Kerstin & Rick

Said I Do – Jan. 7, 2017

“I was beginning to get stressed when his grandmother gave me a gift from him. It was a beautiful Tiffany pendant necklace with two hearts and my new monogram engraved on the back. He also wrote a touching note to his ‘new wife’ that made me feel better and know that everything was going to be OK.”

Kerstin and Rick Villano were just teenagers when they first met at Wellington’s Cold Stone Creamery. Both were working there after school and on weekends. Kerstin was 16, and Rick was 17. Unlike many high school romances, theirs stuck.

Years went by and Kerstin and Rick were still going strong. But when did she realize that they were destined to be together forever?

“He took me to the Keys a few years back,” Kerstin recalled. “The entire trip was packed with tons of fun activities he had planned for us. During a sunset cruise we went on, I remember looking at him and thinking that I just knew.”

Rick entered the military, and Kerstin went on to college. It was a trying time, with such distance between them.

“Rick was stationed in New York, and I was finishing up my bachelor’s degree in Florida,” Kerstin said. “We often had to go months at a time without seeing each other.”

One Christmas, unbeknownst to Kerstin, Rick came home. “My family and I went to lunch at Ta-boo. After lunch, we walked down to the clock tower, and he was there, waiting,” Melissa said of Rick’s unexpected proposal. “Both of our families were there to capture and share the moment with us. It was very special because that was the same place my dad proposed to my mom.”

Kerstin chose a wedding dress by Alfred Angelo. “It was actually the very first dress I tried on,” she said. “I knew it was the perfect one immediately.”

They wed on Jan. 7, 2017 with both the ceremony and reception taking place at the Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo.

“We were getting ready for the ceremony, and my nerves were getting the best of me,” Kirsten said. “I was beginning to get stressed when his grandmother gave me a gift from him. It was a beautiful Tiffany pendant necklace with two hearts and my new monogram engraved on the back. He also wrote a touching note to his ‘new wife’ that made me feel better and know that everything was going to be OK.”

Alexandra Bannon was Kirsten’s maid of honor, while Rick’s younger brother Nick Villano served as best man. The couple’s first dance was to “From the Ground Up” by Dan + Shay, but it was the mother/son and father/daughter dances that caused the most buzz. “He asked his mom to pick the mother-son dance song, and I asked my dad to pick the father-daughter song,” Kirsten said. “Without knowing, they both picked the same song! It was ‘My Wish’ by Rascal Flatts.”

Stacia Morgan did an amazing job as the wedding photographer, and when it came time to plan a honeymoon, Rick’s parents stepped in with an offer the couple could not refuse.

“His family sent us to Europe. We spent a couple of weeks in France, Spain and Italy,” Kirsten said. “Hands down, our favorite part was seeing the Amalfi Coast in Italy — heaven on earth with the decadent gelato, giant yellow lemons bigger than your head, and the smell of the leather goods.”

Melissa &Christopher

Said I Do – July 15, 2017

The best moment of the day was, during the reception, looking out and seeing all our guests; and subsequently partying with them on the dance floor, at the bar

and in the photo booth. There’s nothing better than having all the people you love in one room.”

John Lennon once sang, “Nothing’s Gonna Change My World,” but today, the world of technology has changed everything. In the case of Melissa and her new husband Christopher, it was responsible for bringing them together — through an online dating site. After analyzing each other’s photographs and typing thousands of characters, the two knew it was time to meet face-to-face.

“We first met at a coffee shop for the typical ‘screener date,’ as we like to call it,” Melissa recalled. “It was the most easy-going date I had ever been on.”

That feeling of comfort and familiarity led to an ever-growing closeness between them. “It also doesn’t hurt that we share a love of movies that borders on obsessive,” Melissa noted.

Yet she never experienced an “ah-ha” moment in which she knew that Christopher was “the one.”

“It was just something that happened over time,” she said. “As we kept dating and got to know each other, we realized that we had similar values, a similar sense of humor and made a great partnership.”

Christopher felt the same way but, when he suddenly popped the question, Melissa was caught off guard.

