By 11-years-old, Valerie Romanoff has played an array of instruments, mastered the electric guitar and considered herself a musician – knowing full well there was no other job she’d rather hold. Now the CEO of Starlight Orchestras in New York, the guitarist, composer and producer is living the dream and making dreams come true.

 

 

After college I got involved in the music scene in New York City, and soon found there was a need for good quality music for weddings. Our band developed a style that was unique to the wedding industry, and we created a prototype that became Starlight Orchestras,” Valerie says. “Our entire approach was based on the challenge ‘How good can it get?’ And we continue, 20 years later, making it better still with every single wedding.”

 

Q: What is it like performing at an event at The Breakers?
A: I will never forget the first time I performed at the Breakers. We had come from New York and were in the ballroom doing a sound check in the afternoon before the event. The band assembled onstage, and we began singing and performing “Lovely Day,” by Bill Withers. All of a sudden, across the room, a wall of curtains began opening! And there before us was the vast ocean; slightly turquoise, sparkling in the sun, bouncing with waves not 5 feet from the window. I caught my breath; I could not believe the power, the majesty and the beauty. Those qualities are evident throughout the hotel and banquet spaces. The Breakers is one of my most favorite places to perform.

 

Q: Where does your inspiration come from?
A: My inspiration comes from the excitement and the “energy” surrounding a party. We, as bandleaders, feel this excitement brewing, and can sense what songs and musical choices the crowd will love. The interaction between the musicians and the guests is like magic; something new and different is created every time. I am also inspired by the musicians and performers I work with, and the joy that happens when we are onstage together.

 

Enjoy a few photos of Valerie rocking out with Starlight Orchestras’ best…

 

Q: How does The Breakers history and architecture inspire you and your events?
A: Driving up to the entrance of The Breakers I often envision the grand parties of times past, and I am inspired to recreate moods with music that reflect different times in our history. For example, at a recent Charity Gala at The Breakers I had 10 violins lining the corridor as guests first arrived, and we performed a repertoire reminiscent of a Palace Ball at Versailles. I could see how our music affected the emotions and even the stature of many of the partygoers. It was exciting!

 

 

Q: Do you have a favorite ballroom to perform in?
A: The Breakers has ballrooms in a wide variety of sizes and styles. The Starlight Orchestras are a great match because our ensembles also come in a wide variety, and pair well with the options available at the hotel. We have small trios that can play in the courtyard, six piece jazzy combos perfect for a dinner dance in the Magnolia Room, a 10 piece dance band for a wedding in the Venetian Ballroom, or a 15 piece blow-out party band rocking the Ponce de Leon room for one of Palm Beach’s top galas.

 

 

Q: What’s the most important piece of advice you can offer a bride and groom?
A: Try to really enjoy your wedding is to be in the moment! My advice to our brides and grooms is to choose your team of wedding professionals and do all the planning ahead. Communicate fully in the months and weeks before your wedding, and then on the big day, just let it go and be in the romance, the magic, and the fun!

 

 

Q: How does a wedding at The Breakers differ from those at other venues?
A: I recently was a guest at an event at The Breakers and the service, the ambiance, the food, and the staff blew me away! There are so many wonderful things about being part of the team when I work there, but being a guest showed me the other side, and increased my appreciation of the venue.

 

 

Starlight Orchestras
Valerie Romanoff, CEO
(212) 595-0999
Website | Personal Site | Twitter | Facebook

 

 

More: Meet all The Breakers’ Dream Makers in our Spotlight With A Guru

With a successful catering company, a new book and a wide array of celebrity followers, you would never guess that celebrated New York Caterer Peter Callahan used to be an investment banker.

 

 

“In my mid 20′s I very spontaneously left Wall Street to start a small catering co. The owner of the firm said I was the dumbest person he ever met to leave his company and all the future affluence it afforded. For a while I thought he was right….” Peter remembers. “Then, a creative streak I didn’t know I had kicked in — and I started dreaming up all sorts of new party food, bar designs, trays and buffets in ways nobody had ever seen.”

 

Since then, Peter has ignited the party world and is well known as the originator of the mini comfort food trend that has swept the wedding world. And – his new book, Bite by Bite: 100 Stylish Little Plates You Can Make for Any Party, shares a bunch of his delicious recipes.

