Owner and art director at 1000e20 | OneThousandEvents Event & Wedding Designer 1000e20.com | info@1000e20.com
SOFIA BIANCHINI Event & Wedding designer
Sofia Bianchini
SOFIA BIANCHINI Event & Wedding designer 1000e20 OneThousandEvents presents: shots, meanings and locations throughout Italy
P2
SOFIA BIANCHINI Event & Wedding designer
SOFIA BIANCHINI Event & Wedding designer 1000e20 OneThousandEvents presents: shots, meanings and locations throughout Italy
P2
Castello Banfi “Sofia orchestrated a beautiful series of unforgettable events for my 40th Birthday Celebration. This personal event took place in Tuscany, over the course of several days under Sofia’s expert guidance and care. It was undoubtedtly my pleasure to partner with her and her Agency 1000e20. And in doing such, my family, friends and I were able to take home incredible memories during this once-in-a-lifetime experience in Italy. As an event designer and producer, I have profound respect for Sofia as a fellow member of the event planning industry. Grazie, Sofia”
David Tutera David Tutera Inc. New York NY, USA July 2006
Imaging transforming fantasy into reality..... tim burton about me 1000e20 Event & Wedding designer Born in Italy 42 years ago from Italian father and French mother I am one of 7 among brothers and sister. I studied languages and worked in many fields, but it was when I started putting my experience, my travel and my professional skills together that it became clear which path I was to take. By the age of 26 I had completed studies and skills in graphic and computer design, visual merchandising, window dressing, fashion shop management, art management and organization, floral decoration, tourism management and hospitality services... and I found myself in a beautiful Villa in Todi (Umbria - Italy) helping actress Julia Ormond planning her own wedding. From that moment on it was most evident what I had to do, what my passion was. No later than 1 year after, in 1999, I opened my agency 1000e20 OneThousandEvents in Todi | Umbria and started producing events mostly for Americans that were coming to Tuscany and Umbria on summer Holidays. I have been lucky enough to build the best team ever in the course of the years. Passion, creativity, the love for challenge, the complicity and the tight collaboration is what moves us everyday and gives us great opportunities to turn the imagination of our clients into reality. Our goal is to ease your thoughts, to help you relax, to entertain and enchant you through all your senses. An invisible guidance to that moment of magic you will treasure forever. Let the result of our genuine, authentic commitment be the realization of your dream
sofia bianchini
Some of our International clients Amb. ONU Nancy Rubin | Washington DC, USA Event Planner David Tutera | New York NY, USA Prof. Dr. Adrien Rohner | Zurich, CH Photographer Fabrizio Cacciatore | Boston USA Ceo Peter Mullin Consulting Peter Mullin | Los Angeles, USA Dir. Burberry Foundation Lacy Crawford | Chicago, USA Journalist Maria Rita Macchiavelli | Milan, IT Contemporary Art dealer Stephan Edlis | Chicago, USA Walt Disney Grand-daughter Susan Disney Lord | Los Angeles, USA Ferrari Eng. Pino D’Agostino | Milan IT On. Richard Grant and The Sunset Club | Pasadena, USA Ceo Qatary Diar John Ward | Quatar Barry & Lyn Chasen | New York NY, USA Fondazione Besso | Rome, IT Art dealer Joseph Helman | New York NY, USA On. Alberto Michelini | Rome, IT Music composer Johnathan Brielle | New Yersey, USA PBC Broadcasting | Perugia, IT Sport Kirotherapist Dr. Debby Kindrich Kleiman | Paris, FR Dr. Helen Levine | New York NY, USA TV set Hair Stilyst Sherry Stinger | New York NY, USA Barry & Jill Lafer | New York NY, USA Fox Publishing LTD. Journalist Angela Dukes | London, UK European client coordinator Burberry Elisa Beasley | Rome, IT Lawyer Chuck LaBella | San Diego, USA Best seller author The power of Losing control Joe Caruso | Michigan, USA
SHOTS, MEANINGS AND LOCATIONS A journey throughout Italy Discover, explore and experience Italy the way you never did before
