Event Planning Ideas, Trends & Inspiration

We could easily call it an oasis. When the spectacular Atlanta Food & Wine Festival took place in the city earlier this year, the event attracted hundreds of chefs, sommeliers and cooking industry greats, as well as 10,000 attendees. With big names and big-name corporate sponsors, everyone wanted to look their best!

The WM Events team was brought on to create an inviting atmosphere for the #DeltaAmexPerks hospitality tent, offering guests the feel of an exotic getaway and a real-life escape from the famed Atlanta heat. (Our city definitely earned that moniker that shall not be named.) The lush tent featured cooling greenery and delightful florals, an eye-catching backdrop, ceiling installations and a variety of comfortable seating options. For a temporary setting, it offered long-lasting appeal.

We started the decor by designing a 30-by-10-ft. branded backdrop of white panels in a geometric lattice for the exterior of the tent. We added Polynesian-inspired plants, a mix of real and faux greenery, and faux florals in pink and green. A massive #DeltaAmexPerks logo was placed in front and on top of the greenery and floral accents so that it appeared to bloom from within. Finally, we used ferns to camouflage the base of the panels and create a cohesive look.

At the entrance, we added color with silver urns holding ferns and foliage accented with florals. These were repeated in the four corners of the space interior. 

Inside the tent, we crafted a vacation-like atmosphere with a similar backdrop – this one 35 feet long – which was hung directly on the tent walls. Everywhere, we placed more of the tropical plants with lush, green leaves. These were complemented by bright floral arrangements that adorned the highboys, lounge areas, bar and food stations. Faux tropical plants in colorful ceramic pots were also used to hide some equipment. 

From the ceiling, we suspended ten 24-in. faux ferns in upside down wicker baskets, paired with wicker and seagrass chandeliers and market lights.

Thinking back on this outdoor beauty, we are definitely ready for a tropical island vacation!

At WM Events, we stay busy throughout the year designing, planning and executing parties from large to small. But almost nothing puts cheer in our hearts like decking the halls of a holiday event that spreads comfort, joy, and maybe even a bit of peace on Earth. 

In order to get into the spirit of this season, let’s take a look back at some of the spectacular holiday parties we have been a part of throughout the years.                                                                                                           

Silver Bells
This chic company holiday party welcomed 250 guests to the Atlanta History Center. We fashioned a seasonal atmosphere with lush wintery florals, a cozy lounge and a twinkle-lit entrance. Through the use of illumination and sparkle, we designed a true festival of lights.

Five Golden Rings
At a black and gold corporate holiday event at the Fox Theatre, we used traditional furnishings to create luxurious lounges and tossed on metallic pillows. Gold accents were added throughout the room in votives, linens and vases. Striking feathered centerpieces kept up the holiday glam.

Let It Glow! Let It Glow! Let It Glow!
Our team loved turning Ventanas into a glowing club-like atmosphere for a corporate holiday party. We highlighted chic white furniture with modern geometric touches on a white background with pops of color, making the 180 guests happy to be up on the rooftop of this sky-high venue.  

Pinecones and Holly Berries
We embraced the rustic design trend in a magnificent holiday party for 800 revelers at SweetWater Brewing Company. This earthy take on the most wonderful time of the year included burlap table runners and linens, rustic lounges, pine-tree centerpieces and custom chalkboard art. Votives and lanterns added an old-fashioned glow to this event.

Winter Wonderland
By projecting custom snowflake gobo lights along the walls of 200 Peachtree, we created the ideal setting for 1,200 guests at an annual association holiday party. This elegant affair featured specialty linens, subtly glowing centerpieces and live entertainment.

Joy to the World
The Delta Flight Museum proved to be the perfect location for a mesmerizing holiday affair that transported guests to an international winter celebration. From Atlanta to London, Asia and the Middle East, 800 guests sampled the holiday season around the world. Keeping all décor and elements on-theme, we included flight attendant greeters, a snow machine, global vignettes and custom Christmas trees. Even Santa Claus could not have traveled as many miles in one night! 

