Planning a family celebration with heart? Let us tell you about a special day that combined sunshine, laughter, and scoops of pure happiness – Leonardo’s baptism celebration at Ciao Cielo in Port Melbourne.
A Family Affair with Flavour
This beautiful event was hosted by Luana and Michael, celebrating the baptism of their son, Leonardo. Booked through a friend-of-a-friend, it marked a huge milestone, not just for baby Leo, but also for us here at Carretto: our very first pre-paid event.
The event unfolded in the inviting courtyard of Ciao Cielo, where lush greenery provided natural shade beneath a clear Melbourne sky. Approximately ninety guests gathered, enjoying both the pleasant afternoon weather and the lively atmosphere. The setting offered a sophisticated backdrop for the occasion, balancing comfort with a sense of celebration. Add a splash of wine and cocktails to the mix, and it didn’t take long for the vibe to become fun, energetic and just a little bit cheeky (thank you, Aperol).
What Was on the Menu?
The gelato lineup for the day? Four crowd-pleasing flavours:
– Chocolate
– Strawberry Sorbet
– Lemon Sorbet
– Vanilla
And while they were all enjoyed, let’s just say strawberry and chocolate absolutely stole the show, to the point where we ran out by the end of service. Kids came back for seconds. Adults came back for thirds. The compliments were flying like gelato scoops on a hot day.
Set Up, Serve, and Scoot
As this was one of our first events, we learned a few things on the fly, including just how unpredictable Melbourne venues can be! Parking was tricky (hello, main street chaos) and we ended up wheeling our 200kg cart down the block, dodging brunch crowds and curious onlookers. Glamorous? Not quite. Memorable? Absolutely.
Once we found a cosy nook in the courtyard, we got to work quickly powering up and getting the gelato chilled just in time as guests started lining up (and lingering nearby). Luckily, pack-down was much smoother thanks to a parking spot opening up nearby.
What the Hosts Said
Luana and Michael told us their guests raved about the gelato and loved the surprise of having a cart at the event. At the end of the day, feedback like that is exactly what drives us. Sure, we serve gelato, but our real goal? Crafting experiences people genuinely remember, not just handing out desserts.
Final Thoughts from the Carretto Team
We absolutely recommend Ciao Cielo as a venue. The space was beautiful and set the tone for a relaxed and elegant afternoon. For future clients considering us for a similar event, our top tip: check ahead for cart access and power source availability. A little planning goes a long way. From baptisms to birthdays, weddings to workplace events, Carretto is built to adapt to the occasion, the space, and your guests’ sweet tooth.