Index of locations Castello Banfi Montalcino | Tuscany | nearest airport Perugia S.Egidio (120km) or Roma Fiumicino (209km) Bauers Palladio Venezia | Veneto | nearest airport Venezia Marco Polo (20km) Palazzo Seneca Norcia | Umbria | nearest airport Perugia S.Egidio (88km) or Roma Fiumicino (210km) Palazzo Viviani Montegridolfo | Emilia Romagna | nearest airport Rimini (35km) or Ancona (100km) Chiostro dei Domenicani Lecce | Puglia | nearest airport Lecce (15km) or Brindisi (50km) Castello Massimo di Arsoli Arsoli | Lazio | nearest airport Roma Fiumicino (90km) Abbadia San Giorgio Moneglia | Liguria | nearest airport Genova Cristoforo Colombo (72km) Caesar Augustus Anacapri | Campania | nearest airport Napoli (47km) then ferry boat to Isle of Capri Palazzo Capponi Firenze | Tuscany | nearest airport Firenze Amerigo Vespucci (9km) Castello di Todi Todi | Umbria | nearest airport Perugia S.Egidio (54km) or Roma Fiumicino (185km) Ca’ Sagredo Venezia | Veneto | nearest airport Venezia Marco Polo (20km) Le Grotte della Civita Matera | Basilicata | nearest airport Bari (60km)
ON HOW TO PLAN AN EVENT the dream, the protagonists, the balance, the key, the research, the budget, the planning It’s all about atmosphere, magic and extreme care for details... For any kind of party or celebration you are about to plan, begin to think at the whole... Welcome to 1000e20’s world
the dream Think wide and think big! Think whatever you have in mind and do not put limits to your imagination. Customize your dream to your desires. Things you have often dreamed of, the set-up you saw on a picture, the sound of music you heard that you loved, the clear sky on a perfect day, the joy and happiness on all faces, the magical performance of those acrobats, everything! Put everything into the pot and dream for a while. Let yourself go in each and every direction, let yourself be rapt by all senses‌ your budget is still zero because dreams have no price, but you feel the excitement has just begun!
IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
don’t settle for less than your dreams !
1000e20 design and direct your Ultimate Italian Experience
we plan your event in the most magical, unique, secluded and stunning places all over Italy...
CASTELLO BANFI
CASTELLO BANFI
& Sofia Bianchini
Montalcino | Siena | Tuscany In the kingdoms of Brunello di Montalcino, stands a heavenly Castello A family-owned vineyard estate and winery in the Brunello region of Tuscany, Castello Banfi’s dedication to excellence in all aspects has won approval of aficionados the world over, capturing honor after prestigious honor. A constellation of single vineyards encompassing over three dozen varying subsoils, the Castello Banfi estate is renowned for its work to weave noble grape varieties with their optimal terroir and over two decades of unprecedented research to isolate a selection of superior clones of the native Sangiovese to produce consistently outstanding Brunello. Central to the property is a medieval castle meticulously restored as a hospitality center, hosting visitors at the Taverna Banfi for lunches and dinners of traditional local dishes, and its enoteca-come-wine bar serving tasting plates of artisan regional breads, cheeses and salumi to pair with a selection of estate wines by the glass. Castello Banfi also offers winery tours and visits to its balsamic cellars and museum, dedicated to the history of glass and its relation to wine. The newest jewel in this hospitality crown is Castello Banfi – Il Borgo, a boutique hotel nestled alongside the medieval castle with 14 rooms and suites, swimming pool, cloistered garden and reading room to nurture guests. Castello Banfi is the first winery in the world to be awarded international recognition for exceptional environmental, ethical and social responsibility.
CASTELLO BANFI
CASTELLO BANFI
BAUERs PALLADIO
BAUERs PALLADIO
& Sofia Bianchini
Venezia | Veneto Immerse yourself in the refined atmosphere of Renaissance Venice
Set on the island of La Giudecca with views across the Grand Canal to St Marks Square lies this sparkling secret jewel part of THE BAUER’s crown of all Venetian family run hotels. A former 16th Century convent, it was designed by the finest architect of the Renaissance, Andrea Palladio. Its 58 rooms and 21 suites come in a range of sizes, some with superb lagoon views, all with exquisite décor featuring tapestries, elegant furniture and a full range of luxury amenities befitting its 5 star status. L’Ulivo, the keynote restaurant, serves superb Venetian cuisine prepared with local produce and boasts a walled garden for perfect al fresco dining while The magnificent Spa, the first of its kind in Venice, is designed over two floors with eight treatment rooms. With three beautiful, historic gardens to call your own there can be few finer sanctuaries just a short boat ride away from the heart of Venice’s bustle.