With the Final Four NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament coming up in Atlanta next spring, we’re already having visions of swooshing basketballs running through our heads. We have plenty to draw from considering the multiple NBA Atlanta Hawks events we’ve been a part of, including a tasting event for super-premium ticketholders and a meet-and-greet extravaganza for 1,200 of the team’s biggest fans. So when the Hawks and State Farm Arena brought us on board to design the décor for the Grand Opening of the Hawks Concert Club, we shot and scored.

This premium seating area is part of the arena’s $200 million transformation and is tailored to guests who enjoy a high-end live music experience. The club was specifically designed to deliver optimal concert sound. We wanted to make the party atmosphere as special as the live music performances would be, so we brought in today’s version of bling – iridescence – added eye-catching signage and on-theme album cover art, plus a fun photo booth experience.

Putting a fresh spin on a red-carpet entrance, we used black, gray, blue purple and red hexagon carpet tiles to mark the access to the Concert Club. We perked up the staircase with silver LPs and a 20-ft. organic balloon garland in iridescent colors that directed guests to the party. We placed Concert Club-branded iridescent and silver records throughout the space as a nod to the live music aspect of the new area.

To add a splash of excitement to the club’s existing furniture, we tossed mauve, silver and green lamé and sequin pillows along the sofas. We placed 4-in. chrome vases with fresh, multi-colored flowers that mimic the tones of iridescence around the room and put oversized versions of these on top of the bars. One hundred frosted votives with LED lights surrounded the centerpieces, adding a warm glow throughout.

The perimeter décor mirrored the tablespaces with an iridescent and crystal theme that amped up the bar and lounge areas. This dose of otherworld magic reminded guests of the celebratory nature of the evening.

A specialty graphics package acknowledged the upcoming celebrity concerts and Hawks key players. We created 13 distinct 3-by-4-ft. graphic pieces celebrating musical names like Ariana Grande, the Jonas Brothers, Migos, Shawn Mendes and Elton John. Dual large graphics on chrome paper announced: “Concert Club Grand Opening.”

The colorful palette continued into the interactive photo booth with social media functions. Guests had the chance to take their photos in front of a white backdrop with graphic outlines flanked with potted palm fronds and decorated with giant palm leaves in various shades of purple and pink.

Bringing glam to this grand opening highlighted the benefits of having a team who enjoys sports as much as beauty. We’re looking forward to Atlanta’s ‘Year of Basketball’ and the Final Four events that will come with it!

Each year, the University of Georgia Alumni Association celebrates its top “Dawgs” at the Bulldog 100 event, when it recognizes the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. WM Events had another opportunity to design this annual event, and for 2019, we created a sophisticated affair that welcomed 850 guests to the Hyatt Regency Atlanta’s Centennial Ballroom. For this grand affair, we topped 85 dinner rounds with bone velvet linens, placed 425 black votive candles, and created 55 centerpieces with lampshades and another 30 with glowing white cheer sticks in order to impress the roster of high-profile guests.

As any Dawgs fan knows, UGA colors are red, black and white, and this year, we opted to mostly forgo the red, which was already present in the carpet, in favor of a black-and-white décor. Pairing the neutral palette with a mixture of angles and white light, we created a striking atmosphere in the ballroom that elevated the event. And we needn’t have worried – the guests brought pops of red in the form of clothing, bow ties, handbags and more, so the room featured all of the necessary hues. It was enough UGA spirit to please even Hairy Dawg, the UGA mascot, who never misses a Bulldog 100.

While the reception and dinner are important elements, all eyes were on the stage as honorees are introduced. Many were already well-known people and businesses, so guests were excited to learn more about their success. To create a backdrop that matched the level of honorees without competing for attention, we printed 60-by-24-ft. and 24-by-24-ft. graphics in black with outlined geometric shapes in white. A GOBO light cast the Bulldog 100 logo in the center of the graphic, completing the subtle branding.

The geometric shapes had first appeared in the centerpieces in the reception area, where identical Bulldog 100 GOBO lights pointed at the floor had welcomed guests, showing the path toward check in. In the ballroom, similar shapes were created along the side walls with more lighting, tying the entire event space together.

