Submarines, Stooges & Seersuckers: Christina Matteucci Talks Weddings

In September of 2010, the following press release buzzed through the New York periodicals and events blogs: Christina Matteucci Promoted to Executive Director at david beahm destinations. For those outside of the industry, this was perhaps a minor blip on the radar. For those in the industry, this came as no surprise. Christina has been David's right hand at david beahm design for nine years, a talented and trusted assistant and mentee to one of the most profound minds in the world of weddings.

With that promotion came Christina's newest role: to head up dbd's most recent venture, david beahm destinations, a hand-picked collection of exotic and luxurious wedding destination locations. (If you're thinking to yourself, Now there's a job with perks, you would be 100% correct.)

When it comes to offering advice to brides and grooms, it's the designers and planners and coordinators themselves who we hear from most. More often than not, the advice comes from those select few who have their names etched on the door. This groom, for one, thought it was time that we hear from someone who is "behind the scenes" but still remembers every client by name and has overseen (in one capacity or another) every single event that has been executed at the hands of david beahm design.

We pestered Christina continuously, begging her to share her unique perspective with the world. Ultimately she bartered a minute of her wisdom for an hour-long reflexology massage. Done and done.

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CHRISTINA -- THESE DAYS YOU REIGN AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT DAVID BEAHM DESTINATIONS. I IMAGINE YOUR BEGINNINGS WERE SOMEWHAT HUMBLER...? OR WERE YOU ALWAYS SUPER DUPER IMPORTANT?

Reign, huh? Well, now, that's an interesting word. I've always thought of myself as David's Goddess-in-Charge; I'm just titillated that you are in agreement, Madman. But the truth is that I started with David fresh out of NYU as his secretary. I had been subscribing to bridal magazines since the age of 13, and I yearned to be that girl in the white dress. So, naturally, what better fit than to work for the man who had just created the "Wedding of the Century" for Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones? I walked into the office my first day just knowing it was going to be a glamorous experience. I had hit the jackpot after all! 

I FEEL A "HOWEVER" COMING ON...

However, during my first year, I emptied the trash, got the mail and processed flowers. But I kept my ears perked and somewhere along the way I learned what it took to keep things organized, the staff running smoothly and maintain David's sanity. I made myself indispensable and earned my title and my crown.

David and the key to his sanity

(photos by Joanna Wilson Photography)

HOW INVOLVED, YOUR HIGHNESS, IS THE "IDEAL GROOM?" IS IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO GET TOO INVOLVED?? (DON'T WORRY, YOU WON'T HURT OUR FEELINGS.)

I don't believe that there are grooms who are "too" involved. You, my dear Madman, were the ideal groom and did your brethren proud. I love it when a groom has an opinion and is passionate about the look of his big day. However, if that is the case, you need to be involved from inception and should, at all costs, try to support your brides (not add to their stress). I've seen too many grooms walk in for a sample presentation only to turn to their betrothed and say, You chose PINK??? You know I hate PINK!!! If you want a say in the look and feel of your wedding, you are absolutely permitted, you've earned it -- but jump right in from the start. 

GIVE US THE SKINNY ON YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION.

Oooooh. Well, I have to admit, I am more than a bit partial to Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Limited Edition collection. Especially for the gents, the Virgin Limited Edition collection of properties can be a playground for your nuptials. Not only do they provide an unparalleled level of luxury and boutique services that your bride will adore -- if you choose a location like Necker Island, you will have the opportunity to live like Sir Branson, surrounded by surf, sun, sand and an assortment of big boy toys -- like the Necker Nymph: Sir Branson's underwater aero submarine. James Bond, anyone?

Above: the Necker Belle, Branson's 32-metre catamaran and world-class super yacht. Below: the Necker Nymph, a 3-person underwater aircraft. Imagine taking either of these babies for a spin as part of your "pre-ceremony" celebration.

AND I'M GUESSING BRANSON'S GOT A CHAMPAGNE TUB IN EVERY ROOM...

Hmmm, I've never seen one of those at any of our destinations, but I always get a good giggle when I encounter a washlet in the bathroom. Madman, did you know those things come with lasers now?!?!

