Marlene Dietrich was a Hollywood starlet that knew how to make an entrance.
When she walked into a room, men stopped in their tracks. Her press photos alone influenced women’s hair style, makeup and most importantly, demonstrated the quality of being alluring. I think that allure is such a rare thing today.
Allure is being sensual, provocative, unexpected yet understated. Frankly, I hope I still have a little. Which brings me to Elaine Tenzer…

I have always adored Elaine. She is a lovely person and has a classic and timeless style. When I thought about Meredith’s Wedding, I knew Elaine would wear something elegant but probably low-key…man was I off on that one. I was in the South Ballroom with the other vendors setting up the ceremony when Elaine walked into the doorway.

VA-VA-VOOM! Obviously Mama had a brand new bag.

Elaine was breathtaking in a fitted, strapless evening gown of crystal embellished silk. The color changed from silver to burnished bronze to a rosy peach. I swear that my jaw hit the floor and so did every other man in the half mile vicinity. Yow Za! I hope the band members recovered after falling all over each other. I still smile when I think about the way that Elaine looked that day…ala femme fatale!

Not to ignore Bride Meredith…she looked gorgeous. Meredith wore a fitted, all lace mermaid sheath dress with straps. Robert George and I both agreed she should be in a Bridal Magazine. Meredith kept it simple with her hair loose and just a touch of makeup…amazing. And then introduce GQ groom Joe and we had pretty much cornered the market on beauty that Saturday night!

I like to think I added that little something extra…

The ceremony was beautiful with an aisle drenched in all white and cream flowers and candles. And guests entered the Grand Lobby to find delectable passed hors d’oeuvres and a spectacular “Comfort Food” Station with beef tenderloin mini burgers, baked mac and cheese martinis and pomme frites. Yummy! Several people were shocked when we rang the dinner bell because the hors d’oeuvres were so extensive. The cupcake wedding cake was beyond belief, The Fabulous Motown Review rocked the house and later we opened a confection station with all sorts of rich, sinful chocolate desserts and caramel apples. As I always say, it has no calories if it looks beautiful.

Many families could take notes from Elaine and Meredith. The greatest lesson is to be yourself and be fabulous. Create areas of high impact, spoil and pamper your guests and work with the venue to extend your look and give it a richer feel. Take some chances with culinary and have items you love and that make you happy…like sliders, cupcakes and caramel apples!

Photos do not do this event justice although Robert George’s album is beyond belief. You set the bar Robert. I have thrown in a favorite photo of us striking a vogue pose.
Don, Elaine, Meredith and Joe, I will never forget you.
Elaine, let’s get together soon and talk about how much we hate buffets!
Elaine is all about allure. Glamour shots with me are always optional.
Rob Schaefer

There is just nothing quite like it! The Easter Brunch at the Coronado is truly spectacular!! Reserve your table today for one of the most decadent brunches in St. Louis!

This blog is dedicated to Tom Agnew…an amazing man, husband and father.

This has been the year of changes. I don’t think I can recall a time when my faith and hope have been quite so tested. Dear friends have moved on to the next step in God’s plan and others have become ill and struggle to retain both hope and dignity. It has not been easy…for any of us.

I think the amazing thing about hope and the sheer power of will is that it can sustain you when all else fails. Six years ago I had chicken pox as an adult and it left me paralized and disfigured on my left side. Despite a very negative prognosis, I was determined to walk without limping and NOT appear as if I had a stroke. Now granted, the left side of my face doesn’t quite move like the right and I have some hearing issues, but otherwise I have come a long way from that terrified, medicated, drooling man in the hospital. And it was faith that supported me.

Mary Agnew will remain the Golden Bride of 2007. I will never forget the way she looked at her photo shoot standing in the empty ballroom with the golden afternoon light falling on her. Her beautiful hair, eyes and smile spoke of another era and her silk dress sparkled with gold vermicelli beads. Her parents, Tom and Nancy, were so delightful to work with and I was thrilled that Tom was able to attend not only the culinary tasting, but the actual wedding reception. If I ever wanted to witness strength of will, it was watching Tom Agnew. Despite being very ill, he was determined to be at that wedding and dance with his daughter. And he did…

We all want to believe that we will experience the milestones in life such as dancing with our daughter. We hope that we will live a rich and full life and see our children happily married. As I walked through Tom Agnew’s visitation service and gazed at the many photos of his youth, countless friends and family, I witnessed a rich life. I can only hope for the same.
To Mary (Agnew) Moore and husband Jason, I thank you for being such unbelievable clients. I had a blast at your reception! And Mary, I will never forget how stunning you looked for your send off. That little geometric dress was kicking…and Jason looked pretty dashing in his khaki suit. To Nancy Agnew, I simply want to say how how much I admire your strength and compassion.
To my friends who are now struggling with illness, I want you to know that you are in my heart and I am a phone call away. And to those of you that have moved on, I hope you peek in from time to time and witness the incredible celebrations going on at the Coronado.