BAUERs PALLADIO
BAUERs PALLADIO
the protagonists Next step, you should add to the recipe all the guests attending, and imagine their reactions to your dream. Imagine their faces, if you know them, and if you don’t try getting little information on their tastes, their habits, and their roots. Envision the effect your message is giving. Try to visualize whether or not they will share that idea. Be mindful that a successful event is determined by the reactions and responses of all people participating. And always remember that you are sharing something with them, not showing something to them.
IL CONVENTACCIO
ABBAZIA SAN PIETRO IN MONTE
PALAZZO SENECA
PALAZZO SENECA Norcia | Perugia | Umbria & Sofia Bianchini
At home in an Umbrian Palace
A house in an Umbrian palace: this is the atmosphere you live in in this charming residence of the sixteenth century, that re-opens its doors in Norcia, in the heart of Umbria, after a careful restoring. Fusion of design and tradition, simplicity and quality, this is the secret of this new elegant project promoted and realized by Vincenzo and Federico Bianconi, the last generation of a family who has been offering Hospitality and Foodservice since 1850. The skilled restoration, the research of unique materials and objects, along with the work of the best Umbrian craftsmen, have made Palazzo Seneca a unique destination in its genre.
PALAZZO SENECA
PALAZZO VIVIANI
PALAZZO VIVIANI
Montegridolfo | Rimini | Emilia Romagna
& Sofia Bianchini
A land in between with a strong character
Built in the thirteenth century and carefully restored in 1994 by fashion designer Alberta Ferretti, the Castello di Montegridolfo - Castrum Montisgridulphi - is situated right on the border between Romagna and Marche regions. A truly ancient castle dating back to medieval times, doomed to be a constant bone of contention through the centuries due to its unique strategic position amidst the lands belonging to the noble families of Malatesta of Rimini and the Montefeltro, Lords of!Urbino. It all started in the XIII century when the castle was chosen by the Gridolfi family as their residence. From that moment and for the next three centuries the Conca valley saw a never ending struggle between the two families. As a result Montegridolfo kept changing hands, was repeatedly sacked and suffered great strife at every turn. Indeed in 1336 it was totally destroyed by Nolfo, count of Urbino. The following year it was reconstructed by the patriarch of the Malatesta family, Galeotto. Peace was only restored in the XVI century and since then the Malatesta family has remained “absolute sovereign�. It lies on the green hills of the Valconca valley, which descend gradually towards the Adriatic Sea, only a few kilometers away. Surrounded by a beautiful garden it overlooks a panoramic view characterized by abandoned fortresses, towers, ancient churches and small historical sites.
PALAZZO VIVIANI
PALAZZO VIVIANI
the balance This is where you will start balancing dreams and reality and the difficult step is just here: harmonize all the ingredients, until the savor taste delicious. So I am afraid to say you will have to start making little compromises. You will have to “adjustâ€? your dream in terms of time and space, money involved, distances, people attending‌ start drawing a grid of the no(s) and the yes(s), a grid of the feasible and the not practical. You might feel the dream is over, and that you cannot carry out that project, but remember that nothing is impossible. You only need to look at it from a different point of view.