 

Q: Your new book recently hit the shelves – congrats! Tell us more about it.
A: I hadn’t planned on doing a book, but Martha Stewart, who has always been fabulous to me, kept asking when was I going to do a book, and next thing you know I had a book!

 

Q: What is it like planning an event at The Breakers?
A: Planning an event at The Breakers is the ultimate plum job; it doesn’t count as work being surrounded by such fabulousness! And there are so many different location possibilities it is like 10 locations on one!

 

Q: Where does your inspiration come from?
A: My inspiration comes from everyday life and it pops into my mind randomly like a vision.

 

Enjoy these images from some of Peter’s favorite treats…

 

 

Q: Keeping in mind The Breakers tropical Palm Beach climate, give us three fun hors d’oeuvres you’d create for cocktail hour.
A: -A plantain cone with ahi tuna tartare is the perfect Breakers hors d’oeuvres — tropical cone topped with scoop of light diced jewel tone seafood.
-Lobster cucumber petit four under glass — this hors d’oeuvre with its individual glass dome has old-world glamour.
-Cod taco with papaya paired with mini rum punch in mini hurricane glass.

 

Q: What’s in: What hot new trend do you see emerging for 2012 weddings?
A: I see interactive stations becoming more part of receptions, before dinner perhaps a top chef seafood station where people have an array of ingredients and they construct their own dish.

 

 

Q: What’s out: Any trends you could leave behind?
A: I could easily say goodbye to chocolate fountains!

 

Q: What advice would you give to a bride who wants a traditional wedding with a modern twist?
A: Pick a great color to be a part of the event – it elevates a wedding. You can even do hors d’oeuvres trays and waiter neckties in this palette. Also, consider a combination of square tables and rectangular trestle tables for dinner.

 

 

Q: Give us three of your favorite weddings must-dos.
A: 1.Tons of passed bite size hors d’oeuvres
2. A surprise for after dinner, whether it’s a hot unexpected DJ, fireworks or a fun specialty cocktail or drink station
3. Seat everyone tightly both at the dinner tables and in the room as it makes for a much more energetic party

 

Q: What’s your take on edible to-go wedding favors?
A: Edible to-go wedding favors are here to stay! Mini pies, donuts, or whoopie pies to-go are fun, but the key is to package them beautifully.

 

 

Q: What’s the most important piece of advice you can offer a bride and groom?
A: Enjoy your engagement and wedding reception. Make the whole process of planning a joy. And above all — eat at your own reception!

 

Photos by Mel Barlow

 

Q: The Breakers has an immense history and some amazing architecture – How would you use this to inspire you and your events at the hotel?
A: One of my favorite things in Palm Beach and The Breakers is travertine stone. This coral imprinted stone is grand and speaks of the ocean. So I would have trays made of travertine for passing hors d’oeuvres and bar tops made from travertine.

 

Callahan Catering
(212) 327-1144
info@callahancatering.com
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Book

 

 

More: Meet all The Breakers’ Dream Makers in our Spotlight With A Guru

Two decades ago, Ed Libby started a floral company in his home. Today, Ed Libby & Co. are a bi-coastal award-winning floral and event design business with offices in New York and Los Angeles, and projects across the country and around the world.

 

 

“We have been lucky enough to work with some amazing celebrity clients on some very special weddings and other social events,” says Ed. “But really, at the end of the day, it’s all about creating a beautiful environment – which is something I have never fallen out of love with.”

 

Q: What is it like planning an event at The Breakers?
A: Planning an event at The Breakers is a treat for my staff and me. The venue is classic, the event coordinators are amazingly detailed and extraordinarily helpful and the food and presentation is beyond. Anytime a client calls for an event at The Breakers, we immediately know we are in for a spectacular experience.

 

Q: What hot new trend do you see emerging for winter weddings? How about 2012?
A: I am really enjoying a new aesthetic we have dubbed “Organic Elegance” – chic neutral tones offset with a brilliant metallic gold woven into natural linens such as hemp, jute and muslin – absolutely stunning and sophisticated. Clients are also putting more of an emphasis on merging food and decor by creating lavish tasting menus that incorporate stunning place settings and interactive serving pieces and tabletops; each course can be visually different with a fresh and innovative presentation.

