Engage!25 Mallorca Gala Dinner: A Supermoon Finale

The final night of Engage!25 Mallorca called for something a little more dramatic. Not just a celebration, but a proper send-off. We wanted to create an evening that felt elevated and memorable, and when we realised during the planning phase that the supermoon would be rising that night, the theme practically chose itself. Our vision came together quickly from there: celestial motifs, luxe layered textures, a rich night-sky palette, and an immersive, intimate space to bring everyone together one last time. We also wanted to add a touch of old-school Hollywood glamour as an homage to another kind of star – those of stage and screen who once holidayed at Four Seasons Formentor.

The Engage!25 Mallorca Gala began with cocktails in the garden, where oversized black and silver baubles echoed the lunar theme and plush velvet lounges invited guests to relax and take in the view. We then moved to the Es Colomer Terrace, a space that provided just the right balance of structure and atmosphere. With a small pool at its centre, it is partially enclosed under a thatched-style roof, which gave us room to play with light and shadow while still leaving the edges open to the evening air.

The reveal moment was one of my favourites. Guests passed through deep blue velvet curtains into the dinner space. We used a mix of midnight blue, silver, and inky blacks layered with metallic touches to mirror the supermoon above (and, more literally, its reflection in the pool below). Long mirrored tables were set with pearl-edged plates and embellished linens, while a galaxy of clear glass votives flickered at various heights. Shiny black anthuriums rose from sleek vessels, while flocks of gold paper cranes floated above, catching the light as they moved gently in the breeze.

We gave guests the choice between a classic or vegan menu path, and both were beautifully executed. A creamy risotto opened the meal, followed by roasted turbot or a coconut-and-cauliflower vegan alternative that was equally well received. Dessert was a vanilla and coffee snowball with a glossy shell that was a quiet nod to the lunar theme. Other themed details were the delicate glass moon escort cards, and the beautiful menu cards designed by TPD Design House.

 

After dinner, the dancing began. To open the floor, we had one final flamenco moment as a nod to Mallorca’s cultural richness. Havana Heat then brought all the energy, and DJ Daisy Belle carried it through to the afterparty, with Spanish classics and crowd favourites. There may even have been an impromptu Limbo! It wasn’t about being polished. It never is. It’s about ending on a high, with people you genuinely want to be around, and an evening that takes on a rhythm of its own.

The Engage! Gala is always a high point, but to me, this one felt particularly special. The intimacy of the space, the music, the moon… all of it worked together in a way you can’t always plan for, but know when you feel it. It was a joy to create and a joy to experience. The perfect close to three days of connection and creativity in one of my favourite places on earth.

Slán go Fóill,
Tara

 

Event: Engage!25 Mallorca | Host & Venue: Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor | Planning & Creative Direction: Tara Fay Events | Art Direction, Branding, Gift Curation, Paper, Design Support: TPD Design House | Music & Entertainment: ALR Music | Linens: Château Noir  | Lighting: JacobCo Creative | Design, Furniture & Floral: Ars Festum | AV & Staging: LoMusic | Napkins: Gigi & Olive  | Videography: Current Films | Photography: Lauren Fair, Mike Cassimatis, Nikki Daskalakis, Mark Yeattes

 

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Engage!25 Mallorca Dinner & Dessert Party at Can Axartell Winery

Night two of each Engage! event is always a sweet spot (literally and figuratively). After a full day of sessions and conversations, it offers a change of pace, a moment for everyone to slow down, lean in to the new friendships they’re forming, and finish off the night with a delightful array of desserts. So when we were considering ideas for the Engage!25 Mallorca dinner and dessert party, wine felt like the obvious starting point. Mallorca’s landscape, climate, and traditions are so closely tied to viticulture, and we wanted guests to experience that connection in a way that felt immersive and relaxed. And Can Axartell Winery offered a setting that allowed the evening to unfold beautifully.

Carved directly into the cliffs of Pollença, this distinguished estate built on nearly eight hundred years of history feels both ancient and strikingly modern. It is surrounded by olive trees and stone terraces, with sweeping valley views. Guests arrived just as the sun began to lower, and were welcomed with a glass of wine in the loading bay, the very same place where grapes begin their journey each harvest. From there, the experience unfolded as a journey through the winery, guiding guests deeper into the space via cool stone corridors and cavernous rooms. That gradual movement inward naturally shaped the mood for the night.

Dinner took place in the barrel room, and the setting could not have been more evocative. The air itself was scented with oak and wine. Our design drew directly from the winery, allowing the environment to lead. A palette inspired by wine grapes – from deep merlot and rich berry tones through blush, olive, and champagne – washed through the space. Tables were arranged in a fluid curves through the room, layered with lush greenery and florals, and paired with a mix of clean, modern lines and natural textures. The perfect setting for a Spanish feast by Fosh Catering that truly blew us all away!

