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COMMUNITY: Tis the Season to Support Your Local Charities by Attending Galas, Parties and Fundraisers

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Brian Kappra, the owner and creative director of Evantine Design, is passionate about giving back to the community around him.  In fact, he’s been honored many times himself for his charitable work and has served on numerous non-profit committees and boards.  His generosity of spirit has contributed to the success of some of Philadelphia’s most prestigous benefits, such as the Ball on The Square, Project H.O.M.E.’s iCare Gala; the Foundation for Breast and Prostate Health; Gift of Life’s Donors are Heroes; and Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s Butterfly Ball; to name a few.  And he’s not done yet!  Help is needed now more than ever, if only through black-tie channels of support.  Despite the fact that charities, non-profits and now the positive-sounding ”civil society organizations” or CSO’s, have felt the brunt of the last few years of economic strife, we’re confident that this Fall’s gala season will bring public awareness and financial support where needed.  If it takes a party or a gala event to get everyone involved; Evantine will gladly lend a hand.

Over the years we’ve provided event planning, decor, entertainment and auction support to countless charity groups and organizations.  One of our favorites was the iCare Gala benefitting Project H.O.M.E, a powerful group of warm-hearted individuals who strive to eliminate the “cycle of homelessness, address the structural causes of poverty, and attain their fullest potential as members of society.”  Founded in 1989 by Sister Mary Scullian and Joan Dawson McConnon, Project H.O.M.E. has grown to over 450 units of housing and three businesses that provide employment and re-training to formerly homeless individuals.  To date, Project H.O.M.E. has leverages over $50,000,000 in equity towards housing and economic development.  AMAZING! And when you hear that 1 in 6 American citizens are now living below the poverty line and more people are living on the street; you know that if there is every a charity group to support in these tough times, it’s Project H.O.M.E.   One was to support the organization is to throw an event that not only encourages deep-pocket donations; but also offers an event experience unlike any other gala celebration.  The iCare Gala did just that. [Photos: Paul Loftland]

Hosted at a private farm deep in the heart of the Main Line just outside of Philadelphia, multiple tents were built on the side of a hill to accommodate a dinner dance for over 400 guests and supporters of Project H.O.M.E.  The event took place in the middle of October and Brian Kappra incorproated autumnal colors, flowers and textures into every moment of the experience.  Deep reds, burnt oranges, chocolate browns, warm ambers and metallic golds were found in linens, flowers, draping, china, goblets, menus and lighting.  A pop here and there of turquoise blue in vases, auction table linens and ceiling lighting added an element of surprise and freshness.  Even caterer, Peter Callahan, incorporated chocolate brown and turquoise blue into his stationary displays, sushi bars and serving trays.

Several well-stocked bars were available in the Silent Auction, Wine Auction and Cocktail Tents, as well as on either side of the main Dinner Dance Tent.  Passed hors d’oeuvres included Peter Callahan’s signature bite-sized Americana foods such as pigs in a blanket, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, shrimp lollipops and “beef and beer” (see photo below).

Brian Kappra designed the main tent around the stage area in a traditional U-shaped fashion to allow easy viewing of all presentations throughout the night.  There were many!  Including an incredible live auction orchestrated by Sotheby’s, a live dance performance by the children of Project H.O.M.E.; and the fabulous and invigorating music of the Ray of Light Orchestra.

It was a truly a magical evening but there’s still so much to do.  Again, we encourage all of our friends to join us in supporting the many amazing charitable organizations across the Greater Philadelphia Area that give countless individuals hope and assistance when no one else can.



