July 21, 2015

ARUBA WEDDING

Lisi Korn

I’ve never been as excited to write about and share an event as I am now. This family and I go way back, as I had the immense pleasure of working with them or other family celebrations. Each time I work them, I get to be challenged creatively and get to have fun with a client that is equally passionate about things that are beautiful and creative.

From the moment Margie (our fabulous mother of the bride, who can pass as the sister of the bride… wink, wink) told us that at any moment Harry (the groom to be) would be popping the question to Sarita (the bride to be) I was jumping with excitement and so was my creative brain. I knew this was going to be a wild ride that me, my team, the family and the guests would never forget.

The destination was set – from the moment Sarita was a little girl, her heart was set on Aruba. This “One Happy Island” had no clue what was in store for them, but Forever Events was ready to make the impossible happen to make Sarita’s dream come true.

After many trips, countless bottles of wine (bottles might be an understatement, and the worst part was I couldn’t even have one sip since I was 6 months prego) and endless negotiations; the new Ritz Carlton became our home. And I mean this LITERALLY. We took over the Ritz. We wanted guests and family to have the ultimate wedding destination experience and have a piece of Sarita & Harry everywhere they went, so from personalized room keys, bathrooms, beach towels, toiletries, welcomes gifts, custom inflatable furniture, we made all 1,200 guests feel as if they were at the ultimate Sarita & Harry resort. Even if you grabbed a sandwich from the poolside bar, it was wrapped in monogrammed wax paper!

I could talk days about all the amazing details and gifts we had. For Margie and Sarita it wasn’t only about giving gifts; they needed to have a purpose and they needed to be practical and useful. Just to give you a little sneak peak, the welcome gifts included an “Oops! I Forgot” kit full of branded toiletries and even a monogrammed flat iron – yes, a flat iron, because what girl doesn’t need one? In addition, the bridesmaids, aka ‘Sarita’s Angels’ were given monogrammed robes, bathing suits and slippers. There were even custom boxers for the guys (who are usually left out of the fun).

Behind the Scenes

Monogrammed “Oops! I Forgot” kit, full of branded toiletries and even a monogrammed flat iron!

THE PARTY BEFORE THE PARTY

As we were creating anticipation for the big day, the line-up of events kept guests excited and wanting more. A kick-off party themed “shine like a diamond” lasted till 3AM where Aguardiente droppers kept guest “hydrated” (if you know what I mean). Followed by a beach party, where not only the staff was in uniform but the 100 bridesmaids modeled ultra-chic customized bikinis and lounged on custom inflatables with Sarita & Harry’s custom logos and floral pattern and ending with a poolside Shabbat dinner.

From Left to Right: (1) Aguardiente dropper with custom glasses. (2) Custom Inflatable beach furniture and white sand beaches? Can we go back? Right: Beach Party! Sarita’s 100 bridesmaid show off their matching bikinis. (1st Down) A Shabbat dinner in blue. (2nd Down) shipping container parking lot party!

So… after one full week of set up, an average 3-4 hours of sleep per night, 11 shipping containers and all our 17++ FOREVER EVENTS staff & 75++ vendors from 4 different countries we were ready for Sarita & Harry’s magical day.

THE BIG DAY

Sarita looked amazing! Her smile and energy were contagious, she was ready to marry the man of her dreams. The day of the wedding was a whirlwind. Leading up to the bride’s entrance, 200 bridesmaids and groomsmen hit the runway-style aisle that led to the chuppah featuring custom paper donning the couples’ signature laser-cut flower.

We wanted to do something dramatic for Sarita’s entrance so we conceptualized oversized pink doors that were opened by local models (we really wanted twins, but we can’t have everything) upon her entry. And just like that, a father walked his little girl down the aisle.

The reception had a dessert lounge with more than 6,000 handmade desserts, and custom furniture including laser-cut gold metal highboys, light-up round tables and a huge dance floor, all of which featured (again) the couple’s signature floral cut out.

Custom floral cutouts on the tables, custom wine blend (you remember that flower pattern ;))

The weekend eventually came to a close with a chic trash the dress photo shoot and a breakfast for departing guests.

Hora Loca

Trash the dress!
My team and I are so thankful and honored to have been a part of this special day and allowing me to continue to be a part of the family’s celebrations. Sarita and Harry, we wish you lots of happiness and may you celebrate many more years together. Un fuerte abrazo and happy anniversary!