The Perfect Event

This past weekend I had dinner with a delightful couple celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary. They are fascinating, youth filled and extremely attractive. I feel so lucky to be able to call them “friends”. We were reminiscing about their anniversary celebration one year ago and what an unforgettable event that was!
Dee and Don were the perfect clients; fun, easy going, charming and very good taste….in everything! They were the closest I’ve ever come to planning a “no budget” affair! I knew when I met them that this would easily be one of my fondest career memories.
Planning a 50th Anniversary party is like planning a wedding. There are very similar elements: invitations, venue, menu, entertainment, flowers, guest lists, and hotel room blocks. Make no mistake, Dee and Don’s celebration was like no other!
First step, we shopped venues. ~Botanical Gardens, Severence, Sammy’s, Glidden House, The Rain Forest and by process of elimination the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was selected. It was perfect! The museum’s preferred caterer is Executive Caterers who were accommodating and amazing, as well as very professional. We especially enjoyed “the tasting” before making the final menu selections. The pastry chef created the perfect cake. It was a master piece! One of the specialty shops in Rocky River created an elegant invitation with the couple’s original wedding portrait imprinted on velum over a rich ivory card stock trimmed in 50th anniversary gold. It set the tone for this extravagant affair.
On the day of the main event, the guests were treated to valet parking at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Upon entering they enjoyed passed appetizers and an open bar. Their eyes viewed a majestically attired dining room with gold chairs, ivory linens and fresh flowers at each table from a innovative florist in Avon. The live entertainment was Sean Connery meets the Rat Pack. It was sensory overload! The highlight of the evening was Don and Dee’s professionally choreographed anniversary waltz. They were graceful, happy and very much in love. Guests were welcome to tour the exhibits of the museum throughout the evening. What a night to remember!
Day Two of the celebration included the renewal of weddings vows in the anniversary couples beautifully landscaped yard under a tent. This was enjoyed by family and close friends. Soft music filled the air providing the perfect background. the caterers prepared a feast along with fresh baked pie a la mode from the West Side Market. A more relaxing yet another memorable celebration of this golden anniversary!
Day Three was for the die hard party goers. Don and Dee took family and friends to see the Indians “play ball!” against the Angels at Progressive Field. Watching the Indians winning streak from a luxurious suite made it a day to remember.
Now you can see why I developed a sincere fondness for this special couple. They are truly 40 carat gold and I wish them many more years of love and extraordinary memories.