To Serenade is to entertain one’s love by display of talent in hope of winning their deepest affections. In our journey to inspire love, MunaLuchi has created Muna Serenade: A Curated Couples’ Date, to present the opportunity for engaged couples to experience the serenading together in an unforgettable exclusive date night experience. Produced by members of the Muna Coterie – MunaLuchi’s curated collective of elite wedding vendors, selected couples are provided with a photoshoot, video shoot, fine dining, and more.
Following major challenges in 2021, Muna Coterie Event Planner, Envisioned Events by Suzette, decided to go big in 2022. Teaming up with a fabulous group of Muna Coterie wedding vendors, including the Ritz Walton Collection, the pair strived to create an unforgettable experience. In a Muna Serenade first, they discussed hosting this year’s serenade at multiple locations. This was no small feat, but if anyone could make it happen, it was these two!
With lots of coordination and planning, on April 13, 2022, their dream event came to fruition! Four lucky couples were treated to an exclusive “Love Reigns in New Jersey” themed date night. Beginning with hair and makeup by their glam squad, a photoshoot around Bloomfield, New Jersey ensued. The grooms-to-be also shared details on their love stories in intimate video interviews captured by Dame. A soiree at the newly opened event venue, Casa de Flora Bar, followed with music, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails. Afterwards, the party moved to a second location, The Blue Rose Venue, in Caldwell. An evening of fine dining and dancing, with ample servings of laughter, love, and positive vibes awaited them.
Keep scrolling for more details and quotes from the host, Suzette, herself on our 2022 Muna Serenade “Love Reigns in NJ” event! And make sure to watch Dame’s feature film following our couples on this exclusive date night below.
- Location of Serenade: Bloomfield, NJ + Caldwell, NJ
- Venue(s): Casa de Flora Bar & The Blue Rose Venue
- Date of Event: April 13, 2022
- Theme: Love Reigns in NJ
Glam Squad Central…
For our 4 amazing couples, the Ritz Walton Collection retail store was Glam Squad Central. When our couples arrived for the day, we greeted them and escorted them to where they would store their things, so they could go into hair and makeup for their interviews and photoshoots.
After our grooms-to-be were touched up for the cameras, they went off next door to the beautiful Casa de Flora bar for their interviews. The guys shared how they met their fiance, determined how she was “the one,” and how they popped the question.
It’s always amazing to us to see how the couples bond from this experience. It starts with the guys and spreads. The couples get to hang out together throughout the day of production and by the end of the night, it’s like they’ve been friends all along!
As our brides-to-be finished their time under the magical hands of the glam squad, they then joined their partners for a photoshoot around Bloomfield.
Cesar DeJesus & Imani Gilliam….
Kevin Jones Jr & Cathy Richards…
Silburn Reid & Tasha Alexis…
Eniola Eboda & Onumara Opara…
Setting the scene for romance…
While photoshoots were in motion, we had 2 teams prepping 2 locations for our date night experience. The Cocktail Hour took place at the Casa de Flora Bar in Bloomfield, NJ. The Flora Bar is filled with beauty all on its own. The decor is exquisite and elegant, with no detail left undone. It included everything we needed to create a wonderful experience. Even the restroom is gorgeous and full of selfie spots!
Cocktail hour…
When our couples returned from their photoshoot and entered the Casa de Flora Bar, specialty drinks crafted by Maritza’s staff were presented on a gold floral cart as each couple entered. The couples then took their seats at the bar, in front of a custom charcuterie board creation by CharcuTORI. Owner Tori even created personalized greeting cards for each couple, so a message welcomed them to their dining experience.
With music, drinks and food flowing, conversations ensued and we could not peel our couples away to move to their next location. They did not want to leave. The good vibes and energy were high and the smiles were big. Our Serenade team and couples had a time at the cocktail hour.
A night of dancing awaits…
A short 12 minute drive away, was part 3 of the Muna Serenade experience. The Blue Rose Venue was where dining and dancing would happen for our couples. When they stepped into the lobby, an over the top peacock themed balloon garland and welcome sign greeted them. Each one of our couples were introduced by our MC for the night, Harold of Finer Touch Entertainment. With all 4 couples in the ballroom, on the dance floor, the clouds began to fill the floor and our couples had their “First Dance” to “Love of My Life” by Brian McKnight, while dancing on the clouds.
