes are shot exclusively underwater. In fact, whether it is in an ocean, a swimming pool or a water tank, Zena doesn’t photograph outside of the water at all. When she expresses how she felt the first time she went into the sea, she says “I loved the sense of being deep underwater, on borrowed time, experiencing a new world and having access to an environment that was so divine.” And her passion for the deep blue shows in her work. She has photographed images across all genres, ranging from the images for Charles Kingsley’s children’s book “Waterbabies” where she not only worked with children, but also animals, to images for Nike and Olay campaigns. However she says, “I’m still waiting for the phone to ring for an underwater car commercial.”

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It all began when Zena was traveling the world as a scuba dive instructor. She was in Egypt, working as a guide when her mother purchased an underwater motor marine camera for her 18th birthday present. She says it “looked far more like a children’s toy than a camera.”

She started to experiment with techniques that she learned in underwater photography books and through trial and error she taught herself. And, her first subject was not a mermaid, but a blue spotted ray, who Zena says, “Kindly sat for me for about twenty minutes as I fumbled with the settings.” When asked why she shoots underwater and how she came up with the idea it’s a no brainer for her. “It was the water that came first rather than the photography and now that I’m a photographer it’s hard to extract the water… I like the magic that I find underwater which is very hard to achieve on land.

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“Mermaiden” definitely captures this magic. Not only do the images capture the beauty and color of the water, but also this is paired with the intricacy and on point aspect of the styling. “The inspiration from the shoot came from seeing the magnificent clothes hanging on the rail that Thea Lewis had gathered … The long flowing dresses, shells and long hair of the model all had a very mermaid feel … which was reflected in the style of the photography,” says Zena. Now, looking forward, admiring her art and drinking it all in, I wonder what will swim next in front of her lens? I am no longer wondering what is in Davy Jones’ Locker, but rather in Zena Holloway’s.

Cream Grecian style dress Amanda Wakeley Harness Sergio Rossi Head piece Basia Zarzycka 54

The Perfect Match: Rose Gold and Morganite

Also referred to as Pink Beryl or Pink Emerald, Morganite is from the Beryl family of colored stones, as are emeralds and aquamarines. It was discovered by George F. Kunz, who named it after its biggest collector, J.P. Morgan. Morganite is much rarer and less well known than the other Beryl stones such as aquamarine. The hardness of the Morganite can range from 7.5 t0 8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Color hues range from a light pink to a rich peach /pink. Morganite is mined in Southern California, South America and Africa.

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3/14/12 6:52 PM

Time toWatch Your Professional Etiquette By Kyle Gough

Late Friday afternoon you’re in one last meeting with a potential new client before heading off to enjoy the Marlins game with your family and some friends. Anxiously anticipating the start of the weekend, you’re wondering about the time. There’s only one way to find out—while maintaining your professionalism—check your wristwatch. Sure, your smart phone has a clock, but checking it has drawbacks bound to annoy your prospect because smart phones tend to be, well, too “smart.” Referring to it for the time, you’ll also notice you have a text, or an e-mail, or a huge sale is going on at the local grocery store, or you’ve been outbid on your eBay auction. Now your mind is wandering. You’re distracted from the situation at hand. Disappointed with your apparently short attention span, your not-so-potential-clientanymore ends the meeting and takes her business elsewhere. The good news is the weekend just started for you. The bad news is next week won’t start at all. Meanwhile, had you simply inconspicuously checked your wristwatch, you’d have gotten the time, remained focused, and got the sale too.

The Fumble! Another strike against using your phone as a timepiece? The fumble. With all the effort it takes to dig around for it in your pocket, then unlock it with your sophisticated pass code when you do find it, all in an effort to finally see the time, there’s too much opportunity for a mishap. Say you drop the phone, or your “Angry Birds” app has drained the battery and your phone fails to activate. Now you’re really in trouble. Your prospect is witnessing the inept scene you’re making and you’re rather blatantly demonstrating you care less about their business than you do your Friday evening. All of which could have been avoided with a subtle twist of your wrist while they sipped their coffee. You’d have the time and they wouldn’t have noticed at all. And yes, each time this happens, your wristwatch either saves you money or makes you money. And done often enough, the timepiece eventually pays for itself.