GROOMS LOVE A PHOTON-POWERED BIDET. SPEAKING OF CLEANING UP -- DO YOU PREFER GROOMS IN SUITS OR GROOMS IN TUXES?

This totally depends on the location and the venue. If you're having a Plaza wedding, by all means, gentlemen should be in tuxedos. But if you're having a wedding in the Napa Valley, I love a bespoke khaki suit and carefully chosen custom tie. And of course, if you are a Southern gentleman, you know seersucker is the ONLY way to go. 

Whatever you choose, invest in something that fits well and that makes you feel amazing. Remember, you'll have to ... uh ... I mean ... your bride will have to look at the pictures for years come. Ill-fitting tuxedos and suits are NOT an option. If you don't know what that is, turn to a professional. Please.

If you think the tub is classy -- try getting out of it.

3 FLOWERS EVERY GUY SHOULD KNOW:

(1) Roses -- romantic, graphic and hearty

(2) Tulips -- graceful, utilitarian and cost effective

(3) Gardenias -- classic, fragrant and the ultimate wedding flower

As far as I'm concerned, these are Mother Nature's trifecta.

THREE WAYS TO MAKE A MODEST BUDGET WEDDING LOOK LIKE A MILLION DOLLAR WEDDING:

The devil is in those details -- 

(1) A welcome gift for traveling guests makes a HUGE impression -- and you can do it on the cheap with a little thought and preparation. Having a wedding in the Caribbean? Provide your guests with bottled water, suntan lotion, flip flops and that all important aloe vera gel!

(2) Splurge on the things you love and skimp on the things you don't. Are you a foodie? Go for the gusto and impress your guests with that raw bar: shrimp, oysters and all -- but maybe you pass on the giant clam ice sculpture.

(3) Invest in a great photographer. An excellent photographer can make the smallest detail seem quite grand in your recollection of the day. Protect your investment (big or small) with high-quality coverage of your celebration that will live long after the flowers fade.

THREE STOOGES, FROM MOST MARRY-ABLE TO LEAST MARRY-ABLE:

(1) Curly

(2) Moe

(3) Larry

What can I say? I have a particular affinity for the bald-headed boys.

 Moe: "It's a toupee! I swear!!"

AFTER NINE YEARS IN THE BIZ, WHAT SINGLE ACT OF COURTESY OR GRATITUDE HAS MADE THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOU?

To this day, my favorite memory is of a young bride preparing to walk down the aisle with her parents. Just before the doors opened, she turned to me and David with tears in her eyes and simply said, Thank you for making my dreams come true. With that, the bridal march began and off she went to begin her new life. I melted. 

OKAY, SITUATION TIME. ONE OF YOUR GROOMS IS PLANNING A SURPRISE HONEYMOON, AND HE'S CHOSEN REYKJAVIK, ICELAND, IN LATE DECEMBER (THE "WET SEASON") WHEN TEMPS ARE IN THE LOW 30s. DO YOU (A) GIVE HIM SOME MORE SUITABLE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE OPTIONS, (B) ALERT THE BRIDE TO THE LOOMING DISASTER, OR (C) LET THE MAN DO HIS THING, SINCE 4 HOURS OF DAYLIGHT TRANSLATES TO 20 HOURS IN THE BEDROOM?

Unless the bride specifically asks if I know anything, I am letting the groom do his thing -- and, hey, 20 hours in the bedroom ain't so bad either. So you better be able to cash the check you write, blokes.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH ALL OF THE WEDDING-MINDED MEN OUT THERE?

I think it's high time I give you and your gentlemen readers a little invitation from me to check out david beahm destinations. It's by password only, and I've made one up just for my handsome groom: Madman2011. You boys get out and start traveling now ... we'd love to show you the world. 

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Click on the link above, enter the password, and enter the world of 
david beahm destinations.

To speak with David's Goddess-in-Charge regarding david beahm destinations or david beahm design's custom events, email Christina directly at christina@davidbeahm.com. You can also visit www.davidbeahm.com for further info.
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Necker Belle and Necker Nymph photos courtesy of 
Virgin Limited Edition.