REAL STORIES: Black and White Soccer-Themed Bar Mitzvah Celebration

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modern black and white party decor sports theme soccer mitzvahs green flowers-c

This weekend we’ll be installing another glamorous bat mitzvah celebration at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. As the second mitzvah we have designed for this particular client, a stylish family who enjoys entertaining with modern, sophisticated parties, we’re as excited as they are to see the event come to life!  While we can’t yet divulge the event design or party details for this weekend’s event, we can share the spectacular soccer-themed bar mitzvah we created for the family two years ago.  {Photo: Susan Beard Design}

Placecard Table Black and White Event Design Soccer Sports Theme Green Flowers

Although the mitzvah theme was technically soccer, we didn’t overwhelm the party design with sports paraphernalia. Instead, a black and white repetitive design scheme was put into play, dominated by a “referee-inspired” black and white striped fabric that was used on vases, chair backs, pillows and lampshades. Keeping the floral displays to a “masculine level,” green flowers such as Limona Roses, Anthurium, Green Goddess Calla Lilies, Cymbidium Orchids, and Viburnum were used in tightly compacted arrangements anchored with tropical leaves and wheat grass.  The adults were seated at white vinyl upholstered light up tables whereas the kids were placed at long black satin covered high community tables with white bar stools. Black and white photos taken of the mitzvah boy at a soccer match were used throughout the event: as life-size photos in the entrance area, as table numbers and on the plasmas screens suspended over the white dance floor.  Crisp and contemporary, the event was truly dramatic! But it was the sensational soccer bag bar mitzvah cake that scored all the points!  Stay tuned for photos from this weekend’s bat mitzvah celebration, it also promises delicious details every mitzvah mom will love!

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Cocktail Party Black and White Sports Theme Philadelphia Event Planners

Ice Sculptures for Mitzvahs Philadelphia Event Planners Black and White

photos used in event decor sports theme kid parties philadelphia event designers

black and white referee stripe soccer theme kids parties green flowers

Party Lounge White Sofas Black and Green Pillows Mitzvah Parties

Sports Mitzvahs Kids Tables Bar Stools Black and White Theme

Soccer Themed Bar Mitzvah Cake Philadelphia Bakers

{Cake:  Truli Confectionary Arts; Logo, Invites, Menus, Artwork: Two Paperdolls; Location: Green Valley Country Club; Lighting: Eventions Productions}


COMMUNITY: On One of the Steamiest Days of the Summer, We Brought Cool Blues and Golds to this Year’s Ball on The Square

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gold confessional chairs ball on the square evantine design

Hot, hot and crazy HAUTE! That’s right, this year’s Ball on The Square might have taken place on one of the hottest days of the Summer (thus far), but we brought some coolness with our event design of blues, aquas and golds. {Photos: Marie Labbancz}

Tented Summer Parties Biggest Galas in Philadelphia Event Planners EventQuip

Award-winning tent design company, EventQuip, never fails to provide the ideal party spaces with their installation of tents in the middle of Rittenhouse Square Park. Working on cobblestone walkways, over historic buildings and around fountains and gardens, EventQuip carefully creates the rooms needed to house hundreds of well-heeled gala guests.  As always, and never as appreciated as it was this year, having the main dinner tents and dance floor areas air-conditioned kept guests at the party long into the summer evening.

Sky Blue Taffeta Linens Cocktail Tables Gold Urns White Roses Summer Party Decor

Inspired by the elegance and colors of a midnight’s summer’s eve, we designed the party using tones of sky blue, aqua, teal and sage green. For a little modern celebratory flare, metallic gold was added in with stylish chairs, bar fronts, urns, vases, chargers and other table accessories. Moss spheres and garden forms were draped with vines and cascading green flowers. Rather than use one signature linen on all the dinner tables, we chose to use three different linens that varied from aqua blue satin with chartreuse organza embroidered with aqua blue flowers to gold satin with aqua blue and hot pink damask. Dinner chairs followed suit with a mixture of Lucite chivari reception chairs to gold Pop Chairs with Lucite backs. All together, the room felt rich with detail and contemporary formality. The perfect setting for an elegant albeit steamy summer dinner alfresco by Starr Events!

