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With dragons put aside, the romantic feel from the Parisian- themed shower carried forward to the wedding. Flowers figured prominently with a jewel-toned palette of blooms such as hydrangea, peony, and amaryllis. e wedding party's table was two-tiered, each level flanked by rows of tightly bunched flowers, giving the appearance of an altar—the ideal spot for the ceremony. During the nuptials, the furniture for the reception was "hidden" from view by simply keeping the lights in that area dimmed so the focus would remain on the bride and groom. "Walking in and seeing all our family and friends among the beautiful flowers was spectacular," Marie recalls. Shiny new rings on each hand, the couple joined their guests for the cocktail hour, which featured two full floors of a seemingly infinite number of appetizer stations from mac & cheese to sushi that fit every appetite. Food was a priority as this party was slated to start at six in the evening and end in the early morning hours. e oval tables, set for the 165 guests, held table runners created from bold flowers and mixed with evergreens to highlight the season. "We had to do the table layout very carefully because we wanted the flowers to cascade down to the floor on one end, but we wanted people to still be able to move around easily. e staff at Nanina's really helped in getting it all organized," Anna Maria comments. Elegant centerpieces topped with gold clocks and surrounded by candles of varying heights enhanced the drama of the room. e sit-down dinner offered choices from seafood to Chateau Briand, and was followed by a Viennese dessert display that held an assortment that included Italian cookies and pastries, a homemade cannoli station, and a coffee and espresso bar. Nearby was a cigar station where cigars were hand-rolled for all who wanted to partake. Just before midnight, the atmosphere changed to a celebration of the New Year. e DJ, who the bride and groom had hand- selected, kept the music playing and the dance floor packed as hats, horns, and plenty of champagne were surreptitiously brought to the tables. e venue staff quickly blew out all the candles in preparation for a release of confetti and streamers as the clock struck twelve. e food was replenished with an all-American menu to fuel the guests as the party lasted until the early morning hours. "ere was never any question in my mind that Anna Maria would be involved in Kendall and Sam's wedding and just as I suspected, perfection," Marie exclaims. As the event came to a close, Anna Maria chose to drive home instead of taking one of the planned shuttles back to one of three hotels. e time alone in the car gave her a chance to reflect on the joy of a wedding, the beauty of friendships, and the magical night that was backdropped by her efforts, all inspired by her love for her clients. VUE ON | DESIGN VUENJ.COM 67

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