HERStory: Dani
WHEN DANI DE LEO TURNED 50, SHE WANTED TO MAKE A MEMORABLE ENTRANCE THAT NO ONE WOULD SOON FORGET…
“The venue was Parc Bistro in Skippack, PA where I rented the 2 story Barn. It was a beautiful, rustic setting with the first floor being a cozy bar surrounded with sofas and then a open staircase leading to the second floor spacious dance floor and cocktail table seating. Everyone was asked to come ready to dance the night away and dressed to Slay in Red (My favorite color). The invitation came with instructions and everyone was lightly red glitter bombed when they opened it It was a cocktail party and I also had 2 speciality cocktails “Dirty Dani’s” and “Dani’s Disco Nap”. The theme was all about celebrating the beautiful people in my life — my friends and my family. Gratitude for those amazing relationships.
Hitting this milestone and having gone through a major life changing event made me reflect on the people in my life who helped me get through all of it and have stood by me. I realized how blessed I was to have such incredible friends and family and wanted to show my gratitude and love for those people. While it was my birthday, the entire event was designed to celebrate those beautiful people in my life. 80 people who I truly adore and love some who I have been friends with since the 1st grade, some I met in college others at different phases of my life. Friends came in from Fl, Va and even Co to attend. I surprised everyone by entering the room being escorted by 3 fabulous Drag Queens to Diana Ross’s I’m Coming Out. Guests were also treated to 3 Drag performances, Rainbow Pride themed Desert/Candy Buffet, Life sized cardboard cutout of 2 of my faves Michelle Obama & Oprah draped in red and a photo booth equipped with some other faves of mine Salma Hayek, Ellen and Beyoncé. Everyone left with a personal swag bag from me. People danced the night away and it truly was the best night I’ve ever had surrounded by people I adore.
I’ve always loved when women from Old School Hollywood Glam wore tuxes- Greta Garbo, Rita Hayworth...to the modern day Stars that rock a tux. I knew I wanted something unique in Red that made a statement. I chose to personalize my tux a bit by flipping up the sleeves and using rhinestones to make cufflinks. The tux was amazing and unforgettable. To work with Yansi just made the experience so special. From the first conversation with Yansi I knew I made the right choice.
My favorite moment hands down —My entrance! To enter a room filled with people you love all there to celebrate with you dressed all in red..anxiously awaiting your arrival ...surprising the guests by being escorted in with 3 Fabulous Drag Queens while Diana Ross I’m coming out is being played...... Seeing everyone’s faces - unforgettable!”
