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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.

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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

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COLOR PALETTE

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EVENT DIAGRAM

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