Tufted Metallic Gold Bars Luxury Event Rental Philadelphia Event Designers

Dinner Table Settings Moss Gold Candles Aqua Blue Linens Event Planners Philadelphia Tents

Lighting on the ceiling was kept to a minimum keeping the focus low on the dinner tables, stage and dance floor. Cascading panels of wispy fabric installed in the ceiling of the tent were softly lit with textured aqua blue lighting. But, as usual, serving as one of the main focal points in the tent, Eventions Productions lit up the existing Victorian Guard House from within and without with deep blues, greens and aquas. We congratulate the Friends of Rittenhouse Square on another successful Ball on The Square!  To see photos from other Balls on The Square we’ve designed over the years, we invite you to click herehere and here. {Photos: Marie Labbancz}

Ballroom Tent Aqua Blue Gold and Moss Green Ball on the Square Philadelphia Events

Floral Centerpiece with Moss Balls Metallic Gold Candles Evantine Design Party Planners in Philadelphia

Moss Green and Aqua Blue Organza Linens Event Designers Philadelphia Tented Parties

Gold Lucite Pop Chairs Luxury Events Blue Satin Linens Philadelphia Event Designers Evantine Design

Table Settings Green Satin Napkins Gold Chargers Green and Blue Embroidered Linens Philadelphia Gala Events

Dinner Tent with Gold Furniture Aqua Blue linens Moss Green Centerpeices Blue Lighting Eventions Productions

Summer Events in Philadephia Rittenhouse Square Ball Evantine Design Decorators


REAL STORIES: A Sexy Anniversary Celebration Under a Tent in the Backyard

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Purple Delphinium Bar Tented Events Social Parties Evantine-c

When you think “backyard barbecue” this isn’t what comes to mind for most. But when you’re planning a combination 25th wedding anniversary and 21st birthday celebration, well, this at-home party has to be better than burgers on the grill. It has to be sensational.  {Photos: Paul Loftland}

From the moment guests arrived at this modern abode on the Main Line, they were greeted with sexy design and playfully-wacky details. A structural tent was carefully built across the entire backyard and over the client’s existing swimming pool. An open gable allowed the tent to appear as if an extension to the stunning contemporary architecture of the home. As the interiors of the home were filled with mid-century whites, taupes and aubergines, we designed the party tent with the same color palette. But, in typical Evantine Design fashion, we added our own signature style and glamorous touches to the design. For instance, we suspended black chandeliers over low mirror tables; white banquettes, sofas and round ottomans were paired with lucite tables and purple accessories; mirror high top community tables with lucite bar stools flanked the swimming pool; and a custom-designed cantilevered stage was made front and center for the night’s entertainment. And who provided the night’s performances? Starlight Orchestras, comedian Robert Klein, ballroom dancers, a Joan Rivers impersonator and feather-clad Vegas showgirls. Now that’s a party!

Structural Tent Over Pool EventQuip Evantine Design-c

 

Upholstered Tables Ghost Chairs Purple Flowers Cocktail Seating

Mirror Tables Community High Tops Sexy Party Design Social Events Philadelphia

 

Cantilevered Stage Over Waterfall Pool Backyard Parties Anniversary Celebrations-c

Magenta Hydrangea Mirror Table Summer Tented Parties Evantine

Summer Parties Purple Bar Evantine Design Light Up

White Banquettes Purple Pillows Summer Tented Parties Evantine Design

Lavender Hyacinth Mirror Tables Crystal Hurricanes

King Allium Purple Flowers White Lounge Parties Evantine

Mirror Tables Black Chandeliers White Lounge Furniture Philadelphia Social Events

Ballroom Dancers Lucite Bar Stools Mirror Community Tables-c-Evantine Design

{Above photo: EventQuip}

Living Room View Into Party Tent Main Line Events-c


REAL STORIES: A True Blue B’Nai Mitzvah with a Modern Chic Vibe

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One of our favorite party formats is to transform a traditional sit-down family celebration into a modern cocktail setting. While some entertaining purists find this a little unorthodox in formality, we know that for the right client, a casual chic party lounge environment works beautifully! Luckily for us, for this hip B’Nai Mitzvah we had the ideal family who not only asked us for something nontraditional, but whom also embraced our efforts from location selection to event design and party management. Armed with their trust in our planning and design skills, we orchestrated a cool, modern Bohemian-style lounge that everyone enjoyed. Take a look…

{Photos: Tyler Boye Photography}

Blue Lighting Bar Mitzvah Decor Design Philadelphia Evantine Design

As with any momentous party, selecting the PERFECT location for the party was key. For our clients, that was the Skybox at 2424 Studios in Philadelphia. As event designers and party planners, the giant urban loft was a blank canvas we could play in with our entire arsenal of artistic weapons.  The number one element for the space would be dramatic lighting on all the walls, including the building facade, walkways and entrance halls. High ceilings inside the usually-white loft generally lend themselves to grand decor and elaborate lighting schemes, some of which we employed for this sophisticated lounge vibe. However, we brought in our giant white fringe curtains and used them for room dividers, backdrops and additional lighting effects.

