A special evening with 125 guests in attendance that ended with an unforgettable surprise engagement
ROSEMONT (February 2016) – The Estate at Gene & Georgetti, the upscale wedding and event venue adjacent to Gene & Georgetti in Rosemont, recently transformed its ballroom into a supper club to celebrate Valentine’s Day with more than 125 guests.
The special evening, A Fine Romance, featured a four-course dinner, with a complimentary bottle of bubbles, and live performances from cabaret greats Joan Curto, Tom Michael and Beckie Menzie.
Romance was everywhere with hundreds of gorgeous red roses courtesy of Taylor & Co. Events, red linens courtesy of BBJ Linens, sultry lighting by Automated Lighting Design.
The live music was produced by DMT Entertainment & Events, with event production led by Michelle Durpetti Events. Additional event partners included Hall’s Rentals Service and Heritage Wine Cellars.
Every memorable moment was captured by one of Chicago’s top photographers, Collin Pierson Photography.
It truly was unforgettable when the audience witnessed fellow guest Josh Schmaren propose to his now fiancé, Kristina Panayi.
Josh is a native of Buffalo Grove, and Kristina of Arlington Heights. The couple, now both living in Palatine, has been dating for three months, and Josh already knew after their third date at Gene & Georgetti that Kristina was the one:
“There I was mesmerized, sitting in the booth next to the most remarkable, gorgeous woman I had ever laid eyes on.” He knew right then and there that he was going to marry Kristina.
Kristina describes Josh as a “true gentleman, the most caring, sweetest man she has ever met, with a soul of an angel.” Despite never wanting to try online dating, Kristina’s friends created a profile for her on a dating app and shortly after, she matched with Josh. The rest is history. She says, “I never believed in love at first sight until I met Josh.”
“We are so grateful to Michelle Durpetti Events, the entire Gene & Georgetti team, and Beckie Menzie for making the engagement run flawlessly for an unforgettable night,” says Josh.
Gene & Georgetti now holds a special place in their hearts, and it is where they plan on celebrating their anniversary every year.