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Watches Measure More Than Time So, now you’re convinced of the value of your wristwatch in professional situations, but how do you determine what watch to get—or why the type of watch you wear would matter? While wearing a watch is a step in the right direction, it’s important to recognize timepieces measure more than time. The timepiece you choose also measures you—in the eyes of others. Your watch is a subliminal avenue by which you can readily display your degree of self-confidence as well as the level of your success. It’s a non-verbal way of telling clients you mean business. That said, the difference between a Timex and a Rolex is considerably greater than the first three letters of each word. When you check the time with your shoddy-looking $10 made-in-China watch you’re saying in essence; “I do not consider myself worthy of wearing a mechanical masterpiece on my wrist. I’m not successful enough, nor is my business stable enough.” And yes, whether they indicate it perceptibly or not, seeds of doubt are sown into the minds of your clients by its appearance. A cheap watch could well leave them with a nagging sensation of risk about doing business with you. Simply put, it sets a bad impression. On the other hand, when you’re wearing a watch you can be proud of, your clients will respond positively before you even say a word. Plus, in casual conversation, you can demonstrate by explaining to them how magnificent, rare, or meaningful your wristwatch is.

Wear Your Heart on Your Wrist Choosing your watch deserves some consideration. While there are literally thousands of watch brands, and tens of thousands of models to choose from, your watch should reflect your values and your personality. You can wear a piece of history; display your family heritage or your love for a particular sport, all while demonstrating your appreciation for fine machinery and sophistication. Reflect your respect of—and devotion to—your family’s heritage by refinishing your grandfather’s Bulova. If you like rare items, consider the special, limited edition Accutron Spaceview, a unique watch with exhibition front and back, which reveals both sides of its specialized Swiss mechanical movement. If you’re “always in motion,” inspired by architecture or you enjoy extremely modern styling, a Movado timepiece with its iconic museum dial is just right for you. Are you looking for something scratch resistant and made of industrial strength materials with a luxurious feel? Try a Rado; They’ve earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the “world’s hardest watch”.

Where to Get Your Watch Montica Jewelry is Coral Gables’s premier watch and jewelry destination. The staff is exceptionally knowledgeable in the area of fine timepieces and always open to helping you enjoy exploring their fabulous, unparalleled collection. With Festina, Longines, Michele, Raymond Weil, Tissot, TW Steel and beyond, they can help you select the perfect model to complement your professional presentation. And, Montica Jewelry in addition to effecting complex repairs, is more than happy to do something as simple as change a battery or adjust a steel bracelet— while you wait. Above all, remember; your wristwatch should give you a reason to smile, be confident, stay focused, and leave that smartphone in your pocket.

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The

Awesome 8

A Golfing Adventure

By Martin Sayers

Golf is not a game that is usually associated with high adventureâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it is supposed to be a sedate and relaxing pastime. Things are changing in the world of golf, however, and there is an incredible quest out there for anyone prepared to take it on. It is a journey that takes the intrepid golfer to eight of the most extreme golf courses in the world: the highest, the lowest, the hottest, the coldest, the most southerly, the most northerly, the hardest and the greatest.

This crazy task is the brainchild of two golfobsessed British friends, Robin Sieger and Neil Laughton, who decided over seven years ago that it was time to make their golf a bit more exciting. T h ey hit upon the idea of a competition that involved completing eight of the most diverse and extreme golf courses in the world within a year. All of the courses were recognized golf clubs with an established membership list, and with sponsorship from Callaway, Robin and Neil set out to play all eight of them within 12 months. They started in January and had completed the challenge by Christmas.

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According to Robin, it was one of the greatest experiences of his life: “It was an incredible trip,” he says. “Not only did we get to play some amazing golf courses but we met some fantastic people along the way. We were treated with incredible generosity and kindness at the clubs we visited; it showed the true spirit of golf.” Robin and Neil are now the founding members of the most exclusive golf society in the world, a society whose membership is only open to those who have completed all eight courses on the Awesome 8 list. The challenge no longer requires the intrepid golfer, as it did Robin and Neil, to drag a bag of clubs around the world on a series of economy class flights. The Awesome 8 has evolved into the ultimate golfing experience—a package that includes travel by executive jet, accommodation in luxury hotels and incredible excursions to places of interest. The trip takes place in two month-long stages, one in summer and one in winter, and the cost is around a cool $157,000. If you have the money and the time, you can take your place on the Awesome 8. You and around 25 fellow golfers will jet off in a luxury Boeing 757-200 and be whisked around the golfing world for two weeks.

Eight of the most diverse and extreme golf courses in the world.

The Most Northerly

North Cape, Norway Jet out to the edge of the Arctic Circle, where a round at North Cape golf club awaits, the most northerly course in the world. After the golf, a take a cruise to the North Cape itself—the very tip of Europe, where it is possible to see the incredible spectacle of the Northern Lights.

