COVID-19 Relief And Recovery Will Be A Key Focus Of The 2021 Great Charity Challenge

Founded by the father-daughter team of Mark and Paige Bellissimo in 2009, the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, came forward as a way to increase funding to local nonprofits following the 2008 economic crisis, at a time when donations were scarce.

The impact of COVID-19 replicates the situation of 12 years ago. For local nonprofits, their staff and volunteers, the effects of the pandemic have been consequential as they have stepped up to meet their neighbors’ emerging needs, ranging from food insecurity, loss of income, access to basic needs, healthcare support and more.

While the logistics of putting on an event at this time are unclear, the GCC team shifted quickly from “can we even do this” to “how could we not do this?”

Through the support of the equestrian industry and the local community, the GCC has acted as a catalyst for charitable giving over the last 11 years, distributing $14.8 million to 256 Palm Beach County nonprofit organizations.

The 12th edition of the GCC will take place on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, where fortunate selectees will have the chance to receive a share of a purse of more than $1 million. The winning team’s nonprofit will receive a minimum of $100,000, while all pre-selected participants are guaranteed a minimum grant of $15,000.

“Experts in all fields agree that the lasting effects of COVID-19 will be felt for months and years to come,” event co-founder Mark Bellissimo said. “Not holding this event in 2021 simply isn’t an option for our team at Equestrian Sport Productions and Wellington Equestrian Partners. We are going to make this happen!”

If you know of a deserving Palm Beach County-based charity or nonprofit, invite them to visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com for additional information regarding application requirements and the event’s unique selection process.

The application process for the 2021 GCC opened on Monday, Oct. 26 and will remain active through 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15. At stake? A chance to win up to $100,000!

In addition to fund disbursements, the GCC’s 2020-2030 strategy involves capacity building, enabling and growing invaluable partnerships, as well as concentrating on amplifying the event’s impact.

Based on a community needs assessment with Palm Beach County, in partnership with local agencies and in direct response to the unique setting surrounding COVID-19, the 2021 edition is committed to shifting a majority of its funding priorities toward local nonprofits who are directly supporting and assisting the most vulnerable and affected populations in Palm Beach County.

With a strong focus on community empowerment, the exciting show jumping competition blends equestrian sports and philanthropy. The Great Charity Challenge raised and distributed $1.3 million to local agencies through its 2020 edition.

With grants ranging from $1,000 to $150,000, a cumulated 150,265 lives were impacted in Palm Beach County. The latest compiled fund use report can be found at https://bit.ly/3chfv1r.

“We hope that donors and sponsors from the equestrian industry and beyond will once again join forces to support so many worthwhile organizations,” event co-founder Paige Bellissimo said. “Equestrian Sport Productions’ generosity of covering all costs associated with the GCC means that 100 percent of the funds raised go straight to work in our local communities.”

For additional event information, including information about the application process and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com. Find the GCC on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with the latest news and happenings via @greatcharitychallenge.

M&R Equestrian’s New Program Fills  A Void In The Wellington Winter Circuit
Training Days

Between them, they boast three Olympic Games, three World Equestrian Games appearances and eight appearances at the Pan American Games. International show jumpers Alberto Michan (Israel) and Juan Andrés Rodriguez (Guatemala) might be best known for their competitive exploits, but together, they’ve teamed up to bring greater attention to their training habits.

These two industry figures started M&R Equestrian Services in January 2020 and, along with it, “Training Days,” an initiative designed to offer riders of all levels an unprecedented opportunity to school over a full course of show-quality jumps, set by FEI course designers.

Every Tuesday, beginning Nov. 3 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, three arenas — two jumper rings and an arena with hunter courses — will be available and set at varying heights throughout the day to accommodate horses and riders of all ages and levels.

Each entry awards a horse and rider combination two minutes and 30 seconds in the arena, allowing them to jump as many fences or courses as they’d like in that time.

This concept provides the perfect horse show dress rehearsal. Once on course, participants face many of the tests they would meet in a show course, including heights and spreads set to spec, as well as colorful and eye-catching gates, planks and jump fillers.

“Training Days can benefit horsemen in so many ways,” Michan said. “They’re a great way to develop young horses and prepare them for the show ring; to create sales videos; to practice [horse show elements like] the open water; and to have a confidence-building experience at a top venue. It also creates an opportunity for trainers to scout multiple sales horses in a single location and in an atmosphere that’s as close as you can get to the show ring.”

