Celebrating women is my passion and what better way to appreciate them by hosting a Galentine’s event. I loved partnering up with Mimi Striplin of The Tiny Tassel to host a fabulous rooftop event at The Hotel Bennett. 50 Charleston influencers and tastemakers gathered for purposeful connections at The Observatory on the rooftop with breathtaking views. I’m so grateful for our amazing sponsor Casey Liston of Bacardi who dreamt up the dreamiest cocktails with Grey Goose and St. Germain.

As a woman with influence it’s always important for me to use my platform to help create a positive change in my community. Why not harness the power of 50 women coming together to help promote and advocate for an important cause? Since this was a Galentine’s event I thought it was fitting to partner up with My Sister’s House which is an organization that helps domestic abuse victims and their children.

I collaborated with incredible partners to add a touch of whimsy to the space. Sweetgrass and Sawdust is a local company that makes custom structures for weddings and events and when I saw this limencello cart I knew I had to have it.

Juliska is a Charleston based company as well, and their wicker balloon vessels were the perfect accent for the hightop tables. Florist Monique Weathers of Firefly Wed_Charleston skill-fully designed mini bouquets in each one.

Last year I connected with Casey of The Paper Canopy, a new stationary shop in Charleston, and knew when I met her we would collaborate on something. Her shop not only has the cutest paper goods and gifts, she also hosts crafty workshops. We had a private session and I helped her make these jumbo paper flowers for our event.

I always like to have an element of DIY art participation at my events and we decided on a Valentine’s paper fortune cookie station for guests to make. The process was super easy and everyone loved writing personalised messages. Guests made them to take home to their loved ones and they also made some for the women at My Sister’s House with positive messages. The power of positivity is real and can help change someone’s day and trajectory in life.

Music is a very important element to all of my events because it sets the mood and creates the vibe. I brought on my dear friend Gillian Kohn who is the jazz vixen of Charleston to serenade the guests with her sultry French and Brazilian melodies.

What’s a Galentine’s party without the candy? I partnered up with Ashley Daley of Omg Candystore to add the perfect garnishes to the cocktails and mocktails. Cotton candy topped the rosè and XOXO gummies floated in the cocktails.

Hotel Bennett came through with delicious canapès including smoked Salmon and Dill Crème Fraiche on Pumpernickel, “Pink’ Blinis, Royal Osetra Caviar, Chervil, and Goat Cheese, Pickled Beet, Vol au Vent. They really outdid themselves with heart shaped pink macarons.

As a fashion stylist and producer on commercial shoots it’s been a dream to produce events in Charleston because it’s like a live photoshoot. It’s even better because I don’t have to style anyone because I know that everyone is going to show up with something fabulous on.

I think it’s always important to introduce and highlight all of the partners and vendors who are involved with my events. I also wanted everyone to know more about My Sister’s House and their mission and I’m so happy that Maryn was there to spread the good word.

Of course I love a theme and any excuse to dress up. This top and skirt is from Buru and my heels are from Kenneth Cole and they are actually the most comfortable ones that I own. You can shop my look here.

I love spoiling my guests and made sure I filled up their goodie bags with treats from all female owned businesses. Thank you to all of the generous brands who contributed –  The Tiny Tassel , Juliskaofficial , Omg Candystore, RMS Beauty, Charleston Candle Co, Lyn Darlings,  Shebiology, and Templeton Silver.

I was truly blown away with the beauty and the energy in this space and I’m so happy that Sirena of Aneris Collective was there to capture it on her camera. My videographer Jenna Dez shot and edited this beautiful video that I will be able to relive over and over again. Jenna’s beautiful voice and song was the perfect soundtrack to the day. How fitting is her new song Forever Friend and her band’s name is Babe Club?!

The stars aligned to make this event so special. I am truly grateful to be a creative in Charleston where the collaborations are bountiful. This will definitely be an annual event and I can’t wait for the next one!