We love working with Performance Contracting. For the fourth year in a row, Kennedy Creative was called in to create a themed kick off party for the fun costume-loving group. Past themes have included pirates, Austin music and a roaring 30’s jazz party. This year we outdid ourselves with a retro-inspired beach party, deep in the heart of Texas.

The Kennedy Creative team went all out transforming the lawn at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio into a Southern California style beach party where people could twist the night away.

The entrance was flanked by two lifeguard stations, surrounded by surfboards, beach umbrellas and foliage. Overhead was a piece of driftwood with every surfer’s favorite saying, “Hang Ten” spelled out in neon.

The round dining tables brought to mind a favorite 60’s beach tune with their yellow and white sheer polka dot overlays atop bright yellow linens.  Centerpieces were another 60’s classic – a VW Bus surrounded by brightly colored daisies and wheat grass.  For an extra special touch, the tallboy cocktail tables had surfboard tabletops with wrapped thatch skirting.

“Big Kahuna’s Surf Shop” was a large, realistic surf shack where guests could get drinks and mingle. Sprinkled about the party were large multi-colored beach umbrellas with beach balls dangling whimsically. Hula hoops were placed strategically about the party to add to the 60s fun.

Special Interest, an all star Texas band, played all the Beach Boy favorites and classics from the era on a stage that was fit for the Beach Boys themselves. Lifeguard stands with beach umbrellas, surfboards and other beach-themed accents were on each side of the band platform.  Lush live palm trees and tropical plants softened the edges and added to the tropical feel. 

As always, we had a great time working with the W Austin Hotel and Residences on another great event. The W asked Kennedy Creative to assist them with designing a luxuriously sleek event for their buyers.  Held on the 31st floor of the unfinished skyscraper, we had a blank slate to create our vision of a party with true W Hotel style.  We brought in our light-up bars to create a dramatic flare which was accented by our modern floral centerpieces and foliage.  Chic rugs and furniture created sitting areas in pure W style while Ilios set the tone with specialty lighting and chandeliers.  A section of the event was designed with an Austin City Limits theme to showcase the new Austin City Limits Theatre venue to open at the end of this year. Sullivan’s Steakhouse catered the party and Delish Cupcakes offered treats to cap off the night.

Tomorrow is a really exciting day for the Kennedy Creative team, the LifeWorks 16th Annual Academy Awards Gala is here!  We have had the pleasure of working with LifeWorks to design and produce their 16th Annual Academy Awards Gala.
LifeWorks is an Austin non-profit who’s mission is to transition youth and families from crisis to safety and success.  This year’s Gala, with a Behind the Scenes theme, will be a fabulous mixture of genuine back-stage props and Oscar-worthy details from the movies Fame, Fantasia, and Shakespeare.

Last year’s Gala, shown in the images below, was so much fun from beginning to end.  The partnership between Kennedy Creative and LifeWorks has turned out to be a absolutely outstanding one and we look forward to working with them again!

We are so excited to post pictures from a recent event that was a total blast to design and produce. With only two weeks notice, the client requested a custom design centered around “navigating new waters” and was thrilled when we came up with a pirate theme. The event took place on the 33rd floor of an unfinished sky rise in downtown Austin, giving us a challenging yet interesting space for the design. We brought in our fabulous lounge furniture and light-up bars for a totally modern vibe. Black and white striped linens and pops of pirate-red brought the theme to life. The event included custom lighting, pirate-themed backdrops and props, specialty signage and a 360 degree view of our beautiful city.

Special thank you to Kim Francois Photography for sharing the event photos!