With Michan and Rodriguez at the helm, participants can enjoy an experience designed from the rider’s perspective. The result is an event that models modern show jumping and meets current industry needs, with the success and development of both horse and rider at the forefront of every decision and detail.

“We are really looking forward to kicking off our second season of Training Days,” Michan said. “We began this journey last year, because we felt it filled a void in our industry, and the response we got was incredible. Some of the top names in our sport became regular participants. We hope even more riders — of all levels — will come take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

When it comes to the Training Days series, the phrase, “If you build it, they will come” resonates. There aren’t many “off” days in Wellington during the winter season, and on any given weekend, there are multiple show venues to choose from within a five-mile radius. But while prize lists are extensive, so too are the entry fees, with limited opportunities to get in productive training time.

Michan and Rodriguez recognized the need in the sporting community for affordable, productive training experiences that build horses up for a positive experience in the show ring.

When Training Days debuted, some of the industry’s biggest names came out in full force — from former world No. 1 Kent Farrington, to two-time Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden, and several of Michan’s teammates on the Israel Equestrian Team, including Daniel Bluman and Ashlee Bond.

Jim Brandon, located just east of the Winter Equestrian Festival’s home at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, boasts the space and facilities that have and will continue to allow Training Days to grow.

The series is expanding to 24 weeks, and its third hunter arena is an addition from the program’s inaugural year.

The standout amenity, however, is its superior lighting. Training Days expands to its two-day schedule for 12 weeks beginning in January 2021, with Monday evenings featuring a one-of-a-kind opportunity to school under the lights. Before her victory in the CSI5* Douglas Elliman Real Estate Grand Prix at WEF in March, Bond could be found at Training Days with her winning mount Donatello, practicing the open water at night. Outside of WEF’s premier Grand Prix events at Saturday Night Lights, opportunities to jump a show course at night are scarce.

“We believe that our Training Days season is the perfect complement to the winter circuit in Wellington,” Rodriguez said. “There are virtually no opportunities to school a horse under the lights before going into the show ring for a major event like a Saturday night Grand Prix, but Jim Brandon affords us the ability to offer that and so much more. We are very excited to get underway with our season and build upon what we started last year.”

A variety of individualized sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2020-21 Training Days season. For more info., contact Liz Porath at lizporath@aol.com.

To learn more about M&R Equestrian’s Training Days, including updated weekly schedules and timing, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MREquestrianServices and Instagram @mrequestrianservices.

Carriage Hill Farms’ Unique Program  Has Something For Every Equestrian  All Levels

Nestled just outside of Wellington, Carriage Hill Farms is far from the typical equestrian program. Ranging from boutique competition barns to busy lesson programs, it is not often that one barn is able to accommodate everyone. However, Carriage Hill Farms has come to be known as a one-stop shop for South Florida equestrians, providing the rare opportunity for horse enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels to gain valuable experience and receive world-class instruction.

Carriage Hill Farms was founded in 1979 by Jane Fennessy after she moved from Michigan to South Florida. Fennessy worked tirelessly from the beginning to build a brand and training program based on principles of ethics and passion, and the belief that there is a much greater lesson to be learned from equestrian sports than how to win. Through her meticulous process, Fennessy built Carriage Hill Farms from the ground up.

“I grew up taking riding lessons in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. I always knew I wanted to do something professionally with horses, so when I eventually got sick of the cold weather in Michigan, I packed up my van and moved to South Florida with $1,000 in my pocket. I lived in my van for a year until I could get on my feet,” recalled Fennessy, who is now the owner and head trainer at Carriage Hill Farms. “When I created Carriage Hill, my imagination was not strong enough to ever dream up what we have grown to be today. Amazingly, we have our lesson program, an Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) team, high school and middle school Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) teams, and we show horses from the local level, all the way up to the international levels in Europe.”

Over the past 41 years, Fennessy has created an all-encompassing program that takes a team of nine strong professionals dedicated to the care and education of every horse and rider. Carriage Hill is a successful, multi-faceted business with a one-of-a-kind teaching program that caters to first-time riders all the way up to seasoned athletes at its home base, a 200-plus acre facility with four show-sized rings, a grass field, a dressage ring, a euro track and a hot walker, and a management team that lives on-site.

