Wishes & Wonders dedicates as much time as needed, and then some, to presenting an unbelievable finished product.
Published: December 1, 2017
By: Bethany Adams Hunley
As I began planning for my twin daughters’ second birthday, I became afraid of another hilarious and relatable “Pinterest Fail.” We’ve all seen them on social media, and I didn’t want our party to be one. So I found a venue and turned the planning over to a local party planning service, Wishes & Wonders, to create my vision of a pretty, pink barnyard-themed birthday celebration.
Already familiar with some of their work, I knew that I wouldn’t be disappointed. What I didn’t realize is that the party they were planning for my daughters would far exceed any of my highest expectations.
Wishes and Wonders consists of five women with full-time careers ranging from art teacher to production manager and offers top-notch services from highly qualified individuals who all extend their personal expertise to provide the best possible experience for their customers. While party planning is not their sole profession, Wishes & Wonders dedicates as much time as needed, and then some, to presenting an unbelievable finished product.
Our chosen venue was Griffin Farms in Helena, Alabama. Family owned and operated, this farm extends party packages of its own, so I knew that they would already have the framework laid on which to create our pink barnyard theme.
The morning of my girls’ birthday party, I was not sure what to expect. I knew that it would be over-the-top and beautiful, but there was still a small part of my mind that struggled with giving control over to others.
Upon arrival at the venue, the women from Wishes & Wonders, along with a crew of about 10 others, were already working to transform the wooden pavilion into the cutest pink barnyard I could have ever imagined. Pink, white and cow print balloons created an enormous archway through the party space. Smaller balloons, in coordinating colors, were manipulated to create a precious balloon flower arrangement for each table. As if this added touch wasn’t enough, they also made sure that each balloon flower arrangement had a different color pattern.
The food tables (I supplied the food) were transformed with pink tulle and burlap runners. There was an assortment of Western and rustic styled serving dishes and doodads decorating these tables as well. Popcorn was placed into plastic containers that resembled corn on the cob, and they even brought in a hot pink wheel barrow filled with straw. Oh, and did I mention the enormous and absolutely adorable barnyard doors that they custom painted with my shade of pink as the backdrop for this already precious scene?
Each child in attendance received a bandana and cowboy hat (pink for girls and black for boys). Floating above the ground were various barnyard animal balloons that managed to walk (yes, walk) around the floor of the pavilion. Several of these walking barnyard animals were also taken home as party favors, as they were certainly a hit among the children.
As the party began, the crew from Wishes & Wonders quietly snuck away, and as the party began to end, they snuck back in to begin take down. It was all perfect.
When providing services of this caliber, a good bit of time can be required for set up. Be sure to keep this in mind when choosing a venue, as set up and take down can take upwards of two hours. Ask plenty of questions of all involved. There’s a great deal of planning that goes on between booking and the actual party.
Everyone who was in attendance at the party, as well as everyone who has since seen photos of the décor, has been amazed at the attention to detail and sheer talent that was on display. As a Type-A perfectionist, things do not typically exceed my expectations. The experience I had working with Wishes & Wonders and the final product they produced for my daughters exceeded every expectation and hope I could have imagined.
Wishes & Wonders offers party packages ranging from $650 to $1,500 and can create the party of your dreams using a variety of unique services. Whether you desire water rides, ferris wheel, trackless train or carousel, Wishes & Wonders can make it happen.
Contact Wishes & Wonders at 205-202-5495, wishesandwonders2015@gmail.com or via their Facebook page.
Contact Griffin Farms (located in Helena, AL) at 205-541-8150, on Facebook or http://www.thegriffinfarms.com.
Bethany Hunley is a local writer and mom of 2 two year olds.