 

For 2012, I see more of a return to various “Courses of Entertainment,” where different smaller acts – musical or otherwise – will be incorporated into the evenings’ entertainment, creating a truly memorable evening for guests.

 

Q: What is the most important reason your clients cite for choosing The Breakers?
A: The Breakers offers unparalleled service and flawless execution at a venue that has endless possibilities for entertaining. What could be better?!

 

Enjoy a few of Ed’s favorite images from his events at The Breakers…

 

Photo by Terry Gruber

 

Q: Give us three of your favorite weddings must-dos.
A: It’s very important to me to engage all five senses when designing an environment; the linens should be delightful to the touch, the florals pleasantly fragrant, the sound of a fountain in the distance and the decor visually stunning. That is the difference between a pretty room and a beautiful environment.

 

Scale is also very important, especially when you are dealing with grand spaces such as The Breakers – its imperative that the decor fits the space. I always make a point of designing pieces that exceed 6′ in height, as anything shorter completely evaporates once a room is filed with guests.

 

Another must-do is changing up the mood to stimulate momentum – change up the color scheme from ceremony to cocktails to dinner to enhance the ambiance. Once you’re in the ballroom for dancing, use various lighting schemes to keep an ever-evolving environment fresh or to highlight the evenings’ entertainment in new and interesting ways.

 

Photo by Terry Gruber

 

Q: Where does your inspiration come from?
A: My inspiration comes form life – weather it’s a trip to an exotic location, a new restaurant, a gallery or the runway; my creativity is sparked by seeing new and different things, and comes to life when I meet a client. I pride myself on really listening to a client, and then taking their vision and making it a reality.

 

Photo by John Salano

 

Q: How does The Breakers history and architecture inspire you and your events at the hotel?
A: The Breakers is a breathtaking venue with many personalities where, depending on the event, you can be on a beautifully manicured lawn overlooking the ocean, in a grand gilded ballroom or even a majestic courtyard; it’s such a treat to be able to create with these many facets at hand. On a recent event we brought a modern twist to the Gold Room by installing a brilliant mirrored dance floor (above).

 

This mirrored floor was fantastic, as it reflected the intricate Old World ceiling, which created this spectacular experience for guests as they were able to “dance on the ceiling” – it was beautiful and stunning and just such a special detail that could only have materialized at The Breakers.

 

Photo by Terry Gruber

 

Q: What’s the most important piece of advice you can offer a bride and groom?
A: I tell clients that they should really enjoy the process of planning their wedding, and to try to make it a personal affair that reflects themselves as a couple. It’s the details – the red velvet wedding cake that is a favorite of the groom or the heirloom handkerchief that is tied around the brides bouquet – that makes the wedding special and brings smiles to the faces of all the guests.

 

Photo by Terry Gruber

 

Q: How does a wedding at The Breakers differ from those at other venues?
A: The Breakers is special because as a venue, there are limitless possibilities at hand – a majestic court yard, an opulent ballroom, a lawn overlooking the beach… and these options are not more than a couple of hundred feet away from one another. Not to mention that there are various off-site venues, such as Echo Palm Beach and The Flagler Stakehouse, where you could host a luncheon or a rehearsal dinner, etc. The Breakers is also perfectly situated to local nightlife and shopping on Worth Avenue, offering additional activities to guests. Or, you don’t have to leave the property at all and just enjoy a day poolside or at the spa.

 

Ed Libby & Co.
info@edlibby.com
Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

Calling the incredible work done by Films by Francesco team a ‘video’ would be a vast understatement. They dynamic duo of Francesco and Michele focus on creating wedding films – all done in an artful, cinematic and intimate way.

 

Francesco and his team of associates have filmed events worldwide, including the weddings of Miranda Lambert & Blake Shelton, Joanna Garcia & Nick Swisher, Nicole Richie & Joel Madden, and most notably, Chelsea Clinton and Mark Mezvinsky.