The layout played a big role in how the evening unfolded. The snaking table arrangements encouraged conversation to flow easily across the space, rather than isolating groups or creating a sense of formality. Guests could see one another, move naturally, and feel part of a shared experience. People lingered, laughed, and stayed present. It was one of those dinners where no one is checking the time.

 

For dessert, we moved back to the loading bay, enjoying the open air and the night sky along with the tantalising dessert spread. By the time dancing began, any remaining formality had long since disappeared. The steps weren’t important, and the choreography certainly wasn’t perfect, but that was exactly the point.

Looking back, what made the Can Axartell dinner and dessert party work so well was its authenticity. It was an evening that honoured Mallorca’s land and traditions while creating space for connection and celebration. The venue dictated the flow, and the design responded to the setting rather than trying to transform it. The venue, the design, the food, the flow all worked together – which is exactly what we were trying to achieve. As a destination wedding planner, it was a reminder that some of the most stand-out moments happen when we allow a place to lead the way.

Slán go Fóill,
Tara

 

Event: Engage!25 Mallorca | Venue: Can Axartell | Planning & Creative Direction: Tara Fay Events | Art Direction, Branding, Menus, Signage, Stationery: TPD Design House | Entertainment: ALR Music | Design & Floral: Ars Festum | Lighting: JacobCo Creative | Catering & Bar: Fosh Catering | Transport: Transfer Class | Videography: Current Films | Photography: Lauren Fair, Mike Cassimatis, Nikki Daskalakis, Mark Yeattes

 

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Engage!25 Mallorca Welcome Party: An Island Market Reimagined

As an experienced Creative Director for Engage!, I know how important the welcome party is in setting the tone for the whole event. It’s the ultimate icebreaker, encouraging attendees to step out of their comfort zones and start building new connections, while also highlighting the local culture and cuisine in a creative, immersive way. For Engage!25 Mallorca, I wanted to set a vibrant, joyful tone. This first evening wasn’t about spectacle, but about easing everyone into the rhythm of the island and into one another’s company, so that the following days felt like a gathering of friends. And, after months of planning and anticipation, it was also the moment when the retreat truly began to feel real for me and my team!

To create a welcome that felt Mallorcan while remaining unmistakably Engage! in spirit, we turned to the market for inspiration. Markets are such a fundamental part of life on the island and they offered colourful inspiration for an opening night designed around movement and connection. Rather than asking guests to sit and observe, the experience invited them to wander, taste, linger, and talk, much like you would in a local plaza.

With this in mind, we transformed the gardens at Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor into a reimagined island market scene, elevated yet relaxed, and layered with texture and warmth. Bright florals by Ars Festum in saturated hues were arranged in terracotta pots and clear Perspex boxes, stacked to form sculptural installations. Handcrafted textiles and natural materials grounded the design, while fringed garlands in orange, green, yellow, and red added movement overhead as the breeze passed through the stretch tent. Lounge areas were scattered throughout the space, encouraging guests to pause and settle into conversation, cocktail or cava in hand.

 

One of the most important aspects of the evening was how it flowed. There was no single focal point demanding attention. Instead, it unfolded organically as people moved from one area to another. Food stations celebrated different regions of Spain, each offering their own flavours and traditions, and encouraging guests to taste and discover. The act of wandering became part of the experience, sparking spontaneous conversations and natural introductions.

 

Then came the evening’s most memorable moment, a live flamenco performance. Watching the dancers move, skirts swirling and feet striking the ground with precision and passion, was electric. I love the way that music and dance are a universal language that at the same time a unique way of experiencing different cultures. It’s something we often see with the traditional Irish dancing so often woven into celebrations back home, and truly adds something special to a destination wedding or other event.

 

I think what made the welcome party so special wasn’t any single element, but the way everything came together. The design, the food, the music, the setting – all worked in harmony. For many, it was a first introduction to the island; for others, a familiar place seen through a new lens. Either way, it set a clear intention for the days ahead, that this would be a retreat defined by connection, creativity, and shared moments.

