What an honor to be able to help Michael Wynn create the birthday celebration of his dreams.  

Pretty quickly we decided on a theme.  Speakeasy!  And Mikey's Speakeasy was born.  What a fun theme.  Immediately, visions of feathers, pearls, vintage furniture, brick walls and crates popped into my mind.  In full collaboration with Renee Relf, proprietor of the beautiful venue, The Portico, and Michael's partner in life and crime, Kristen Coury, CEO and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse, we got to work!

Design is the first thing that pops into my head, but there are very many aspects to an amazing celebration, of course.  I feel to do this blog justice, I'd like to tell you vendor by vendor how amazing everyone was and how much behind-the-scenes needs to happen to have a quality final production!

Let's begin with Wynn's Catering.  Wow.  What an amazing company to work with.  Bill Smith, who happens to be Michael's uncle, took the utmost care with the menu and beverage choices.  Since I was the liaison, I have no doubt this wasn't simply because it was for a "Wynn."  The professionalism and care was par none.  The final product was impeccably displayed and delicious.  Their manager, chefs, servers and bartenders were kind, organized and efficient.  We couldn't have asked for more.  

Next, I must emphasize that we had an entire entertainment production team!  Music, lighting, and sound.  Earlier, I mentioned that Kristen Coury is the CEO and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse?  Well, we could expect no less than a musical production at this affair.  She pulled in talent from NYC, California and local artists who all jammed together like they played together every day.  With an upright piano, horn, bass, drums and vocals, they created the Speakeasy vibe like no other.  The lighting was organized and created by Elizabeth Kennell, one of Gulfshore Playhouse's own talents.  And talent she has!  Uplighting on the trees, bars, signs, and lighting to highlight the stage, the ambience she created was lovely and special.  The sound, run by Sean McGinley, was precise.  Every layer of sound was perfectly balanced and could be heard from all areas of the party.  

Please note, that so far, ALL PHOTO credits in this blog post go to Matthew and Nara Lin Schipper of Naples Creative. They did an amazing job.  In the beginning of the night, Nara milled through the guests and decor and snapped many early photos, as Matt greeted guests at the entry and took their pictures in front of the "Mikey's Speakeasy," with a brick wall, crates, and liquor boxes to make it look like a speakeasy back alley.  After that, of course, they needed to get through our bouncer at the "back door" with the password...Vesper!  During the second half of the evening the husband and wife team was ever present in capturing the feel of the celebration. The photos on this blog are just a sampling of their first round of photos shared with me.  I can't wait to see more!

More photography fun was had inside the Casino & Bar area we created on the portico.  A Photo Booth by Photo Magic Events was set up in front of the warm fireplace surrounded by casino tables and an indoor bar.  It was the cozy place to be on a cool evening.  

CASINO FUN!!  We had a blast watching our guests eat, drink, dance and GAMBLE!  We didn't make them spend their own money, of course.  We gave them MICHAEL FUNNY MONEY worth $50,000 in little 1920's money pouches to cash in for chips to play for prizes!  Our guest "bandits" had a choice to play Blackjack, Craps and Roulette.  The tables and dealers were provided by Showbiz Productions!  They did a great job. 

MY TEAM.  I couldn't have done it without the help of Renee and Scott Relf, proprietors of The Portico, and my assistants, Elena Marosek and Caroline Rascoe.  They didn't stop for a minute.  From setting up to cleaning up, they were by my side every minute doing what needed to be done.  Decor set up, heater placement, hanging signs, moving furniture, and the PIANO!  Ohhhh the extension cords we used!  It all came together wonderfully and I'm grateful beyond words.  

I'm also grateful to Michael Wynn, for allowing me to show my talents and passion at such an important event.  He is a wonderful, kind, gracious man, and so nice to work with...as well as his assistant Karen Hargrove!  The Karens rule!

And to Kristen Coury, who happens to be my sister, but has faith in me beyond words.  I am so very blessed to have a sister who I look up to, who also believes in me! Thanks, sis!

Here are a few other images to enjoy!  

And this is...."WHAT'S HAPPENING!"