Our color palette and décor choices were simple but compelling. Tables featured acrylic table numbers lit from below with LED light bases, providing a glowing effect throughout the room. We took it up a notch with three styles of creative centerpieces. The first design displayed geometric lampshade surrounds filled with a mossed container overflowing with carnations and orchids. A second centerpiece option featured large lampshades with the geometric leitmotif of the event situated atop a tall black vase that glowed from within. Our third design included white cheer sticks arranged in a style to mimic the geometric design. These were paired with white dendrobium orchid garlands with white carnations organically flowing around the lighted shapes. Black and white had never looked so good. Go Dawgs!  

Photography: The Decisive Moment

The brilliant man who started it all – designer, planner, consultant and fashion plate William Fogler founded WM Events in 2004 and believes that guest experience and intimate details are everything. He has made his punctuation mark on the events industry throughout the U.S. and even on a private island in the British Virgin Islands. When this well-traveled gent imagines his signature event, you know it’s going to be epic!

If I were an event, I would be … multiple events because one is not enough! The first would be a destination celebration of a big milestone or significant benchmark, such as a 50th birthday. The celebration would start in Atlanta and carry over to a remote tropical destination.

I would take place … in two exciting but contrasting locations – a glamorous Atlanta event space like the rooftop of Ventanas and a tropical island with gorgeous beaches and spectacular sunsets.

My theme would be … the Tribe. It would honor the kinship of my guests who have brought so much meaning to my life. Each location would offer a different expression of that theme. In Atlanta, the send-off party would be a more fashion-forward affair that would reflect my eclectic style and be indicative of a hip city event. On the island, I would bring out the sense of Tribe through branded elements that unify guests, such as jewelry and specific attire and styling requests. Additionally, outdoor adventures, group activities and lots of social time would serve to strengthen our bonds.

My décor would be … richly hued greens paired with white and metallics. These colors are reflected in our WM Events logo and have remained my preferred palette for many years.

My florals would …reflect the environment of the event. In Atlanta, I would focus on Objet d’Art enhanced with unique succulents, air plants and moss. A few orchid blooms would add softness and allude to the tropical destination to come. On La Isla Bonita, the lush surroundings will dictate the look with local floral to inspire exterior and interior settings. Native blooms would be mixed with lush greens to impart a feel of total botanical abundance.

My entertainment would be …  an embrace the urban vibe for the Atlanta celebration, which I would accomplish through unique presentations of hip hop performed in unusual ways like string quartets. Surprise flash mob-style acts, live artists and ambient performers will bring the city vibe to life. For the island affair, a variety of entertainment would include local historians, who would provide background and context of the island. Local musicians playing Afro-Caribbean and steelpan drums would partner with regional dancers to create an authentic vibe.

Guests would dine on … a tropically inspired cocktail-style menu in Atlanta. Fresh seafood and sushi dishes infused with exotic flavors would give a nod to the destination event to follow. Once upon the island, chef-prepared meals, made-to-order continental breakfasts and gourmet, curated and site-specific picnic lunches would provide festive nourishment for the Tribe. Whatever the location, the cuisine would be a fusion of my home and favorite destination.

Libations would include … rosé all day! Specialty cocktails would pay homage to local produce and spirits, but watermelon margaritas will get a spot on each drink menu.

My guest list at … the bon voyage party in Atlanta would be open to a few hundred of the people who make my larger community feel like home. In contrast, just 20 of my closest Tribe members would participate in the entire celebration tour, allowing for a more meaningful and intimate experience for all.

My invitation would … inform the guests about the incredible, multifaceted experiences to come. It would be crafted using a few specialty processes – letterpress, laser cutting and foil press. As a transformational piece, each aspect would inform the next with innovative design.

I would incorporate the latest technologies with … a dedicated website for RSVPs, event details and social media capabilities in advance of the event. In Atlanta, guests would be encouraged to snap and share. Upon arrival at the island, we would go more tech-free and focus on mindfulness and personal well-being. The time would be spent enjoying the company and beautiful setting.

My guests will go home with … special necklaces or bracelets that signify the bond of our Tribe. Additionally, plenty of branded items would act as a keepsake of the amazing experience each event offered.