CHIOSTRO DEI DOMENICANI
CHIOSTRO DEI DOMENICANI Lecce | Puglia & Sofia Bianchini
A.D.1430 unparalleled poetic and aesthetic harmony
The Convent of San Domenico Outside the Walls is one of the most significant symbols of artistic and cultural production of Salento. The cloister, square plan, is characterized by ten pointed arches on each side, the twin pillars that mark the perimeter, are plain shaft, resting on a high base and are topped by Doric capitals of rare beauty. The splendid spaces that are part of the cloister of the Dominicans are characterized by an unparalleled poetic and aesthetic harmony. Interiors featured by vaulted ceilings, are illuminated by a wise play of light that welcomes balance with the warm reflections of the Apulian stone. The arrival of the Dominican friars in Puglia during the thirteenth century marks the beginning of a presence that will become more massive in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. It was to the early fifteenth century, which was founded in Lecce, the convent of the Friars Preachers of St. Dominic with the papal bull of Eugene V, dated June 15 1442. The strength of the Dominican Order in the South is reflected, inevitably, in the vitality of the convents which alternate periods of intense activity with periods of contraction.
CHIOSTRO DEI DOMENICANI
CASTELLO MASSIMO DI ARSOLI
CASTELLO MASSIMO DI ARSOLI
& Sofia Bianchini
Arsoli | Roma | Lazio There are places where time stands still to preserve forms and colors of pearls of rare beauty
The Castle rises on a steep outcrop of rock partly overlooking Arsoli while the other side looks over the park with its beautiful formal gardens. A tree-lined avenue leads from the gateway in the village of Arsoli through the gardens to the large square the castle is located on. A significant portion of the “piano nobile� has been made available for events: the main salon with its beautiful and artistically important seventeenth century frescoes by Marco Benefial, depicting the nuptuals of Perseus and Andromeda and views of the fiefdoms of the Princes Massimo; two smaller rooms, and the Hercules room, whose walls bear witness to the endeavours of the mythical hero. The frescoes on the vaults are attributed to the Zuccari brothers. The four rooms are accessed through the two armeries which flank the hanging garden and are adorned with great portraits of the princes and their consorts. The hanging garden is small but luxuriant with a fountain surrounded by lemon trees, wisteria, iris and flowers of all kinds and which looks over the park below from on high. The park is dominated by a statue of the goddess Roma, which goes back to Roman times. The small church dedicated to Saint Filippo Neri also gives on to the hanging garden.
CASTELLO MASSIMO DI ARSOLI
the key While working on this process, you may find yourself discouraged. All that you have put into the pot that seemed so perfect at first now need to be revised. You will have to start making budgets and set off the planning process. Make a list of vendors, of locations, of suppliers etc‌ This is where you need to find out your fil rouge. It can be anything: from the colour theme for dÊcor, to the performance you do not want to discard; from the coordination of all printing materials, to the line of finger food you definitely want into the picture. Once you have revealed your key, everything will automatically turn into perfection, but only in your head! Stick to that idea and make all elements match and synchronize to that key. This is the process of tailoring, you are now adjusting the dress to your client, to yourself, to your guests!
ABBADIA SAN GIORGIO
ABBADIA SAN GIORGIO Moneglia | Genova | Liguria & Sofia Bianchini
A pure gem set among Portofino and Cinque Terre
Dating back to the 1300’s the convent was dedicated to St. Francis, depicted in the painted frescoes on the walls of the cloister. The complex once included full guest quarters, infirmary and a precious library. It has been recently restored by partners Angelo and Giorgio, natives of Monéglia, who have set high standards of comfort in the eight rooms overlooking the courtyard, while maintaining the same calm and contemplative ambiance. Set like a gem (Moneglia means jewel) in one of the best location of the Italian Riviera between Portofino & Cinque Terre, this magnificent 14th-century Franciscan monastery, fuses modern comfort with the grandeur of its past. Using the expertise of local artisans and selecting antique pieces and rich fabrics which harmonize splendidly, the romantic and luxurious results contrast with the convent’s austere past. Old frescos and simplicity in the cloister and common areas, whilst antique furniture, care of detail and beautiful fabrics and lace create a refined ambiance in the rooms. The abundant charms of Abbadia San Giorgio - a hidden gem - secluded, yet just minutes from the beach. The property has a swimming pool and sauna, a private beach facility and a boat for excursions along the coast of the famous Cinque Terre. The scenic drive over the mountain down to the secluded village is well worth all the curves to get there.