“We were hanging out at his place,” Melissa recalled. “He was working in one room, and I had just finished some online shopping in the other. He came out of the room, held my hand and started giving a speech from one of my favorite movies. I recognized it right away, and eventually noticed how uncharacteristically nervous he was. He finished his speech, asked the question and put the ring on my finger. I was so surprised! We had talked about getting married, but I did not see the proposal coming.”

Melissa and Christopher were married at the Wellington National Golf Club on July 15, 2017, with Melissa’s sisters Stephanie Marty and Kimberly Lee as bridesmaids, and Parry Silcox as best man. The bride wore a gown designed by Oleg Cassini and carried a rosary wrapped around the stems of her bouquet.

“It was my ‘something blue.’ My godmother gave it to me, and she passed away before the wedding, so it was also a way to remember her,” Melissa said.

Photographer Isabel Belfor captured all their special moments — from their first dance to “Le Vie en Rose” by Louis Armstrong, to the Chinese lion dancers at the start of the reception.

“Our bridal party entered first and the performers entered as we did,” Melissa said. “It was our big surprise moment of the reception, and everyone loved it.”

Their honeymoon included a road trip to Orlando, St. Augustine and Charleston, S.C., but for Melissa, the reception will always remain one of her brightest memories.

“The best moment of the day was, during the reception, looking out and seeing all our guests; and subsequently partying with them on the dance floor, at the bar and in the photo booth,” she said. “There’s nothing better than having all the people you love in one room.”

Whitney Garcia The Wanderers Club

What is your position, and what does that job entail?

I am the director of catering at The Wanderers Club. My position entails working with brides from their very first tour of the club to the last dance of the night. With more than 10 years of experience, helping turn a bride’s dream into reality has become my true passion. The perfect menu, the ideal room setup, linen colors and custom cocktails are just the beginning. It is a day the couple will never forget, and I am honored to be a part.

What is your favorite part of working

at The Wanderers Club?

The Wanderers Club is an incredibly unique venue with so much to offer. I would have to say my favorite part is the flexibility and customization we are able to extend to every couple. Both our culinary team and our service team are always looking for a new challenge and a way to make each wedding its own. Whether your dream menu is designed around an elegant filet mignon topped with foie gras or made-to-order Mexican street tacos and a macaroni and cheese bar, we are excited and ready to bring it to life.

Why is The Wanderers Club unique?

The Wanderers Club is a vast property with countless areas available to our brides on their special day. However, I must say our newly renovated ballroom is the real star. The new design is light and fresh with the perfect blend of modern and elegant. It truly takes your breath away when you step into the room. The new design is neutral in color with high ceilings and crystal chandeliers. Whether your vision is a garden feel with jeweled tones or blushes with pops of gold, our ballroom feels like it was designed for your wedding. It is really incomparable to any other venue.

What are the most popular menu items?

Our Sautéed to Perfection station paired with our Made to Order Parmesan Risotto station is extremely popular and offers quite the wow factor. The aroma of garlic draws in the guests as chefs prepare anything from shrimp scampi to miniature steak Diane flambé style. While the garlic draws them in, the flames illuminating the station and food being tossed in the air provides the entertainment. The sautéed entrees pair perfectly with the made-to-order risotto. Chefs sauté the risotto and then toss it in a huge wheel of parmesan cheese. It is dinner and a show!

What are some current food trends?

Current food trends are so fun and creative. The traditional plated dinner is, and always will be, a popular choice for wedding receptions. However, we are seeing more and more personal touches shining through in menus. Your wedding day should be all about you and what you like. It should represent you as a couple. Food trends are starting to lean that way. Whether your favorite cocktail is a cucumber martini, or your first date was over tacos and margaritas, let’s build it into the menu! The phenomenon of all things mini and petite is also still dominating the catering industry, which I love. Another trend I cannot get enough of is brunch weddings. We have created really unique brunch menus that will both surprise and impress guests. Omelet stations are replaced with made-to-order biscuit bars, and carving stations replaced with fried chicken and jalapeño cheddar waffles. It is fun and delicious.

