Peek Behind the Hedge, Gabrielle Events
Owner, Gabrielle Jaworskyj
Meet Gabrielle Jaworskyj, founder and lead planner of Gabrielle Events, a luxury event planning company. With 15+ years of expertly crafting unforgettable events, from large-scale weddings to intimate cocktail parties in New York, Florida, and beyond, Gabrielle recently relocated to Palm Beach, drawn to the area's vibrant growth and thriving event community.
Gabrielle has worked with some of the world's most prominent event planners, collaborating with headliners, top culinary talent, leading designers, and artists. Her expertise lies in meticulously executing memorable moments for clients, and their guests - no ask is too small.
You've been splitting your time between NYC and West Palm Beach- what do you love the most about South Florida?
Gabrielle: New York and South Florida strike the perfect balance for me, and the Palm Beach area is getting more exciting each year as more New York-quality restaurants and businesses open! There are abundant opportunities on the horizon, especially with year-round events keeping the community lively, not just during the seasonal rush. It’s a fabulous time to be here!​​
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You worked for one of the country's leading wedding planners before launching your business. How did years of meticulously crafting events for various high profile clients prepare you for Gabrielle Events?
​Gabrielle: I’ve gained such incredible perspective being so fully immersed in the event world, from high budget to casual gatherings, far off destinations to at home, big to small. My passion for entertaining and hospitality grows with each year (as does my appetite for continuing to explore new concepts, designs, technology, the list goes on!), and it’s thrilling to now produce under my own name!
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Palm Beach has always been a destination for private events, though now more than ever. Can you describe how appetite for the island (and WPB) has grown amongst your clientele?
Gabrielle: Palm Beach has always been a glamorous location, and the recent influx of New Yorkers continues to elevate the standard for entertaining. Continuing to raise the bar amongst all outlets and event vendors is good news for us all!
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You have planned weddings, birthday parties, corporate events - you name it. Is there a type of event you haven’t tapped and/or hope to expand further into?
Gabrielle: I just love events at private homes and hope to continue expanding this part of the business, whether an intimate dinner party or a wedding. There’s no warmer welcome to your guests than somewhere that is so personal, and nothing more fulfilling as a host to see your vision come to life.
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What would you identify as the hallmark traits of a great event?
Gabrielle: For me, it’s all about warm hospitality shown to your guests. A seamless flow, considering convenience at each step for your guests (particularly expert the valet plan for the beginning and end of the night, coat check and restroom placements), thoughtfully curating the evening's program, and intentional seating arrangements for more formal affairs, to evoke new connections or making sure to pair old friends.
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Is there a dream venue or partner you have your eye on but have not worked with previously?
Gabrielle: I'm in awe of the interior design talent in the area, particularly Casa Branca. I would love to collaborate with them on future projects, bringing their beautifully curated, unique objects and furnishings to an event.
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A few local go-tos for a last-minute event are…
Gabrielle:
Flowers? Renny & Reed or Ovando
Tabletop & linens? Casa Branca, as mentioned above, has gorgeous tabletop treasures. Mary Mahoney carries beautiful, unique linens (often hand embroidered). Il Papiro has the most elegant paper products including place cards.
Food & Beverage? Aioli bread and pastries would be a hit for a last minute morning or mid-day gathering. Sant Ambroeus gelato cart could be a fun addition for a cocktail party. Or calling in a private chef (I have a great network!) can quickly elevate any party. Oceano, my favorite restaurant in Lake Worth, is also doing at-home dinners until their restaurant renovations are complete!
Hostess gift? You can never go wrong with a beautiful floral arrangement. I like to send an arrangement the following day, including a personal note (handwritten if possible) thanking them for hosting and some anecdotes from the evening together.
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What featured Privet event are you most excited about this summer?
Gabrielle: I look forward to the Farmers Market every season! Especially for the local organic farms and the people (and dog!) watching. I’ve also just joined 1909 and am excited about their Founder Series highlighting companies like Maman, who recently opened in West Palm Beach.