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Lamps Community Tables for Party Lounges Evantine Design Tyler Boye-c

When planning a cocktail style event it’s crucial to plan for enough seating for all of the guests. While most of the guests will mingle and dance, they will at some point, need a place to perch. For most of our lounge environments like this we provide enough seating for all the guests to be seated at once, with a little extra just in case. Think of it as seating for 125% of your guest list. The space will feel warm, inviting and FULL which supports a sense of intimacy that every party needs.

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As we like to do, seating varied here from traditional cocktail rounds to high and low community tables and eclectic upholstered seating groups. Keeping to our Bohemian Lounge concept, we brought in deep jewel tones, animal prints and glamorous accessories. The main color used was cobalt blue and it was washed through the space through the linens and lighting. Then, layers of texture and color were added in such elements as Leopard wing back Confessional Chairs, ornate silver chairs, Moroccan lamps and tables, white fringe, tables and vases, pillows and rugs, as well as purple, orange and red floral arrangements. Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? But one must remember that when the lights go down all the white picks up the lighting colors and becomes yet another blue or magenta element in the space. Everything has a purpose that has been carefully thought out for the greatest impact!

Light Up Glasses for Kids Parties Philadelphia Bar Mitzvahs

Royal Blue Bar Mitzvahs Evantine Design Philadelphia Party Planners

Although the whole party environment was important, this party was really all about the twin B’nai Mitzvah boys! And from the moment the chaperoned buses arrived loaded down with kids ready to party, we were set and ready to dazzle them! Games and activities were placed throughout the space, from walls of arcade games and simulators to Peter Max photos, tattoo artists, Fathead games, Video Horse racing and an iPad sign in station, to name a few. Illuminated dance platforms, bar fronts, food station displays and light up cups were used to advantage in the deep blue environment.

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Food Station Charcuterie Starr Events-c

Soda bars, service bars, signature drinks and clever food stations from Starr Events were placed all around the space for kids {and adults!} to enjoy at their whim. One of the most popular was a charcuterie station with a mix of antipasti as well as aged meats, terrines, pates and cheeses.

Arcade Games for Mitzvahs Evantine Design

Leopard Wingback Chairs Modern Mitzvahs Evantine Design

Wine Stations for Parties Evantine Design Philadelphia Party Planners

White Fringe Walls Become Video and Lighting Screens Evantine Design

Throughout the night, guests were welcome to mix and mingle or join in on the dance floor. As the heart of any party, the traditional elements such as the Hora, Hamotzi and Candlelighting all took place on the center of the dance floor for the best viewing.

Jewish Bar Mitzvah Traditions Up on Chairs for the Hora

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Personalized t-shirts were created for the dance motivators, dee jay and emcee, as well as the waiters. We also made sure the boys’ names were found on the walls, bar fronts, cocktail napkins, favor boxes, candy bar, knapsacks and cups.

Mitzvah Parents Dancing Light Up Platforms Evantine Design

candy bars for bar mitzvahs philadelphia party planners

Special Effects Lighting for Bar Mitzvah Parties

bnai mitzvah cakes celebration cakes sports themed cakes

The sensational sports-themed celebration cake was created by Van Earl’s Cakes and tasted better than it looked! Delicious!  If only that was the sole dessert on tap for the party! We brought out huge displays of cupcakes from Crumbs NYC as well as an elaborate chocolate fondue station, a GIANT candy bar, homemade cookie bar and ice cream sundae bar. The perfect ending to a fabulous family celebration!

