PartySlate Pool-Themed Atlanta Launch Party Attracted the City’s Tastemakers & Top Event Professionals
On July 31, PartySlate continued its rapid expansion to launch in one of the largest — and most vibrant — southern cities: Atlanta, Georgia. Suzanne Reinhard of Suzanne Reinhard Events, and Brian Worley of B Worley Productions assembled an expert team of Atlanta’s best event professionals to pull off the super-creative soirée at Southern Exchange Ballroom — featuring unique activations like an interactive “pool” photo spot, a branded ice bar, and a lobster slide (yes, you read that right).
Invitees were mailed vivid, artistic invitations created by Atlanta’s Paper Daisies Stationery. The luxurious paper invitation — extending an offer to attend a “summer in the city” celebration — was pressed between acrylic and backed by painted brushstrokes in hot pink, spring green, bright blue, deep orange, and pops of yellow. The unique invitation set the tone for the event.
Reinhard and Worley designed the playful celebration utilizing the summer-perfect theming of a pool party — even though the glamorous Southern Exchange is an indoor venue boasting towering ceilings and gorgeous period architectural detail and no actual pool. Worley solved that problem by constructing an above ground “pool” structure filled with bright blue foam blocks.
“I envisioned a summer party as set in Brooklyn with DJ-curated tunes and fire hydrants spouting. Meanwhile, Brian had more of a Hamptons-style party in mind,” says Reinhard. In the end, the pair met in the middle with a tropical, pop-confection of a party set up with a “pool” centered on the ground floor of the two-tiered space with the mezzanine acting as its elevated deck. Reinhard says of the palette, “At Engage Summits, the trend talks all mentioned a move back to the fluorescent colors of the 80s and that fit perfectly with our vision.” The teams infused the space with bright tropical hues in fun décor elements like a ceiling installation of oversized pool floats and drinks wrapped in mini, colorful inflatables.
Guests arriving at the summer soirée entered on the mezzanine level to a live electric violin performance by The Mad Violinist. Double doors opened to the ballroom and a spectacular bar carved of ice — that Reinhard describes as “the instant wow factor” — with chic PartySlate branding greeted partygoers; the cool bar from ICE Sculpture Inc. featured whimsical ice-carved flamingo and unicorn floaties acting as on-theme cocktail garnish holders. The mezzanine pool deck was outfitted, of course, in stylish umbrellas and deck chairs, and arriving guests were issued “pool passes” for the event. The entry experience immediately established a fun and light-hearted vibe.
Escalators (the venue’s building is a historic department store restored as a beautiful event space) delivered guests to the pool area. The main level featured clever and colorful décor like lush, island-inspired florals and a bright, dramatic balloon installation by MomsKloset Balloon Boutique. Lofty live palm trees from Cinema Greens and water-like light projections by SEAV Event Technology contributed to the illusion. Tables that weren’t covered in brightly-hued cloths from Over the Top Rental Linens, had bases ringed with colorful, circular floats. Strategic draping from SWAG DECOR, a Rose Brand Company created a more intimate feel in the luxuriously massive space.
And the theming didn’t stop with the room design — it continued seamlessly into the menu from Rosendale Events. Boozy drink pouches offered poolside sipping, while fruity cocktails were served floating in a mini pool in their own tiny floaties. Guests raved about (and snapped pics of) creative fare like a rainbow grilled cheese sandwich and salt block seared wagyu “beach towels” over sushi rice “life preservers.” Another fun food station was the lobster slider, well, slide. The crustacean slip-n-slide delivered lobster sliders with manchego cheese and truffle butter on a brioche bun to hungry swimmers. Roaming guests enjoyed a selection of colorful popcorn in creative flavors like margarita and blueberry muffin from Popcorn Palooza. And Oysters XO offered on-the-spot Bosole oyster shucking, for the freshest oysters topped to each guest’s specifications.
As if the food and décor weren’t entertaining enough, guests were also wowed by an aerialist from The Off Centered Project performing on a giant suspended hoop. And Zegi kept the party lively with spun tunes that rocked a fun, beachy vibe; Reinhard says of the DJ, “He really loves music and is a connoisseur. I knew he’d play the right kind of music and at the appropriate level to allow for conversation while creating mood.”
A party this inventive will be remembered long after, but just in case, Rebecca Marie Photography was on hand to capture the fun moments and delightful design. Iris Films captured video of the event — including the buzz-worthy swimming pool with guest after guest falling backwards or jumping joyfully into it. Many a boomerang was recorded “for the ‘gram.” Reinhard praised the clever design of the photo op pool, saying, “It was really Brian’s baby, and it was the perfect interactive spot since it ran itself. Guests knew exactly what to do with it.” Attendees also snapped pics in two photobooths from MMI Events, one of which was a new and unique mirror projection booth.
To ensure the PartySlate and event teams were prepared for these incredible photo ops, Reinhard and Worley commissioned The Moore Agency for expert and gorgeous glam. PartySlate CEO and Co-Founder, Julie Novack, looked flawless, even as she fell into the “pool” after her welcoming speech.
Every event should have a sweet ending, and this one was no exception. Guests enjoyed a fully-equipped coffee station from Ground Rule Coffee and accompanied their cup of joe with slices of a dazzling flamingo cake from the skilled bakers at For Goodness Cakes. The playful celebration really captured the vibrancy of Atlanta and its event community.
PartySlate continues its expansion with Napa Valley, Phoenix, Boston, New Orleans, and Las Vegas on the horizon.
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