Michelle’s Palm Beach Wedding – Featured In PartySlate

This Epic Palm Beach Wedding was Inspired by Italy and Vin Diesel — Yes, Really!

Originally published on PartySlate, January 11,2019

“When two event professionals marry, you know the celebration is bound to be epic. We love this Palm Beach wedding between Chicago-based event photographer, Collin Pierson, and event planner, Michelle Durpetti. The affair boasted surprising entertainment and personal and cultural history woven into an unforgettable evening. We spoke with Durpetti about her experience of being on the other side of the planning process and how she infused depth and meaning into everything from the welcome bags to the after-party.

When the date is fate.

Durpetti’s family is of Italian descent and, naturally, she wanted to marry in Italy. “But I wasn’t sure if a trans-Atlantic flight would be possible for my father,” she says. Instead she opted for the gorgeous Italian-inspired ballroom at The Breakers Palm Beach. The spot originally opened in 1896, but a remodel almost a century ago employed 75 artisans from Italy to remake the space after the magnificent Villa Medici in Rome.

However, there weren’t dates available at the spot for a year and a half — too long for the newlyweds to wait. When January 6th suddenly opened — only a few months out, and a mere six months from their June engagement — the pair snatched it up and began assembling their team. Durpetti credits their ability to quickly plan such a stunning affair to the “sheer strength of the collaborative effort” of those professionals.

Choosing a team when you’re usually the team.

Durpetti and Pierson decided up front that they were going to hire professionals to produce their wedding so they could fully enjoy it. “I wanted to be creative,” says Durpetti, “but without doing all of the work.” The pair’s network is wide and deep so the selection process was a delicate matter.

“I had a conversation with each of my industry friends and said, ‘I respect you and love your work but I want you to be a guest at my wedding. Come cry and dance with me. Dress up and live the experience,” says Durpetti. Since January is a slow month in the events industry, the timing also presented the opportunity for their guests to really let down and enjoy. “I felt like I was getting the best of both worlds — to work with super-talented people and also be with my friends,” says Durpetti.

The couple chose Marina Birch of Birch Design Studio as their planner. Pierson, of course, hand-picked the photographer and videographer — Edmonson Photography and Mirar Productions, respectively. ” – Continue Reading on PartySlate, here.

The Team

Photos

Collin Pierson Photography

Venue, Catering & Cake

Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos

Floral & Design

Kesh Events

Logistics & Styling

Michelle Durpetti Events

Invitations/Stationery

Gourmet Invitations

Rentals

Del Cabo Event Design

Linens

BBJ Linen

Gown

Berta

Veil

Ultimate Bride Chicago

Hair & Makeup

Isabellina Perches

Bride’s Shoes

Jimmy Choo

Groom’s Tux

J. Hilburn

Media Placement

Rayce PR