Celebrity Event Planners Say "I Do" at The Hilton West Palm Beach in Florida
What do two professional wedding planners do when they find themselves engaged? Well, it turns out they’re just like us: Brian Kelly and Sean Koski faced a series of challenges orchestrating their own wedding. Yet, amid the twists and turns, they found a remarkable way to realize their idyllic vision. “Making our all-outdoor, no-tent-needed wedding dreams come true was all thanks to our venue,” Sean reveals. Hailing from Palm Beach, FL, the duo curated a joyful celebration at The Hilton West Palm Beach, a locale that enthusiastically embraces open-air festivities.
“We wanted to include everything we love from the events we’ve planned together over the years, all the fun and sophistication wrapped into one BIG GAY WEDDING,” Brian candidly explains. Their distinctive style was captured in their choice of a “classic: white, black, champagne and midnight-blue” color palette, as Brian articulates.
As creators of spectacular events, their guest list shone with big names, such as LeeAnne Locken from Bravo TV’s "The Real Housewives of Dallas" gracing their gathering. Among well-wishers, their friend Jill Zarin, the esteemed OG of RHONY, shared sage advice that underscored the essence of the day. “She told us: ‘Have someone take good behind-the-scenes video and photos and EAT when you get a chance because you don’t get to eat during the party!’”
The ceremony space saw stunning foliage reflective of the Floridian setting. “Once ready to take their seats, guests received copies of ‘The Wedding Post,’ a special edition ‘newspaper’ print: this spin on the traditional wedding program book helps keep things light during such an otherwise very formal time,” Brian tells. The grooms’ meticulous planning extended to every detail, with the aisle adorned with lush imported tropical greenery and exotic white florals dotting the grassy passageway.
The ceremony commenced with a show-stopping procession, transforming the aisle into a runway that pulsed with the beats of Gavin Degraw, Fleetwood Mac, The Chicks and culminated in the electrifying energy of "Ultimate," by Lindsay Lohan. Sean and Brian led the parade—comprised of 30 wedding party members in their wedded best—dressed in resplendent, midnight-blue tuxedos complemented by matching velvet loafers, just as they had envisioned.
In a conscious departure from traditional norms, the new Mr. and Mr. Kelly wove their own narrative, replacing religious and cultural customs with their personalized touch. “We added in a Komos Tequila toast to ‘seal the deal’ after a runway fashion-show-style processional,” Sean smiles.
Following the “I dos,” attendees filed into the cocktail hour space to enjoy the grooms’ favorite beverages from around the world. Guests found their seats for dinner via a 100ft escort card display along gold-and-glass shelves featuring rainbow-colored rosé for them to enjoy along their journey.
The reception proved to be a culinary and entertainment extravaganza. Brian and Sean ensured their guests were treated to a tantalizing dinner service upon seating, setting the tone for an evening of indulgence. Dining tables featured textured or clean linens with low arrangements of white and off-while blooms surrounded by romantic candlelight and chic ghost chairs for each cherished friend or family member. “We stepped into the reception and onto the checkered dance floor to ‘September,’ by Earth Wind and Fire, a nod to our engagement, which took place on September 21,” shares Sean. Their first dance, a choreographed routine echoing the grace of Fred Astaire, played out to the enchanting strains of "Never Tear Us Apart," by INXS. The dance floor remained alive and vibrant throughout the night, thanks to a lively performance from the couple’s 12-piece band.
“Activities for those taking a break from dancing included an interactive take on a guest book with a phone booth to leave a message for us by After The Tone, an adult-approved bounce house, 360 photo booth, standard photo booth and even an option to weigh-in on the live painting by Cherished Rain Art,” the grooms explain.
The newlyweds transformed their expertise into an unforgettable celebration of love and devotion. “No speeches were made at the wedding as we wanted to avoid any reason not to dance ourselves!” the men reveal.