Royalty tables soar to new heights

Krewe of Gemini King Louis Townsend reigned over Imperial Russia at the time of the czars so his table reflected the era, complete with a Cyrillic cross and double Imperial Eagle.

Townsend had in his mind what he wanted since named king last summer and planned his entire table for the Gemini Grand Ball XVIII Saturday at Bossier Civic Center.

Marc Marcussen, of Marc Marcussen Productions, executed the design. The centerpiece was over 10 feet tall and topped with onion domes, familiar sights on Russian Orthodox churches. He softened it all with white Fiji mums, hydrangeas and orchid sprays at the base of the four gold columns that held the centerpiece aloft. (And Townsend built.)

Although some royalty did their own tables and others called on professionals, all royal tables were spectacular. (And not just the centerpieces. All royals in every krewe set tables with chargers, plates, souvenirs, napkins, bags to stash stuff in. It is all a sight to see.)

Gemini Queen Noreen Dockendorf used Faberge eggs as the central theme in planning her table. Melody Coghlan created the elaborate eggs in 60 hours.

Black and gold tables reflected the breathtakingly regal gold and black costumes. (Dockendorf had not seen her empire-waist costume, collar and train in its entirety until two days before the ball. "I cried like a baby when they pulled it out," she said.)

Duke of Texas Clayton Brakeville signed on Chad Duggan Design to plan his space. Duggan answered with tropical flowers, feathers and greenery in hot, hot hues to create the contemporary centerpieces that soared over the table and were visible throughout the ballroom.

A fun note: When the royal blue chair covers for Duke of Louisiana Cliff Poimboeuf were unfurled, they were actually blue sweatshirts! Clever touch by designer Camille Millen of Camille Millen Designs.