The Ladies of A-1
- Sep 7, 2018

HONEY AT WILDCLIFF

This shoot was one was for the books. Our very own Brett designed, planned and executed this event as her Capstone Project, or final project, to complete her Bachelor’s in Event and Convention Management at Stephens College. She worked in collaboration with several of Columbia’s finest vendors to create a unique and frameworthy event at Wildcliff Weddings and Events Venue in Blackwater, Missouri.

The purpose of this event was to host a grand opening for Wildcliff, in addition to a styled shoot. The event itself was designed to welcome booked clients, potential clients, and those in the industry to visit and experience the venue during a live event. Wildcliff is a little gem in the heart of mid-Missouri! From the cliffs to the almost-turquoise water to the bridal cottage… this venue is sure to amaze.

Honey was the theme of the event and shoot, and was incorporated into every aspect. Brett wanted to find a color palette that was not commonly chosen for styled shoots, but one that was realistic and beautiful all the same. She desired a theme that was both unique and eye catching. She appreciated that the characteristics of honey were multifaceted could be interpreted in so many different ways. Brett knew honey could be incorporated into food, colors, illustrations, and emotions. The collaborators of this event took the theme and ran with it! Their visions complemented one another flawlessly, and all of the different interpretations aligned to create a truly one of a kind event.

The day of the grand opening, the weather was a little wild! It rained so hard and for so long that set up was extra tricky and the property was drenched. In true event planning fashion, the vendors knew that a downpour was not enough to stop production and soaked though they were, they powered through the rain and finished the set up. Eventually the sun came out, and just in time for the styled shoot!

For the styled shoot, Brett and the A-1 team collaborated with Pretty Little Things vintage rentals, Peachtree Catering, The Ink Cafe, Belle Mariee Bridal Boutique, Molly’s Jewelry, Tiger Garden, Once Upon a Bride Hair and Makeup, and Elizabeth Ladean Photography. The head table in the shoot was totally honey inspired. Buttercup Panama was used for the table linen and the napkin was a goldenrod polyester. Each napkin was tied in a knot around a honey stick and placed on the edge of the plate. For the this table, we used rustic wood chargers that really helped ground the table and matched the Elizabeth chairs perfectly. The flatware was our capri gold, and both the regina plate and salad plate topped the charger. For glassware, the tea goblet was used. Small jars of honey were at each setting. Deckled ‘thank you’ tags, which were designed and printed by The Ink Cafe, were tied onto each jar with hand-dyed silk ribbons. The brass candlesticks are from Pretty Little Things and the gorgeous floral centerpiece and bud vases were designed by Tiger Garden Events. Coral Charm peonies, golden ranunculus, and ‘turtle’ cultivar roses were just a few of the showstopping flowers that made up this incredible arrangement. At each end of the table were vintage wicker peacock chairs and the chairs lining either side of the table were A-1’s Elizabeth chair.

The event took place under our new 30x60 clear-span frame tent. There were 60” round tables placed throughout the tent, each topped with our buttercup Panama linen and surrounded by Wildcliff’s own mahogany padded folding chairs. The vintage decor and lounge seating gave the event so much character. We love that the vintage rentals compliment the honey theme so perfectly! The pink and yellow florals made everything pop! From bud vases on the rounds to the two different ceremony locations, the florals pulled everything together. One of our favorite aspects of the day were the real honeycomb that were incorporated into the ceremony locations on “The Hill”.

The food at the event was provided by Peachtree Catering and The Iron Horse. The Iron Horse Hotel and Restaurant is a favorite in Blackwater and serves incredible food on the weekends! The lobster ravioli they made were incredible! Peachtree Catering provided a delicious and one-of-a-kind menu filled with tasty treats that all incorporated honey. From Grilled Peaches with Honey Cream to Chicken Tagine with Honeyed Apricots to Miniature Donuts in a Saffron and Honey Syrup and much more… our mouths are watering just thinking about this menu. And we can't forget about the drinks! Peachtree also served guests honey cocktails out of A-1's Concoction Caravan.

The level of creativity from this outstanding group of collaborators blew us away. We truly could not be more blessed to work with such wonderful vendors! Honey at Wildcliff was a breathtaking event that showcased the unique talents of some of Missouri’s finest vendors, and left us with a permanent craving for all things honey!

Click the links below to shop this event!

Chair: Elizabeth, A-1 Party and Event Rental

Charger: Glass with Gold Rim 13in, A-1 Party and Event Rental

Dinner Plate: Regina Dinner, A-1 Party and Event Rental

Salad Plate: Regina Salad, A-1 Party and Event Rental

Flatware: Capri Gold, A-1 Party and Event Rental

Glassware: Tea Goblet and Hi-Ball, A-1 Party and Event Rental

Linen: Buttercup Panama, A-1 Party and Event Rental

Napkin: Goldenrod Polyester, A-1 Party and Event Rental

Bar: Concoction Caravan, A-1 Party and Event Rental

Tent: 30x60 Frame Tent, A-1 Party and Event Rental

Chandeliers: Rustic Large Ball and Cone and Rustic Concave, A-1 Party and Event Rental