How do you customize events to differ

between weddings and corporate events?

The Wanderers Club is ideal for any type of event. From bar/bat mitzvahs to quinceañeras to corporate events, we excel at creating the perfect affair. Of course, each client’s wants and needs may differ, but at the end of the day, every event is special and deserves the same attention to detail and customization. The overall goal is always a beautiful, fun, memorable event that even the client can sit back and enjoy.

The Wanderers Club is located at 1900 Aero Club Drive in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 795-3501 or visit www.wanderersclubwellington.com.  

Melanie O’Brien Wellington National Golf Club

What is your position, and what does that job entail?

I serve as the director of catering at Wellington National Golf Club. My primary responsibility is to help promote the club’s unique facilities for social and corporate events, and I also spend a good deal of time in meetings and corresponding with clients. Guests interested in touring the venue will arrange their tours through me, so that I can outline how our facility may best fit into their plans. I really enjoy helping our clients achieve their vision for the event, and that includes creating unique menus, proposals and assisting with making arrangements on the client’s behalf, such as hiring entertainment, rentals, etc. I am also directly responsible for making sure that all last-minute details, including the coordination of timelines, floor plans and staffing, are complete in order to execute the event exactly the same way that the client has envisioned it.

What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

I love the creative aspect of what I do. Every event is different, and I really enjoy the fast-paced and ever-evolving environment. I thrive on collaborating with others, as well as researching themes and menus, all to achieve the client’s vision.

What makes your venue unique as a wedding location?

Wellington National Golf Club has so many great characteristics for all types of events, including weddings, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and more, and we are a large venue that can accommodate up to 400 guests. The ballroom has beautiful ceiling draping, as well as plank-style flooring, in addition to picturesque natural light, as it opens up onto a beautiful piazza, which is tropically landscaped and perfect for an outdoor ceremony. My favorite room is the Wine Bar, which is handcrafted with wine barrels, and chandeliers made from wine bottles, but the focal point is really the ceiling, because it is crafted from unique wine boxes that have been hand cut and stained to reflect old-world style. It’s the perfect spot for rehearsal dinners or your cocktail hour before your reception. It’s definitely a must-see!

How do you work with couples to customize their celebrations?

I think that it is important to be flexible with the couples who choose to work with us. We want their special day to be exactly that — special! We are happy to customize menus and cocktails for them, and we encourage them to outline their vision of the perfect day, and then it’s our job to make that vision come to fruition.

What are some current wedding trends that you have noticed?

I think the best part of weddings today is that couples are encouraged to make it their own and put their twist, taste and style on the festivities. Today the trend is an anti-trend.

Why should couples choose your venue for their wedding?

Couples should choose Wellington National because not only is our venue beautiful, unique and centrally located, but we are here to make things as easy and stress-free as possible for them. We pride ourselves on being flexible with almost every detail to ensure that each couple gets the day that they have been waiting their whole lives for!

The Wellington National Golf Club is located at 400 Binks Forest Drive in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 333-5731 or visit www.wellingtonnationalgolfclub.com.

Debbie Liquori Wellington Community Center

What is your position, and what does that job entail?

As administrative coordinator, I do the facility rentals, meaning weddings, business meetings, parties, quinceañeras, bar and bat mitzvahs, small meetings, large meetings, church services and more. I meet with the customer, and I show them the facility. We have a beautiful back patio that overlooks the lake. Some choose to have their wedding ceremonies here at the facility, so we do have the outdoor patio where they can have it overlooking the lake. I help them coordinate their wedding and work with them on the contract. We offer table linens for them, and we have our preferred vendor list where we can help them with catering. We have a catering kitchen with commercial ovens and commercial refrigeration. They can use our preferred vendors, or they can use their own. We have an upstairs grand ballroom that holds larger parties up to 250 people, and a downstairs area that holds approximately 150.

