Event Production

from concept to implementation

BRYAN WILLIAMS, JR. -STUNNA 16

Entertainment mogul, Bryan “Birdman” Williams hosted a lavish Birthday Celebration in honor of his eldest son’s 16th year. Along with close family and friends, industry entertainers and executives came out to celebrate the milestone event with Bryan Williams, Jr.

Accustomed to an atmosphere of luxury and exclusivity, the client charged Chef Ashley, Inc. with the task of creating a grand yet elegant experience to commemorate the crowning moment of the young man’s life. Guests enjoyed a custom-designed lounge experience, complete with live entertainment, gourmet cuisine, and ambiance that perfectly complemented the birthday boy’s posh lifestyle.

VENUE SELECTION

In selecting the venue for this event, we took some significant initial details into account—including the number of anticipated guests, securing a prime location in Miami, and inherent aesthetic appeal. We then worked with the client to find the best space to accommodate these basic considerations. After several visits to different sites, offering various style, amenities and locations, the client and our team decided that Miami Iron Side was the best fit. From there, we developed the thematic and design details.

THE INVITATION

Chef Ashley, Inc.’s Design team wanted to make a lasting impression on Bryan’s family and friends before they even arrived. We wanted stir excitement and set the tone of the chic and posh experience in store for them with one glance at the invitation. Heavy, black card stock, embellished with festive ruby glitter and rich red text invited guests to an affair they will remember for a lifetime. To enhance the experience, our team designed and built a custom website, where Bryan’s guests could RSVP, view exclusive photos and follow his social media updates in anticipation of the big day.

DESIGN PROGRAM

The event was developed around a concept that would reflect the Client’s developed taste while maintaining a youthful atmosphere, appropriate for him and his peers. The color scheme was an arrangement of masculine chrome, vibrant red and classic black and white. Keeping the young demographic in mind, our goal was to create an energetic and comfortable setting that also incorporated elegance. Chef Ashley, Inc. transformed the space—a virtually empty two-level warehouse—into a complete VIP experience, from the time guests arrived, until they departed for the evening.

TheEvent Space

Our goal was to execute design elements that would translate the theme to the guests, and remain with them from the beginning to the end of the event. We wanted attendees to walk into an atmosphere resonant with vibrant, youthful and elegant décor and event features.

Guests were met in the parking lot by chicly clad “Valet Vixens”. Glowing red can lighting engulfed guests they approached the entrance; before them were large sheets of white spandex, serving the backdrop for brightly shining custom “Club B16” gobo lighting. From there, guests stepped into the first of many experiences of the evening—the red carpet.

The event space was divided into three defined areas—the captivating “Club B16” Entrance, the exciting “Stunna 16” Main Room and the elegant “Unbelievable” Upper Level. The creative and masterful minds at Chef Ashley, Inc. managed to make each area distinctively its own, while carrying the theme consistently from one space to the next.

THE RED CARPET

A 240 feet long, 14 feet wide aisle was covered in plush red carpet, and the surrounding walls were lined with rich black pipe draping, and personalized banners and posters. Elegant chandeliers were suspended from the ceiling and softly lit the décor below. Groups of large white ottomans were placed along the carpet to form seating islands; and white tables were adorned with beautiful gold vases, filled with short-stem red roses. A chic white, acrylic bar bearing a custom “B16” logo was positioned at the end of the carpet—which was closed off with a lush black curtain to conceal the main event space until the official commencement of the affair.

As friends and family members anticipated Bryan’s arrival, they were entertained by a Hip-Hop Violinist, a Rolla Bolla Performer, Aerial Acrobats and the Red Carpet DJ. As they mingled, they enjoyed passed Chick-fil-A® appetizers, and signature drinks served at the beverage bar. At the end of the red carpet, videographers and photographer’s welcomed guests to pose for pictures and record personal birthday greetings for Bryan, in front of the custom step and repeat.

THE STUNNA 16 MAIN ROOM

At the start of the birthday celebration, the red carpet curtain was drawn, and guests proceeded to the “Stunna 16” Main Room. The color scheme and design elements merged well to create a warm and festive mood; and the custom and personalized décor provided for an experience unique to the client.

