The last quarter of 2019 was a complete whirlwind with moving into a new studio, settling in, and getting ready for a *grand opening* party! If you know me, you know that I LOVE parties…so when it came time to plan this one, I really wanted this one to be extra special. As an artist and creative problem solver, it is tempting to want to DIY your way through life - but the vision for the opening was too grand, too amazing to do all by myself. I needed help.

From the very beginning, I knew I wanted to work with Invision Events to help bring this special event to life. A few months prior, I got to know Courtney and Julie through a project where they commissioned me to create a piece for one of their brides. After working with them for a short time, it was clear to me that they were two very creative and professional ladies who knew how to pull off events beautifully and flawlessly. They were so thorough about every detail, and I truly enjoyed getting to know them better.

My next easy choice was to hire Chelsey Heslop from Fetch Marketing to help me publicize the event. We had already become instant friends over a coffee date and had been working together for several months. Chelsey had all of the right connections, knew how to time press releases, and had great ideas on how to get the word out economically but with class.

It just so happens that one of my dearest friends, Courtney Wright of Savor Style, is an incredibly talented culinary creative, so of course I commissioned her to create the most EPIC grazing table and a signature drink. My nickname is Swan and my favorite cocktail is the French 75, so Courtney came up with a new recipe called the Swan 75. The recipe is simple: Sparkling Rose, Sage Simple Syrup, Gin, Lemon juice, and a Slice of Lemon peel. More on that recipe later!

Holly Hollon, the creator of my logo and one of the most talented artists I know, helped me design my sign and the lettering on the door. She also created my custom invitations for the party. Holly is incredibly easy to work with and has flawless taste, so I knew I’d be happy with whatever she chose for me.

My sweet friend and super talented creative, Christina Brockman of Huckleberry Collective, created the vision for a window display that was beyond my wildest dreams! Mary Grace Tracy, my visual display stylist and full-time production maker, created the gorgeous hand-made Swan out of dyed coffee filters! Christina and Mary Grace collaborated to make it all come together.

Invision Events also helped me select custom branded cups and napkins and curated rentals from Prop House Furniture and I Do Linens was kind enough to even donate some gorgeous blush and gold linens for our high boy tables. The soft seating Prop House provided was fabulous and the tent from Event Rentals Unlimited was perfect for that rainy night.

One of my oldest friends, Katie Dixon of Baker on the Bluff, provided the insanely beautiful custom cookies for the grazing table. Her talent astounds me!

My friend and business neighbor, Ashley McMakin of Ashley Mac’s donated the yummiest cupcakes. Ashley is someone I’ve known for years and admire her business savvy and grit immensely.

Stacy from Party Pickup hand-lettered the prettiest and classiest balloons. Stacy creates some of the most beautiful balloon displays and was so easy to work with!

I’m also incredibly grateful to my staff, who not only helped create all of the beautiful products for the store, but also helped the event go extra smoothly by taking care of customers, packing pottery, and taking out the trash after everyone left! Although not as glamorous, their jobs were necessary and so appreciated!

My lovely SGP family. XO, Susan.