Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Reach for a Star Gala at the Ritz Carlton | St. Louis Event Designer

For the second year, I was asked to style the annual charity gala for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Gateway Chapter here in St. Louis. Held at the Ritz Carlton, this affair is set for an evening of glitz and glamour. Black tie clad guests are greeted with champagne as they arrive and are welcomed into a reception featuring a silent auction with amazing items people are dying to win. Later, they are whisked into the grand ballroom where they are treated to a delicious three course meal accompanied by an amazing program. The cure to Cystic Fibrosis is possible because of the extreme generosity of the evening's patrons & the groundbreaking work that this chapter, and others across the country, do so diligently. It is an evening that pulls at your heart-strings, and once again I was honored to have played a small roll. 

This year's theme was the Big Easy Ball. The coordinators hoped to create a New Orlean's inspired event with a throwback to the jazz era. Each of the little details were carefully picked with this in mind, all while adding in some glam to play along with the beauty that is the Ritz Carlton. 

 
photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

During the program, guests are treated to a live auction presentation where amazing trips, experiences, and other fabulous prizes are bid upon. A darling puppy from a local rescue center was definitely one of the highlights, but the best came when the artwork of a sweet girl with cystic fibrosis was purchased for $5000. The entire place rose to their feet, erupted in applause & celebrated the moment.. 

guests playing with the sweet puppy, one of the featured live auction items.

guests playing with the sweet puppy, one of the featured live auction items.

the adorable artist & the lucky winner of her work

the adorable artist & the lucky winner of her work

the winner of the precious puppy

the winner of the precious puppy

A combination of flour de lis accents, replica vintage microphones, New Orleans street signs, and an abundance of candlelight paired with colorful pops of purple & gold florals created the mood for the evening's affair.

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography

photography by Brea Photography