What do the Georgia Aquarium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Ponce City Market and the Atlanta History Center have in common? These were just some of the sites visited by 100+ attendees at the Simon-Kucher & Partners annual meeting. If you know anything about Atlanta geography, you understand that these important cultural institutions are located throughout the city, and in between, there are many miles of pavement topped with the infamous Atlanta traffic.

So when an international corporation brought our WM Events team on board to plan and coordinate a variety of excursions and events for participants, spouses and families, we knew we needed a detailed road map. We planned an exclusive, three-day tour of some of the city’s most iconic attractions and hotspots that catered to a variety of ages and interests.

With a pool of coaches, minibuses and vans, we began the sightseeing extravaganza with a Behind the Seas Tour of Georgia Aquarium. This excursion brought more than 100 guests to the downtown attraction, and to manage the flow, we created smaller tour routes to both stagger the progression and create more intimate experiences for our guests. We managed this by giving guests pre-scheduled reservations to go on the exclusive tours that were staggered by 15 minutes. With this tour structure, we accommodated the large size of the group, but we sure had to time and plan their routes carefully to keep everyone on schedule!

It was a challenge to coordinate many groups at the same time and ensure smooth circulation, but we knew visitors would benefit from personal attention and the improved views offered by a small-group configuration.

After getting up close and personal with the residents of the aquarium’s 6.3-million-gallon habitat, guests were taken to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where they enjoyed beer and wine, hors d’oeuvres and a dinner buffet in the exclusive Delta Sky360 Club before heading to the field for a competitive PPK experience – that’s punt, pass and kick. We worked with the stadium to organize this special challenge and created a scoring system. Guests liked the competition so much that many stayed on the field the entire evening. Touchdown, WM Events!

The next morning, as part of the “Spouse Program,” visiting family members got the opportunity to tour the Georgia Aquarium for their own Behind the Seas ocean encounters. Then at mid-day, guests hopped into the coach to head to the Irwin Street Cooking School and take part in a Southern cooking experience. We were given specific allergy restrictions and worked with the cooking school to create a quintessentially southern menu that was also gluten free. This was definitely a HUGE hit with the group. After learning new skills from an experienced chef and lunching on the fruits of their labor, attendees returned to the Loews Hotel in Midtown to rest before another big night.

Next, we took them to Ponce City Market, where we finally had the chance to show off our décor skills. Guests partied on the Skyline Park rooftop, partaking in passed apps and cocktails before heading to dinner at the adjacent private event space RFD Social’s Roebuck Room, which offered an exciting view of the city. We topped round tables with designer linens in a cool palette of blue, gray and shimmery white and added silver votives and fresh, garden-inspired white floral centerpieces featuring herbal, fruit and floral elements honoring the character of an authentic Southern garden. Blue uplighting lined the perimeter to add a pop of color to the historic setting. Within the room’s industrial splendor, guests dined family style before being transported back to the hotel.

We could not let these mostly European visitors leave without learning a bit more about our city, so on the final day of the weekend, we took them to the Atlanta History Center. In addition to viewing the museum’s exhibitions, guests visited Cyclorama with senior military historian Dr. Gordon L. Jones and explored the Swan House with a knowledgeable docent. The long walk through time worked up an appetite, and we ended the day’s sights with lunch at Empire State South, where our road-weary travelers revived with celebrated chef Hugh Acheson’s menu of modern Southern fare.

For our WM Events team, this three-day experience offered us the chance to highlight some of the features that make our city an amazing place to live. It also challenged us to find the ideal activities and locations, then fit them within a strict timeframe and budget. While this client’s previous events had taken place in walkable cities, on-foot transportation was not a viable option in Atlanta. We met the challenges of traffic, summer heat, surprise afternoon thunderstorms, and last-minute changes head on. Thanks to our careful planning and constant communication with our vendors, our group enjoyed a seamless experience. And as for our logistics skills – they were sharply honed.