friends on the dance floor boys bar mitzvah parties

Bar Mitzvah Dance Floors Party Boys Evantine Design

{Photos: Tyler Boye Photography}


Tonight’s the NIGHT! Opening Night of the Philadelphia Orchestra

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yannick nezet sequin philadelphia orchestra opening night gala

Tonight’s the night! The Opening Night Concert and Gala for the The Philadelphia Orchestra introducing conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin as Music Director. And, the amazing soprano Renee Fleming will be performing at the concert celebration! No doubt, tonight should be a fabulous evening from start to finish and we couldn’t be happier to be participating in yet another Opening Night event.

renee fleming soprano opening night at philadelphia orchestra

Yannick Nézet-Séguin officially begins his tenure as The Philadelphia Orchestra’s eighth music director with a gala Opening Concert on October 18, 2012, two weeks of subscription concerts at the Orchestra’s home in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, and with his Carnegie Hall debut on October 23 in New York City. Nézet-Séguin was named music director designate of the legendary ensemble in 2010. The gala concert, featuring soprano Renée Fleming, includes Ravel’s Shéhérazade, Brahms’s Symphony No. 4, and “Mein Elemer!” fromArabella by Richard Strauss. For the Orchestra’s first subscription series at the Kimmel Center and for his Carnegie Hall debut, Nézet-Séguin has chosen Verdi’s Requiem, featuring soprano Marina Poplavskaya, mezzo-soprano Christine Rice, tenor Rolando Villazón, bass Mikhail Petrenko, and the Westminster Symphonic Choir.

For more information about The Philadelphia Orchestra and it’s fabulous opening night celebration, go to http://www.philorch.org/opening-night.


REAL STORIES: A Zen-inspired Birthday Celebration at The Barnes

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Evantine Barnes Foundation Events Philadephia Venues

What DO you do when you’re celebrating your 80th birthday? Duh, you throw a fabulous party at one of Philadelphia’s most prestigious museums! Just this past weekend, in the midst of producing several events on the same night, we created a one-of-a-kind birthday celebration at The Barnes Foundation.  

The Barnes Foundation Museum Impressionist and Post Impressionist

As we always do, we design an event from the outside in, and this special birthday party was no exception. The exterior of The Barnes is already spectacular, with serene reflecting pools and dramatic architecture, but we subtly highlighted the facade with several battery-powered LED lights. We also tucked faux candles in round Asian-inspired white wax lanterns into the reflecting pool in front of the glass looking into the light court.  Additional lanterns were placed inside the entrance to the museum specifically to mesh the outdoors with the indoor environment. Once inside, we created a minimalist party design inspired by the client’s own love for modern design, as well as the simple beauty of the venue.

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As guests entered the museum they were greeted by a long escort table that we dressed with a series of wooden candle holders with frosted glass and hundreds of faux square votive candles. Three tall glass vases were filled with water holding stems of white Calla Lilies and flowering branches for a dramatic-yet-clean design statement.

This sneak peek video from our friends at Janis Productions shows the place card table design, as well as the two long feast tables we created for the dinner. Together with 150 of their closest friends, our clients were seated at long dinner tables in Annenberg Court. Running the length of the two tables, we placed a series of long water-filled “reflecting pools” in which we placed black river rock, purple Lotus flowers and fragrant white Gardenias. Flowering Quince branches were placed in the water in a horizontal design, laying over the water pools. The client’s collection of monk sculptures and lava rock vases were provided for our use in the centerpiece design scheme. Our frosted LED battery votive candles and iron mesh lanterns were added for that always-desired soft glow of candlelight. In fact, we used 1,075 candles in the whole party design!

feast tables reflecting pool centerpieces gardenias barnes museum evantine design

The simpler the design, the more complicated they get! All of the minimalist details in the party design were incredible and all were carefully woven into an ambitious timeline! Including, our personal favorite, the client’s personal chef made 150 glasses out of spun sugar into which the catering staff poured a delicious Madeira, vintage 1933!  As Creative Director, Brian Kappra, always says: “If you live long enough, you see just about everything.”

norman custom signs for events zen inspired party design evantine

{Above}  An interesting angle showing a portion of the table design along with our light up tribute to the guest of honor.

peter nero grammy award winning conductor philadelphia parties

And, no birthday party is complete without an amazing orchestra!  Grammy award winning conductor Peter Nero and The Philly Chamber Orchestra provided an evening of lively, elegant entertainment on our custom-built stage.

