“Events are no longer limited to only the wedding,” said Bill Hansen, CEO of Coconut Grove-based Bill Hansen Luxury Catering and Events Production. “There is a growing trend toward creating a special event around the actual proposal. And we’re using our catering expertise and our venues to make this day memorable for them and the friends and families who are participating.”

According to Hansen, his wedding planners have taken on a new role – that of “proposal planners.”

And as with most trends in the wedding business, Hansen’s company, founded 35 years ago, is taking the lead, creating seamless events that make an impact.

“Our goal in proposal planning is to create an event that is romantic, intimate, and memorable,” he said. “We’re not the firm to go to if the groom wants to announce the proposal on the jumbo-tron at a Miami Dolphins game. As with our weddings, we want those seeking un-traditional events at truly unique venues with unique menus.”

Hansen pointed out that these events can accommodate large groups as well as just the bride and groom at one of his exclusive venues located throughout South Florida.

“In most cases, the groom will come to us with an idea and then we respond with a plan for how it will unfold,” said Hansen. “Once the location is selected, we’ll then build in music, food, and beverages.”

Hansen’s firm prides itself on providing a wide range of exclusive venues that include museums, ancient monasteries, rustic farms, and mansions. His chefs create meals that rival those of 5-star restaurants, boasting vegan, vegetarian, Kosher, and traditional recipes.

He pointed out several locations, including the Gallery of Amazing Things, a unique museum in Broward County that has many one-of-kind items.

“We could create a ‘one-of-a-kind’ event for that ‘one-of-a-kind’ bride at the Gallery of Amazing Things,” he mused. “The proposal would then be followed by an intimate, private dinner for the couple or a larger program for close friends and family.”

Other possibilities include an event at one of Hansen’s venues in the rustic Redlands area of southwest Dade County. The Walton House and Estancia Culinaria boast a farm-like ambiance featuring meandering paths and Florida wildlife. The engaged couple can avail themselves of a romantic horse-and-buggy ride through these picturesque locations.

Samsara, also in the Redlands, features waterfalls, koi ponds, and lush foliage in this Balinese-inspired garden venue. Intimate and private sitting areas, paths meandering through tropical landscaping, and numerous open-air covered structures provide all of the elements for a one-of-a-kind event.

“These are just a few of our unique venues that are for those hoping to make a real statement when it comes to proposing or any other special day,” said Hansen. “As with our weddings, we’re not the company to go to for people seeking an event at a hotel or country club.

“We’ve really become the ‘go-to’ firm for those hoping for a creative, exciting event that will be a memorable occasion for brides, grooms, families and guests.”

Based out of Villa Woodbine, a historic mansion in Coconut Grove, Hansen and his team of executive chefs and event producers consistently deliver on their promise of creating “one-of-a-kind” memorable experiences that eliminate the stress during the event planning phase or on the day of the event.

In addition to Villa Woodbine, Hansen offers other venues including Vizcaya, the Kampong, Fairchild Tropical Garden, Park Place, Palm Court, The Alfred I DuPont Building, The Moore Building, The Cruz Building, the Walton House, Samsara, Estancia Culinaria, The Charles Deering Estate, 1111 Lincoln Road, The Gallery of Amazing Things, The Versace Mansion, The Temple House the Rubell Family Collection, The Ice Palace, The Walton House, The Ancient Spanish Monastery, The Bonnet House, The Needham Estate, to name a few. He caters at more than 100 venues throughout South Florida.

About Bill Hansen Luxury Catering & Events Production
Bill Hansen started Bill Hansen Luxury Catering and Events Production in 1980, under the name Bills’ Catering.  Working out of The Miami Club, downtown Miami’s premier city club, he took Miami by storm and became a major player in the upscale catering arena. In 1983, he discovered Villa Woodbine, a historic mansion in Coconut Grove, which is today one of Miami’s most sought-after weddings venues.

For the past 35 years Bill Hansen Luxury Catering has paired with South Florida’s finest venues and vendors to cater and produce luxury events for hundreds of Fortune 500 firms, thousands of bridal couples and the who's who of the celebrity world, offering its clients a wide variety of unique venues along with innovative catering, event planning, décor, and flawless execution. They are preferred or exclusive at over 100 South Florida venues and were recently voted “Caterer of the Year” in 2015 by Bizbash readers and colleagues.