Operations expert Brittany Dahlgren is one of the behind-the-scenes team members who goes into the venue before the big day to get all of the elements set up and running, then comes back afterwards to deinstall the décor, making the whole process seamless. When she’s not hanging ceiling installations and laying out floorplans, Brittany spends her time in other active pursuits – hobbies that have a clear influence on her ideal event.

If I were an event, I would be … an obstacle race with an outdoor festival of fun.

My purpose would be … to raise money for a charity providing prosthetics for children.

I would take place … at an outdoor setting near a lake so that the obstacles could include water events. Reynolds Lake Oconee would be an ideal spot.

My theme would be … friendly competition. In the spirit of Tough Mudder or the Spartan races, participants would be challenged with completing a daunting course, but my event would be family friendly, so the competition style would be too.

My format would be … an obstacle course within a larger festival atmosphere. While the course would remain open throughout daylight hours, participants would be welcome to come early and stay late in order to enjoy a variety of other playful activities like games, face painting, a rope swing, tie-dying and more.  A hose-off station and several misters would help keep everyone cool. To remind participants about the important reason for the day of competitive fun, an open tent would feature displays and educational elements about the latest developments and achievements in prosthetics.

My décor would be … relaxing and outdoorsy. Above a picnic area, market lights would put a twinkle in the sky, while rustic elements would create the overall style of the event.

My florals would … complement the Southern style of my décor with lots of greenery, succulents and wildflowers virtually everywhere!

My entertainment would be … a kid-friendly DJ for an ongoing dance party – all ages welcome, of course. Later in the day, local musicians and talent would be stationed throughout the event grounds to provide a variety of entertainment experiences.

Guests would dine on … relaxed fare from onsite food trucks. There would be plenty of ice cream and frozen treats – what better way to cool off after completing a challenging obstacle course?

Refreshing beverages would include … everything great from a traditional concession stand. That means slurpees, slushies, lemonade and root beer floats. Water would be available throughout at all times to keep everyone hydrated.

My guest count would be … hopefully thousands of participants who like to get active in the name of a good cause.

I would invite guests with … a promotional campaign combing media coverage, social media sharing and partnerships. This special day of competition would also be included on Active.com.

I would incorporate the latest technologies with … innovative timing chips for race bibs for all of the participants so that the obstacle course could serve as a qualifier for other races. I would have fun technology focused on capturing the day in photos. Multiple photo booth options would give attendees the chance to pose and automatically upload to social media, while other photographs would be printed onsite for keepsakes. An Instagram Stories campaign would feature guest’s personal competition stories filmed onsite.

My guests will go home with … a medal! Racing for charity deserves this automatic thank you, do everyone gets one. As far as the competition, individuals and teams of at least six participants could also win for best time in various categories.

Having worked with manufacturing giant Doosan on the corporation’s biennial national meeting in Georgia multiple times, we were thrilled to be called to the Windy City to plan two events the company hosted during ProMat. If you are not familiar with ProMat, it’s a huge exhibition that brings together solution providers and some of the highest profile buyers in the manufacturing and supply chain world. With all of the industry movers and shakers in the vicinity, it was clear that these events would be high stakes for Doosan, and we would need to develop appealing ways to convey brand messaging without being redundant.

A Gem of an Awards Dinner
At the “Game Changers” Diamond Awards Dinner, held in LondonHouse’s Juliette Grand Ballroom, guests enjoyed views of the nightlife along Chicago’s Riverwalk as they dined and celebrated the evening’s honorees. We created a subtly branded space with tables featuring designer linens in metallic orange paired with washed-denim-look napkins that felt just right for this manufacturing industry event. We topped the round tables with low centerpieces of orange pincushion protea and roses mixed with green trick dianthus and blue thistle within metal bowls. Place settings floated on golden grid placemats, and metallic votives completed the rich but subtle look.

The stage was set on a low riser, which made it easy for the evening’s many honorees to ascend and accept their award. Silver satin drapery created a backstage wall, and behind the stage, a tiled backdrop with a Doosan logo in the center had just a few squares of green and blue within a crisp, white background. We used uplighting to add a bit more color. Nearby shelves held several dozen crystal awards, and we decorated these with small floral arrangements designed from the same flowers found in the table centerpieces. Adjacent to the stage, a photo wall offered guests the opportunity to snap a picture with their award.