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From every possible angle, this was a celebration like no other. Happy Birthday Norman!


DESIGN: Dress Up with Dramatic Chair Covers

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Resource One, Inc.

As we continue to meet with our clients, preparing their design schemes for their upcoming Spring and Summer weddings, we’re excited to be able to share with them the absolutely stunning chair covers available on the market. Chair covers and chair backs are a fabulous decorative accessory that can make a dramatic statement in your event design. With hundreds of chairs to play with in a typical dinner dance scenario, chair covers can convey mood, color and theme instantaneously. As you can see from these lovely chair covers, there’s a wide variety of fabrics and styles available, from hand-painted flowers on pink silk to appliqued ivory roses on nubby cotton and layered white tulle ruched with crystals.  Here are just some of our favorites…

Spring Chair Covers Wildflower collage

Chairs Covers Nuage Designs 2

resourceone flower chair covers 6

chair backs reds nuage designs

{Chair covers showcased from Resource One, Nuage Designs and Wildflower Linens.}



COMMUNITY: Marian Anderson Award to Honor Motown King Berry Gordy

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Motown founder Berry Gordy, Boys II Men, Chris Tucker, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Brandon Victor Dixon and Smokey Robinson! Just another Tuesday at Evantine Design, Inc. as the crew heads to The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts to install fabulous décor for tonight’s Marian Anderson Awards Gala honoring the incredible music industry icon, Berry Gordy. As it always does, the gala brings out the creme de la creme of Philadelphia society with just over 600 guests attending to honor and celebrate the amazing career of Berry Gordy. After all these years, we still manage to get starstruck when confronted with such amazing talent.

Hosting the 2013 Award Gala will be critically-acclaimed actor and comedian Chris Tucker, seen most recently in the Academy Award-nominated film “Silver Linings Playbook,” set in Philadelphia. To honor the musical legacy of Motown founder Berry Gordy, the performance line-up will feature stars of American pop music. The program will include two multiple Grammy-winning groups: Philadelphia’s own Boyz II Men plus Kool and the Gang. Joining them will be Philadelphia up-and-comer, Cody Wise, who starred in the “Lion King” on Broadway. Motown superstar Smokey Robinson will present a tribute, along with “Philly Sound” songwriting and producing pioneers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, followed by a special performance by Tony Award nominee Brandon Victor Dixon, who stars as Gordy himself in “Motown The Musical.” Finally, to mark the 15th anniversary of the Marian Anderson Award, Former Governor Ed Rendell will be honored as its founder and for his impact on the arts in Philadelphia.

In announcing Gordy as the Marian Anderson Award’s 2013 recipient, Award Chair Pamela Browner White said that,

“This year we will be honoring an individual who created a new genre of American music that is beloved around the world, by young and old, black and white. Just as Marian Anderson did for classical music, Berry Gordy created an extraordinary common ground for all music lovers. Through his work with so many great artists, our society was brought closer together and we continue to sing the classic songs of the genre he created.”

The Marian Anderson Award, sponsored by Wells Fargo, honors artists whose leadership on behalf of a humanitarian cause(s) or issue(s) benefits society. Previous recipients include James Earl Jones (2012), Mia Farrow (2011), Bill Cosby (2010), Maya Angelou and Norman Lear (2008), Richard Gere (2007), Sidney Poitier (2006), Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis (2005), Oprah Winfrey (2003), Danny Glover (2002), Quincy Jones (2001), Elizabeth Taylor (2000), Gregory Peck (1999), and Harry Belafonte (1998). No award was given in 2004 or 2009. Created in 1998, the Award is named for the great Philadelphian and American singer Marian
Anderson, and is produced and administered under the direction of J. Patrick Moran. Since its inception, the Award program has provided more than $500,000 in free public programs, residencies, commissions, and grants to young artists.