What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

The actual night of the event, when I do work some of the events, I get to see, from start to finish, the wedding ceremony, to the cocktail hour, to the reception. Sometimes they have it out on the patio, sometimes they have it upstairs in the lobby area, and we can dress it up. We set up the tables for them, we work with them on setup and what the best flow is for them. The most enjoyable part of it is the event itself, seeing it all come together.

What makes your venue unique as a wedding location?

The Wellington Community Center overlooks Lake Wellington. We have a beautiful fountain that is lit up in the back of the facility. Whether they use the patio for their wedding ceremony, or they’re just having access to it, there’s a window upstairs that is overlooking the lake, and it’s just a beautiful view.

How do you work with couples to

customize their celebrations?

They’ll come in and I help them through as much as I can with the facility, finding the best fit for them. If their numbers are close, and they want to have it downstairs, we’ll suggest they move it upstairs, because their numbers could grow. Then they can be overlooking the lake rather than being at lake level. We do help them with preferred vendors. We work with the vendors to do taste-testing here, if needed. We also go over table linens. Right now, we are introducing more colors to the facility. Anything that they need, if they need a band, if they need a DJ, if they need up-lighting, if they need a florist, if they need a photographer — we have vendors on our list, and we have contacts so we can give suggestions.

What are some current wedding

trends that you have noticed?

Simplicity. People are planning simpler weddings. There are definitely elaborate weddings, but there’s definitely the simplicity of some. This is a very affordable facility that I think fits the needs of many people. It’s not only a beautiful facility, but it’s affordable for couples who are paying for it on their own. They don’t have a big budget, but they want a really nice, special place to hold it, and the Wellington Community Center is definitely the place.

Why should couples choose your

venue for their wedding?

It’s affordable, it’s beautiful, it’s new and it has a beautiful view. The ambiance is really, really amazing. They can customize the way they want it set up. It’s not a standard facility. Couples have access to round tables or long tables. It’s a customized way of doing things. Budget wise, a lot of people have used the Wellington Community Center because the facility is very affordable, where people can come in and customize their wedding.

The Wellington Community Center is located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.

Maureen Pata Suri West

What is your position, and what does that job entail?

I am the banquet manager and owner. As far as for weddings, that entails making sure the event goes as planned. I oversee all of them. I not only book the weddings, I also work them — making sure that everything the couple wanted and requested happens. I’m not a coordinator, I am the manager.

What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

I love my job. I love to see wedding plans come to life. I love to see the start of the couple’s journey. I feel like I’m a part of their beginning.

What makes your venue unique as a wedding location?

The setting. I think our location is beautiful, from the property to our brand-new wedding gazebo that we built. We used to have a small trellis, and it wasn’t sufficient. We wanted to give our guests who are getting married something beautiful. The gazebo is a replica of the gazebo that I got married in at Disney, 23 years ago. It is really, really special for me, especially that our gazebo is exactly like the one I got married in. We are right beside the polo fields, and we have beautiful bougainvilleas surrounding the property. I’ve actually had couples tell me it looks a little like Italy. The property itself is surrounded by flowers. Our patio, where cocktail hours often take place, was voted the best patio space in Wellington. Because we have separate locations to utilize, for instance, the patio bar, the upstairs ballroom, the brides come down the stairs from the bridal suite — there are so many different elements to it that make it different than typical banquet facilities. Our guests have the option of getting married on site at the gazebo and then heading upstairs to the ballroom. I think that convenience sets us apart. While they’re in the bridal suite getting ready, they can see their guests arriving through the windows.

How do you work with couples to

customize their celebrations?

I sit down and find out what their goals are, what they envision their wedding to be, and I try to make that a reality for them. We talk about budget, alternatives and things we can do together to make sure that their perfect dream wedding comes to life. I help them achieve that.

What are some current wedding

trends that you have noticed?

I’m seeing many more grooms more involved in the planning process. I find that refreshing, to actually have grooms who want to be involved, who want to have their take on it, to have their own ideas in the mix. I love that. I think it should be exactly what the groom and the bride both dream of. Also, as far as the reception, I’ve been seeing many weddings getting away from the traditional seating charts with a lot of open seating weddings taking place recently.