CAESAR AUGUSTUS
CAESAR AUGUSTUS Anacapri | Napoli | Campania & Sofia Bianchini
The most breathtaking view in the whole world
On a cliff 1000 feet above the sea, the luxury Hotel Caesar Augustus offers one of the most spectacular vistas to be found on the isle of Capri. From the rooms and grounds of this marvelous luxury hotel, guests can enjoy views over the entire Bay of Naples. The bird's eye views include the breathtaking scenery of Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento, Ischia, and unique views of the island of Capri, celebrated in the works of the famous novelist Axel Munthe, whose Villa San Michele is nearby. From Ischia to Procida to Naples and down the Sorrentine Peninsula to the isle of Capri, the entire Bay of Naples was once the magnificently beautiful playground of the Roman Emperors. Emperor Tiberius was so enamored by the isle of Capri that he took up almost permanent residence on the island and proceeded to administer the Roman Empire from Capri.
CAESAR AUGUSTUS
CAESAR AUGUSTUS
ABBAZIA SAN PIETRO IN MONTE
the research Tailoring needs pins, cloth, sewing threads, needles, scissors, chalks, buttons, zips‌ Now that you begin to have a clearer idea and you feel more confident to know more or less what the dress will look like, you need to start search for suppliers. Make a long list of vendors easy reachable in you area. Try to locate at least three for each service required. Make calls, send mails and faxes, and always aim to testing their quality. Gather materials, pictures, estimates and articles. Start collecting all information for each service and be armed with a lot of patience, diplomacy, and kindness. Always ask for all the possible options and do not take anything for granted. In the phase of the research you will also have to study carefully the well-known PLAN B. Be prepared to always have a fair duplicate of each service. Have it ready for any emergency, always.
PALAZZO CAPPONI
PALAZZO CAPPONI Firenze | Tuscany & Sofia Bianchini
Pampered with luxury, style and comfort
This monumental palace was built by Senator Alessandro Capponi (1644-1716). The construction started in 1701 and was completed in a few years, thanks to the unlimited economic resources available and the cultural and social experience the senator had acquired during his long stay in Rome. The palace was designed in Rome by the architect Carlo Fontana and his son Francesco using measurements sent from Florence in April 1702. By 1704 the structure of the main part of the palace had been finished with the exception of the staircases and the hall on the first floor. The garden was laid out between 1736 and 1741. The main, street-side facade is measured and unostentatious. The magnificence of the residence, the fame of its decorations and the rich collections it housed, made it a pole of attraction for many foreign visitors, including Cochin and Montesquieu. During the first years of the Risorgimento the Palazzo hosted many of the most famous Italians and Europeans of that time, including Giacomo Leopardi, Alessandro Manzoni, Alphonse de Lamartine, Massimo d'Azeglio and Giuseppe Giusti.
PALAZZO CAPPONI
PALAZZO CAPPONI
CASTELLO DI TODI
CASTELLO DI TODI Todi | Umbria & Sofia Bianchini
A castle with a certain view
The Castello di Todi, known historically as the Tower of Porchiano, was constructed on its hilltop perch around 1000 AD. One of a dozen or so watchtowers built to ring Todi, it was garrisoned with soldiers from the town in times of war. From its soaring six-story tower outlooks kept watch on the Tiber river and signaled the town when enemies attempted to sneak along the curving river bank below. The castle was once larger, surrounded by a curtain wall. Only its tower and garrison block remain, forming a bulky and war-like silhouette. With a 360° view overlooking rolling Umbrian countryside, there is still an unobscured vista of beautiful Todi about two miles away as the crow flies. The Castello di Todi was never a residence until inhabited for a few decades in the early 20th century by a local farmer who used its ground floor rooms for stables and sties. Fairly much in ruins, the property was purchased in 1988 by an Englishman named Guy Munthe (grandson of Axel Munthe, author of The Story of San Michele) and painstakingly restored. Transformed into an elegant and comfortable residence, the castle played host in Munthe’s time to notables like HRH Princess Margaret of England and actress Helena Bonham-Carter.
CASTELLO DI TODI
CASTELLO DI TODI
the budget As the picture is taking shape, you will have to determine your budget and to allocate a cost for each and every element. You will have to start building estimates on how much all the factors of your event will cost. This process often goes along with the research because only searching you can get better ideas on how things and services cost and work, you will also find nice surprises, things and services you did not know they even existed! And this process is very helpful, because if you were uncertain of many details, now you know quite well what to cut and what to include. Once you have a list of all suppliers make appointments and meet the persons in charge of each service, talk to them, have them doing site inspections, technical checks... send them all a complete list of happenings and timetables.
