DERBY IN THE DESERT
In early festivity of the 2019 Kentucky Derby, The Destination Manager transformed a resort lawn
into a swanky soirée where 1,000 guests reveled a multi-environmental celebration oozing with Southern
charm. Guests adorned themselves with dapper hats + bow ties at a bespoke haberdashery. They sipped
Mint Juleps + placed their bets at the Wagering Window awaiting a line-up of vintage races.
Three distinct spaces defined the more than 20,000 sq. ft. space; a handsomely appointed
"Trophy Room" with whiskey flight dosed from a vintage horse trailer, a whimsical "Winner's Circle"
with 360-degree bar, "The Rose Garden" + an elegant garden for alfresco, laissez-afire lounging.
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|
As guests entered the event, they were greeted by a bespoke Haberdashery with racks overflowing with
flamboyant hats, fascinators + charming bow ties for the taking. Guests were custom-fitted in the boutique before capturing a photo op in front of our 12’ hedge wall adorned by a luxurious horseshoe pavé of yellow roses.
Further into the space, they were greeted first by a vintage wooden parlor arch with juxtaposing
neon sign, reading “The Trophy Room”. This masculine study of an environment featured tufted
sofas, trophy-lined shelves, vintage horse trailer bar with whiskey tastings + a fireplace for intimate
conversation. Guests approached the Wagering Window to place their bets on a series of vintage
rages played every 15 minutes on a large-scale LED screen. Tartan, gingham, leather + distressed
wood was tempered by unexpected color plays + dashes of modernity.
Within the “Winner’s Circle,” a 360 degree boxwood bar with custom Edison trellis anchored
the space. A chandelier of clustered roses + winning ribbons was suspended overhead. Playing to a
more whimsical palette; lemon, periwinkle, tangerine + grass green came out to play. Each piece was methodically selected to represent a unique juxtaposition of traditional Southern finery, + tongue +
cheek humor. Green grass runners, ceramic horse busts + giant trophy cups were adorned with mosses
+ decadent sprays of roses. A custom horse stall bar was a prized piece – with its stall numbers a
subtle nod to the company’s established year.
Pass through the Winner’s Circle, + guests were greeted by “The Rose Garden”. Lined
with a white picket fence, guests entered through a 12’ boxwood arch flanked by vintage
garden gates crawling with Jackson vine + clusters of yellow + orange roses.
Once in the Rose Garden, the scene was that of Southern high society. Guests lounged alfresco
with julep in-hand. White iron garden banquettes + café sets, vintage wooden polo spectator chairs
+ a poppy yellow porch swing were blanketed by a sea of orange parasol market umbrellas. Jackson
fine twirls grew on just about everything – from the swing, to the interlacing of an iron + marble
highboy to an adorable vintage cart. Centerpieces again honored the rose, this time with a chic twist.
White horseshoes, fresh cut wheat grass + delicate, feminine glass + acrylic were vessels to display
the orange rose. The garden’s focal – a life-sized white horse sculpture adorned with
classic rose-laced trophy wreath.
MENU SAMPLE
Deviled Eggs | Pickled Vegetable Bar | Bourbon Beef Tenderloin
Fried Chicken | Grain Mustard + Bourbon Pork Belly | Shrimp + Grits
Mint Chocolate Whoppie Pies | Peach Cobbler
PARTICULARS
COLOR PALETTE