“No horse is too big or too small, or too good or too bad to be worked with, and the same goes for the riders,” Carriage Hill trainer Meredith Gallagher said. “Everybody is at their own level, and at Carriage Hill, we really work on improving that level, whatever it may be.”

Carriage Hill is the home of the Florida Atlantic University Equestrian Team, an IHSA team that competes against other universities throughout Florida and Georgia, and the Carriage Hill Farms IEA middle and high school teams, which provide a platform for students of all riding levels to have an opportunity to compete, regardless of horse ownership.

“We truly have a place for everyone here,” Carriage Hill trainer Andrea Howell explained. “From the beginner rider, which is usually around five years old and up, to the top international ranks, there is a little bit for everyone here. Whether you want to own, lease, show or even just ride once a week, Carriage Hill is here to facilitate that.”

Outside of the home base operations, Carriage Hill’s team can be seen at horse shows across the country and the globe. With more than 40 show horses in their care, the expansive competition team has a long list of accolades to its name from many of the most prestigious horse shows across the country, as well as many Longines Global Champions Tour stops around the world.

“What makes us unique is that we really do teach from the very first lunge line lesson, all the way up to Grand Prix and international jumping,” Fennessy said. “Not many farms have that scope to accommodate all of those levels, so we take a lot of pride in providing that in a place that is less than 20 miles from the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.”

All together, the layers that make up Carriage Hill Farms are quite the undertaking for a single farm to handle. However, blended seamlessly together with the help of the dedicated staff, incredible horses and spectacular clients, Carriage Hill Farms is a family farm with a legacy that holds a special place in the hearts of so many equestrians in South Florida and beyond. No matter how big or small, there is room for all.

“Winston Churchill once said, ‘There is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.’ And for me, there is nothing more true,” Fennessy said. “We all need our daily dose of horse, and I hope that no matter what that dose may look like for people, they are always welcome to find it here at Carriage Hill Farms.”

Learn more about Carriage Hill Farms at www.carriagehillfarms.com.

Life On 18 Wheels: The National Horse Carriers Association Helps The Horse World Move Safely
Safe Transport

Year-round residents of Wellington may not get the seasonal changes that many non-Floridians are used to. Here, fall is not ushered in by chilling temperatures and changing leaves, but rather by an increase in the sighting of the large horse trucks that begin to shuttle competition horses from all over the country down I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike to the “Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.” Conversely, spring has sprung when the horses are headed back in the directions from whence they came.

Many of the trucks that are a part of this bi-annual migration are members of the National Horse Carriers Association (NHCA). This organization is committed to making sure that horses are transported with safety, care and honest business practices. Although sometimes largely overlooked, these members and their staff are the unsung work horses of the equine industry and the wheels that make the Wellington horse world go round.

Although many things have changed in the equestrian industry, the shipping industry has remained the constant force for all of that progress.

Independent haulers from all across the country formed a loose network of trustworthy businesses with similar business practices. All are concerned with the safety of the animals first and foremost, but also best driving practices, best business practices and shared networking opportunities. This group of like-minded businesses eventually grew to form the NHCA. Formally founded in 1960, the mission of the NHCA has been to encourage and promote high standards in the horse transportation industry. Today, the organization has grown to 37 members throughout the United States and Canada who meet bi-annually and work together to keep the industry moving forward.

Many equestrians take for granted that their horses will get on trucks and get off them in good condition, ready for the next competition. However, many important factors must be taken into consideration when shipping horses, and the following are just a few to be aware of:

• Ensure that the carrier you choose is registered and insured: Make sure that the motor carrier you choose is registered with appropriate state authorities if the shipment is entirely within a state and with federal authorities if the shipment is interstate. All NHCA members are required to follow state and federal registration and insurance laws. All NHCA members also present customers or their agents with a bill of lading that clearly states important trip details.

• Choose a carrier with professional and knowledgeable staff: All NHCA members are also experienced horse people, which makes them especially capable of handling horses while on the road, but also makes for easy communication with the barn managers, trainers and horse owners.

• Know the transportation options that are best for your horse and its personal journey: There is no denying that a two-hour trip and a 24-hour trip on the highway have great differences. Anyone who has been in a car, even just trying to leave Florida, knows that comfort is key for making long journeys tolerable. Make sure that you choose the appropriate stall size for your horses and their journey. A single stall for one horse (and smaller horses), a double stall for a little more room (or for larger horses), or a box stall for the ultimate in free range of movement and overall comfort. Most of the long-distance haulers also have trucks that feature air-ride suspension for added comfort.