We are all about milestones.

Rob Schaefer

I must be one of the most fortunate individuals in our industry to have clients like Hanh and Aaron. Almost two years went by from the time they booked with us until their wedding date and they made every moment a delight.

Hanh and Aaron live in New York City and we planned everything via e-mail and phone. Aaron is a Vice President with his firm and makes everyone feel calm, cool and collected. He is one of the finest men I have ever met. Hanh is an Asian beauty with a dazzling smile and New York style. I think they make an incredible couple. Little do they know that I plan on visiting them and crashing at their New York pad! I deserve some quality shopping and theatre time after such a busy bridal season. And I love good pastrami…
Aaron created quite a web page to tell the incredible story of how they met. I encourage all the readers to take a look at it and use it as an example when creating your own.

www.geocities.com/hanh aaron
I think Hanh and Aaron represent the urban couple of today. I see more and more clients who are young professionals, established in their respective careers and planning the nuptials on their own. Long distance events can pose challenges for anyone. Hanh and Aaron listened to my advice, maintained contact with their vendors and allowed the professionals to do their job. Gee - what a novel approach.

Hanh’s family is Vietnamese and we encountered language barriers, communication issues and cultural differences, but by having a central “go-to-guy”, helped eliminate confusion. My best advice to any couple who is merging cultures is to have a clear, concise itinerary that explains what is happening and why. Make sure everyone involved receives a copy when they arrive.

From the expresso colored linen to the high-style tropical flowers, it was a beautiful night. Hanh and Aaron, I miss you… but a nice trip to Bergdorf Goodman will help me get over the pain. I’ll be M.I.A. in N.Y.C.!

Rob Schaefer

Most of the time the groom is a fairly quiet party in the planning process. He shows up, nods and agrees with everthing the bride likes. Well…not our Andy.

Jenny and Andy work together because he is Yin and she is Yang. And and I knew that we would reach a state of harmony.

“Patience Grasshopper…Patience.”

Vicki and Steven Deutsch will probably remain one of my favorite parent’s of the bride of all time. When I think of Vicki Deutsch, I am always reminded of the phrase, “grace under pressure”. Over the engagement process, Vicki attended many of my design seminars and I can truly say that I always looked forward to her call. Vicki Deutsch is a lady in every sense of the word.
With the help of Randy Felkey, Jenny and Vicki created a vision in tones of orange, peach, salmon and purple. Huge orbs of flowers brimming over with peach lilies, salmon gerber daisys, purple iris and orange orchids towered above the guests heads and the the tables were drenched in the most beautiful shade of peach damask. The huppa was swagged in sheer white organza panels with tiebacks of orange roses and the ladies just glowed against it in their soft tangerine tone gowns. It was bold and beautiful.
Andy…Andy…Andy…it is always interesting to have a chef for a client. You made Chef and I giggle more than once. I appreciate your input with the fabulous culinary experience Steven and Vicki provided for you. You are a very lucky young man. I think the chilled watermelon soup was superb and the peaches and cream wedding cake brought down the house…guests asked us for 2 and 3 pieces!

To Vicki Deutsch I can only say “thank you”. Despite the flood in your home (caused by the city), loss of family members and dealing with strong personalities, you were always kind, lovely and stylish. And every mother-of-the bride should look as good as you did. Diamonds and a ballgown are never a bad combination!

Neither were you and me.

Rob Schaefer

Picture it. A gorgeous Persian beauty walks into my office. With dark raven hair and smoldering brown eyes, she could easily conjure images of marble palaces, brilliant silk cushions and a desert oasis.

Picture it. She lives in Cape Girardeau.