Marian Anderson, the most celebrated contralto of the 20th century, was born in Philadelphia on February 27, 1897, to an African-American family of modest means. Recognized for her extraordinary musical talent, as well as her generosity and commitment to others, Ms. Anderson was a master of repertoire across operatic, recital, and American traditional genres. Throughout her musical career, she played an incalculably vital role in the acceptance of African-American musicians in classical musical and in other previously segregated performing arts genre. In 1957, Ms. Anderson was appointed by the U.S. Department of State to serve as a Special
Envoy to the Far East, and the following year President Dwight D. Eisenhower named her to the post of delegate to the General Assembly of the United Nations. She sang at President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961; in 1963 President Lyndon B. Johnson bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon her. On her 75th birthday, in 1974, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution ordering a special gold medal minted in her honor. On April 8, 1993, Marian Anderson died at the age of 96 in Portland, Oregon. Her legacy continues to shine.


REAL STORIES: Jake’s Brown, Black & Gold Plaid Bar Mitzvah at The Phoenixville Foundry, Philadelphia

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We planned and designed a family-style celebration for Jake’s bar mitzvah at the historic Phoenixville Foundry in suburban Philadelphia.

[Photos courtesy of Susan Beard Design]

Having celebrated their daughter’s bat mitzvah at the luxurious Rittenhouse Hotel in Center City Philadelphia, the family was looking to celebrate their son’s interest in Pennsylvania history with their globally-minded guest list.  The Phoenixville Foundry was the ideal location and allowed the guests to explore other historic sightseeing activities in the immediate area, most notably, Valley Forge National Park.  Situated at the crossing of the Schuykill River and French Creek, the Phoenixville Foundry is a renovated steel mill located in the bustling town of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Originally a crossroads for Native Americans and early American settlers, the village of Phoenixville was settled in 1732 and served as a powerful hub for American manufacturing in the early twentieth century. In fact, this little historic town was the home to multiple large steel and iron mills as well as silk manufacturers, ladies hosiery factories and Etruscan majolica pottery kilns.

For Jake’s bar mitzvah celebration, adults were invited to enjoy cocktails al fresco on the stone patio surrounded by steel sculptures. Our espresso dupioni linens on high and low cocktail tables kept the palette subtle to blend in naturally to the stone environment around the terrace.  Vintage copper urns from France filled with vibrant flowers in mango, rust, gold and green added a punch of color.

Just inside the Phoenixville Foundry lies an elegant modern polished stone foyer where we placed the escort card table.  A large antique copper kettle was filled to the brim with early Fall sunflowers, a favorite flower of the bar mitzvah honoree.  The Papery of Philadelphia provided ecru escort cards with a custom-designed leaf motif and a simple modern font style that we used on all the printed materials for the event.

Evantine Design Event Design

While the adults enjoyed cocktails outside on the stone terrace, Jake lead his friends up to the balcony overlooking the dinner area for kids “cocktails.”  Multiple casino tables were placed around the balcony, as well as henna tattoo artists, photo booths and photo favor activities.  Peachtree & Ward provided fun kid-friendly food stations and beverage bars including a made-to-order old-fashioned soda bar.

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Looking for a less formal, family-style dinner environment, we designed the mitzvah dinner tables using rectangular tables, chocolate brown and black plaid linens, low lush floral arrangements and shared plates of food.  Our modern brown and gold glazed pottery vessels and crisp glass vases were filled with mixed bouquets of  mango mini calla lilies, sunset pincushion protea, chocolate cymbidium orchids, yellow coxcomb, golden sunflowers, terracotta and pale peach roses, coral amaryllis, antique green hydrangea and various seasonal berries and pods.  Square and rectangular glass hurricanes held floating candles and different heights throughout the room for soft, intimate candlelight.

Family and friends came together around the dance floor for high energy introductions, a traditional hora, toasts and the motzi.  Our event planning staff worked with emcee Justin Horn of EBE to keep the party on time, screaming with fun! and smoothly executed.

evantine design party planning eventions productions lighting

The kids’ eyes were glued to the plasma screens to watch Jake’s hilarious and touching montage video produced by Unique Video Concepts.