Slán go Fóill,
Tara

 

Event: Engage!25 Mallorca | Host & Venue: Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor | Planning & Creative Direction: Tara Fay Events | Art Direction, Branding, Gift Curation, Paper, Design Support: TPD Design House | Entertainment: ALR Music | Design & Floral: Ars Festum | Lighting: JacobCo Creative | AV & Staging: LoMusic | Tenting: Tent Agent | Videography: Current Films | Photography: Lauren Fair, Mike Cassimatis, Nikki Daskalakis, Mark Yeattes

 

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Engage!25 Mallorca: Inside an Immersive Three-Day Retreat

There’s a particular stillness to Mallorca in the early morning, just before the heat settles in. Light filters softly through the pines, and the air is scented with salt and resin. On the opening day of Engage!25 Mallorca, as I took a moment to breathe it all in before guests arrived, it truly felt like one of those moments where life comes full circle. That may surprise some of you, since I’m best known as an Irish wedding planner, but Spain has been part of my story for as long as I can remember. I spent formative years here as a child, and my very first overseas holiday with my parents was to this very island. That early experience sparked a lifelong love of travel, discovery, and the joy of gathering people in beautiful places. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to return to Mallorca many times through my work, but welcoming Engage! here for the first time felt especially meaningful. Doing it as creative director was both an honour and a responsibility I held very close, and I’m so grateful to Engage! founders Rebecca and Kathryn, whose trust makes it possible to bring an idea of this scale to life.

The Vision

From the very beginning, our vision for Engage!25 Mallorca was to create an immersive retreat that felt abundant and connected; a shared journey for our attendees rather than just a series of events. Mallorca itself guided that direction naturally. The pace there is softer. The colours are warmer. There’s an openness to the landscape that encourages people to slow down and stay present, and we wanted to capture that.

Working closely with the brilliant team at TPD, we drew inspiration from Mallorca’s iconic Ikat patterns (roba de llengües), brought here centuries ago through historic trade routes and now woven into everyday life. Their flowing, organic forms became an underlying visual language throughout the event. The signature “E” icon echoed them, as well as the island’s winding coastal roads and dramatic cliffs, particularly those that lead to the Formentor peninsula itself. We used a palette of blues, greens, and refined earthy neutrals, along with natural materials and textures. Mallorca was part of the story from beginning to end.

Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor offered the perfect canvas. Set within a vast private estate edged by pine forests, cliffs, and sea, it invites a sense of calm while still carrying a rich cultural and creative history. Writers, artists, and global tastemakers have long been drawn here, and that legacy of thoughtful escape felt aligned with what we hoped to achieve.

From Concept to Creation

Destination events carry unique challenges, but when paired with collaboration, trust, and creativity, they become the foundation for something extraordinary. This was not only the first Engage! held in Spain, but one of the first major international gatherings at Four Seasons Formentor since its reopening. Every decision mattered, not just creatively, but in how it would make guests feel. This was grounded in my belief that a successful event should feel effortless, even when the planning behind it is anything but. There were countless moments behind the scenes to ensure we got it just right, but they were always based on a shared purpose, and the ability to trust in people who listen, adapt, and care as deeply as you do. Whether it was our creative partners, suppliers, the Engage! and Four Seasons teams, or my own, everyone brought their best.

Highlights of Engage!25 Mallorca

Engage!25 Mallorca unfolded over three beautifully paced days, moving naturally between learning, conversation, and celebration. Monday began with arrivals and registration in the light-filled Cercle Bar, which flowed into a gifting experience rooted in Mallorcan craftsmanship. Later, after opening sessions and group discussions, the welcome party brought everyone together again for a joyful fiesta inspired by a traditional Mallorcan market. Dressed in flowing linens and caftans, guests wandered between food stations enjoying live music, flamenco dancers, cava, and cocktails. It was a relaxed, celebratory beginning that immediately captured the island’s warmth and spirit.

More sessions on day two brought us to a leisurely lunch overlooking the Bay of Formentor, with a Balearic menu and gorgeous views. The afternoon carried that relaxed rhythm forward, allowing space to pause, connect, and enjoy the setting before we travelled inland for dinner at Can Axartell Winery. This was a true highlight, an intimate journey through history, landscape, and wine-making. From sunset drinks in the loading bay to a candlelit dinner in the barrel room, it was an immersive evening in a spectacular location. Conversation flowed easily, glasses were never empty, and the night ended, as it should at Engage! – with desserts and plenty of dancing.

After a final morning of sessions on our last day, guests enjoyed lunch at the hotel’s private vineyard finca. The afternoon was dedicated to small group experiences across the island, each one designed to foster deeper connection. I loved being able to share some of my favourite island activities with attendees. Then, as night fell, everyone gathered once more on the Es Colomer Terrace for the Gala Dinner under the glow of the Supermoon. This celestial-themed evening unfolded in shimmering blues, metallics, and candlelight, closing the retreat with energy, elegance, and a few dance moves that won’t soon be forgotten!

Community, Collaboration & Connection

At its heart, Engage! has always been about people, and Engage!25 Mallorca reaffirmed just how powerful intentional connection can be. Alongside the main sessions and workshops, the Engage! x Freeda Network circles created space for smaller, more intimate conversations. These moments, combined with shared meals, excursions, and unplanned chats in between, reminded us that while inspiration sparks ideas, it’s relationships that sustain them. Watching friendships and collaborations form over the course of the retreat was one of the most rewarding parts of my experience as Creative Director.