Why should couples choose your

venue for their wedding?

A: The location.

B: Our food.

Yes, we offer traditional banquet food, but we also offer our tapas. We try to incorporate that into the banquets. That sets us apart and gives you something a little bit out of the ordinary. Our food is fabulous. And last, because I oversee the events, I make sure that everything goes according to plan. That’s my job. I think location, food, ambiance and me, are the reasons couples should choose Suri West for their wedding.

Suri West is located at 13410 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 795-0080 or visit www.surirestaurant.com.

Cheryl Gaydas-Eng International Polo Club Palm Beach

What is your title, and what does that position entail?

I am the creative director. On an event level, that means that I am responsible for the design, look and feel of the event, including the florals. I try to customize the look of each event to reflect the customers’ vision and dreams, and bring that to life while keeping a cohesiveness throughout. On a broader level, I am involved with the redecorating and redesign of many of our public spaces at our venues, including our receptions hall and ballroom, including the one featured here. We gave it a bit of a face lift last year with new classic wall paneling, cream-colored grass cloth walls and 10 new beautiful three-tier transitional chandeliers, which can be dressed up or down according to the event.

Speaking of the International Polo Club Pavilion,

how would you describe this venue?

This is a relatively new venue for us since its purchase over a year ago. We are all very excited about this unique venue, because there are so many possibilities from ceremony to reception with the vast, beautiful polo fields and adjacent pond. What separates IPC, in my opinion, from other venues is that it is so iconically linked to polo and the “equestrian lifestyle.” Even if you are not a horse person, the beautiful grounds and authenticity encapsulate you. I believe it adds another dimension to your event as a result. One might say it is #veryT&C (Town & Country).

What are your favorite trends?

Yves Saint Laurent said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” I am very much of this school. However, in saying that, I like to keep events fresh, current and chic. I try to encourage wedding clients to incorporate maybe only one or two of the current trends, while keeping the other elements timeless. Other events, such as corporate, birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, etc., have the opportunity to be a little more trendy, in my opinion.

What are the up-and-coming color trends?

Metallics are a big trend this coming year. They are the new neutrals, and we know how much everyone loves neutrals! However, in addition, we are seeing much bolder color statements and complementary colors as well. We started seeing part of this trend in home furnishings over the last year, with the RH dark jewel toned velvet sofas, charcoal-colored wall paint and a pop of gold. This is now trickling down into the event market as well.

How do your corporate events compare to weddings?

As I touched on earlier, I think there can sometimes be a bit more freedom with corporate events. Some corporate events we do are themed, and those are always very fun to do, while others can be very strict, only using corporate colors so the look is consistent from year to year. On many levels, however, they are much the same. Each company, like each bride and groom, are unique, and we are here to make their event specially designed to fit their wishes. Whether their style is contemporary or traditional, we seem to do a mix of all, and I love all of the variety. It is important to me that each event has a uniqueness of its own.

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.   

PATRICIA MIELE International Polo Club Palm Beach

What is your title?

I am the director of catering for the International Polo Club Palm Beach. The facility aims to make any event extraordinary, for any occasion, size or theme. A full bridal package is offered, and our expert staff ensures a successful and stress-free event.

What is your most favorite part of working

at the International Polo Club?

I love working at IPC and putting together so many different events, including weddings, and creating new ways to make them exciting, fun and memorable! I enjoy working with all of our offerings, including an extensive menu that includes exceptional desserts, a customized bar service, as well as stunning florals to create an enchanting ambiance. Our talented teams of artists design original events within a budget and timeline that work for our clients.

Why is the International Polo Club unique?

The club offers a very unique setting between polo matches being played in the background, to the beautiful lush landscaped grounds, or brides being brought to the venue in horse and carriage. IPC is a truly picturesque wedding venue.

What are the most popular menu hits?

