Design Diary With Hamptons Event Planner Bryan Rafanelli
Bryan Rafanelli serves as president and chief creative officer of Rafanelli Events, where he works hand-in-hand with his clients to transform their visions into unforgettable experiences. Known best for his customized approach to every project, Rafanelli marries a unique and exquisite sense of style with careful attention to detail to ensure each event is truly exceptional. Rafanelli experiences are truly innovative, delivering clients their version of perfection while providing the highest level of service, personalization and thoughtfulness. Discover more about how the Hamptons inspire Bryan to create unique and unforgettable events in this NEW KDHamptons Lifestyle Diary below:
KDHamptons: Why is the Hamptons such a great location venue?
Bryan Rafanelli: The Hamptons are amazing…you have this gorgeous farmland surrounded by water on three sides. You have such a variety of larger towns and smaller hamlets and you can curate an experience for anyone; from the super social person who is interested in fine dining and nightlife to a nature lover who might be interested in hiking, surfing or fishing…the Hamptons have appeal for almost anyone. And, the best part is the many farms afford so much opportunity for fresh foods to really round out the experience.
KDHamptons: What are your three favorite locations for Hamptons events?
Bryan Rafanelli: Wolffer Vineyards. The setting sun against the grape vines makes a stunning backdrop for an outdoor event [above]. Private clubs such as Maidstone and the Meadow Club, if the clients are members. The properties are beautifully landscaped and gracious. Clients’ homes. These days people have gone all out with their homes and it’s fun to help them showcase those efforts.
KDHamptons: Who is your favorite Hamptons caterer and florist?
Bryan Rafanelli: Anna Pump of Loaves and Fishes is my go to local caterer. Her work is flawless. For flowers, Topiare in Southampton is fantastic.
KDHamptons: What is the trend in entertaining right now? Over the top or low key?
Bryan Rafanelli: Both. It’s always important to mix some really dramatic moments with some knocked down elements to create an intriguing juxtaposition.
Rafanelli has become synonymous with perfection, making him the go-to event planner for many of the nation’s most exclusive and high profile events and celebrations. In the last 18 years, Rafanelli Events has produced more than 1,500 events in 50 cities, 23 states, and 9 countries. These range in size from 15 to 15,000 attendees. Notably, Rafanelli and his team led concept, design and strategic planning Chelsea Clinton wedding to Marc Mezvinsky in 2010, for Matt Damon and Luciana Barrosso’s vow renewal ceremony in St. Lucia in 2013 (presided over by Jimmy Kimmel), and for the nuptials of Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita in 2013.
Rafanelli’s expertise extends to private events, corporate functions and non-profit fundraisers for high profile clients such as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House, Arianna Huffington, the Clinton Family, Boston Red Sox, Louis Vuitton, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Dana-Farber and Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, to name a few.
Focused on presenting each client’s individual brand, Rafanelli has built a business around his personal philosophy — that every event is a unique creative challenge deserving of a one-of-a-kind approach. To achieve this, his focus lies in creating a company with core expertise beyond design and party planning. His team consists of strategic thinkers who listen to, respect and understand some of the most talented people, smartest companies and strongest brands in the world.
Rafanelli’s work has caught the attention of today’s leading media, highlighting his unique approach, from planning a flawless event to his careful attention to discretion and respect for his clients’ privacy. He was named one of Martha Stewart Weddings’ 2015 Top Wedding planners and one of the World’s Best Event Planners by Departures magazine in 2014. His work has been seen in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, People, New York, and on CBSNews.com, VanityFair.com, NewYorker.com and more. Rafanelli has also appeared as an industry expert on television programs including: “The Martha Stewart Show,” ABC’s “Good Morning America”, NBC’s “The Today Show” and as a regular contributor on New England Cable News’ “Morning Show.”
More About Rafanelli Events:
Rafanelli Events was founded in 1996. Today, the company operates as a full-service event design, strategy, planning and production company with more than 100 events annually in venues and cities around the world. Headquartered in Boston, Rafanelli Events also has offices in New York City, Washington, DC and Palm Beach.
More About Bryan Rafanelli:
Rafanelli’s philanthropic work is as integral to him as his “day job.” He serves on the regional board of the US Fund for UNICEF, on the board of directors of Camp Harbor View, Boys & Girls Club of Boston, and Huntington Theatre and on the Advisory Committee of Mass General Hospital for Children.
* To see more of Rafanelli’s events or to get in contact visit rafanellievents.com