Sormeh Shafaie will hands down be one of the most beautiful brides I have in 2007. Sormeh is a talented Interior Designer and wanted a wedding with spectacular designer touches! And man did she have them…

The gentlemen of the wedding party all wore black Armani suits with silver and black silk pinstriped ties. Although the ties were custom made by Charvet in France, the couple selected the fabric at Mr. Ooley’s in Oklahoma City. I just adore Mr. Ooley’s and have several nice things from there. Mr. Ooley’s continues to be one of the reasons why I plan on marrying well.

The bridesmaids of the party wore 1950’s inspired cocktail dresses in chocolate brown silk and Sormeh stole the show in an ivory silk mercado gown with hand-beaded design work. She was beautiful!

Not missing a beat, Sormeh brought her boss Terry and co-worker Evelyn to St. Louis to custom create all the wedding flowers. After 20 years in the industry, I thought I had seen some talent but Terry rocked my world with his couture look. They did an amazing job and it was such a gift to see people who love the bride, help the bride. The all ivory flowers with the chocolate and black accents gave a designer feel to everything.

I connect with Sormeh because she and I have a creative soul. We encountered what many families encounter when you merge heritage, tradition, style and vision…it isn’t easy. Families and vendors often see only one aspect of a wedding and that becomes their focus. When Sormeh and I have a project, we have to look at the entire vision! I often hear, as I heard that night, “It is more than I ever imagined”. Good. I did my job.

Sormeh and Ryan start a new life together in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Friends and family went back to Oklahoma City, Cape Girardeau and Iran. To grandma, thank you for making such a beautiful piece of art for me and then carrying it in your luggage from Iran to St. Louis. I cherish it and it is proudly displayed on my office wall.

And to Sormeh…I’m grateful to be one of your designer touches.

Rob Schaefer

When I think of Bill Donius, I always think of the Salt-N-Pepa song “What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man”.

Yes he is…

And of course he would have the most talented and charming Executive Assistant in the world, Miss Helen Liu. From the first moment that I met Helen, I adored her and am proud to say that she will be a cherished friend for life. Helen is the total package…beauty, brains and style. My kind of woman! Helen and I first worked together for a United Way Event and it was hosted by Bill in his home. I could write an entire blog about Bill’s home and art collection but I will just sum up by saying that Bill is a rare person with an incredible appreciation for beauty.

Helen and the planning committee really created a special evening for the guests. With a “fish” theme in mind, nautical blue was chosen as the linen color and centerpieces of fish bowls, floating plants and real fish decorated every table. Bars, placecard tables and tall cab tables were drenched in real fishing nets and I loved the way they puddled over the tables. Shells, coral, glass floats and faux crabs accented everything and really enhanced our theme.

From the hors d’oeuvre trays with fish sculptures and lights… to the blue “Hooked on Pulaski” martini with an edible “sand” rim, all of the special touches made this a company party of company parties. It was a real example of how to think outside the box and make your employees feel special and pampered (in Bill Donius style with a little Rob magic thrown in for good measure). The vanilla bean cheesecake with pate sucre crust garnished with a wave made out of blue chocolate might have helped too…

Helen, you did an amazing job and it was an honor working with you. Despite my torn Achilles Tendon, I had a toe-tapping time…someone told me I looked distinguished with my cane. “Distinguished” was not quite the word I was looking for but I’ll take what I can get. And you looked amazing!

And to Bill Donius, Salt-N-Pepa says it best,

“He dresses like a dapper don, but even in jeans…He’s a God-sent original…”

Rob Schaefer

It was right after my big Seminar at Neiman Marcus that inspiration struck. Steve, Kathy, Lisa, Debbie, Gary and myself were seated around the Becker’s kitchen table eating pasta (Steve makes delicious pasta).  Lisa Cohen started telling me about Abby and Andrew’s B’nai Mitzvah in February of 2007. So I took it upon myself to plan it on the spot and help create an event appropriate for both a boy and a girl…”The Cohen Family B’nai Mitzvah…A Magical Moment Frozen In Time”.

