Fé Domenech has rubbed shoulders with some of the world’s elite through her companies, The Event Firm International and Florals by Fé, but she is still more likely to talk about her son, Grant, or her pup, Lillie, than to name drop. Her refreshing work ethic and down-to-earth style makes her one of the most sought-after event designers, recognized as much for her desire to please her clients as for the stunning tableaus she produces at every event.
From the very first meeting, when you are likely to receive a big warm hug and an offer to get comfortable, Domenech puts people at ease, learning a little about them and what she can do to make everyone happy. She appreciates the importance of allowing clients to express themselves, even as she guides them through the reality of budgets and timeline logistics.
“Every event is just as important no matter who they are or how large the event because each time it is extremely important to the individual client you are doing it for,” says Domenech earnestly. “I don’t want to make them just happy; I want to exceed their expectations.”
Designers all have their own style, but Domenech tries not to limit herself, preferring to push the envelope and dazzle everyone, including herself. Previous clients entering exquisitely designed venues are not at all surprised to learn that she and her team were the creative force behind the dazzling décor. An ability to listen to what is asked of her and a desire to excel shines through in the precise interpretation of each client’s request.
Born in Cuba, Domenech moved to Minnesota as a baby and still considers herself a Midwest girl, although she is equally enamored of the high energy of Miami, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota in International Business and Negotiations, but her real schooling resulted from back-of-the-house work experiences with array of high-end designers.
“I have worked under and with some amazing designers, as well as a few very bad ones, and have learned equally from both, but the best was Preston Bailey who was and still is amazing,” says Domenech of one of the industry’s top design masters.
A long line of her accomplishments includes being honored with the prestigious ISES Award for Creative Design Concepts, and she and her production team received six Emmy Awards for set design, which led to work at the Latin Billboard Awards, MTV Awards and the Latin Grammys. She has also produced events for Jeb Bush, Sony, HBO, Louis Vuitton, NASCAR and numerous celebrities, but she especially enjoys working with special charities.
“Some causes are so special to my heart that if they ask me, I will come and take care of them. The closest I come to making a difference in people’s lives is when I am entrusted to do a wedding or special event for others. My team and I are making dreams come true and making lasting memories and that is priceless to me.”
After her first Vero Beach event, a Hibiscus Children’s Center Gala, other organizations soon came knocking. The Indian River Medical Center Foundation chose her for its first-ever gala, and most recently she took home the top prize, Best Designed Table, at the Homeless Family Center Dress for Dinner fundraiser.
Domenech recently announced a partnership with Andrew Dan Jumbo, named one of People Magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People, Oprah Winfrey’s “favorite handyman” and a regular on TLC’s While You Were Out. They met through mutual friends and hit it off immediately.
“Outside of a celebrity status, he has an amazing knowledge of creating custom elements and set design,” says Domenech.
Domenech settled in Vero Beach, following years spent in the fast-paced life, producing events worldwide for corporations and celebrities. Seventy percent of her work still occurs outside of Vero but she believes that as people here begin to realize the full scope of her firm’s abilities, her time away will lessen.
“I just bought a house so I am planning to stay,” shares Domenech. “Although much of my work is in South Florida, it is so much safer here and I have a son to consider. Protecting him is something you cannot put a price on.”
Her son Grant is in fourth grade and the two are inseparable. Being in demand greatly limits her free time, but family comes first and Domenech finds ways to ensure that Grant never feels like a latchkey child. He is a self-assured 10-year-old, which may come from working alongside his mother, helping in a pinch when needed.
“I love spending time with my son and doing things with him that are unique like zip-lining, bungee jumping and anything that makes him happy and me a cool mom. Beyond that, I enjoy spending quality time with friends, cooking and dining. We both love to go horseback riding and absolutely anything to do with the water such as swimming, going to the beach or boating,” says Domenech.
“My life has had so many major challenges and changes. Plus, add that I am a cancer survivor and it is hard to plan five, ten or 20 years into the future, but I am happy to be here in Vero Beach now. I want to spend less time traveling and contribute to making a difference in my son’s life and also in this community. I know it may be a cliché but I want my loved ones, friends and clients to be proud to have known me. In the end it is not what we have it is how we are remembered.”