The Phoenixville Foundry’s dramatic high ceilings, glass windows and modern crystal chandeliers gave us room to play with colorful lighting effects the entire evening. Such an incredible location for mitzvah celebration!


COMMUNITY: 2014 Marian Anderson Award Honors Jon Bon Jovi

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Jon bon jovi marian anderson awards

Over the years, Evantine Design has had the pleasure and honor of designing the event decor for many of the prestigious Marian Anderson Awards Galas. Tonight’s grand celebration honoring American singer-songwriter, record producer, philanthropist, and actor JON BON JOVI, is sure to be as incredible as the others. If not more so. Not only for the amazing show that will assuredly take place on stage in the magnificent Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. But also, and more importantly, for the well-deserved recognition the event will highlight of the work Bon Jovi has done, and continues to do, to fight hunger and homelessness through Project HOME and the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. Many of his philanthropic projects focus right here, in and around Philadelphia, which makes this year’s dedication even more precious as our local community has been touched so personally by this humble humanitarian’s passion for helping others. We particularly admire his community restaurant JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank, New Jersey as HOPE really is delicious.

Tonight’s 2014 Annual Award Gala Dinner and Concert program guarantees a rockin’ night to remember with comedienne Wanda Sykes as host, spoken tributes by Senator Cory Booker and Project HOME Executive Director Sister Mary Scullion, as well as performances by Grammy Award-winning Estelle, The All American Rejects, Jon Batiste and Stay Human.

Reaching out to others less fortunate really is a simple and straight-forward concept. One we have always taken to heart here at Evantine Design as that’s the principle Creative Director, Brian Kappra, feels strongly about himself and strives to honor every day. In other words, giving back isn’t complicated. It is black and white with sunshine rippling through it in hopeful, caring ways. Reflecting on that clarity of purpose, in our own simple way, for tonight’s gala, Evantine Design will be creating a comfortable black and white environment with pops of bright happy yellow, magenta and purple. It is a true honor to participate once again in this amazing annual event.

We encourage you to read more about the esteemed Marian Anderson Award below as it really is a tremendous gift to the City of Brotherly Love, as well as the greater community around us.

The Marian Anderson Award, sponsored by Wells Fargo, honors artists whose leadership on behalf of a humanitarian cause(s) or issue(s) benefits society. Previous recipients include Berry Gordy (2013), James Earl Jones (2012), Mia Farrow (2011), Bill Cosby (2010), Maya Angelou and Norman Lear (2008), Richard Gere (2007), Sidney Poitier (2006), Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis (2005), Oprah Winfrey (2003), Danny Glover (2002), Quincy Jones (2001), Elizabeth Taylor (2000), Gregory Peck (1999), and Harry Belafonte (1998). No award was given in 2004 or 2009. Created in 1998, the Award is named for the great Philadelphian and American singer Marian Anderson, and is produced and administered under the direction of J. Patrick Moran. Since its inception, the Award program has provided more than $500,000 in free public programs, residencies, commissions, and grants to young artists.

Marian Anderson, the most celebrated contralto of the 20th century, was born in Philadelphia on February 27, 1897, to an African-American family of modest means. Recognized for her extraordinary musical talent, as well as her generosity and commitment to others, Ms. Anderson was a master of repertoire across operatic, recital, and American traditional genres. Throughout her musical career, she played an incalculably vital role in the acceptance of African-American musicians in classical musical and in other previously segregated performing arts genre. In 1957, Ms. Anderson was appointed by the U.S. Department of State to serve as a Special Envoy to the Far East, and the following year President Dwight D. Eisenhower named her to the post of delegate to the General Assembly of the United Nations. She sang at President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961; in 1963 President Lyndon B. Johnson bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon her. On her 75th birthday, in 1974, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution ordering a special gold medal minted in her honor. On April 8, 1993, Marian Anderson died at the age of 96 in Portland, Oregon. Her legacy continues to shine.


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