Abby is 13 going on 23 and Mr. Andrew is a very gifted young man with an old soul. We all agreed that we wanted the ultimate black and white party…modern and starkly beautiful. Abby and Andrew came in to visit and we chose black velvet overlays with a silver “diamond” effect. To me it looked like the winter night sky. For the adult tables we went with stark white overlays over black floorlength cloths. Dazzling white bengaline chair covers with crisp black satin sashes accented each adult table and complimented the glossy black chargers. The young adult chairs also had white covers but were sashed with a beautiful red and black knit scarf. Each young adult could take home their scarf and wear it all winter long. The scarves were embroidered with the monogram snowflake created out of the letter “A” with my tag line…”The Cohen Family B’nai Mitzvah…A Magical Moment Frozen In Time”. Too cute! I was fine till one little brat tried to take my scarf but I tossed a cookie at him and he ran away.

The adult tables featured amazing centerpieces created by Randy Felkey. Giant glass vases held masses of white, frosted branches. Snow filled the vases to the rim and hanging votives and icicles hung from the branches filling the air with twinkling light. Snow was drifted onto the center of each table and accented cut glass bowls frosted with white sugar. The bowls held assorted candy in black, white and red for guests to nibble. Silver vases were hanging from each wall sconce by white satin ribbons and held giant snowballs of white baby’s breath. GORGEOUS!

Abby was determined to out DIVA me and although the invitation said “Black and White Dress Only”, she wore a stunning red dress and looked like a star. I appropriately named her signature mock-tail “The Abbalicious”. It was brilliant red and quite delicious. I was quite fetching in my black suit, black and white chalk striped shirt and shiny white satin evening tie and so was Andrew. We toasted our good looks with his brilliant blue drink…”The Andrew Igloo”.

Dr. Billy Cohen came through for me and suprised the family with one of the coolest special effect machines on the market…the snow machine. When guests walked into the Coronado lobby, real snow was falling from the ceiling. It was damp and real and gathered into drifts on the floor. Guests were speechless and the children loved it! What an amazing gift to the family. I will never forget how the lobby looked with snow falling in it.

Lisa Cohen decided to really treat her guests and we created an old-fashioned cookie and cocoa station. I decorated the table to look like one massive snow drift using cotton batting and tons of artifical snow. White frosted trays of cookies were at different elevations and featured gingerbread men with little iced scarves, double fudge cookies dusted in powdered sugar and mexican wedding cake cookies… to name a few. Silver urns held piping hot cocoa and was complimented by bowls of marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, chocolate shavings, etc. It was amazing and very different.
I could go on and tell you about the giant icicles and snowflakes suspended above the young adult tables, the delectable “Chilly Billy” peppermint martinis or giant black and white portraits of Abby and Andrew but I won’t. Let’s just say that a little pasta dinner started the snowball rolling and became a vision of beauty and sophistication.

To Lisa and Billy, thank you for your faith in my vision and creative freedom to make things beautiful. I enjoyed this event as much as I did making your birthday parties so special. And to Abby and Andrew, I thank you for inspiring me. Uncle Rob is always available for Sweet 16 Parties, Graduations and LAVISH Weddings.

Just leave Dr. Billy and the martinis to me…

Rob Schaefer

Kelly Quinn and I have known each other for years. Kelly is a Pharmaceutical Rep and we have done many events together. I have listened to her event speakers discuss a variety of health issues. I know more about fungal issues, gastrointestinal pain and tropical diseases than I probably want to! I was delighted when she told me that she wanted to have her ceremony and reception with me at the Coronado Ballroom. And that she was marrying a remarkable man, Dr. Scott Engel.
Kelly and I also connect as friends because we both grew up on a ranch with horses. Roy and Ruth Quinn have a beautiful ranch and stables south of St. Louis. In fact, Ruth is also an amazing floral designer and transformed their huge barn into a rehearsal dinner site. They had a down home BBQ that put the “Ewing” Family BBQ at Southfork to shame. I have watched every episode of “Dallas” and I know…
Scott’s family is from New York and it was such a treat for them to see true southern hospitality and the outpouring of kindness from the Quinn family. I also know that being from New York, they see alot of beautiful receptions and I wanted them to know that we can do it as well, if not better, in the midwest. Scott’s parents Sy and Sharon really helped make this event special. Thank you both for your lovely compliments.
Kelly and I love the color red. She chose the richest, deepest shade of red possible…pomegranate. Pomegranate red crushed satin bichon linens with an iridescent black cast glowed in the light of hundreds of candles. Mirrored finish candlesticks with massive deep red candles adorned every other table and tall centerpieces of red orchids, roses and lilies with beaded wire completed the the look. Kelly chose gold leafed chargers, black napkins and gold ballroom chairs with black cushions. Elegant menu cards were at each placesetting and the entire look was sumptuous and rich! I also loved the huge wreaths of red roses that graced the Mezzanine railings.