CA’ SAGREDO
CA’ SAGREDO Venezia | Veneto & Sofia Bianchini
A private Palazzo, a noble Residence, a Museum, a luxury Hotel and much more...
Leaning majestically on the banks of the Grand Canal, between Ca’ D’Oro and the Rialto Bridge, the 14th century Palace has been declared a National Monument and still preserves the untouched beauty of an ancient noble residence. This palace was originally owned by the Morosini family and was purchased at the start of the 18th century by the Sagredos, a noble family who had lived in the Santa Sofia district for centuries.!!The façade onto the Grand Canal is proof of the Byzantine origin of the building, which was altered several times in subsequent centuries. The original ground floor with the doors leading onto the water and the first floor with its tall arch windows topped on slim pillars, were completed in the 15th century by the addition of second floor, which has tracery frieze around the middle mullioned windows of the Portego or central hall. ! Ca’ Sagredo halls offer the rare chance to relive the magnificence of a XV century Venetian Palace. The beautiful rooms located on the piano nobile are the ideal setting for any kind of event. All Function rooms lead off the Portego, whose gothic windows boast views of the Rialto!Market and the gondolas on the Grand Canal.
CA’ SAGREDO
CA’ SAGREDO
LE GROTTE DELLA CIVITA
LE GROTTE DELLA CIVITA Matera | Basilicata & Sofia Bianchini
Simplicity as the ultimate form of sophistication
Matera can be found in the south of Italy and is world famous because of its Sassi quarters, a stunning and well preserved example of a village where hundreds of caves were turned into dwellings, churches and palaces. UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, the Sassi represent a unique hamlet throughout Italy: the earliest inhabitants date back to the stone and bronze age, in the middle ages it boasted several monastic communities and later became a vibrant farming centre, owing to the rich harvests from the surrounding hills and plains. The Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita project is placed in the oldest part of the Sassi quarters, the CIVITA, facing the spectacular Murgia park and its rock-hewn churches. It comprises 18 rooms (some of them exceeding 160m•) and an ancient church, the “Cripta della Civita”, now used as a common area, all renovated to retain their original features.
LE GROTTE DELLA CIVITA
LE GROTTE DELLA CIVITA
the planning Now that you have a fairly reasonable plan to follow, you have to separate each ingredient and plan it carefully one by one. Just like a robbery plan you have to assign tasks to your working team. Draw a timetable, print in your mind a perfect image of the practical execution of each step and share it within your working team: every part, every single detail. This is the stage where, if you are smart enough, you will start observing the process of generating that magical atmosphere. Now the working machine is in full operation and the final preparation has begun. Stay calm, you have everything under control, each step will follow automatically the next one and you feel confident because you have planned the whole with maniacal perfection that you know that nothing can go wrong. Oh yes, so many things can go wrong. But, remember you cannot determine or predict accidents that are beyond your control, so just let them happen. The most important thing is how promptly you react to these events. Once you know how to discern what can be repaired and what you cannot change, give everybody the impression that you had planned that too! Be prepared to let this dream come true and go in the natural direction it’s taking, this is the beauty of live broadcast and you have to include it in your plans. Always.
Contacts SOFIA BIANCHINI Event & Wedding designer 1000e20 OneThousandEvents Voc. Campette 144 Todi 06059 | Perugia | Italy +39 075 982259 | +39 348 263 5046 1000e20.com | info@1000e20.com
STAFF Sofia Bianchini Ciribifera Executive manager & art director Laura Patacchia Executive assistant & project consultant Charolaine Galletti Event coordinator Benedetta Bianchini Public relations Gloria Mecarelli Assistant & food consultant Anna Bolotti External consultant & artistic coordinator Caterina Betti & Stefania Italiani Photo reportage negativostudiofotografico.it
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GOODBYE FROM 1000e20’s WORLD AND HAPPY ENTERTAINING