In the pre-reception area, guests had enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres within a similarly styled room with subtle effects like translucent window clings in Doosan blues and green that offered limited but clear branding. Floral arrangements of red curly willow, orange makara orchids, orange pincushion protea and green pittosporum in tall vases of ombre smoke glass enhanced the bar and were joined by votives that cast a soft glow. Highboy tables with bud vases and smaller flora included large Doosan logos.

Farewell Chicago
The following evening, Doosan hosted a farewell event at the Signature Room, welcoming 150 guests. At 95 stories high, this event space called for luxury décor and pops of color. We started by posting white Doosan logo window clings to the perimeter and adding uplights for splashes of color throughout. Champagne satin drapery created a luxe feel while also cleverly hiding some unused elements of the room.

For seating, we paired highboys with reflective, black tempered-glass tops and legs in rose gold finish with lower cocktails rounds. Both had centerpieces featuring a pave of orange roses and green trick dianthus in a modern, black cube vase or black cylinder or bubble bowl vase surrounded by a pair of cobra-pattern votives.

Here, the Doosan colors appeared in the lounge seating, which included velvety sofas and chairs of royal blue, aqua and emerald green. We placed soft carpets to delineate seating areas and added coordinating toss pillows and golden, glass-topped tables with orange floral centerpieces.

At this farewell event, guests enjoyed mixing, mingling, light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. We also incorporated an element of fun with a billiards table. And it wouldn’t be Chicago without “all that jazz,” so we made sure to have a three-piece band on hand to set the mood.

Florals: Flowers for Dreams
Rentals: AFR Furniture Rental, Bowery & Bash, Hall’s Rental Service, Quest Events
Entertainment: Castle Party Rentals, New Stand Music

A new and integral part of the WM Events team, Aaron Barba’s official title is interim General Manager. He helps us focus on the business of our business and has been spearheading internal re-organization while expanding external relationships. We were thrilled when Aaron joined WM Events; he has more than a decade of experience with some of the most enduring event companies in the Atlanta as well as his own consulting firm. Considering his passion for serving others, we are not surprised to learn about Aaron’s ideal event…

If I were an event, I would be … a charity fundraiser.

My purpose would be to … raise funds for nonprofit organizations that help people living in a less-privileged country. The event would educate guests about the presented charities and celebrate their philanthropic achievements and goals for the upcoming year.

My venue would be … an open-area, such as Serenbe or a similar site that is removed from the city and offers limited cell phone reception. Part of the event would be under the open sky. The dinner/program portion would take place under a clear tent with lighting help from the full moon and the stars.

My theme would be … an evening under the stars.

My décor would feature … Tuscan colors throughout the different areas. Florals would mirror this with pale tones of mint, yellow, sand and peach. Dim lighting would provide wayfinding for the various areas of the event, and each area would be lit with different light hues.

The event would include … a seated buffet with a program, a silent auction, and a big-ticket raffle – a travel package to a country benefited by the event.  A tour of the fundraiser’s areas of impact in that country would be part of the package. The dinner would be followed by live music played in different areas of the outdoor space offering live music – jazz and bossa nova under the moon-lit sky.

My food and drink offerings would include … cuisine specific to the countries the event’s proceeds would benefit. Signature drinks would also relate to these global areas.

The guest list would include … 300 top charity sponsors and 75 of the newest sponsors, randomly selected. They would enjoy the opportunity to network while having a memorable educational experience to thank them for their in-kind contributions.

My invitation would … be printed on recycled linen paper made by volunteers in the underserved areas. Each invitation would be a one-of-a-kind piece and include key information about the presenting charities.

I would incorporate the latest technologies by … providing each guest with a smart watch that would give them access to event details, such as menu, entertainment and auction information. The watch would also provide them with pointers to each of the different areas. Guests would use this technology to have access to digital, paper-free information about the event but not the outside world.

My guests will go home with … custom crafts from the sponsored countries featuring an individualized dedicatory of appreciation.

