NEW YORK — 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. And though the Lone Star contingent was better dressed (back 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 Houston's uber hairstylist Ceron and Dallas' premier party planner Todd Fiscus.
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 flower arrangements, the stunning gilded wedding cake by Sylvia Weinstock, caviar station, open bar (with crystal decanters), passed hors d'oeuvres and a DJ enhanced the party mood that had begun back at The Carlyle Hotel, the wedding headquarters, with a champagne send-off for the short trip.
Chic party buses had transported those without personal drivers to the Glasshouses from the Carlyle, a property of Dallas-based Rosewood Hotels. 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, including Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, John and Becca Cason Thrash, and Karen and Mike Mayell from Houston and Dallas' renowned art collectors and philanthropists Cindy and Howard Rachofsky as well as Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing and partner Sam Saladino. Even The French Laundry chef/owner Thomas Keller made the cross-country trip for the wedding.
"Bridesmaids" galore
After much socializing, the dinner bell rang and guests moved down several floors to the beautifully decorated dining room — white table cloths gilded in silver and napkins monogrammed with the couple's TC enhanced tabletop decor accented with billowing centerpieces of white flowers and soaring black tapers. Finding their tables were guests including Renea Abbott and Greg Manteris, Mickey Rosmarin, Erica and Benjy Levit, Mark Sullivan and Jason Reeves, Lauren Strauss and Amy Kalmins.
The dinner band was spectacular, comprised of two Broadway leads and including 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.
Ceron cried through most of the ceremony while Todd wiped his eyes on occasion.
Once dinner service was completed, the wedding began with attendants, all calling themselves "bridesmaids," representing each of the grooms. Ceron was joined by Becca Cason Thrash, Holly Moore, Karen Mayell, Lindsey Love and Mary Beth Aspromonte (attendant Kelli Blanton was unable to attend due to the death of her father-in-law Jack Blanton Sr). From Dallas, Fiscus was represented by Suzanne Droese, Laura Franks, Jennifer Harris, Brooke Hortenstine, Tracy Madans, Cindy Rachofsky and DJ Lucy Wrubel.
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, including Sarah Dodd, Gregory Fourticq, Valerie Sarofim and daughter Gillian, Marcia Backus and Mike Hood 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.
More parties
This was day two of four days of partying that began with a casual burger dinner the first night, an Italian feast at Morandi hosted by the Rachofskys the second night, the wedding night followed on New Year's day by a rollicking brunch at Swifty's, hosted by the Thrashes, the Mayells, the Tudors and the Blantons. New Year's night the partying got even crazier with a honeymoon send-off.
The following day, the happy couple was to off the Far East, destination Thailand. 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, upon arrival at The Carlyle, were invited to visit and fill their swag bags, which were presented at check-in. 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. Just ask wedding guests Craig and Ashley Klaasmeyer, Katy and Matt Ellis, Kelcy Mayell, Kirsten Mayell, Caroline Tudor, LB Rosser, Dixie DeLuca and Brian Bolke, owner of Dallas' swank 4510.
Karen and Mike Mayell, left, with Holly Moore at the Ceron Todd Fiscus wedding in Manhattan. Both women were bridesmaids.
