INSIDE: ARTS + CULTURE From Shelf to Stage: Iain Webb’s personal ballet library. 15 People with Purpose Whether it’s with money or time, Jen Rust believes in giving back. 14
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TIE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015
Photos by Heather Merriman
Above: Tables were adorned with red lamour linens and pilsner vases that carried a floral sphere of red carnations, James Story orchids, Mokara orchids and curly willow. There were more than 8,000 stems of flowers. Right: David and Jacqueline Morton with Cornelia and Dick Matson
Orchid Ball THE RUBY AFFAIR
Allison and Tom Luzier
A ROMANCE OF A THOUSAND BLOOMS
Saturday, Feb. 14, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Benefiting Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
M
arie Selby Botanical Gardens lends itself to a romance of its own, and with the vision of Special Events Manager Roger Capote, Co-Chairs Margie Cooper and Jenn Stutler and the committee, this year’s Orchid Ball was, by far, the most stunning event of the season. “The vision behind it was simple. It was Valentine’s Day and we are on the cusp of celebrating the garden’s 40th Anniversary, which is the Ruby Anniversary,” says Capote. The décor was modern and the custom lighting design for the cocktail hour set the mood for the entire evening. Guests entered on a red carpet with rain lights falling from the trees and 10-foot-tall mirrors with the names of the sponsors, contributing donors and the five key words that could be used to describe the evening: drink, eat, give, love and enjoy. The tent was a romantic setting of white, black and touches of red. Hanging above the dance floor were five custom-made ribbon chandeliers. It was the perfect Valentine’s Day affair— lush, sexy, elegant and romantic. PAGE 3 HEATHER MERRIMAN | BLACK TIE EDITOR
Co-Chair Jenn and Denver Stutler
Kelvin and Co-Chair Margie Cooper The signature cocktail was Champagne with an edible hibiscus.