With Gratitude

I am deeply grateful to Rebecca and Kathryn for inviting me to help shape this chapter of Engage! and for trusting the vision from the very beginning. Aida Fernandez deserves special thanks for not running away when I first suggested Mallorca as a retreat destination within the hotel’s first year of opening. From there, the Four Seasons team, Simona Calò, Carola Gobbi, and Carmelo Assenza, have been unfailingly supportive partners. Ars Festum, with Nadja and Temu at the helm, listened with endless patience to every tweak. Tony, Mar and Callum from the LoMusic team, along with Kevin and Mariadelina from Fosh Catering, Núria Coll Cifre from Can Axartell, continually said yes and brought energy and creativity at every turn. And, as usual, the genius of the TPD team shone through daily. Alex Le Roux and all the ALR team now fear answering the phone in case I ask for yet another detail, and Courtney and Jacob from Jacob Co Creative endured countless video calls as we virtually walked through every space together.

Most of all, thank you to the guests who showed up with openness, generosity, and curiosity, and to my own team who lived and breathed this experience alongside me. What will stay with me long after Mallorca is the sense of shared purpose and the feeling that, together, we created something I’m truly proud of on this island that has given me so much over the years.

Slán go Fóill,
Tara

Photography: Lauren Fair, Mike Cassimatis, Nikki Daskalakis, Mark Yeattes

2025 Destination Wedding Location Ideas: Luxury Celebrations in Portugal, Mallorca, and Ireland

As a luxury wedding planner, one of my greatest joys is curating unforgettable experiences in some of the most stunning locations across Europe. For couples seeking the perfect destination to say “I do” in 2025, there are many options that offer unparalleled beauty, charm, and bespoke opportunities to make your special day truly extraordinary. Let me guide you through a few of my favourite 2025 destination wedding location ideas.

Portugal: Sun-kissed Elegance

Portugal continues to captivate couples with its warm climate, golden coastlines, and rich cultural heritage. For 2025, the Algarve’s sun-drenched beaches remain a timeless choice, but Lisbon and Sintra are emerging as luxury wedding hot spots. (Here are some I think are brilliant.)

When you think Portugal, think Lisbon. Historic palaces and chic rooftop venues overlooking the city’s iconic terracotta rooftops create the perfect backdrop for a cosmopolitan celebration. Sintra, with its fairy-tale castles such as the Palácio de Pena, create a romantic and whimsical setting amidst lush, rolling hills.

One unique trend I’ve seen is incorporating Portugal’s famous gastronomy into the wedding menu. Fresh seafood, pastel de nata desserts, and world-class wines. A live Fado performance adds a soulful touch. These are the kinds of memories that guests will treasure forever.

Mallorca: Mediterranean Bliss

Mallorca, the crown jewel of the Balearic Islands, is a haven for couples dreaming of a sun-soaked wedding with a touch of glamour. This Mediterranean paradise combines natural beauty with sophisticated luxury. Imagine exchanging vows at a clifftop villa overlooking the azure sea or hosting a reception in a historic finca nestled among olive groves and vineyards. The island’s luxury hotels offer impeccable service and exclusivity for couples wanting a flawless experience.

For 2025, consider embracing Mallorca’s bohemian-chic vibe. Decor inspired by the island’s natural palette—terracotta, creamy whites, and lush greens—pairs beautifully with al fresco dining under twinkling fairy lights. Serve your guests local delicacies like sobrassada and ensaïmada, paired with Mallorcan wines. You can’t go wrong in Mallorca.

Ireland: Timeless Romance

Ireland’s romantic allure will forever make it one of the best destination wedding locations. In 2025, it continues to enchant couples who desire an elegant wedding steeped in tradition and natural beauty. In Ireland, there are so many options to consider. Imagine a ceremony in the grandeur of a castle like Ashford or Adare, followed by a reception in a stately ballroom adorned with cascading floral arrangements. For those seeking something more intimate, a clifftop vow exchange offers breathtaking views and timeless wonder for all who attend.

One trend gaining momentum in Ireland is the use of seasonal touches that celebrate the country’s rich heritage—autumn weddings featuring warm, earthy tones and hearty menus, or spring ceremonies bursting with wildflowers and fresh, local fare. (Much like Aimee and Shane’s autumn wedding at Adare Manor.)

Why Choose One? Combine Them!

For couples truly seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a multi-destination wedding is a rising trend. Begin with a chic civil ceremony in Lisbon, host a pre-wedding soirée in Mallorca, and conclude with a grand celebration in an Irish castle. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.

Each of these 2025 destination wedding location ideas offers a unique canvas for your dream day. Let’s make it extraordinary together!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Story of Eve and Anée Atelier