Whenever we spot a venue that's bright, sunny and full of life, you can bet we want to know more within seconds. As is the case with The Wayfarer in Santa Barbara. This is the kind of space where you don't need a whole lot of song and dance to make it shine, as it's so stylish on its own. Bringing in bold, colorful hues and a sense of playfulness lends an atmosphere where people want to hang out and connect and get in that quality time we all crave.
Event planner Jessica Kuipers of Onyx & Redwood recently headed to the modern space, bringing along a creative splatter design theme and a whole bunch of event industry peeps. Read along in the jump below to hear all about this event, the cool hotel concept and how creatives get creative together.
Photography by Anna Delores
How did this party come about?
The GM of the The Wayfarer SB and I are old friends and she wanted to showcase their Boutique Hybrid Hotel to the local planners and fellow hotel peeps!
Tell us about the venue!
Being a hybrid hotel that offers both hostel style and private rooms, they have a unique concept that works for special events. They have a community kitchen for a continental breakfast but don’t offer any food other than that, so it opens up the doors for private events to bring in their own catering companies. It’s also hella cute and is right on state street in the center of the popular Funk Zone, further making it an ideal location for guests to walk to wine tasting rooms, breweries, shops, and bars/nightclubs without having to drive anywhere. 
What went into the design of this event?
Since summer was fast approaching, I wanted to create a design that was bright, creative, unconventional, and color forward! Literally took “splattering” creativity to a very literal form. Adding in the weird and inexperienced is a must for industry events, as we get bored! 
Did you eat or drink anything special?
Tito’s Vodka sponsored it, and Paradise Springs Winery sponsored the event with their new Rosé Pink Ash that Billy Zane painted the artwork for the label where 1/3 of all wine sale proceeds are going back to the Thomas Fire victims. So it’s close to all of our hearts in Santa Barbara. The hotel has a giraffe mascot “Lloyd” who hangs in the lobby. He has been found in the pool, in guest room beds, and has even been taken around the Funk Zone wine tasting with bridal parties. So we thought it would be cute to pull in the animal theme and have the cocktail be named “Lloyd's Mule.”
Funk Zone first timer? Check out What You Need to Know About Santa Barbara's Funk Zone →
Photography: Anna Delores | Venue: The Wayfarer Santa Barbara | Lighting: Bella Vista Designs | Florals: Precious & Blooming | Plates, Runners & Planning/Design: Onyx & Redwood | Paper Goods & Graphic Design: Lazy Creative Designs | Acrylic Etching: Creative Amme | Cake: Cakes by Colin | All Other Rentals: Party Pleasers | Bar: Liquid Cult | Vodka: Tito's Vodka | Wine: Paradise Springs Winery | Catering: Feast and Fest Santa Barbara | Laser Cut Leather Linen on Cake Table: La Tavola Linen
