When the Aiken City Lifestyle team started brainstorming about their anniversary celebration, they wanted to accomplish three things. First and foremost, they wanted to bring together their advertising partners to thank them for their support. Secondly, they wanted to create an inviting celebration that encouraged connections. Finally, they wanted a beautifully styled setting that could be photographed for content for their October Food and Beverage issue. Planning a major event can be daunting, especially one with so many boxes to check, so they brought in experts - Catherine Hersacher of By Bespoke and Kate Van Cantfort of Southerlee Farm.
Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs was selected as the venue. They set up under stunning live oaks atop a ridge overlooking the bustling therapeutic riding facility. Hersacher set the style tone in classic white and blue buffalo check for an elevated picnic feel on the horse farm. Tabletop arrangements, sustainably grown by Van Cantfort, used seasonal blooms and herbs for refreshing styles that could withstand August temperatures. Goldenrods, asters, Thai bail, bronze fennel, ornamental mums, heirloom zinnias, and native wildflowers such as rabbit tobacco and dog fennel, filled-out arrangements in silver plate and milk glass heirloom vessels.
Aiken City Lifestyle’s anniversary celebration featured local food freshly prepared by Chef Brandon Velie of Juniper in Ridge Spring, South Carolina. To facilitate mixing and mingling, they settled on a selection of passed hors d'oeuvres, including fried green tomatoes with buttermilk ranch, petit mushroom tarts, Juniper mini crab cakes, pulled pork tacos and Adluh grit arancini. They chose a crowd-pleasing selection of Bundtinis from Nothing Bundt Cake of Aiken for dessert.
Cart Mart provided transportation for any guests who wanted a short tour of the impressive Great Oak facilities and more information about the vital work they do every day.
The team of By Bespoke and Southerlee Farm struck the tone of chic comfort, the signature feel of Aiken City Lifestyle’s events that more than checked all the boxes.