• Give them some space: This is one component of over-the-road hauling that private and commercial haulers have in common. Trailers have a much more difficult time stopping than regular cars. Sudden stops are also nearly impossible to achieve, and they can also cause severe destabilizing changes to the horses in the back. The best way to avoid these types of stops is to make sure that when you are passing or merging in front of a trailer, leave at least three car lengths between your car and the trailer. This general rule of thumb also goes for the back end of the trailer. If you can’t see a trailer’s mirrors, they can’t see you.

As in everything else with horses, there are many factors to consider when making a decision that is best for you and your program. Members of the NHCA are always available to speak to potential clients and help make the best decision for which company to use and the best means of transportation.

If you are interested in learning more about best practices of shipping horses, or to see if your carrier is a member of the NHCA, visit www.nationalhorsecarriers.com.

Blood, Sweat & High School: One Wellington Teen’s Determination To Be The Best Equitation Excellence

Equestrian sport is a total immersion endeavor. Early mornings, late nights, long days — a true passion for the horse usually is accompanied by a complete takeover of resources, from time and emotion to sanity and pocketbook. And this all or nothing mentality usually starts young, as it did for Wellington’s Xavier Gomez, a 16-year-old hunter jumper rider.

From his early years, Xavier was completely focused on horses, preferring toys, games, movies and more with an equestrian theme. Now a junior in high school and also pursuing a modeling career, his schedule still is all about horses, and this fall his determination to top the equitation divisions is what’s fueling the horsey hard work.

Equitation is a sport about the rider. Judges mark for position, fluidity, poise and effectiveness in the saddle over hunter and jumper style courses. The horse obviously adds to his rider’s flair by jumping with scope, accepting the aids, and moving with grace and precision. To attain a nationally successful level of equitation performance, many hours must be logged in the saddle.

Xavier’s routine reflects this level of dedication under the guidance of trainer Kobi Rhodes of Kobi’s Place Stables in Wellington. “We ride every morning, from Tuesday to Sunday,” he said. “Kobi places a lot of importance on quality flatwork, as well as over fences. If my horse or I am stiff in one direction, we do exercises to supple both of us so that we can jump and work together better.”

His full-time training schedule is beginning to pay some high dividends, as Xavier has had a number of wins and top placings in the summer equitation shows at the Global Dressage Festival showgrounds. These equitation wins propel him toward his current goal: the National Horse Show Equitation Finals.

The high school freshman is also enrolled in full-time classes in the afternoon, and of course, the global health crisis has complicated show and school schedules for everyone, from parents and teachers to kids and horse trainers. His father, Jose Gomez of Wellington Agricultural Services, said that feeding his son’s passion is worth every headache, late night and horse show.

“He truly loves what he does,” Jose said. “Finding a passion is so important, and Xavier’s lucky to have found his so young. I used to wonder why he only liked to play with horses when he was a toddler, why he insisted on riding any time we had the option. But it obviously wasn’t a phase, and he’s more into the horse game now than he ever has been.”

At home, Xavier splits his time between his mother’s and his father’s, who both live in Wellington. His younger brother, four-year-old Maximus, also seems to have been bit by the horse bug. The two regularly have rides together when Xavier isn’t perfecting his form over fences, and Max’s admiration of Xavier almost certainly means the family will have another equestrian in the show ring in a few years. In fact, Maximus has already won his fair share of leadline classes.

Stepping up from local equitation to the national championships is a big shift. The shows are bigger and more intense, the pressure is high, and hundreds of other young riders and the country’s top equitation horses are the competition.

Xavier’s equine partner Elios is an eight-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Michael Deitrich. Imported to the U.S. in the summer of 2019, Xavier and Elios spent the summer perfecting their chemistry here in Wellington before shipping out to Tryon and then Kentucky.

Xavier’s specific goal is the 3’6” Dover Hunt Seat Medal Final, as well as the Maclay Championship, two divisions that attract and groom some of the nation’s top young riders for success in the international show ring. Xavier and Elios won both the ASPCA Medal and Maclay at the ESP Summer III in late August, and they went on to win the Equitation Warm Up and finish 10th overall in the South East Regional Final during the ESP Florida State Fall & Region 3 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Championship show held Sept. 17-20 before heading to North Carolina for Octo-ber’s shows at the Tryon International Equestrian Center.

