From Florals to Fashion: Inside Austin Way’s Garden Party Celebration

What a day, what a vibe! Planning Austin Way Magazine’s First Annual Garden Party was the perfect mix of creative challenge and pure fun for our team at Eclipse Event Co. Kristi led the charge (as she does so well), making sure no detail went unnoticed. From the first linen unfolded to the last glass collected, this event bloomed with color, style, and personality.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center set the perfect scene with its sweeping Texas skies and fields of native blooms—nature’s own backdrop for a day full of color and creativity. Premiere Events was first on site, laying down the subfloor and staging that would soon host everything from high fashion to horsepower. And speaking of horsepower—Capitol Chevrolet rolled in with a sleek white Corvette that quickly became the courtyard’s showpiece. JoAn Floral worked their magic from there, dressing every corner with vibrant, seasonal arrangements. Cocktail tables, bars, the registration area—even the DJ booth—everything got a floral touch. But the true jaw-dropper? The custom floral installation cascading over the Corvette. Total showstopper.

GRO Designs delivered three sleek white acrylic risers, each featuring Estilo Boutique’s logo—setting the stage for the fashion moments that would follow. Moontower Rentals added to the scene with stylish lounge seating and custom bar setups that gave guests a place to gather and mingle. BBJ + La Tavola layered in beautiful linens, adding color and texture that helped define each activation space. Brighter Side Event Lighting tied it all together, setting the mood with soft pink uplighting throughout the venue and focused spotlights that made the risers glow and brought the entire space to life.

As guests arrived, Honeygem Creative captured every candid smile and styled moment. Step-and-repeat shots, crowd reactions, and behind-the-scenes footage—they didn’t miss a beat.

Austin Catering kept everyone fueled with passed bites that were as pretty as they were delicious—short rib polenta cakes, tuna crudo, lamb lollipops, and dreamy dessert bites like white chocolate raspberry cheesecake squares. The drinks flowed thanks to Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Garrison Brothers Whiskey, with both brands contributing to the signature cocktail lineup. Halter Ranch Winery covered the wine and bubbly, giving guests the perfect toast-to-spring selections.

On the vendor front, the Courtyard and Gallery were buzzing with activations. Estilo Boutique showcased spring fashion with a live-model display and later, a full-on mini fashion show. Yearly Co. showed off timeless gold bangles. Phyllis Browning Company mingled with guests, highlighting their real estate expertise, while Pvolve Studios engaged the fitness crowd with interactive demos.

And who could forget Vogue Vignette? Their live fashion sketch artists were a guest favorite—capturing quick, stylish portraits that became treasured keepsakes before the night was over.

Inside the Gallery, we transformed the space for the evening’s keynote moments. Overland Partners’ Robert delivered an inspiring presentation, followed by a thoughtful, real conversation between Courtney Shields of DIBS Beauty and Modern Luxury’s Riki Altman-Yee.

Throughout it all, Premier Entertainment kept the mood light with Bridgerton-inspired instrumental tracks, transitioning seamlessly from outdoor mingling to indoor presentations.

By the time the sun set and the last cocktail was sipped, the Garden Party had lived up to its name—a vibrant, living event filled with texture, color, great people, and all the magic of spring in Austin. Huge thanks to every single vendor and sponsor who made it happen. We couldn’t have done it without this dream team.