As guests entered the Grand Ballroom, they were greeted with a spectacular candy table! It was kindly donated by one of my fellow Salvation Army Ambassadors, sweet Suzanne Mott Dansby, and created by her designer in Atlanta, Mr. Don Chestnut. Photo source: CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY, Palm Beach.
The Paradise Ball was a grand and glorious tribute to the Salvation Army of Palm Beach County’s 100th anniversary, since 1922! The Salvation Army, located in 131 countries and in every zip code in America, marches to the drum of love, and their politics are that of kindness… both much needed in our world today.
Having surprise elements at any party contributes to a festive and memorable experience for guests. Our group of darling synchronized swimmers posed with their white parasols, in their retro pink suits and flowered caps, alongside the pool. Halfway through the cocktail hour, they slipped into the pool for a stunning performance to classic Sinatra songs. The swimmers were the brilliant idea of Susan Cushing, an exceptional Slim Aaron’s style artist, and party planner extraordinaire. We loved creating this event together, and now have a lifelong friendship from our efforts!
Photo source: CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY, Palm Beach.
The stupendously elegant invitations from Dempsey & Carroll, NYC, were engraved and alluded to a stately evening ahead: the essence of old-world elegance. “Mrs. Post’s Paradise Ball” was the title of the event. She purchased the property for her Palm Beach home in 1922, the same year the SA was founded in Palm Beach. Marjorie Merriweather Post was smiling from above as the guests at the Paradise Ball reveled in “old Palm Beach” graciousness.” Gentlemen in tails and ladies in glittering ballgowns contributed to the elegant, jubilant, and PINK atmosphere.
Not many people know this tidbit, but Mrs. Post adored acknowledging her midwest background at her renowned lavish parties with… Square Dancing! We invited the Jr. Committee to practice their do-si-do’s, courtesy of the Colony Hotel’s ballroom, with a professional “caller” prior to the Ball. So, at 9 pm, the caller invited them to the floor, and after two dances, they were happily joined by the other guests! This is a definite must-do again! SO MUCH FUN!
Photo source: CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY, Palm Beach.
Photo source: CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY, Palm Beach.
Our goal was to dust off the image of the Salvation Army and also rejuvenate it with new energy. Farley Rentschler was my Chair of the Jr. Committee and invited the creme de la creme of Palm Beach to be on her committee… and energized they were! (Farley is in center with the colorful Marchesa gown, and my daughter-in-law Karen is behind her in red, along with my son, Stuart, on her right.) Patrick Le Tourneau, a Jr. Committee member, kindly brought his vintage Rolls Royce and parked it at the end of the pool for added "Mrs. Post ambiance!" It’s just hard to see it there with so many on the committee! I am so proud of them all.
How elated I was that my Honorary Chair, the Duchess of Rutland, Her Grace, Emma Manners, came over from Belvoir Castle, UK, to attend and support me. Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, my other Honorary Chair, could not make the event, but was there in spirit. Photo source: CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY, Palm Beach.
I was so thrilled to be the Chair of this celebratory event; it was pure joy to work alongside an army of dedicated and inspired people. This was their first major Ball, so I am elated that over 450 people attended! Because of generous sponsors, donors, and guests, the costs for the entire event were underwritten.
Photo source: CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY, Palm Beach.
The most important person I have to thank, among many others, is my darling husband, Stuart. He was my biggest cheerleader and sacrificed our time together for a year. Thank you, my love.
Xx
Holly
P.S. I received many inquiries about my Ballgown. Maria Pucci of Gramercy Atelier, NYC, and I designed my ballgown together and I love it! And, the white kid opera-length gloves were a kind gift from Cornelia-James in London.