“Kentucky and the National Horse Show are our end goal for 2020,” Xavier said. “And then we start all over again with the Winter Equestrian Festival at home in January. Having that level of competition just a few miles from my barn is really amazing. It makes Wellington a very unique place to call home. It can be really challenging to ride, train, travel to shows and keep up with school work, but this is what I love to do, and being in the saddle every day makes it all worth it.”

Mexican Street-Style Concept PapiChulo Tacos Now Open Near Regal Cinemas  Tasty Tacos

Residents of the western communities can’t stop talking about the newest area hotspot, PapiChulo Tacos. Guests have been soaking up the fresh Florida fall breezes and playing oversized games on the spacious patio, raising an ice-cold margarita while greeting friends — from a safe social distance, of course — and nibbling on the freshest Mexican fare north of the border since the new restaurant’s mid-October opening.

Located at 1005 N. State Road 7, just south of Okeechobee Blvd. in the Regal Cinemas shopping center, the space pulses happily with a laid-back beach bar vibe — complete with sand brought in from the Atlantic Ocean. Locals won’t recognize the former Zaxby’s location, which is now a light and airy space with touches that’ll surprise you at every turn, such as the oversized piñata donkey.

October openings are old hat to the trio of childhood amigos behind the concept — Angelo Abbenante, Scott Frielich and Cleve Mash. The team has been churning out successful ventures for nearly three decades across South Florida. The impressive track record of a combined 25 successful local establishments include Abbenante with Lynora’s Italian Restaurants; Frielich with Dada, Kapow!, Dubliner, Howley’s and Lost Weekend; and Mash with Pawn Shop, Dirty Martini, Dr. Feelgood’s and Monkey Club, one of the longest-running nightclubs on Clematis Street. In 2018, they decided to combine their love of tacos, tequila and sandy beaches to create their flagship PapiChulo Tacos in Jupiter.

Dubbed “the best tacos ever” by diners, immediate favorites joining the taco lineup coming out of the kitchen are Smoked Brisket Nachos topped with refried beans, pickled red onions, jalapeño, queso fresco, cilantro, sour cream and scallions. The 10 different taco selections, priced from $3.50 to $5 each, feature options such as the Pescado with blackened or fried local-caught fish with slaw, pineapple pico de gallo, cilantro, avocado crema and radish, or the always popular Carne Asada with skirt steak, chimichurri, queso fresco, cilantro, sweet peppers, red cabbage, radish and scallions.

Don’t miss the Puerco taco filled with pork shoulder, red cabbage, jicama, sweet peppers, cilantro, scallions and aji amarillo. Larger appetites will love the Chicken Mole made with a roasted half chicken, Brussels sprouts, sweet peppers and mushrooms. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.

The restaurant also serves fresh juices, top-notch tequila, handmade craft cocktails and house-made tortilla chips.

“We are excited to venture west and see what Wellington and Royal Palm Beach have to offer,” Abbenante said. “We love the vibe and are excited to get to know this community.”

The 3,200-square-foot, chef-driven Mexican street-style concept with culinary influences from Baja, California, and South, Central and Latin America is much roomier than its sister restaurant. You’ll feel comfortable with your choice of 150 seats split between indoor and outdoor areas. Life-sized games like corn hole, ring toss, ping pong and giant Jenga are set up for fun on artificial turf and give everyone a chance to spread their wings and have some fun.

PapiChulo Royal Palm Beach is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. You won’t want to miss the daily happy hour specials, Taco Tuesday or Margarita Monday.

For more information, visit www.papichulotacos.com, or follow PapiChulo Tacos Royal Palm Beach on social media for the latest updates.

Palm Beach Brides 2020: From Yes To The Dress! And Everything In Between

Wellington The Magazine’s annual Palm Beach Brides issue brings romance back to the forefront. There have been some twists and turns, but many couples have proclaimed, “Love is not canceled!”

This year, we take a look at some of the high fashion gowns that brides can choose from, as well as get some tips on wedding planning from expert Rosina DiBello.

We also take a look at what local venues have to offer when considering your big day, and take a trip down memory lane with Al and Lenyce Boyd as they celebrate 25 years of love in Always A Bride!