They say that it takes a village, but when it comes to planning a wedding, we’d say it takes a family. When WM Events Creative Synergist Sarah Sadlock (née Meltzer) asked for help with her big day, our team made a vow that it would it be the celebration she had always dreamed of.

Sarah was already engaged when she joined WM Events, and like many brides, she brought lots of ideas and a well-established Pinterest board to the table. We set about helping to bring her bohemian glam vision to life. Her style is a mix of the new and the old, so wanted to design the perfect look by combining natural textures with ultra-glam metals and gemstones, as well as layering and overlapping patterns and colors.

The tricky thing about planning a bohemian look is that it’s modeled after an unconventional, unplanned lifestyle. Sarah rose to the challenge with enthusiasm and did not shy away from mixing colors, linens, centerpiece styles, votives and metallics. She incorporated pieces from the home she shares with Joe, pieces her truly bohemian dad had collected, family heirlooms and even handmade items. In keeping with the idea of mixing colors, Sarah even chose multiple hues in a favorite rose palette for the bridesmaid dresses (gasp!). Using all of these personal touches led to a truly one-of-a-kind wedding – the perfect expression of Sarah and Joe. 

The couple welcomed 80 guests to their wedding and reception at The Brickyard Marietta, a historic and hip 1920s venue with barreled wooden ceilings and original brickwork that offered an ideal setting for the quirky style they wanted. To add the touches Sarah was looking for, we constructed copper columns, which were laid against the walls, and created a hoop backdrop for the altar. The moss-covered altar piece was accented with greenery and flowers. Below lay a trio of layered rugs, while an antiqued mirror created by Sarah’s dad and a pampas grass-lined aisle completed the bohemian ceremony.

Sarah’s oversized bridal bouquet deserves a special mention. It was lush and resplendent with burgundy, cerise, raspberry and blush florals, that stood out against verdant ferns and bohemian eucalyptus.

Following the ceremony, the guests enjoyed an outside cocktail hour while we flipped the room for the reception. Although Sarah had been highly involved in the planning, she was strictly off the clock for all aspects of setup, so she was as surprised as any bride when she saw the room for the first time. She tells us it was exactly what she had envisioned!

Converting the ceremony space for the reception allowed us to maintain foundational décor elements like the copper columns and cocktail tables already draped with velvety and metallic linens. We added a long farm table for the bridal party and smaller rounds for guests. Specially designed centerpieces were placed on each guest table, while the bridal table received a runner topped with bleached greens reminiscent of Sarah’s bouquet accented with blush and white roses. We repurposed the altar hoop as a cake table accent, and antique seating areas welcomed guests with plush toss pillows. Within a room of distressed wood and muted colors, metallics added that bit of glam Sarah wanted and showed up in the table linens, napkins, groom’s cake and side tables, not to mention the bride’s shoes.

We knew how much Sarah and Joe loved Refuge Coffee and hoped to have an espresso cart at the wedding. But when an unexpected home repair cut into their budget, the dream of the cart was derailed. Rather than letting this disappointment rain on Sarah’s wedding, we made that happen too as our gift to Sarah and Joe. What a fun surprise!

If it was extra special for us to help Sarah plan her wedding, for her it was an extreme departure from her experiences working on client events. Like a chef who plans her own dinner party, Sarah had to grapple with the overwhelming amount of choices she was familiar with based on her professional event design savvy. While she loved the opportunity to create the exact event she wanted to, she also felt pressure to make it perfect – and if you’ve met Sarah, you know that she’s a perfectionist.

Even though she struggled with not being at the warehouse to help build the florals or onsite the day of the wedding to be part of the production, all elements were easily executed because Sarah had sat down with us and talked through each piece of the design – hoop, columns, centerpieces, and other features. At one point, Sarah and WM Events Floral Designer Mark Good held an entire meeting to draw up every aspect of the floral and table design. Thanks to the extensive communication and planning efforts, the wedding turned out to be flawless, seamless, and, well, perfect.