The wedding cake was beyond belief! The flavor was Pumpkin Spice and it had a warm, rich pumpkin taste with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger…mmmmmmm. The rich cream cheese icing and cinnamon creme anglaise just about sent the guests over the edge. One guest told me, “This tastes like fall and sin”. I took that as a compliment …a creepy one… but a compliment none the less.

The multi-tiered Cinderella creation was iced in a deep champagne Italian Buttercream. Edible gold leafed bands wrapped around each tier and was detailed with dark chocolate piping that looked almost black. A huge medallion of dark chocolate rested on the center tier and resembled a cameo. It featured their mongram in gold lettering. Many guests told me it was the most beautiful wedding cake they had ever seen.

Kelly and Scott, you did a great job. From the bridesmaids gowns in the deepest iridescent red, stunning bouquets of black magic and champagne roses and the huge screens of sparkling votives, it could not have been more beautiful.

Jock, Miss Ellie, J.R., Sue Ellen, Bobby and Pam would agree.

Rob Schaefer

It seems like a long time ago that I met Brenda and Robert Mast. Isn’t it funny how there are some people that feel like old friends from the first time you meet. That was the case with my special Mast family and one of my favorite wedding receptions of all time.

Bride Shelley and Groom Eric live in Chicago so Shelley and I did a great deal of planning long distance. In December of 2005 we started planning a Holiday Wedding for December of 2006. The best thing about the holidays at the Coronado is that we are so beautifully decorated. I love the magic of the greenery, ribbon and ornaments dripping from every sconce and chandelier. The tree is always stunning and the mantle is glorious. Shelley wanted to add just the right mix of neutrals and ivory to this to create a Winter Wonderland wedding reception that would be magical…and it was.

Now “Winter Wonderland” means different things to different people. For some people it is imagining being abducted by a Swedish male super model and wisked away to his Aspen cabin for romantic evenings by the fire…or so I have been told.

My vision was to use various shades of white and ivory to create the illusion of winter…frost and snow. Gold candlabra held snowballs of white lilies, orchids and roses. A mixture of flower height varied from table to table and was bathed in a rich golden light from hundreds of votive candles. A deep matte gold chair cover was sashed with a crisp ivory matte satin bow giving the illusion of a wrapped package. Frosted blown glass chargers and damask napkins folded like snowflakes created a magical tablescape.

The crowd was in awe of the multi-tiered wedding cake in the softest shade of ivory. Fondant snowflakes which looked like Tiffany ornaments cascaded down the side and swept around the cake. Some of the snowflakes were pure white and others were dusted in 24K gold leaf. Icicles and fondant pearls completed the look of this fairy tale creation. I was pretty proud of myself in finding the antique carved gold cake stand and having the entire cake table top mounded in faux snow. The flocked white velevet linen looked frosted and magical pinned in sweeping swags with snow lightly dusting their creases…it was heavenly!

For Shelley I created signature drinks that were beautiful to behold. White chocolate decorated the rims and icicles of chocolate dribbled down the glass. Frozen in white sugar and garnished with a white dipped peppermint stick, Eric’s drink was a true winter wonder and named after his favorite Cardinal player…”The Frozen Pujols”.

From sheer white organza layering the amazing winter dessert buffet to the hors d’oeuvre trays with crystal snowballs and glass icicles, all the special touches of this amazing night made me feel like I was in a lovely Winter Wonderland….minus Frosty and other select claymation characters.
Brenda Mast stole the show in a cranberry red gown with ruby crystal beading. Red is my signature color and I am not upset that Brenda wore it despite the fact that I told her I was going to. I always make it a point at the client’s culinary tasting to point out what I will have on…and I hate competition! It was such a Joan Collins move! Ouch.

Brenda is someone who you can talk to about anything. She is a gifted, spiritual person and she just makes people feel good. We have had many good talks and I am proud to say that she will be a dear friend forever. Robert Mast is a fine man…an officer and a gentleman. I never could get him to call me “Rob” and not “Mr. Schaefer” but it did make me grin everytime he did it! To both of you I send my thanks for your faith and trust.

It was perfect…even without the super model.
Rob Schaefer