Palm Beach Brides 2020: Q&A Let’s Ask A Photographer & Bridal Expert About Wedding Planning Today

Our world has been re-imagined since COVID-19, and the wedding industry is not exempt. But do not fear, love has not been canceled! As Palm Beach County moves through phases of re-opening, we sit down with longtime photographer and wedding expert Rosina DiBello to hear more about her approach when meeting with couples to discuss the long-term and short-term plans for their big day.

Q:How have you and your team reinvented yourselves as this new era of wedding planning emerged?
A: Things are definitely changing within the wedding industry. Over the years, I have learned to resolve problems as they arise. Planning a wedding is a very personal thing, and I knew my couples were about to shift gears. My collaboration started with my most trusted vendors — Robin Feinglas, a floral designer who owns Why Not Wildflowers? and Vanessa Fuller of Vanessa Fuller Events. We started a conversation on how creating “micro weddings” would be the best and obvious choice for couples and their families. We knew that there would be no large events in the foreseeable future. We assembled vendors we trust and started our micro wedding mission. We felt that a styled shoot could mimic a true feel and flow of a micro wedding. I was contacted by Bacio Bacio, a local bridal store, which volunteered to donate designer wedding gowns for the shoot. We were able to collaborate and photograph, creating visuals so that couples could envision what a micro wedding is and how they could incorporate it into their dream wedding. These photos illustrate how intimate details can make their micro wedding special.

Q: What exactly is a “micro wedding?”

A: It is a wedding that discards many typical wedding day traditions, keeps the focus on the bride and groom’s vows, shrinks down the hours of the wedding, and only your closest family and friends are invited. Throw in a little sense of adventure, and you have a micro wedding. I designed a sample itinerary. First guests arrive and are seated (with social distancing), a musician starts the procession, a 10-minute wedding features vows exchanges with an officiant, and then the bride and groom are announced. Champagne is then served to guests (again, with social distancing) and speeches commence. The couple has their first dance, followed by cake. Yum, cake! The guests now leave because it is time for the couple and the family photos. My favorite part is that I get a full hour or more undisturbed with my couple to enjoy a rockin’ portrait session and create some amazing images. My idea of a micro wedding is focusing on the wedding day experience and the safety of all involved. Ultimately, I get amazing shots of my couple because the typical wedding day pressures are not there, and it turns into a very relaxed photo session.

Q: Who should consider a micro wedding, and
how does a couple know if it is right for them?
A: My experience is there are two different trends. First there are the couples who are outright canceling their wedding in exchange for a no-stress, intimate and elegant micro wedding experience. Second, some couples still want to get married on their planned day, but plan an additional larger event later, so they keep their date and create a micro wedding, scale down the guest list but keep the quality vendors. I have also seen that some couples have tried the second plan, yet after moving their date twice, they simply made the micro wedding decision and decided to invest in purchasing a home.

Q: How many guests can a couple invite?
A: This is a really important question. This depends on a few key things. What county do you live in? Each county has its own set of regulations that are changing weekly, so keep this in mind when planning a micro wedding date. It depends also on how your venue is zoned. For example, 50 percent capacity is allowed at restaurants. However, in other venues, you can only have up to 20 until the next stage commences. Venues are sitting with couples and making decisions based on the needs of each couple. My recommendation for a micro wedding is under 20 guests, offering a live stream for the additional guests, which can allow up to 1,000 or more. Couples should keep in mind that guests from out of the country may not be able to enter the country. Guests in the U.S. may not be able to travel because of the inconvenience.

Q: What are some of the options you include in your micro wedding packages?
A: The base photography package is two to three hours of photography coverage with a complete set of high-resolution digital images completely edited. The add-on options are albums, canvas prints, etc. I am a paperless company, so my clients all receive an online contract that can be digitally signed and a private online gallery. A Zoom consultation will ensure that all parties can consult safely. Videography is also an option for a beautiful wedding day love story film, and live streaming can be set up for guests who cannot personally attend. Florals are a very important part of a wedding. What is a wedding without flowers? Flower designer Robin will listen to you and create a custom design. This will include a bouquet and boutonniere. There are upgrades, such as an arch or a meadow. Her focus is on sustainable floral designs. What is a wedding day without a wedding gown? Just because your wedding day has a smaller guest count, does not mean that it is ruined or any less important. Plan on your dream gown! Bacio Bacio has implemented safety standards and sanitary measures for brides who go to the shop and pick out their perfect dress with the guidance of owner Lenyce Boyd and her qualified staff. Musician options are vocalists, a violinist, a DJ, an acoustic guitarist or a steel drummer. This just brings the occasion to the next level and makes it more personalized to your taste. Fun options include a champagne buggy called Bee-Ella-Fizz. She is a genuine vintage Piaggio Ape 50 moped truck on wheels imported from Italy. She can easily fit in most backyards. Another beautiful option is a white dove release by Kim Hinterschied. The doves are pets of the owner and trained to circle above the wedding before they fly home. We also work with officiants willing to customize a simple and elegant ceremony. And lastly, a wedding coordinator can be available to ensure that each couple’s style is showcased and captured. With all the moving parts of a wedding day, a qualified coordinator will make it all run smoothly.

