While a million or so revelers crammed Times Square on New Year's Eve, a far more civilized and certainly more elegant flock from Texas filled the upper floors of The Glasshouses in the Chelsea Arts Tower, far removed from the gritty throng. Although the Lone Star contingent was better dressed (black tie and designer gowns) and better served (Veuve Clicquot and caviar), the spirits soared as high as any in Manhattan, as this was the much-anticipated wedding of Dallas' premier party planner Todd Fiscus and Houston's uber hairstylist Ceron — a dashing duo if ever there was one.
Fabulous, fantastic, over the top — the praise flowed from the moment the 100 guests arrived on the 21st floor of the popular party space. As might have been expected, the wedding evening was nothing less than perfection. While Fiscus' signature elegance was noted at every turn, he handed the actual execution of his creative configuring over to his Dallas team, six of whom were in New York to insure that every detail was flawless.
The hour was short of midnight as guests moved back to the 21st floor, where they were greeted by a rousing mariachi band and servers passing tequila shots.
Gargantuan red-hued floral arrangements, a stunning gilded wedding cake by Sylvia Weinstock, caviar station, open bar with crystal decanters, passed hors d'oeuvre and DJ enhanced the party mood that had begun with a champagne send-off back at wedding headquarters, The Carlyle Hotel, a property of Dallas-based Rosewood.
Chic party buses had transported those without personal drivers from the hotel to the Glasshouses. On arrival, guests were whisked to the top floor, with its panoramic views of the Hudson River, downtown and Midtown.
Ceron and Fiscus welcomed the heady contingent of Dallasites and Houstonians, including art collectors and philanthropists Cindy and Howard Rachofsky and Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing and partner Sam Saladino. Even French Laundry chef/owner Thomas Keller made the cross-country trip for the wedding, as well as Houston boldfaced types John and Becca Cason Thrash and philanthropists Phoebe and Bobby Tudor.
After much socializing, the dinner bell rang, and guests moved down several floors to the beautifully decorated dining room. White tablecloths gilded in silver and napkins monogrammed with the couple's TC enhanced tabletop decor, which was accented with billowing centerpieces of white flowers and soaring black tapers. Finding their tables were guests including Forty Five Ten owner Brian Bolke and Faisal Halum, Suzanne and Dave Droese, LB Rosser, Lucy Wrubel, and Tracy and Josh Madans.
The dinner band was spectacular, with two Broadway leads as well as three female violinists fetchingly outfitted in slinky white dresses. They sent the entire dining room to its feet with their spunky rendition of "All I Want for Christmas Is You." As good as Mariah Carey, thank you.
Once dinner service was completed, the wedding began with attendants, all calling themselves "bridesmaids," standing up for each of the grooms. From Dallas, Fiscus was represented by Suzanne Droese, Laura Franks, Jennifer Harris, Brooke Hortenstine, Tracy Madans, Cindy Rachofsky and DJ Lucy Wrubel. As attendants, Ceron had tapped Becca Cason Thrash, Holly Moore, Karen Mayell, Lindsey Love, Mary Beth Aspromonte and Kelli Blanton. The latter unable to attend due to the death of her father-in-law, Jack Blanton Sr.
Marcy Blum officiated while Ceron's brother, John Sirvent Estrada, completed the ceremony by presenting each of the grooms with a white orchid lei. Ceron cried through most of the ceremony while Todd wiped his eyes on occasion.
The hour was short of midnight as guests moved back to the 21st floor, where they were greeted by a rousing mariachi band and servers passing tequila shots — lots of tequila shots. As the mariachis completed their round, the DJ sprung into action providing dance tunes that kept this crowd going well into the morning hours. And, yes, the midnight countdown was celebrated by all as the floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a sprinkling of fireworks from across Manhattan.
The wedding extravaganza included four days of partying that began with a casual burger dinner the first night, followed by an Italian feast at Morandi, hosted by the Rachofskys, the second night. On New Year's day there was a rollicking brunch at Swifty's, hosted by the Thrashes, the Mayells, the Tudors and the Blantons.
On New Year's night, the partying got even crazier with a honeymoon send-off. The happy couple was off to the Far East for an extended trip. Thus, dinner was held at Shun Lee West, and more than a few arrived in Far East costuming.
Wrubel took her position as DJ, and the group danced the night away to the sounds of Abba, among others. Hosts for that soirée were Mary Beth Aspromonte, Sharon and Keith Fiscus, Jennifer Harris, Lindsey Love, Holly Moore, and John Sirvent.
We have yet to mention the hospitality suite that guests were invited to visit for filling the swag bags presented at check-in at The Carlyle. It was a wonderland of Texas memorabilia and New York chic.
For the taking were Chanel nail polish in oodles of colors, Chanel men's cologne, T-shirts emblazoned with the TC monogram, bags of Fritos, splits of Veuve Clicquot, Tito's vodka and martini makings, Texas tequila and margarita makings, salsa and chips, Mexican wedding cookies (made in NYC), chocolate candies, and on and on.
No detail was overlooked during this most spectacular of wedding events.
Ceron (left) and Todd Fiscus share a moment at the black-tie dinner preceding their Manhattan wedding.
More than 300 people packed On The Levee.Photo by Kim Leeson and Nate Rehlander
THRIVE award recipients Janet Moll and Dave Ashworth.Photo by Kim Leeson and Nate Rehlander