A hanging installation of paper lanterns cast an inviting red glow at the door, just before guests came to two large vases topped with beautiful red rose globes—each consisting of over 200 hand-placed roses. A life-size 3-Dementional image of Bryan Williams, Jr. met guests as soon as they entered the double glass doors, and as they ventured further into the space, they took in a one-of-a-kind experience, fit for a burgeoning king.

The Stunna 16 Main Room was the focal point of evening, housing a signature drink bar, which served custom themed beverages, several individual lounge sections where guests could sit in style, a color-themed candy wall that dispensed the birthday boy’s favorite treats, and the main stage where DJ Stevie J and BET’s Miss Mykie emceed the event and some of the industry’s premier performers thrilled and entertained all in attendance.

THE"UNBELIEVABLE" UPPER LEVEL

On the uppermost level of the venue, Bryan and his VIP guests enjoyed an exclusive, comfortable lounge, complete with a fully themed private bar, and wait staff to ensure that their every need was met. A buffet-style spread with gourmet cuisine, additional chic seating and a balcony were also on the Upper Level.

ENTERTAINMENT ON THE RED CARPET

The most dynamic element of the evening was the live and interactive entertainment. Starting at the entrance, and carried through the entire venue, Chef Ashley, Inc. infused lively, one-of-a-kind attractions and performances.

The red carpet hosted a variety of live entertainment elements that served to deliver fun and youthful energy as soon as guests arrived. Hip-Hop Violinist—a classically trained violinist performed current Hip-Hop and other modern songs on an electric violin. Lollipop Girl—an aerial acrobat performed gymnastic stunts on a large suspended ring. Rolla Bolla Performer—an acrobat performed various tricks while keeping his balance on a roller board. Red Carpet DJ—a professional DJ entertained the guests with a contemporary and theme appropriate music.

ENTERTAINMENT IN THE "STUNNA 16" MAIN ROOM

The Main Room featured several stations of live and interactive entertainment that added engaging elements, color and excitement.

Interactive Photo Booth—guests could conduct their own photo shoot in the interactive photo booth, complete with props and various background options—guests could even upload their pictures directly to their social network pages. Live Graffiti Artist—starting with a blank canvass, a graffiti artist created a personalized mural for the client that guests watched progress throughout the evening. Temporary Tattoo Artist—an artist applied temporary tattoos for guests. Airbrush Artist—guests could request personalized t-shirts and visors with their names professionally airbrushed by an artist. Main Stage Performances—Miss Mykie, of BET’s “106 and Park” and DJ Stevie J hosted the event, and several of today’s biggest musical artists took to the main stage to perform in honor of the Bryan’s big day. Performances included those by Ace Hood, Bow Wow, Soulja Boy and Austin Mahon.

THE MENU

The menu was tailored to fit the practical needs of the event, as well as to cater specifically to the client’s palate. It was important to offer options that would accommodate the active environment, and leave the attendees taste buds satisfied. On the Red Carpet, cocktail waitresses passed Chick-Fil-A appetizers—a personal favorite of the guest of honor—and inside, chef-made mini pizza and sliders were passed. The Unbelievable Upper Level was lined with buffet style tables of gourmet dishes from which guests could choose whatever tickled their fancy.

THE CAKE

The custom designer cake was a sight to behold--a six-tier creation, dressed with bold black and white stripes, red trim, and adorned with gold medallions matched the color scheme of the event. A double-sided frame was painted with a sophisticated silhouette of Bryan Williams, Jr. on each side, and the cake was topped with a gold crown, bejeweled with ruby red stones. Delicious vanilla bean cake and butter crème filling were the perfect, simple compliments to the visual display.

THE GIFT REVEAL

Toward the end of the night, a special announcement was made that all guests should come to the lavish red carpet. When Bryan arrived, he was surprised with a pristine Maybach.

THE TAKEAWAY

At the end of the evening, each guest left carrying a piece of the night’s memorable experience with them. After getting to know the client, Chef Ashley, Inc. wanted to give Bryan and his family and friends something special to remember the event. Our creative Event and Design team assembled unique cases with 16 specially selected keepsakes of some of Bryan’s personal favorites—one item for each year. Included in the box were Green Apple Jolly Ranchers, custom bottles of Bryan Williams, Jr. “Stunna 16” root beer, YMCMB paraphernalia, and an assortment of other meaningful items that guests could cherish and remember for a lifetime.