Sarah & Joe got hitched without a hitch, thanks to our extended family, including: The Brickyard Marietta (venue); Monte Carlo Productions, Peachtree Tents & Events, and Collection Event Furnishings (rentals); BBJ (linens); Southern Crust (food truck and bar); Santini Mini Sweets (cakes); Refuge Coffee Co. (espresso cart); Mike Zarin (DJ); Luke Lambertson (photography and video); and William Fogler, Principal + Founder, WM Events (train fluffer).

Operations Manager Brett McDaniel recently joined WM Events to lead the many logistical aspects of production. That means, he organizes transportation, labor and the smooth functioning of the warehouse. Clients might never get the opportunity to see Brett in person, but they will all benefit from his efforts. Without him, the team could not execute the quality and quantity of events we do. He’s our behind-the-scenes guy, but if Brett were to host a party, it would be a real splash…

If I were an event, I would be … a pool party. Kowabunga!

My purpose would be to … to hang out and hang loose with close friends.

My venue would be … a large private home with a spacious lawn, a large outdoor kitchen, and a really terrific pool. Everyone would enjoy a simple cookout in the backyard with dogs free to run around and play too.

My theme would be … tacky tourist.

My guests would be entertained by … a DJ playing all of today’s top hits to get everybody up and dancing.

My food and drink offerings would include … burgers and hotdogs hot from the grill and a serious make-your-own tacos bar. Guests would wash down these outdoor faves with my signature whiskey and coke in a lowball glass.

The guest list would include … just a small gathering of friends who would make big memories.

My invitation would be … a Hawaiian shirt, which everyone should plan to wear to the party.

My guests will go home with … monogrammed coolers. It’s a host gift that could be used for a long time afterwards and remind them of when they had so much fun in the sun.

We love working with our city’s NBA team, especially because the players are even more fun off the court than on. As part of the Hawks Meet the Team event at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta, we kept the focus on highlighting the love of sport and putting the play back in the game. Lots of interactive features and opportunities for Instagrammable moments delighted the 1,200 attending fans of all ages.

One cool thing about having a client you work with repeatedly is that some of the really great décor pieces you make get to have a second life. That was the case with the graffiti backdrop, which we had created for the Taste of the Hawks event. We flanked it with model skyscrapers, a chain-link fence and bleachers for that true inner-city court feel. Once again, it made an ideal spot for posing. 

Balloon walls are all the rage right now, and our take on it was to create an 8-ft.-tall structure with inflatable basketballs and balloons in Hawks red and black. We placed funhouse mirrors on the sides of the wall for guests to have fun with while they waited for a turn to pose. 

“Meet the team” was truly emphasized throughout event. Instead of having players do a typical meet-and-greet, we made sure they could interact with fans and take photos in a fun way.

Downstairs on the court, we placed additional photo-taking spots and a variety of hands-on activities, each one hosted by different players. At “In the Paint,” attendees got to pose in front of a cool, oversized white Hawks logo that had been splatter painted à la Jackson Pollock.

Nearby, the “Nothing but Net” photo op had a backdrop with a gold net and a 180-degree photo station to capture guests’ Boomerang pictures as they “swooped” in to make the basket. A share station allowed guests to automatically share their photos on social media or receive them by email. 

The “Double Double Puzzle” photo station featured a giant puzzle piece based on the message that the fans are the “most important piece” of the Hawks puzzle, and a mirror selfie station repeated this jigsaw puzzle theme. 

Social media photos taken care of, guests had plenty of interactive entertainment options to visit. An adult coloring station let anyone with a penchant for staying in the lines to color in a custom Hawks graphic with bright markers. Airbrush painters offered Hawks logos and thematic basketball stencils on red, white, and black baseball caps, while mobile temporary tattoo attendants strolled through the party with custom logos in finite ink. Strolling magicians and balloon artists entertained guests in between activities. And everyone enjoyed drinking sodas from Hawks-branded crazy straws. (image 1036_ , 1057_)

Throughout the venue, we ensured a cohesive look and feel with oversized graphic signs raised on poles for easy visibility. These identified the various activities, food stations and bars. 

Our free throw: Working with the Hawks and dedicated basketball fans puts WM Events back in the paint for the 2020 NCAA Final Four parties next spring in Atlanta!

Photography: PWP Studio