The Perks of Being an Event Coordinator - Part One

Beautiful Villa Vecchia

Last Tuesday I, along with about 30 or so members of the Event Industry, were exclusively invited by Brian Aaron, the chef and owner of Aaron's Catering to participate in a venue visiting extravaganza. I must tell you that I felt very proud to be able to be part of such an exclusive and well planned and professional event, where not only did we get to visit some of Miami's newest and trendiest venues, but also some of the oldest and most fashionable as well.

 The whole day began at 9:30 am at our first venue, 1111, the seventh floor of a garage building conveniently situated at the corner of Lincoln and Alton Roads. Upon our arrival we were greeted with the sweet aroma of fresh brewed coffee from Mokafe Cafe Espresso Bar, and by various members of Aaron's catering including Alex Nino, one of the Client Development Managers at Aarons, who graciously picked Lasting Impressions Events to participate in this tour.. After a little bit of getting to know one another time, we all got a chance to hear about this great venue from Gary J. Pallaria, the special event manager; this is quite a unique place offering up to 25,000 square feet of event space, with a great view of the city and the ocean. This space is available for all kinds of events and for someone who is looking to do a unique out of the box party.

The 7th Floor at 1111

Around 10:30 or so, we made our way down the elevators to the sunny streets of Miami Beach, were a Limousine Bus from Worldwide Transportation  awaited us. From 1111 we were taken to The Brakewater Hotel on Ocean and 9th,  an elegant and chic Boutique Resort reminiscent of  the Art Deco Era but with all the comforts of today, and to the Art Deco Welcome Center right across the street.
  The Director of sales Anna Noriega was in charge of the grand tour and as we made our way through The Brakewater we couldn't help but notice all of the details in this beautiful place, from the windows, to the floors, to the ceilings, it was as if someone had pushed back the hands of time and we were once again back in the 40's and 50's. The Rooftop Terraces, both north and south are ideals for cocktail receptions, small weddings or other gatherings. Sexy and Cozy its sure to be a hit with any guest at any event. For a bigger reception the Art Deco Center has plenty of space to accommodate up to 300 people.

Inside the Art Deco Welcome center, perfect for a larger reception

  There are so many positive things to say about both of these venues that I would have to write a separate blog just about them.  Used them together or on their own, The Brakewater and Art Deco Center are two exceptional places in the heart of South Beach. I  highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a venue that it's trendy, modern and classy. I also want to mention that Ocean Ten, nestled between The Brakewater and The Edison hotel is great place to dine, drink and dance, a perfect place for an after party, or for that matter a before the party, party. And, by the way their Mimosas were fabulous and really hit the spot on such a hot summer morning.

The Terrace at The Brakewater Hotel

Another view, all the furniture can be removed and tables can be added instead.

A look at one of the Suites.

Mimosas at Ocean Ten

The Foyer

 
Too soon, we were escorted back to our buses and off we were again touring the streets of Miami Beach, this time to a private home appropriately named "The Temple House",  being that it once was a Jewish Temple. The owner, Daniel Davidson and his assistant Cynthia Acosta were at the door to welcome us and immediately we were captivated by this incredible looking home.

A look at the Great Room from the Mezzanine

The Mezzanine

As you walk through the tall double doors, a grand foyer makes way and opens up to the great room. Now imagine waking into a temple's main room, the pews replaced by large white, sexy, cozy sofas, the walls all painted white and a huge wooden table in the middle of this immense room, simply and elegantly captivating. You can hold any type of receptions here without having to use any other part of the house, but if you want to .... there are other great areas to use, such as the upstairs mezzanine which overlooks the great room, or outside by the pool, or should I say below, since this pool happens to be up a floor.  The refreshing waterfalls cascading from the walls, enticed us on such a hot day and it was hard avoiding the inclination of diving into the cool, sparkling clear water. The Temple House, as unique and innovative as its owner, it's sure to fill up all of your senses with spiritual tranquility and  happiness...not to mention the fabulous party you can throw here.

The Fabulous Pool

What else can be said, a picture is worth a thousand words

From the totally modern Temple House we were driven to the fabulous house of  the Quintero family, Villa Vechia. Hidden behind majestic mahogany and iron gates this privately own 1928 home has to be one the most beautiful venues in Miami. Nestled  in two acres of waterfront land between Pinetree Drive and Indianccreek in what is referred  to as Millionaire's Row and with views of the Fountainbleu and Eden Roc, it really is one of a kind.

First look into Villa Vecchia

Back of the Villa and it's lush garden

Beautiful lush gardens, a sparkling blue pool with a fully equipped cabana, a Grand  ballroom styled in the Versailles fashion which sits 150 guests comfortably, this house has been the center of many, many functions in our city and has been hosts to many dignitaries such as Dr. Kissinger, Margaret Thatcher, and Bill Clinton. The majesty of Miami Beach can also be the perfect venue for your next royal event.

The Grand Ballroom

Makes you want to go for a dip?

 After visiting this grand old lady, we made our way back again to our buses where a nice Sushi lunch was waiting for us, got to tell you that I am not a Sushi lover, but the way Aaron's catering made it I've got to say it was delicious. While having our lunch we were also on the way to our next destination ...

 Awarehouse- talk about unique and this one really wins the prize, a warehouse in the Wynwood area is truly an artist paradise.  A blank canvas for anything your mind dares to conceive, with 20,000 square feet of art gallery and performance venue which houses a state of the art modular stage, sound and video production and lighting.

The large garden and terrace, great for outdoor events

Inside Awarehouse and a view of the loft

The Stage

Awarehouse is the perfect venue for anything you desire from fashion shoots, to fundraisers, to art exhibitions, weddings and private events, it is sure to please the Artist in you.

Next up Villa 221,one of  Miami's most extraordinary and unique event venue.       

The steps into Villa 221

 Nestled in the heart of Miami, Villa 221 is a 100 year old historic Spanish Villa providing over 8,500 square feet of event space. It's a stunning venue for both indoor and outdoor events which can include art exhibitions, trade shows, fashion shows, concerts, and any type of special occasion events.

A beautiful and welcoming "portal" (porch) greeted us bekoning for us to go in. 

The back of the house is where old meets new.

The large yard accommodates overt 500 or more guests.

Inside Villa 221

The second floor is completely redone and each of the room easily flow into one another, making it perfect for any social gathering. Villa 221 truly is a little hidden gem in Miami, don't miss out on the opportunity of having your next event in this unique venue. I would like to thank Aaron Goldstein for being such a gracious host.

The morning wound down and the afternoon sun was high upon us and on we went to our next venues...and these I will leave for tomorrow's post. Hope you enjoyed our "little" tour.