Q: Do you get a sense that brides feel like they are settling or being deprived of their big day, or perhaps a sense of relief that there is an alternative to canceling their wedding day altogether?
A: Honestly, brides are opening up to me and expressing that scaling the guest count down is better solution then the alternative feeling of being guilted into inviting so many guests that they are obligated to invite. In this case, they are relieved to get married on their original date and avoid the stress of the unknown. On the other hand, if a couple is moving forward with a micro wedding and then a big party next year, they are excited to celebrate twice!

Q:What venues are you currently working with
to provide couples with options?
A: 1. The Little Farm House in Miami. Built in the 1920s and located on a river, it boasts eight cabins with Caribbean décor and wildlife that roams freely.
2. Airbnb. This gives my clients free rein to bring in a caterer and not have a time limit — and, as a bonus, they can stay the night!
3. Galuppi’s at the Pompano Beach Golf Course. This offers indoor and outdoor options. It is directly on a golf course with its famous bridge and lakes.
4. The Palm Beach Zoo. This property is for that couple seeking a unique and natural environment that is so much fun. Animal encounters and an outdoor/indoor dining experience with a
fabulous chef can be arranged.
5. The Sample-McDougald House in the Pompano Beach Historic District. This is a 1916 historic museum with a garden and outdoor dance floor.
6. Pan’s Garden in Palm Beach, near Worth Avenue. This botanical garden surrounds you with beauty and unique architectural features.
7. The Old Riverhouse Vegan Village in Fort Lauderdale.
8. Davie Ranch. This has a huge barn that is active with horses, goats and chickens. A garden area set up for an intimate ceremony is followed by a unique photography experience in a real barn.
9. The Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami. This features outstanding gardens that are beautifully manicured with flowering trees up against a 12th century Gothic building.
10. Any beach in Palm Beach. Most we are already permitted for.

Q: Are you working with couples who previously had a traditional wedding planned that had to be scaled back or are you seeing more newly engaged couples who want to get married before larger group events are permitted?
A: Approximately 75 percent of my clients currently are ones who have moved their weddings. I have a busy photography studio that averages 60 weddings per year. The additional 25 percent are newly engaged couples who want an extended engagement session and the micro wedding experience. I’m seeing that couples are putting a great deal of importance on their portrait sessions with me.

Q: How are you able to give the bride and groom an experience of a lifetime even though their special day needs to be scaled down?
A: My team’s main objective is to create a stress-free wedding day experience for my couples. This pandemic has started a new trend with weddings that have a “sense of adventure.” By using my most trusted vendors, we can confidently do this. I feel it is really important to stress that a micro wedding can be very elegant and tastefully done by using qualified professionals that care about your wedding day as much as you do. We have all been in the industry for many years and are qualified to guide you through the bumps in the road.

Q: Are you finding other industry professionals willing to work with you by offering extra discounts or added value during this time?
A: Absolutely, yes! All of us are understanding the importance of customizing our fees to accommodate today’s bride

Q: What are some of the benefits of the micro wedding concept?
A: Safety! This is our priority to ensure that everyone involved equally feels safe. Social distancing the chairs by clustering them in twos or fours and then six feet apart, or creating a circle of chairs around the bride and groom, will keep everyone a safe distance from each other. Guests who cannot travel can enjoy via live streaming. Financially, it can save you a lot of money that can be used to invest in your future. The average South Florida wedding costs $30,000. A micro wedding averages between $3,500 to $5,500, depending on the number of vendors you are working with. But most importantly, it eliminates a lot of wedding stress and keeps the focus on the couple and their vow exchange.

