Engage!24 Nemacolin was three days of pure, real-life magic in the mountains of Western Pennsylvania. Every detail added to this spellbinding atmosphere. But the grand finale of the Engage!24 Nemacolin gala truly was a feat of fantasy. Set in a clearing within the lush green forest, the gala took place in a specially constructed glass marquee tent dubbed ‘Mother Nature’s Cathedral’. From the moment guests arrived, they were wrapped up in a world of opulence and enchantment that only Engage! could deliver, and none of us will ever forget! Read on to see what made this such an extraordinary event.
The Arrival
The cocktail hour was a whimsical prelude to the evening’s pomp and circumstance. Guests enjoyed cocktails, champagne, and hors d’oeuvres at Mulligan’s Terrace at Nemacolin. Then, as the evening drew in and reflections of the terrace lights began to glitter on the waters, small canoes adorned with flowers floated gently by. This setup created a magical ambiance, setting the tone for a night filled with wonder and delight.
When church bells began to toll, a flourish of bagpipers appeared from beyond the hills. They led attendees to the cathedral in the clearing. Here they had their first glimpse of the incredible glass marquee and were also greeted with a powerful choir performance of Hozier’s Take Me To Church. It was a moment charged with emotion and wonder. And that was just the start!
Décor Elements
Inside the tent, the decor was a visual feast. Grand chandeliers, cascading with crystals, cast a warm glow over the lush greenery and pristine white floral arrangements. In fact, the tent’s interior was an enchanted forest of its own, with nearly 200 mature trees and 800 plants. Gothic architectural elements provided a nod to classic elegance, with modern silver accents adding a touch of regal luxury. Each table was meticulously set with fine china and crystal. On arrival, guests also found a serving of Calvisius Tradition Royal Caviar awaiting them. Undeniably, the design brilliance of creative director, Ed Libby, and his team was evident in every detail. With a wave of his wand (and some cranes and heavy machinery) he transformed the tent into a fairytale woodland cathedral where every guest felt like they had stepped into a magical realm.
The Stationery
The Engage!24 Nemacolin gala’s stationery was a masterpiece in itself. Designed by the magicians at TPD Design House, it reflected the evening’s cathedral theme, while also bringing all the elegance and glamour! As always, the menus were a highlight. Inspired by gothic stained glass windows, they featured an intricate design of a swan gliding gracefully on a serene lake. The bar signage, with its green marble design, mirrored the caviar plates and the custom dance floor’s marble logo. Additionally, The Engage!24 Nemacolin logo was elegantly embroidered on each napkin. Every detail was thoughtfully crafted to enhance the immersive experience.
Food & Beverages
The culinary experience at the Engage!24 Nemacolin gala was a celebration of gastronomic artistry. After the decadent caviar, which was paired with TartufLanghe Truffle Potato Chips, guests enjoyed a refreshing peach clafoutis with plum gastrique. For the main course, the menu dazzled with filet mignon, complemented by butter-poached shrimp with demi-glace, as well as lobster beurre blanc and duo of asparagus. Dessert included a black and white zebra torte, hazelnut dacquoise, dark chocolate crème, Madagascar vanilla streusel, and pistachio matcha micro sponge. Meanwhile, guests sipped on cocktails by the alchemists at The Cup Bearer. Singapore sours, shoguns, and butterfly margaritas were all on the menu.
The Entertainment
The Engage!24 Nemacolin gala was a showcase of exceptional talent and entertainment from Elan Artists. In fact, the stars in the marquee rivaled those in the sky above! Broadway performer, Lexi Lowell captivated the audience with her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, singing Billy Eilish with the ÉLAN Modern Dance Troupe. Hamilton star, Lexi Lawson, embodying the role of Mother Nature, delivered a performance that was both mesmerizing and energizing. The core band SoundHouse, along with special guests from CityLuxe and Rhythm Collective, kept the energy high and the dance floor packed.
Other highlights of the evening included an immersive Rihanna tribute, performed by an artist in an Alexander McQueen-inspired couture wardrobe, and a show-stopping set by Dez Duron, whose rendition of “Feeling Good” left the audience spellbound. The BoyBand Tribute band Fourté also provided an exhilarating finale with their energetic performances of Prince and Red Hot Chili Peppers hits. A special touch from Nemacolin was luxury velour slippers, to ensure that guests could dance the night away in absolute comfort.
However, the crowning moment of the evening was a surprise performance by the legendary Miss Diana Ross. As Ross took the stage, her presence transformed the gala into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Her performance, including iconic hits, was a breathtaking celebration of song. In fact, it’s fair to say that guests were turned inside out, upside down! This performance marked the gala as an unforgettable highlight of Engage!24 Nemacolin.
The Attire
The theme of the evening’s attire was ‘Dramatic Blacks, Whites and Silvers’, and attendees certainly understood the assignment! They embraced the black-tie dress code with dramatic flair, donning elegant gowns and sophisticated tuxedos that complemented the evening’s regal ambiance. From elegant black satin gowns to sparkling silver numbers, it was a parade of fantasy fashion that sparkled and shone.
Of course, the Engage!24 Nemacolin gala was a testament to the power of meticulous planning and creative vision. The entire team, including event planners, Le Feast, created magic from moment one. From the awe-inspiring setting and exquisite menu to the unforgettable performances and luxurious details, every element of the evening was designed to create a truly magical experience. As we look forward to future Engage! events, one thing is clear: the bar has been set incredibly high! With each event, Engage! continues to redefine the possibilities of event planning, while bringing together the very best in the world. And we say Amen to that!