The Coldest

North Star, Alaska

From Norway, a hop across the Arctic to Alaska to play at North Star golf club. It is the coldest golf course in the world, so much so that it has to close for six months of the year. Thankfully, playing it in May means that snow is unlikely to be a problem. North Star may also be the only club that provides an animal checklist on the scorecard— hawks, owls and eagles are all common sights and even the elusive lynx has been spotted. A course rule states that: “When a raven or fox steals a ball, a replacement may be dropped without penalty at the scene of the crime.”

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The Highest

La Paz, Bolivia

After the climatic extremes of the Arctic, head back southward to the city of La Paz in Bolivia. Not only is La Paz the highest capital city in the world, it is also home to the highest golf course, a club situated a heady 10,350-feet above sea level. Set against the majestic beauty of the Andes, this is one of the most scenic golf courses in the world. Golfers must be careful, however, because the altitude means that the average 4-iron shot will shoot past 200 yards. The activities associated with this location could include a visit to the world famous Lake Titicaca and a look around Tiwanako, ancient capital of the Incas.

The Greatest

St. Andrews, Scotland

After Bolivia, head back to Europe to play the only one of the eight courses that needs no introduction: St. Andrews is possibly the greatest and certainly one of the oldest golf courses in the world. This magnificent links is a Mecca for any golfer, and its many features and subtleties make for an amazing eighteen holes. Teeing off on the Old Course in the footsteps of the greats, from Bobby Jones to Tiger Woods, makes for an unforgettable experience.

The Lowest

Furnace Creek, California Whisked across the desert to play Furnace Creek in California, at 214 feet below sea level the world’s lowest elevation golf course. This unfeasibly lush course stands in glorious contrast to the desolate desert landscape of its Death Valley location. Not only is it low; it is also hard and has been featured in Golf Digest’s list of “America’s 50 Toughest Courses.”

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There is an incredible quest out there for anyone prepared to take it on.

The Most Southerly

Ushuaia, Argentina

7 8

Set out to play the most southerly golf course in the world at Ushuaia, Argentina. Sitting at the very tip of South America, Ushuaia claims to be the world’s most southerly city and isn’t much more than a super-charged drive away from Antarctica. The club itself is set in the Tierra del Fuego National Park and provides a challenge. Strong winds from the polar region whip across the fairways, and the course is criss-crossed by a fast-flowing river.

The Toughest

Ko’olau, Hawaii

From Argentina, head across the Pacific to the paradise islands of Hawaii to take on what is widely regarded as the most difficult course in the world of golf. Carved out of a forest on the windward side of the 2,000-foot Ko’olau Ridge mountain range, Ko’olau golf course is officially recognized as the hardest course in America by the USGA. The course is almost unfeasibly steep and wind speed can often reach 40 mph. These factors, combined with the sheer difficulty of the course, means that most rounds take over 5 hours to complete.

The Hottest

Alice Springs, Australia

From Hawaii, continue westward to Australia and Alice Springs golf club. Given its location in the middle of the Australian desert, it is not surprising that Alice Springs is officially the hottest golf course in the world, with temperatures regularly topping 120 degrees Fahrenheit. But the welcome is as warm as the weather, and Awesome 8 founder Robin Sieger rates Alice Springs as one of the friendliest clubs he has ever visited. www.lxmagazine.com

A closer look:

Bruce Barbaree RUCE BARBAREE Creative Director, Biltmore Event Design A closer look:

Creative Director, Biltmore Event Design

ked at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables for five years ruceanBarbaree worked at the had a dream to become actor inhas Music Theater, Biltmore Hoteldream, in Coral Gables for a little time was that he had another a passion ice aspect of it as well.five Bruce hit it. me onehad yearssaid, now “It andjust loves Bruce actor who still can servetopeople entertainment, a dream become with an actor in Music Theater, ering business.” He couldover fulfilla little this desire bythat butsaw Bruceherealized time was king on another dream of his he was thrilled about. A he had another dream, a passion for culinary ater helped boost Bruce’s confidence by telling him and the service aspect of it as well. Bruce said, at opening up his own business and that he should go “It own just hitbusiness, me one day, thatCatering I could be and an actor ate by owning his Elan

who still can serve people with entertainment, but with-in his own catering business.” He ears ago Bruce joined Biltmore Hotel. After saw hethe could fulfill this desire by meetgiving up eral Manager, they decided toon have Bruce create acting and taking another dream of his he uce would now head not only food, all event was thrilled about. A friend of hisdesign in Music rrently oversees and assists clients who are looking for Theater helped boost Bruce’s confidence by Biltmore. Bruce loves to work with clients to create a telling him that the he would doat great opening rience. Prior to Bruce’s arrival, events theathotel up his own business and that he should go for h other and a little “stale”. He wanted to brighten up it! Bruce hesitate owning g new trends, styles, and didn’t tell the clientsbythat you his canown g on the edge will give the event a whole other look business, Elan Catering and Event Design.

being part of the event instead of managing every detail. When a client hires the Biltmore Hotel’s events department for their event, there are two main directors who work together and they are Mr. Barbaree, the Destination Director and the Catering Director of the hotel. They work intimately to always make sure they are both on task and the same page. Most hotels don’t have an Event Design department and once you experience the difference you won’t see how less stressful and effective the planning process could be. The Biltmore hosts many gorgeous weddings and Biltmore Event Design oversees the planning of the Rehearsal dinner, the wedding, and a lovely brunch the next day to celebrate!