Q: What would you recommend couples consider when choosing a micro wedding over waiting for the all clear and opting for a larger traditional wedding plan sometime in the future?
A: They should be very excited that they have great options of professionals in the industry who are ready and willing to help navigate through the planning. They can fully embrace their wedding day to make it unique to them and discard your typical wedding day with all its formalities.

Palm Beach Brides 2020: Finding Your Dream Dress!

As you start the search for the wedding dress of your dreams, you can begin by preparing the ever-popular “look book.” This can be one of the most exciting parts of your wedding planning!

Stylists at the bridal boutiques can offer their best advice, but you will know when you know. That must-have-this-dress feeling will consume you.

Be sure to create a realistic budget before you start your search for that perfect gown, so when you begin your travels, you will have a price range you can fall into, allowing for just the perfect dress to be discovered.

Find a bridal salon and a stylist you feel comfortable with, as trust can be paramount to the dress-buying experience.

Remember, be open to different possibilities. It costs you nothing to try on as many dresses as you wish. Try unique styles, and have fun with patterns and fabrics — including lace and silhouette styles.

Remember, it is your day. Do it your way, and revel in the most magical experience of your life!

Enjoy our high fashion bridal gown pictorial over the next several pages to give you some ideas on your quest for that perfect dress.

Photography Studio | Rosina DiBello
Floral Designer | Robin Feinglas from Why Not Wild Flowers?
Property Manager | Doug Ratchford
Property | Palm Beach Zoo
Designer Gowns | Bacio Bacio
Hair Pieces | Hair Comes The Bride
Married in Palm Beach
UpLighting | David Guzman DJ Trakz
Event Organizer | Fourtuna Events
Film | Metric Films
Hair/Makeup | Kiss This Makeup LLC

Palm Beach Brides 2020: Love Is Not Canceled International Polo Club Palm Beach

As the director of catering at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, Patricia Miele and her team aim to make any event extraordinary, for any occasion, size or theme, including full bridal packages. The expert staff ensures a successful and stress-free event.

The IPC team is highly skilled at putting together so many different events, including weddings, and creating new ways to make them exciting, fun and memorable. “Although we have modified our venue layouts, staffing and catering offerings to make sure that all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience due to the pandemic. We go out of our way to ensure what has become the ‘new normal’ doesn’t make the event feel too different from past wedding experiences,” Miele said.

IPC offers extensive menu options that include exceptional desserts, a customized bar service, as well as stunning florals to create an enchanting ambiance. The talented teams of artists design original events within a budget and timeline that works for clients.

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

When it comes to the menu, IPC offers custom creations 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. “We believe it is one of the best days of your life and should be all about having the time of your life,” Miele said.

Although, the current pandemic has changed the landscape for weddings, the International Polo Club works to make sure that the love shines through during a bride and groom’s memorable day. “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 personality is what we do,” Miele said. “The International Polo Club is closely monitoring federal, state and local regulations, as well as WHO recommendations and CDC guidelines, to ensure that we are continuously providing a safe environment for our clients and their guests.”

The pandemic has created some temporary changes to the wedding industry.

“I do believe COVID-19 has changed the way that many couples feel about large weddings during the current situation,” Miele said. “The impact is that we are seeing smaller, more intimate weddings for 2020. In speaking with future brides, they say they do want to go back to the larger weddings where guests can feel comfortable in gathering and dancing with all of their loved ones around them.”

Already, Miele is seeing many creative adaptations. “Weddings are adding the virtual element to allow the guests that are unable to attend to watch the ceremony and reception from afar,” she said. “These virtual weddings have become more popular and have added a personal touch when guests cannot attend.”

The goal is to allow the happy couple to enjoy the celebration while IPC takes care of the details. “Our hope is for all our clients and couples to feel comfortable enough to gather with family and friends,” Miele said. “We want our clients to put their trust in our venue. We have put protocols in place and strive to have a safe environment for them — and, as an end result, we want them to have had the best experience ever. As many weddings have been postponed until 2021, couples and their guests will be more eager than ever to celebrate love — and one of life’s biggest moments — together, especially after long periods of isolation. The International Polo Club is looking forward to being a part of their big day as they say ‘I do’ to their new life together as a married couple.”

In this way, the end result stays the same.

“Couples are still getting married but are now searching for new ways to make their big day special,” Miele said. “In the end, it’s all about marrying the person you love.”

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