May Luncheon Recap

A Vibrant Palette of Artistry
By Jenna Lordo
Eventology LLC

The exquisite appeal of the Equality Center reveals itself in stages like opening an intricate jewel box. The building’s clean bold lines and the sleek modernity of the architecture create a striking presence, particularly when juxtaposed against the area’s traditional brownstones.

The Equality Center has two unique event spaces. The Conference Center is a versatile meeting space comprised of three separate rooms which may be joined. The Equality Forum is an open, modern space with impressive windows, natural lighting, contemporary furniture and a beautiful, outdoor private garden. The HRC Media Center, multimedia production facility, is also part of their facilities and can used to produce high-quality public service announcements, event videos, training videos and promotions. A satellite dish, fiber optic lines and radio broadcast system, can broadcast your message anywhere in the country.
The Conference Center’s rooms were opened to create one continuous space for the reception. The room is textured in tones of brilliant, sunny yellow and was accented by shimmering jewel-toned linens by Kelly Andres of Select Event Rentals. Blue Sky Films made ample use of the Center’s mounted LCD screens with footage from our recent Awards Gala. Entertainment Exchange contributed to the scene with one very talented pianist.

Denise Thorne’s creative vision and sense of culinary adventure were evident in every morsel. InStyle Caterers delectable hors d’oeuvres were an artistic fusion of flavors. Personal favorites included Chevre on Cayennne Toast with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Ginger Shrimp Canapes. The drink du jour was a refreshing tea with fruit overtones served in elegant, colored stemware.

As the doors opened to the Forum, guests were greeted by an impressive array of colors and shapes that accentuated the openness of the space, the white walls and luminous natural lighting. Again, Kelly Andres worked her magic with Select’s new line of translucent chiavari ballroom chairs and tables set in hot-pink sheer linens with colorful bits of confetti woven in. The place settings played into the contemporary theme with square white plates cocked at a diagonal and sassy, little rose-hued beverage flutes. Creative Parties menu cards complemented the setting perfectly and hinted at the feast to come.

Amaryllis’s bold geometric floral arrangements were simply fabulous. Rick Davis mesmerized us with a variety of contrasting shapes and colors set against the colorful linens, white background and tall ceilings. Table arrangements of a single, oversized magenta or burnt orange glass globe were interspersed among trios of tall cylindrical vessels, all with colorful splashes of angular, spiky flowers.

The educational featured renowned specialists discussing emerging trends from their own unique vantage point. The casual stage of the Forum, framed in foliage by Plants Alive!, created a talk show atmosphere that encouraged interaction. Panelists included Rick Davis of Amaryllis, André Wells of Events By André Wells, Steele Stevenson, Director of Social Catering for the Willard Inter-Continental and Michael Kress of MBK and Associates. As a grand finale, André Wells ignited a spark among planners when he revealed his lofty consulting fee for weddings.

InStyle’s lunch began with a first course of fresh field greens and slivers of colorful vegetables drizzled with tomato tarragon vinaigrette. The entrée was a succulent and completely unforgettable Sea Bass with Coconut Sauce. In characteristic style, Denise Thorne heightened the experience with a colorful presentation of purple potatoes, caramelized onions, crisp, green asparagus and a sunburst of yellow squash. Fresh spring berries with an Amaretto cream sauce ended the meal on a sweet note.

The beauty of this event was in the seamless blend of contributing sponsors, fitting together like the colors of an artist’s palette. Todd Smith’s impressive photos can be viewed on our website: http://www.dcises.org/gallery/2006MayLuncheon.

Special Thanks to our Contributors!