When the event day arrives there are three people are oversee A little more than five years ago Bruce joined the Biltmore the event during the whole process. First Bruce, the Creative a client for any type of event, his priority is to the go to theGeneral venue to double and triple check Hotel. After meeting with hotel Manager, Director, arrives early with set up and makes sure every little has witnessed incidents where people have set up in the wrong room at the hotel or there they decided to have Bruce create Biltmore Event Design. detail is in its correct place and asks the client if they are happy e set up process, which can create a stressful environment. Bruce ensures to protect the Bruce would now head not only food, all event design and everything with the culinary director, and makes things easier for the clients. Most hotelswith provide their then leaves. The catering director says his coordination. He currently oversees and assists clients who are good-byes after the on trey is served and he isn’t needed any items for their event. Bruce takes on the event processes by handling most event details looking for a specialvendors. event with thegives Biltmore. Brucethe loves to to focus longer. is the Banquet Manager who is in charge of the g last-minute guests or contacting This the client time onLast being d of managing every work detail. with clients to create a smooth, enjoyable experience. servers and who oversees the proper service that must be given Prior to Bruce’s arrival, the events at the hotel looked so similar for any event and leaves at the end of the event. The Biltmore Biltmore Hotel’s events for “stale”. their event, theretoare two main to eachdepartment other and a little He wanted brighten up thedirectors hostswho manywork gorgeous weddings and when they do the Design Mr. Barbaree, the Destination Director and the Catering Director of the hotel. They work events by introducing new trends, styles, and tell the clients department oversees the planning of the Rehearsal dinner, the ke sure they are both on task and the same page. Most hotels don’t have an Event Design that you can be different and thinking on the edge will give the wedding, and a lovely brunch the next day to celebrate! During you experience the difference you won’t see how less stressful and effective the planning event a whole other look people will not forget. theplanning event theofdirectors and banquet manager communicate tmore hosts many gorgeous weddings and Biltmore Event Design oversees the through cell phone from when the bride is ready to walk down e wedding, and a lovely brunch the next day to celebrate! When Bruce works with a client for any type of event, his stairs, to when there might be any issue with a complaint. When ves there are three people the to event during the whole process. First Bruce, the priority is toare go oversee to the venue double and triple check every planning any event there are obstacles that always arise, but s early with set uplast and makes sure littleincidents detail is in its correct place client detail. Bruce hasevery witnessed where people have setand asks Brucethe being a patient and educated individual with these issues, verything then leaves. The catering says his good-byes after the onhold trey itistogether served and acts appropriately at all times. When there up in the wrong room director at the hotel or there is no one overseeing y longer. Last is the Banquet Manager who is in charge of the servers and who oversees the the set up process, which can create a stressful environment. is a very demanding mother who doesn’t approve of the linens t be given for any event and leaves at the end of the event. The Biltmore hosts many Bruce ensures to protect the property, closelyofwith or when there is a bride who isn’t happy with her center- pieces d when they do the Design department oversees theworks planning the the Rehearsal dinner, the culinary director, andDuring makes things easierthe for the clients.and Mostbanquet on the day of her wedding, Bruce does everything in his power brunch the next day to celebrate! the event directors manager hotels the provide their client with a checklist of items theirthere to makebe them cell phone from when bride is ready to walk down stairs, to for when might anyhappy. You will come across situations such as When planning any event there are always butmost Bruce being patient event. Bruce takes onobstacles the event that processes by arise, handling theseaand maybe others that are even more difficult to handle al with these issues, holddetails it together and acts appropriately at all guests times. or When there is a very event such as accommodating last-minute in other eyes, but when you have experience like Bruce you’re o doesn’t approve of the linens or when there a bride whoto isn’t happy her to centercontacting vendors. This gives the isclient the time focus on with bound find a solution and create a dream event.

r wedding, Bruce does everything in his power to make them happy. You will come across and maybe others that are even more difficult to handle in other eyes, but when you have ou’re bound to find a solution and create a dream event.

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