A warm welcome back to Christina Matteucci of david beahm design! As Executive Director of the event design team's tony "david beahm destination" division, Christina joins Merci monthly to share chic wedding locales and honeymoon hot-spots with our readers. But today she's shifted gears...
A few weeks ago Christina called and asked if she could interview David Beahm himself for her April feature. Of course, Christina knows David incredibly well. The duo not only work with each other, they travel the world together, and while David has sat with many reporters, he's never been interviewed by someone as close as Christina... So tres-long story short, we jumped at the chance to present this exclusive and intimate interview on Merci New York.
Editor's confession: As you probably know by now, I adore David. Clearly, his design aesthetic is out-of-this world. And clearly his work ethic is astronomical. But what I love most about David Beahm is his lovely nature and comfortable charisma. We're thrilled to have Christina capture it on Merci. Happy reading!
A few weeks ago Christina called and asked if she could interview David Beahm himself for her April feature. Of course, Christina knows David incredibly well. The duo not only work with each other, they travel the world together, and while David has sat with many reporters, he's never been interviewed by someone as close as Christina... So tres-long story short, we jumped at the chance to present this exclusive and intimate interview on Merci New York.
Editor's confession: As you probably know by now, I adore David. Clearly, his design aesthetic is out-of-this world. And clearly his work ethic is astronomical. But what I love most about David Beahm is his lovely nature and comfortable charisma. We're thrilled to have Christina capture it on Merci. Happy reading!
Christina: David, you and I have worked together for over a decade and we know each other so well. When I watch you design and produce destination events, you are truly inspired. What is it that "turns you on" about destination events and travel as a whole?
David: Every wedding, whether far away or right next door, shares two similar traits: every couple is a new couple and every event is a new event. When you compound that inherent stimulus with a new location, it can provide that much more inspiration for the artists that are designing and producing a destination wedding. We get to meet local artisans; watch new management styles in action; immerse ourselves in the local culture, food, and flora; and most importantly, interact with event professionals who have a new and fresh eye for design. I learn SO much on a destination event site, I can’t help but be inspired!
David: It may sound awfully simple, but I strongly believe that the best amenity is a smile. Prime example: at Peter Island Resort & Spa in the British Virgin Islands we were greeted every morning by the waitress who had the most radiant and genuine smile. No matter how early it was or how sleepy we were, we would smile back when she welcomed us in her melodious Creole accent with a "gorgeous morning Mr. David and Ms. Christina". That kind of service can be a game changer for even the most well-traveled guest. True hospitality is a treasure, and it’s what I look for in every david beahm destination endorsed property.
Christina:When a potential client looks at our david beahm destination website - they see your "little black book" of pre-approved properties that range from sunny shores to snow-capped mountains. What are the advantages/drawbacks of both types of locales?
David: Christina, you know very well from our work here in NYC, every venue has its pluses and its minuses. But in my eyes, most of those have to do with the behind-the-scenes production logistics, which should really have no impact on the decision a couple makes to have their wedding in a certain venue. What should impact their decision is a clear understanding of who their guest list will include. When a couple is planning a destination wedding, they must take a good hard look at what I call the "adventure barometer." If you are anticipating a number of elderly guests, you do not want to choose a destination location that is too far away from the airport, or one that requires a tremendous amount of walking. Have a bunch of young adults with you? Then you need to pick a location that has a plethora of fun and adventuresome activities for the guests to keep them happy and occupied.
Christina: True, true. Being conscious of guest comfort is always of utmost importance to you when consulting our clients. If you were a guest at a destination wedding, what's the one item you'd like to have in your welcome basket from the couple?
David: There are tons of things that work well for a welcome basket: local maps, bottled water, native snacks, the list goes on. But the thing I'd most want to see in my welcome basket is a hand-written note from the couple welcoming me to their celebration. When you are hosting a destination event, most of your guests are taking precious time off to attend your celebration. It needs to be made abundantly clear how grateful you are for their attendance, their time, and their investment in your celebration.
David: It's really about planning time for each member of the couple with their best friends to decompress and kick back. For that matter, personal time for everyone should be considered. The ladies need to have "girl moments" and the gents should be given adequate "dude time". I like to send the ladies off for a day of massage therapy, facials, manicures, and pedicures: and while they are in spa heaven, I've got the boys off on a day long fishing trip or on the green for 18 holes with stogies.
David:Well that was no hint at all! Of course I know where I'd take you! You've wanted to go on a Safari in South Africa as long as I've known you... that, my dear, is where I would take you!
Editor's note: Want more Christina and David? {Of course you do}. Be sure to check out the lust-worthy david beahm destination Brush Creek Ranch, here... and all of David and Christina's destination profiles by clicking on this link.
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