Their “first dances”…
The details…
After their grande entrances, our couples sat down to their grand estate table. Dressed in peacock blue velvet linen, a beautiful setting of china crafted in blue, white and gold, with crystal stemware and personalized menu stands awaited for each person. Black velvet and gold trimmed chairs placed around the table added the finishing touches, with lush high and low florals with candles adding to the dramatic decor. More candles also adorned the center of the table.
The cake…
As the couples took in the room, the stage had a show stopper of a cake! Set in the midst of more florals and grand candelabras in front of a backdrop of black walls and drapes, with our theme of “Love Reigns in NJ” displayed in gold vinyl to mark the occasion, it was the statement piece of the night.
Table settings…
The room was set for our entire team of 30 Serenade vendors to celebrate with our couples. We outlined the room with round tables and each was dressed with sexy black linen, and set with gorgeous gold arm candelabras, white florals, black onyx stemware, and gold flatware on top of black velvet napkins, white and gold plate settings, and custom menu cards.
Catering & Cocktails…
Our dinner was prepared and served by Chef Ricky of South End Catering. Our couples dined on crab cakes, blackened tuna, filet mignon and roasted chicken with a variety of side options. Specialty cocktails curated by Keisha of MiXXy Mixers kept our couples coming back for more throughout the night.
Couple’s Lip Sync Battle…
While we feasted, our couples brought the entertainment as we held our first Couples Lip Sync Battle. They each came prepared to win as Imani and Cesar performed “Can we talk?” by Tevin Campbell; Eniola & Onumara sang “You Are” by Estelle & John Legend; Cathy and Kevin performed “Chosen” by Blxst Featuring Tyga & Ty Dolla Sign; and Tasha and Silburn gave us “Differences” by Ginuwine. It was a tight vote, but our first Couples Lip Sync Battle winners were Cesar & Imani!
Photo booth fun…
After those stellar performances, we made great use of the photo booth set up by Clickn It. Then we danced the night away!
Parting gifts…
We ended the night with a special gift to our couples to help them get through the next morning. They each received a “morning after” Starbucks gift card to help them get through the day after partying on a Wednesday night. This Serenade was one for the books! We are so excited about what’s to come with Cesar, Imani, Kevin, Cathy, Silburn, Tasha, Eniola and Onumara.
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Muna Serenade Team:
- Producer & Lead Designer: Suzette Spann Scarborough of Envisioned Events by Suzette, LLC
- Logistics & Event Assistant: Dionne Gill of Fierce Fab Events
- Bakery: Kimyada Benjamin of Caken It
- Balloon Decor: Sharon Maxwell of Balloons & Tings Events
- Balloon Decor: Kesher Graham of KG Exquisite Events
- Bartender: Keisha Paton of MiXXy Mixers
- Catering – Dinner: Ricky Davis of South End Catering
- Catering – Cocktail Hour: Tori Fernandes of CharcuTORI
- DJ/MC: Harold Johnson of Finer Touch Entertainment
- Floral Designer/Decor: Maritza Walton of Ritz Walton Collection
- Floral Designer/Decor: Antonia James of K’s Event Decorations, LLC
- Hairstylist: Golda of Gold Karatz Beauty
- Hairstylist: Stephanie Weiss of Suite15 Hair Salon
- Makeup Artist: Felicia Graham of Felicia Graham Beauty
- Makeup Artist: Naomi Wiggins of Liv Beaute MUA
- Photobooth: Kimyada Benjamin of Clickn It
- Photography: Wasiu Saba of Sui’s View
- Rentals: Raquel Sanchez of Glam Party Rentals
- Rentals: Iris Kelly of Beyond Linen Rentals
- Stationary: Kimyada Benjamin of Kimpressed
- Videography: Damian Otchere of Filmed by Dame
- Intern: Sacha P. of Alluring Arrangements (facilitated by Abeki Carter, the Event Educator)
- Venue 1: Casa de Flora Bar
- Venue 2: The Blue Rose Venue
Will you be joining our next exclusive date night? Let us know in the comments below!
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