Chef William Sellner Jr. is extremely creative and very talented. He creates food that is both flavorful and visually beautiful. Our most popular menu item is our Duo of Stuffed Chicken Breast and Walnut Crusted Halibut. Chef William’s Antipasto Display is a hit as well. On this display, we offer the traditional Italian meats and imported cheeses, but he also mixes in fresh grilled vegetables, which adds a lot of flavor and colors to the plate.

What are some of the current food trends?

A top food trend is really just keeping it clean and healthy. We offer custom menus for all palates. Some trends are Casual Meals, Farm to Table, Nostalgia Foods and Dessert Tables. A fancy plated meal is typical for a wedding reception, but 2018 is all about creating a more laid-back atmosphere. After all, shouldn’t the “best day of your life” be all about having the time of your life? Relax the rules with passed plates, small bites or even serving up a meal family-style. Local, organic products are the buzz as well, so we plan to see more of that farm-to-table philosophy extend to wedding menus, and we are ready and excited for this trend!

How do you customize events to differ

from weddings versus corporate events?

Clients trust us for our meticulous planning, management and execution of successful special events. Events, regardless of the size, require experienced hands for both the creative and practical details. Creating a seamless and memorable event that aligns with your goals and reflects your organization’s personality is what we do.

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.   

3  YEARS Cancer-Free: Three Ways Your Life Changes

For breast cancer survivor Jennifer Martinez, the more life changes, the more it remains the same.

Three years ago, Martinez finished her chemotherapy treatments, which followed surgery, to rid her body of breast cancer. What has remained the same since her recovery is that she still leads a successful Wellington public relations firm; she is still wife to Gil Martinez, who works with State Farm; and she is still mother to their two daughters.

She still exercises, travels with her family, laughs with her mother, Bobbi, and remembers her father, Mitch, who died of cancer due to a late diagnosis. Life is still good.

But how life has changed since being told she was “cancer free” is another matter — one that many cancer survivors live with every day. Consider it a “new normal.” Not better, not worse — just new — in three meaningful ways.

Becoming Part of Hope.

“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32, I decided to have surgery immediately, which was over the holidays, so no one would be suspicious if I was not around as much. I didn’t want to worry my clients or my friends about my health or my ability to accomplish my work,” Martinez recalled. “Plus, I didn’t want anyone’s pity. But once I had entered chemotherapy, I had an opportunity to work with breast cancer awareness organizations that were raising money to educate and support others. It was time to share my story, and in doing so, I became a somewhat reluctant symbol for hope. I’ve gotten more comfortable with that role, as I see how important it is to share my experience, particularly with other young patients and survivors.”

Martinez’s firm, JLM Communications, now works with Susan G. Komen South Florida, promoting its annual Race for the Cure and programs to support women and men affected by breast cancer. A Warrior in Pink, she understands the mission, the impact and the significance of the nonprofit organization.

“Komen has touched just about every advance in the fight against all cancers,” Martinez said. “When I had the chance to play a role in this, I had to do it. To know that what we are doing is saving lives is not something I take lightly.”

Maintaining Constant Vigilance.

Being “cancer free” doesn’t mean being without worry. For Martinez, every ache, pain or errant symptom takes her right back to her cancer diagnosis and the possibility of its return. For her, there is no such thing as a minor ailment. “You’re constantly aware of your health, and you learn to manage the fear that the cancer could and might come back,” she said.

Recognizing Her Family Has Changed, Too.

For her husband Gil, mother Bobbi and her daughters, life after cancer is different, as well. A close family, they do not miss opportunities to travel. Vacations are required, and relaxation is essential.

“We don’t dwell on the fact that Jen had cancer or that we lost her dad to cancer,” Gil said. “But we don’t take for granted that she’s healthy and she’s with us. Cancer made us grow up fast and, fortunately, it brought us even closer. Nothing has changed, and honestly, that’s what makes it all so special. We are normal, even after cancer.”

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and is the perfect time to schedule your mammogram and remind your loved ones to do the same. Early detection is the key to survival.

To support breast health education, treatment and research during October, or to participate in the upcoming Race for the Cure, set for Jan. 27, 2018, visit Komen South Florida at www.komensouthflorida.org.