An Italian-Themed Engagement Party at Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove

Before hosting an Italian-themed engagement party at Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove, Linnette Leon-Vega and Kurt Gessler experienced a romantic destination proposal in Lake Como. Every year, Linnette and her family take a summer trip together. For the summer of 2024, they decided to visit Lake Como and the Amalfi Coast.

“Kurt and I have always adored Lake Como,” Linnette shares, “so we thought it would be perfect to fly out a few days before my family arrived and celebrate our anniversary there. I knew Kurt had made dinner reservations at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo for our special evening, but what I didn’t realize until we started walking was that he had arranged something far more extravagant: a “Dimmidisì” experience, a private table for two set in the garden.”

Even as they approached the table and found themselves in the presence of a harpist and an abundance of red roses, Linnette was completely unaware of what was about to happen.

“I assumed it was just a romantic touch for our celebration,” she recalls. “Little did I know, Kurt was about to propose. He was so nervous and excited that we couldn’t even place our dinner order before he popped the question!”

From Lake Como to Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove

After their engagement in Italy, the couple decided to stick with an Italian theme for their engagement party as well. With a design and ambiance inspired by the Italian coast and European-style glamour, Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove was the perfect location for the event. Planned by Monica Pardo Events, every detail was thoughtfully chosen and planned to perfection.

“Mr. C’s is one of our favorite restaurants in Miami,” Linnette adds, “so when Monica suggested hosting our engagement party there, it was an easy decision. Not only is the food exceptional, but the hotel itself is absolutely stunning. We truly couldn’t have imagined celebrating anywhere else. The most memorable moment, without a doubt, was walking in with Kurt and instantly being reminded of Italy by the décor.”

To transport the couple back to the site of their Italy proposal, the engagement party featured Italian-inspired décor like beautifully dressed tabletops with vibrant lemons. Guests were served filet and seabass, which were paired with delectable pasta options from Mr. C’s restaurant, Bellini.

“My favorite detail from the event was definitely the flooring,” Linnette says, “which matched the tiles we used for the invitations. Every guest couldn't help but comment on how special and beautiful that detail was. The most unexpected moment was our party crasher! She clearly couldn't resist the positive energy in the room and ended up staying for quite a while. She even joined us for the electric slide!”

With their destination engagement being such an intimate moment, Linnette and Kurt loved having the opportunity to celebrate their engagement stateside at Mr. C Miami with friends and family. The outpouring of love and support was unforgettable and set the tone for their wedding day, when 250 of their loved ones will gather once again.

“The best advice I received from my mom when I got engaged was to savor every moment,” says the bride-to-be. “While the wedding day itself is undoubtedly memorable and significant, she reminded me that the journey leading up to it is equally special – and it will pass by in the blink of an eye. She encouraged me to embrace it all, knowing that the small moments are just as meaningful as the big ones.

“There’s so much I’m excited for, but above all, I’m most thrilled to start our family. I’ve always dreamed of having children, and I can’t imagine doing that or building a life with anyone more special than Kurt. We truly feel so incredibly blessed!”

CREDITS

Linnette Leon-Vega and Kurt Gessler; Location: Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove, Miami, FL; Floral & Event Design: Gilded Group Decor, Doral, FL; Planner: Monica Pardo Events, Doral, FL; Photography: Christy and Co Photography, Miami, FL