 

 

A former Breakers employee, Francesco filmed countless weddings and corporate events with the hotel’s own Palm Beach Staging & Production team before heading out on his own to create Films by Francesco in the fall of 2004.

 

“Our story is one that is closely intertwined with the Breakers!” Michele says, “I joined Francesco a few months after he started the company and we worked diligently over the following year to create and conceptualize a boutique cinematography company that would stand apart.”

 

Q: What is it like filming an event at The Breakers?
A: The Breakers is a stunning historic property, so filming there couldn’t provide a better backdrop for couples — amazing architectural interiors and the beauty of the ocean. Each ballroom and outdoor location has it’s own feel, which makes each event a unique experience to shoot. But the best part of filming an event at the Breakers is the Social Catering team… We know that when a client chooses the Breakers for their event it will be well planned, with every detail covered, which makes our day for shooting a pleasure.

 

Q: Where does your inspiration come from?
A: We find the most inspiration in our shoot locations and our clients. We have been shooting weddings at The Breakers for more than seven years, so there is a comfortability in knowing the property — where to be, what to shoot, when the best light will hit. We also find inspiration in every client: How they choose to use the space, their decor and how their personal style plays into the property. It’s a new experience every time.

 

Q: What hot new trend do you see emerging for winter weddings?
A: Well, if this winter is anything like last winter in NYC, the trend will be to get out of town! And we will be happy to spend some time in Palm Beach! For us the best trend we are seeing is brides using our highlight films to share with friends and family, and even using them as thank you’s.

 

Enjoy one of Francesco and Michele’s favorite films from a Breakers wedding…

 

Real Wedding: Michelle & Marcos at The Breakers

 

Q: Give us three of your favorite weddings must-dos.
A: 1. Capture your day! — So much time and energy is spent planning and creating every aspect of the day, take advantage of cinematography and photography so that you can remember all the details for years to come.
2. Enjoy your day — You have planned for months, and chosen a location like The Breakers and reliable, professional vendors so that you can be taken care of on your special day. Relax and enjoy yourself, trusting that every detail is being taken care of.
3. Don’t go home hungry — So many couples never eat at their own wedding! Make sure you enjoy all the delicious treats you’ve planned for months.

 

Q: What is the most important reason your clients cite for choosing The Breakers?
A: Obviously the hotel is architecturally one of a kind, and located on a beautiful stretch of beach, which is reason enough. But we know that many clients choose The Breakers because of their level of service, attention to detail and beautiful (and tasty!) food. The Breakers is a location where clients can trust that they are getting the highest level of service from the best vendors, hands down.

 

Q: What’s the most important piece of advice you can offer a bride and groom?
A: Though budget is always a concern and consideration during wedding planning, do not choose your vendors on dollar value alone. Choose vendors that align with your personal taste and style, and who will offer the most professional and creative service to you on the day of your event. Many vendors, especially your cinematographer and photographer, will be spending hours with you on the day of your wedding — be sure that you enjoy their personalities as well as their products, and that they have a working relationship with one another.

 

Q: How does a wedding at The Breakers differ from those at other venues?
A: A wedding at The Breakers is beautiful because most often all of the elements of the day happen on property — the hair and makeup, ceremony, reception, and even the after party, with most guests staying on property. This element alone ensures a smooth flow to the day, and allows the bride, groom and all guests to relax and have more fun! Many of our clients and their guests make extended weekends out of their Breakers weddings, taking advantage of all the property has to offer. A bride and groom can always expect an amazing event at a unique location at the Breakers.

 

Films by Francesco
Palm Beach: (561) 707-3146
New York: (917) 526-2771
Website | Blog | Facebook

 

More: Meet all The Breakers’ Dream Makers in our Spotlight With A Guru

Leslie Mastin has been a dominant force in the New York City event-planning scene for more than 20 years. President of State of the Art Enterprises, the planner extraordinaire ensures every event she’s involved with has a special “state of the art” touch.

 

 

“I love planning events at The Breakers. The team is responsive, dependable, and their knowledge of the local resources and vendors makes long distance planning a breeze.”

