To say Christina celebrated her 40th birthday in style is an understatement. The birthday girl gathered 40 of her closest friends and family for a destination celebration at Rosecliff Mansion in Newport, RI.
Traveling from the DC area, Christina chose Rosecliff as her venue because its elegance and beauty matched her French luxury vision perfectly. Her decor choices were feminine, stately, romantic, with a touch of glitz. One of our favorite elements? Embroidered bows around each napkin that called guests to their individual seats.
No detail in the planning process was overlooked, ensuring a truly special experience for Christina’s guests. There were interactive elements throughout the evening, including a caricature artist sketching guests’ pictures, a live painter, and ballerinas who ushered guests from cocktail hour into the ballroom for dinner.
Along with the unique and immersive on-theme elements, the menu really set the flavor for the evening. Christina is gluten free, and it was important to her that she could eat everything served without a worry. The Russell Morin chefs took her requests for classic French dishes and created a custom menu that let her favorite flavors shine while omitting the gluten – and you would never have been able to tell!
Guests were offered caviar multiple ways throughout cocktail hour, in addition to mini French classics: passed hors d’oeuvres of Duck Confit En Croute, Salmon Rillette English Cucumber Rounds, Caviar Canapes, Potato Au Gratin Bites with creme fraiche and California Osetra Caviar, and a Caramelized Onion Galette – all gluten free of course. Cocktail Hour also included a ‘Chic Parisian Station’ of frites, mini hamburgers au fromage, and croque monsieurs – kid-friendly options for the younger guests to enjoy.
Guests were seated at two long tables adorned with candles for their first course of Nicoise Salad with Tamari Seared Tuna, served with a side of West Coast Oyster on the Half Shell. They then enjoyed an Intermezzo of Champagne Granita with fresh berry garnish.
The highlight for Christina was the Boeuf en Croute main course – a personal favorite of hers – which she has struggled to find both gluten-free and delicious. Our chefs expertly created a gluten-free pie crust wrapped around filet mignon, stuffed with mushroom duxelles, and served with sauce perigourdine, potato Lyonnaise and sauteed garlic kale – a chef’s kiss! Guests were also given the option of two additional gluten-free main courses: Lobster Mac and Cheese and Mushroom En Croute.
For dessert, slices of a three-tier gluten-free cake by Confectionery Designs, and a make your own sundae bar were enjoyed.
This was certainly an evening to remember, for both Christina and her cherished guests. Scroll down to browse photos from this incredible celebration!
Vendors:
Planning and Design: Lauryn Prattes Events
Venue: Rosecliff Mansion
Photographer: Stephanie Vegliante
Florist: Stone Blossom
Cake: Confectionery Designs
Entertainment: Elan Artists, Blackstone Valley Entertainment
Immersive Entertainment: Ten31 Productions
Rentals: Theoni Collection, Nuage Designs, Peak Event Services
Decor & Lighting: Exquisite Events
Live Painter: Bethany Browne
Photo Booth: Boston Photo Booth
Sketch Artist: Cris Clapp Logan
Invitations: Boxed Wedding Invitations
Day-of Paper: Kara Anne Paper
Beauty Team: Anne DeMarco
Transportation: Eric Yeo
Custom Neon Sign: Vintage Roots