We’re still reveling in the beauty of the evening marking the launch of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Volume 2. Gathering with our community’s small business owners to celebrate their impact on the community was the perfect culmination of a year of scouting Volume 2. Before diving into the finer points of the event, we want to extend our most utmost appreciation to our launch party partner, Cloth & Flame.
From the moment we approached Olive Laux and Matt Cooley, the visionary founders behind the locally founded experiential event business, we knew we’d entrusted our signature event with the experts in creating memorable occasions. Often tapped by multinational corporations to design unique experiences, Cloth & Flame surpassed even their world-class bar for The Valley’s small businesses.
Olivia and Matt generously extended the expertise of their team and resources to customize this one-of-a-kind event. Their team worked tirelessly from conceptual planning to design and decor, guest communication, and on-site execution to find a yes to all of our ideas and requests. And as we learned, the magic behind their unique experience is in all of those meaningful details.
Now, onto the exquisite details documented in Winona Grey’s gorgeous photography.
Our venue, The Icehouse, set a unique tone for the night, its historic location and industrial-chic aesthetic evoking downtown Phoenix’s storied past and exciting, profoundly creative future.
But, before experiencing The Icehouse’s otherworldly interior, guests were met streetside by two unexpected delights: Pop of Color’s elaborate balloon installation that hinted at Volume 2 cover colors and a friendly Beer Burro toting a satchel filled with copies of the newest release. While capturing a photo with this distinctly Arizona furry-faced icon created an impromptu paparazzi moment, eagerness to experience the much-anticipated launch party drew guests inside.
Inside, guests experienced the magic of small businesses working together, with each generous vendor’s contributions enhancing the next’s and creating fabulous photo opportunities. Many a snap was shot in front of Pop of Color’s custom-colored balloon installation that appeared to crawl along the massive concrete wall towering over Alpha-Lit’s impressive three-foot letters, which, of course, spelled out “TSG V2” in honor of the occasion.
Florals by Camelback Flowershop complimented the boho chic decor designed by Cloth & Flame, with dusty pastels and saguaro greens of the arrangements echoing both Volume 2 colors and Pop of Color’s custom-colored coordinated balloons. Topping most surfaces - even the floor - guests had ample opportunity to enjoy the Wabi-Sabi beauty of each Camelback Flowershop arrangement.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale alum Benedict’s Catering designed the bar program, serving up delicious cocktails, bubbles, wine, and local beer. Dawn Kennington-Bejar, owner of Benedict’s Catering, drew inspiration from Volume 2 cover colors, creating the custom Spring Thyme Cocktail that guests sipped as they explored the rest of the venue - and TSG experience - perusing an industrial bookcase displaying each member spread and commissioning a hand-lettered guide by Desert Plume Calligraphy.
Volume 2’s launch party was nothing short of magical, from the ambiance to the appetizers. Guest enjoyed the passed appetizers created by Cloth & Flame's in-house culinary team led by Executive Chef & Culinary Director Nick Rusticus.
A TSG launch party is never complete without videography documenting the essence and feel of the event! Click below to view The Good Vibe Media ‘s masterfully crafted version of the evening.
The Good Vibe video mavens strategically moved throughout the space, filming hosted guests and event details in a stealth-like fashion. With a trained eye for branding, we love how they creatively used the large-scale guide cover layered with balloons and botanicals (that functioned as a photobooth) in their videography.
As the night drew on, local talent Kim Weston provided entertainment, performing both originals and seductive spins on jazz standards, crowd favorites, and favorite artists such as Norah Jones, Esperanza Spalding, Joni Mitchell, and Edith Piaf. The Phoenix-based vocalist, violinist, bandleader, songwriter, poet, and recording artist, struck the perfect tone as her music subtly enhanced the atmosphere and created a distinct vibe to the celebration.
To cap the evening off, we invited our Members to take home a party gift: mini champagne bottles were customized and decorated by Cammie Cutter Designs, hand-poured Sedona Sunset scented Koko’s Candle, personalized stationery from Pretty Paper Club, a hand-lettered Volume 2 guide by Desert Plume Calligraphy, and their framed spread
The custom gifts created by these local creatives were designed to thank TSG members for their support of our big mission…
In short, the evening was nothing short of perfect, and we are so grateful to have celebrated - in person, no less - with the inspiring businesses that make our community so distinctive.
To our Members, thank you so much for joining us. If you’d like to peruse additional photos, click here…
It was a delight to work with these incredibly talented local vendors - many of which are Volume 2 Members. To learn more about working with them on your next event, reach out directly and don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!