 

Q: What is it like planning an event at The Breakers?
A: Destination weddings take a lot of coordination but since many of our Madison and Park Avenue clientele winter in Palm Beach, The Breakers is like our home away from home. We take every comfort in knowing the incredible catering team provide our clients with impeccable service and are a pleasure to work with. The Breakers raises the bar on commitment to excellence and attention to detail.

 

Enjoy some images from Leslie’s favorite events at The Breakers…

 

 

Q: What’s in: What hot new trend do you see emerging for winter, 2012 weddings?
A: A big emerging trend is a reinvented dessert bar. Some old favorites are being revamped in new and interesting ways like hot cocoa on a stick that dissolves in hot milk being passed around the dance floor.

 

Interactive food bars are a big hit like Pop Bars’ handcrafted gelato on a stick and specialty beignets injected with fillings made to order. Macaroons and Whoopie Pies are the new cupcake. Customized food trucks are also a fresh new accoutrement that gives a late night after party an added kick.

 

 

Q: How does The Breakers history and architecture inspire you and your events at the hotel?
A: The venue plays a very important role in the design of an event. For one particular event the architecture became the theme of the couple’s printed materials and each event of the wedding featured a different piece of the hotel. The save the dates were vintage postcards of Palm Beach and The Breakers. A watercolor image of the entrance with the fountain was created and used as their invitation. The flags were incorporated into their monogram and turned into their stamp and used as the label inside the yarmulkes. The design of the ceiling in the gold room was used on their afterparty card. There are so many design elements in the rooms of The Breakers that the possibilities are endless.

 

 

Q: Give us three of your favorite weddings must-dos.
A: Have a timeline to your wedding that consists of a beginning, middle, and end. Having this structure in place will create a nice flow to the day. Setting a definitive end point will also end the event on a high note and leave a lasting impression.

 

There are no rules to planning a wedding. It’s YOUR day and should reflect your style and personalities. Make sure to include elements that you like and that make you happy.

 

Test everything ahead of time. Make sure the bridesmaids and groomsmen try on their dresses and tuxes prior to the day of, have a tasting with your caterer, schedule hair and make up trials. Getting these details taken care of in advance will help make the big day run smoothly.

 

 

Q: Where does your inspiration come from?
A: Getting to know the couple is an important way to start because the details of their story, personalities and the location of the wedding can shape the entire day. How they met or became engaged can set the tone. For one couple who was engaged in Central Park under a tree on their favorite park bench we incorporated a picture of the bench in our Save the dates. Later for the wedding we brought in a park bench, which was then placed under a custom built tree where the limbs served as a place to display their escort cards on.

 

Once there is a sense of who they are everything from a tree to an archway to a tablecloth to an end of the night favor can be viewed with their perspective in mind and little by little a vague idea morphs into a greater concept and then is polished off with specific and unique details to create something one of a kind.

 

 

Q: How were you inspired by the Royal Wedding?
A: A lot of décor and fashion trends are also emerging since the Royal Wedding. Many couples like the idea of incorporating trees into the ceremony décor. Dresses are beginning to move away from strapless and feature the Royal-inspired long sleeves with a boat neck. Colored sashes are also a chic way to incorporate a pop of color.

 

Q: What is the most important reason your clients cite for choosing The Breakers?
A: The Breakers defines luxury with unparalleled service and convenience. The location offers a beautiful destination that’s a quick direct flight from New York without the hassle of a passport. Beginning with the exquisite entrance the property consists of endless details of elegance. The selection of spaces allows for each event of the weekend, from the rehearsal dinner to the brunch, to be held in a different room creating a smooth and effortless flow.

 

Q: How does a wedding at The Breakers differ from those at other venues?
A: Often times when planning a wedding each event will be at a different venue and several different hotels may be holding room blocks. The Breakers offers the convenience of having everything all in one place without feeling confined. Having your guests stay on property where all events are taking place make transportation and logistics easy. In addition to convenience, you can have peace of mind knowing your wedding is in the hands of The Breakers staff who are on hand to make your stay relaxing, effortless, and unforgettable.

 

State of the Art Enterprises
Leslie Mastin: (212) 317-1421
65 West 55 Street, Suite 6C
New York, NY 10019
www.stateoftheartnyc.com

 

More: Meet all The Breakers’ Dream Makers in our Spotlight With A Guru